Wild Rivers Adventure

Wild Rivers Adventure

Journey into the deep gorges of the NSW Northern Tablelands

We only run this trip with private groups not individual registrations. Please contact us to request a private trip on specific dates for a group up to 5 people with 1 guide. 

Join us as we hike 65km in splendid isolation through the World Heritage-listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park over 4 days and 5 nights. This adventure takes you on a unique trek deep into the Apsley-Macleay gorges, one of the largest gorge systems in Australia. We’ll traverse fern-lined gullies, crystal-clear mountain streams, high-elevation forests and towering rocky outcrops. You’ll share the trail with only our small group, as well as endangered brush-tailed rock wallabies and soaring wedge-tailed eagles. No need to take tents as we will stay in heritage huts along the way which are equipped with basic equipment including mattresses, some even have hot showers! We can even have a campfire each night, as we watch the stars twinkling in this pristine environment.

All Photos: Helen Cooper, Rachel Dimond, Benny Littlejohn, NPWS

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Wild Rivers Adventure

5 days

Group Size 5

Trek Grading Moderate

Trip Dates

No upcoming dates

$1690 per person

$600 deposit to secure your place

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Overview

Accommodation

5 nights in private Heritage Huts

Transport

Transport from Sydney in private LandCruiser. You can also meet the group in Port Macquarie.

Food

Lunch x 4, Dinner x 5 , Breakfast x 5 and snacks. We make delicious fresh food and cater to all dietary requirements

Details

This 5-day Wild Rivers Adventure is designed to give you:

  • an incredible wilderness journey in private heritage huts
  • an opportunity to get into the wilderness in a small group of 6
  • a chance to do a remote hike, without having to carry all the gear

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DAY 1 – SYDNEY TO CEDAR CREEK HUT 

You will be picked up around 2pm in Sydney CBD or other specified location for transport to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park in a private LandCruiser. You can also meet us in Port Macquarie or Walcha if preferred. Enjoy the scenery as we head through some spectacular countryside into the wilderness.

You will stay at the beautiful Cedar Creek Hut on the first night, enjoying a delicious fresh cooked meal around the campfire. 

DAY 2 – CEDAR CREEK HUT TO BIRDS NEST HUT (6-7 Hours Hiking)

After a quiet night in the countryside and delicious breakfast, we will begin our hike.

We’ll head along the long ridge that separates the Green Gully Creek gorge from Kunderang Brook Valley. It is a comfortable introduction along an undulating management trail. We will also go past the historic Colwells Stockyards, which are a particular highlight. There are some spectacular views through tall timber towards Kunderang Brook Valley. Once we arrive at Birds Nest Hut, you can relax around the campfire while your delicious fresh cooked dinner is prepared. Unwind in our peaceful surroundings, watching and listening for the abundant wildlife.

DAY 3 – BIRDS NEST HUT TO GREEN GULLY HUT (7 – 9 HOURS HIKING)

After a delicious breakfast, we immediately leave the wide management trail behind and there is only the faintest outline of single track. We will make our way to the trails highest peak at 1200m, which boasts some spectacular views down to Green Gully Creek. After pausing for lunch at a spectacular rock formation known simply as ‘The Rocks’ we will have a steep descent to Green Gully Hut in the afternoon. Keep your eye out for Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies as you walk through the dramatic Brumby Pass, 500 metres from Green Gully Hut. Another campfire, delicious meal, and even a hot shower at Green Gully Hut await

I’d forgotten how amazing it is to pop all your worldly possessions into a back pack and just walk, taking in beautiful scenery and simply being in awe of our beautiful country. Reminded me to stop and get out and smell the roses as they say.
Declan L.

Declan L.

DAY 4 – GREEN GULLY HUT TO COLWELLS HUT (7 – 9 HOURS HIKING)

We’ll ditch the boots today for an old pair of runners, because your feet are going to get wet! There are 35 creek crossings over 14km, and you spend just as much time trudging in the Green Gully Creek as you do alongside it. From ankle to thigh deep, it’s an adventure. Multiple rock outcrops tumble into the pristine waters of Green Gully Creek, with a beautiful swimming hole half way where we will stop for lunch. We will arrive at Colwells Hut and get the fire going to dry out our shoes and socks. Another delicious meal will be prepared for you after a satisfying day’s walk.

DAY 5 – COLWELLS HUT TO CEDAR CREEK LODGE (7-9 HOURS HIKING)

A steep climb out of the Gorge will warm you up to start the morning. It’s a challenging day’s hike, but you will feel invigorated through your efforts! Again, there are more spectacular views over pockets of dry rain forest before you rejoin the management trail back to the start of the trek, but staying at Cedar Creek Lodge this time. We will have a celebratory meal in the spacious Lodge as we reflect on an incredible hike.

DAY 6 – CEDAR CREEK LODGE TO SYDNEY

We will sadly depart our splendid isolation for our drive back to Port Macquarie or Sydney. We will of course stop in some scenic locations on the way to make the journey more pleasant and arrive back by mid-afternoon. You will return feeling refreshed, revitalised and on top of the world!

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You will be guided by a mature Senior Guide from Primal Adventures They are extremely experienced, trained in Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness First Aid, and will have a satellite phone and first aid kit.
We will be walking for 6-9 hours each day. On all days you will be carrying an 8-14kg pack – it decreases in weight as we eat all the food. Moderate fitness levels required (speak to us if you want to know whether this is suitable for you). Some uneven track surfaces.

It is necessary to prepare for all conditions and to have good-quality outdoor clothing. Jeans and cotton clothing are not suitable for hiking.

Essential Items

  • hiking boots
  • backpack (65 litres)
  • backpack liner (strong plastic bag)
  • 3-4 season sleeping bag
  • waterproof raincoat and pants (Gore-tex or similar)
  • warm fleece/wool jersey/down jacket (not cotton)
  • hiking shirt (quick dry material)
  • hiking pants
  • polypro/thermals – top & long-johns
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks
  • warm hat
  • sun hat/cap
  • sunscreen and sunglasses
  • drink bottles (3 litres, or hydration pack)
  • flashlight/head lamp
  • old runners or wet-suit socks for Day 3
  • insect repellent
  • spare set of clothes
  • whistle

Optional items: Gaiters, travel towel, swimmers, inflatable pillow, runners or thongs (for around camp), binoculars, earplugs, walking poles, camera.

Supplied: All food and cooking equipment, mattresses, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, first aid kit, safety equipment and maps. 

We will travel between Sydney and the start/finish of the trek in a private LandCruiser with a trailer. We can also arrange to pick you up in Port Macquarie.
All the meals as indicated above are included in the price. The food is based on nutritious, healthy, wholefood recipes. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.
The tour starts in Coogee, Sydney on Day 1 at approximately 6am. We will return to Sydney by approx 2pm on Day 5. We can also arrange pick ups in other locations in Sydney, and Port Macquarie.

***$1590 per person***

Includes 5-day guided adventure, 4 nights accommodation in private huts, transport by private vehicle between Sydney and the trail head, all meals as stated above together with healthy snacks, National Parks Permits, first aid kit, safety equipment and cooking equipment.

Excludes sleeping bags, travel insurance (compulsory)

A deposit of $600 per person is required to secure your place.
Full payment is required 8 weeks before the date of your trek. 

More than 20 days prior to departure – 70% refund of full ticket price
20 to 10 days prior to departure – 50% refund of full ticket price
Less than 10 days prior to departure – NO REFUND
Deposits are not refunded.

Comprehensive personal travel insurance is required for this trip. We will also ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin the adventure. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.
When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies to wasp/ bee stings and food allergies.

With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Primal Adventures operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks in undertaking this activity could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, personal injury, or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.

The staff and management of Primal Adventures take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers. However you must follow our instructions (and use the safety equipment provided) at all times. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person follows our instructions at all times. You must release or indemnify Primal Adventures and our staff against any liability we incur to anyone else, resulting from your failure to follow our instructions or the failure of any person accompanying you under the age of 18 to follow our instructions.

Primal Adventures and their guides reserve the right to make any alterations to the itinerary in the interest of safety, comfort or unforeseen circumstances due to causes such as weather, illness, or misadventure. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to published schedules but no guarantee is given. Primal Adventures will not be held liable for costs incurred by change, delay, or the missing of connecting services.

Primal Adventures reserves the right to exclude a person from a tour at anytime if in the opinion of the guide or operator that person may be likely to risk the health, safety or comfort (including unsociable behaviour) of other clients, him or herself, or the environment. In such circumstances Primal Adventures will not be obliged to offer any refund or transfer of ticket.