The Apsley River in northern New South Wales flows through spectacular gorge wilderness country on the Great Escarpment, along the eastern edge of the New England Tablelands. The best paddling section runs below Riverside, passing through the Apsley Valley and largely within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, though some private land is also present along the route.

The put-in at Riverside is accessed through a locked gate, and bookings must be made in advance with the NPWS Armidale District Office. The take-out section connects to West Kunderang Recreational Retreat, and paddlers intending to exit via that property should contact the retreat directly before departing. The full Riverside to West Kunderang section covers 28.2 km, with West Kunderang Homestead sitting 25.1 km from the Riverside access point. Paddlers should allow one to two days depending on river levels and group ability.

Because the Apsley has a smaller catchment than the Macleay River, water levels along this section can be quite low, and this is an important planning consideration. The river is generally narrower and shallower than the Macleay, with frequent gravel races and boulders throughout. One rapid in particular demands attention — a narrow boulder chute located a few kilometres from the Apsley-Macleay junction — and paddlers should scout it carefully.

The Apsley joins the Macleay River downstream, and from the Chandler-Macleay confluence it is 14.5 km to the Apsley junction, then a further 3.1 km to West Kunderang Homestead. Good campsites are available along this lower stretch, though camping on West Kunderang station is restricted to designated areas and advance bookings are essential.

Paddlers are requested to contact both the NPWS and any relevant private landholders with basic trip details prior to departure. The combination of remote gorge scenery, technical shallows, and logistical requirements makes this a trip best suited to paddlers with prior river experience and careful pre-trip planning.