Business Directory and Tourist Guide
welcome to walcha
Where Wild Rivers Run
Pronounced ‘WOLKA’ it was the first area to be discovered in the New England Region. It was on the
route taken by explorer John Oxley and reached on September 8, 1818.
Walcha's first settler, Hamilton Collins Sempill arrived in 1832 and based his headquarters near the
camp site used by John Oxley and he named the area Walcha.
No one has conclusive evidence of the meaning of "Wolka" but three aboriginal meanings are "sun",
"deep waterhole" and "water".
The Municipality of Walcha was proclaimed on March 12, 1889. The Shire of Walcha was constituted
by the amalgamation of the Municipality of Walcha and the Shire of Apsley in June 1955.
The Walcha District would not have been what it is today if not for the foresight of the late Mr. A. S.
Nivison of "Mirani", who pioneered aerial agriculture in Australia in February 1950, and changed a
poor region into the richest, increasing the stock population more than fourfold.
The natural beauty of the district's topography and landscape is simply remarkable. Call into the
Visitor Information Centre for more brochures on the National Park areas around Walcha.
The township of Walcha is 1,067 metres above sea level. The area of the Shire is 640,025 ha.
(2,475 sq miles). The population is 3,500 including 1,700 in the town of Walcha.
The Walcha District today is a great primary producing area. It is one of the largest stock carrying areas in New South Wales. The importance of forestry and the timber industry is also increasing. Tourism plays a major part in the town's economic growth and we pride ourselves on providing a friendly, welcoming and memorable experience.
Attractions & Places of Interest
The Macleay Gorges Wilderness Area – Walcha is the natural gateway to this magnificent area of 167,000 hectares which contains wild rivers, gorges, magnificent mountain scenery and of course wildlife. The Wilderness area incorporates most of the Oxley Wild Rivers and Werrikimbe National Parks. Camping sites are available at several sites.
THE APSLEY FALLS & GORGE
Situated 20kms east of Walcha on the Oxley Highway is some of the most remarkable scenery in Eastern Australia. The magnificent Apsley Falls which plummet into the rugged Apsley Gorge. Part of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, the shear sides of the gorge present the visitor with a breathtaking view from the many vantage points on the established walk-way around the gorge rim. Guided tours are available and the open park areas have barbecues and camping facilities.
TIA FALLS
Situated 44 kms east of Walcha on the Oxley Highway, this striking waterfall is adjacent to a picnic and camping site. Tia Falls occupy one of the most beautiful gorge sites on New England's eastern escarpment. Walking track plus camping and swimming.
OXLEY WILD RIVER NATIONAL PARK
This magnificent wilderness park for everyone covering 30,000 ha. includes popular tourist spots as well as vast areas of natural untouched bushland. Bushwalking for all ages and levels and for the suitably fitted out, opportunities for canoeing, camping and horseriding.
BUDD'S MARE / RIVERSIDE
Situated 44 kms east of Walcha via Moona Plains Road in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, is now developed for tourists with a viewing platform, toilets, barbecues, bush camping, tank water, picnic shelter and walking tracks, etc. This area provides striking views of a large area of the Apsley River Gorge. The Riverside Trail is Australia's only vehicular access into wilderness. Pick up a brochure on our National Parks at 188W North Street, or call the National Parks & Wildlife Service on 6777 4700.
PIONEER COTTAGE & MUSEUM
Furnished in style of a typical pioneers home of the 19th Century. Includes displays of memorabilia and old wares, an ABORIGINAL CARVED TREE and the TIGER MOTH aeroplane which was the first used in Australia for aerial spraying. Appointments made - Phone 6777 9119 or call into the Visitor Information Centre.
Call into the Pioneer Cottage on Thunderbolts Way or to the Walcha Library for more historical information in the Archives Department.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
There are numerous historic buildings of note including Post Office, Court House, Banks, St. Patrick's Church (1881), Presbyterian Church (1888) and the stone built Anglican Church (1862) as well as typical country hotels.
FOSSICKING
In selected areas – for the adventurous take your own pan and try your luck. Cobrabald & MacDonald Rivers.
SHEEPSHEARING
You may be able to see sheep shearing in action in a typical working wool shed. Enquire at the Visitor Information Centre.
NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SERVICE
The natural assets that Walcha has to offer are numerous and unique. Call into the NPWS office at 188W North Street or phone 6777 4700 for advice about 4WD access, camping and bushwalking areas in Wilderness and National Parks.
OPEN AIR GALLERY
Relax and stroll along the riverbank to view some fantastic sculptures created by local, national and international artists. Walcha is rapidly becoming a town of sculptures and fine artwork with many talented local artists. Collect a brochure from the Visitor Information Centre on the walking and driving tours around Walcha for more information.
TROUT FISHING
Season open from October long weekend to June long weekend. Many areas are easily accessible to the angler. Enquiries at the Information Centre or Bowling Club. Make sure to pick up a brochure for contact names and numbers of landholders for access along trout fishing waters.
STATE FORESTS
A vast area of native timbers and radiata pine plantations. Walcha forestry district includes state forests of Enfield, Riamukka, Nowendoc, Tuggolo and Ben Halls Gap. State Forests, 19E Hill St. Detailed information regarding roads, camping, picnic areas etc. may be obtained from Walcha Forestry Office - Ph: 6777 2511
ACCOMMODATION
Relax, unwind and reinvigorate in Walcha. A vast array of accommodation options await you ranging from Motel, Caravan Park, hotel, Farmstay, Cottages and the always popular Bed & Breakfast accommodation.
Call into the Visitor Information Centre for more information, or visit www.walchansw.com.au
Call into the Walcha Visitor Information Centre located on the Oxley Highway
and allow
our friendly staff to assist you with accommodation and attraction information,
maps and brochures, local history and lots more.
E: council@walcha.nsw.gov.au www.walchansw.com.au
walcha Visitor Information Centre
51W Fitzroy Street(Oxley Highway)
Walcha NSW 2354
