Mount Oxley

Welcome to Mount Oxley, a unique mesa-like inselberg located in the Far West region of New South Wales in outback Australia.

Rising 150 metres above the Western Plains, this small relic of a formerly large sedimentary rock formation is a must-visit for geology enthusiasts. Here is all you need to know for planning your trip.

Mount Oxley, known as Oombi Oombi to the Indigenous Australians, was named after the explorer John Oxley. Indigenous Australians quarried the area for grinding stones, which were highly regarded and managed by Indigenous elders.

Plants and animals in the area have adapted well to the semi-arid climate. The mesa-like inselberg is home to a range of flora, including species of Acacia, desert bloodwood, weeping pittosporum, and leopardwood. Wildflowers of the daisy family often bloom after rain. Western grey kangaroos and feral goats can be seen grazing, and Wedge-tailed eagles soar above the mountain.

Mount Oxley consists of two hills that appear to have been rent asunder by some convulsion of nature. Both hills have sandstone formation, with notable hollows that appear to have been formed by eddies of water. A wind farm is being planned for Mount Oxley, which could provide renewable energy for nearby communities.

The first European to visit Mount Oxley was Charles Sturt in December 1828, who mentioned a report of a gun discharge near the area. It is now believed that he was referring to the geological activity happening in the area.

At Mount Oxley, visitors can