Threlfall Track
A 5km loop track near Armidale, NSW, featuring stunning Gara River waterfalls and remnants of an early 1900s hydroelectric power station.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, pleasant temps
Threlfall Track
Best Time
Lush greenery, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 5km loop track near Armidale, NSW, featuring stunning Gara River waterfalls and remnants of an early 1900s hydroelectric power station.
"An interesting 5km walk with great views of the Gara River waterfalls and historical information. "
🚗 Drive with Caution
The last 2km are unsealed and bumpy. Watch for large black cows on the road! :car:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The track is mostly flat but has some steps. Good walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gara River Waterfalls
Along the Threlfall Track
Witness the cascading beauty of the Gara River as it carves through the gorge, creating picturesque waterfalls.
Historic Hydroelectric Power Site
Near the halfway point of the track
Discover remnants of the early 1900s hydroelectric power station that fueled the Hillgrove Mines.
Gorge Views
Various viewpoints along the track
Experience breathtaking panoramic vistas of the rugged gorge landscape and the winding Gara River below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Scenic Gorge Adventure
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The last 2km are unsealed and bumpy. Watch for large black cows on the road! :car:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The track is mostly flat but has some steps. Good walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Embrace No Service
Enjoy the digital detox! There's no phone service, perfect for disconnecting.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are picnic tables, but bring your own refreshments for the 5km walk. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The last 2km are unsealed and bumpy. Watch for large black cows on the road! :car:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The track is mostly flat but has some steps. Good walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Embrace No Service
Enjoy the digital detox! There's no phone service, perfect for disconnecting.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are picnic tables, but bring your own refreshments for the 5km walk. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Threlfall Track to be an interesting and scenic 5km walk with beautiful Gara River waterfalls and historical insights into early hydroelectric power. While the drive has a bumpy unsealed section and the track has some steps, its mostly flat nature and good condition make it enjoyable. It's considered a worthwhile visit, though some find it less spectacular than nearby alternatives.
"This is a very interesting 5km walk that has some great views of the Gara River water falls and good information on the old Gara River Hydro Electric that powered the old Hillgrove Mines."
Paul Harris
"Only found this one after seeing it mentioned on the information board at the Wollomombi picnic area. The drive out from Armidale is easy, sealed road all the way except for the last 2k which is unsealed, pretty bumpy and runs through a farm. Beware there are big black cows on the side of the road.
The picnic area at the start of the walk is pretty good with toilets and picnic tables.
The walk itself is a loop which if you go counter clockwise initially follows the path of an old flume/aqueduct that fed a power station built around 1900.
The track is in good condition, a reasonable width and the best part (after a long morning spent walking at Wollomombi) is pretty much flat, with very few places where you need to walk up or down hill.
At the old power station site (which you can’t actually see because it’s down the cliff) you get a good view of the gorge. This is about the half way point and you can either retrace your steps, or take the slightly shorter route by continuing the circuit.
The only thing to consider about continuing with the circuit is that it does go up more than a few steps for about the first 200 metres or so, but after that is back to being a pretty level track.
So it’s worth the time to visit and walk this track, but it’s not as good and spectacular as the Wollomombi track."
Ian Martin
""
Todd Naylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Armidale is mostly on a sealed road. The final 2 kilometers are unsealed and can be bumpy, so drive with caution. Be aware of farm animals, particularly large black cows, that may be on the road.
The majority of the road is sealed, but the last 2km are unsealed and can be rough. While generally manageable, a vehicle with higher clearance might be more comfortable.
The route is generally straightforward, but the unsealed section requires careful driving. It's advisable to have offline maps downloaded as phone service can be unreliable.
The drive from Armidale to the Threlfall Track picnic area typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on road conditions and your pace.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching Threlfall Track. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to access the Threlfall Track. It is a public walking track.
The track is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times, but it's recommended to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required for Threlfall Track. It's a natural attraction that you can visit spontaneously.
No special permits are required for hiking the Threlfall Track. It's open for public use.
The picnic area at the start of the walk is well-equipped with toilets and picnic tables, making it a convenient starting point.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Threlfall Track is a 5km loop. While some visitors complete it quickly, it's recommended to allocate several hours to fully appreciate the views and historical sites.
The track is considered relatively easy. It's mostly flat with a few steps, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
While there are waterfalls, swimming is generally not recommended due to the rugged terrain and potential currents. Stick to enjoying the views.
Yes, the track's relatively flat terrain and interesting historical elements make it suitable for children, provided they are supervised.
You might encounter various native birds and other small wildlife. Remember to observe from a distance and not disturb them.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints overlooking the Gara River gorge and the waterfalls offer stunning photographic opportunities. The historical power station site also provides unique shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots, highlighting the textures of the gorge and water.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive gorge views.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
Focus on the remnants of the old flume and aqueduct, and imagine the scale of the power station that once stood there.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
A wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive gorge views. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Threlfall Track's Natural Beauty
As you traverse the track, you'll encounter various viewpoints that provide breathtaking panoramas of the gorge. These spots are perfect for pausing, taking in the scenery, and capturing memorable photographs.
The walk is also an excellent opportunity to observe local flora and fauna, adding an educational element to the outdoor experience. A Glimpse into the Past: Threlfall Track's History
While the power station itself is no longer visible, its historical context is palpable as you walk the track. Information boards along the way provide insights into this fascinating past.
Practicalities for Your Threlfall Track Visit
It's advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes as the track, while mostly flat, does have some steps.
Remember to pack sufficient water and snacks, as amenities are scarce once you begin the walk. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit