Exposure: Be prepared for extremes of temperature in 'The Falls' gorge country and nearby areas.
Goannas will eat your food unless you have it well covered or hung up in a tree.
Snakes may be seen, but are unlikely to attack unless provoked.
Stinging trees Dendrocnide are quite common in many areas of the OWRNP and direct contact with these leaves causes a great deal of pain and can lead to hospitalization. This small tree has large heart shaped, lime-green leaves, often with small holes in them and covered with many fine stinging hairs.
Ticks and leeches may be encountered.
It is advisable to carry a first aid kit as many of the OWRNP locations are very isolated.
Be aware that many of the estimates for hiking times given in brochures underestimate the times that various trips will take. Food and other allowances should take this factor into consideration when planning trips.
Note: There are many areas in the park and surrounding areas where mobile cell phones including Next G country models do not have coverage.
Emergency numbers: Throughout Australia, the number for emergency services Police, Fire and Ambulance is 000 triple zero. When using a mobile or cell phone, the numbers 000 and 112, are free of charge, and connect using any of the available networks.
Emergency numbers such as 911 and 999 do not work within Australia.
fees/permits
A fee is payable and a key must be obtained at Apsley Motors to travel to Riverside and Youdale's Hut where a low range 4WD can be taken for a day trip or camping. Bookings can be made through the NPWS Walcha office or Apsley Motors, Walcha on 02 6777 2755 or 02 6777 4700.
The same conditions apply to visiting East Kunderang and Halls Peak camping area - contact the Armidale NPWS on +61 2 6738 9100. Other locations provide free camping sites, with the exception of Green Gully campground overlooking the Chandler and Wollomombi Rivers, which is off the Waterfall Way.