Introduction

A mountainous area in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Barrington Tops is is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, thanks to its diverse landscape that ranges from subtropical rainforest to alpine woodland. The area is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, such as the spotted-tailed quoll and the brush-tailed rock-wallaby. It's a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, birdwatching, fishing, and horseback riding while taking in the stunning natural beauty of the region. Barrington Tops is also home to the Gondwana Rainforests, a World Heritage-listed area that contains some of the most diverse plant and animal species in the world. Efforts are being made to protect and preserve this unique ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

Gloucester

Gloucester is the gateway to the spectacular Barrington wilderness. Surrounded by fertile rolling hills and the famous local landmark ‘The Bucketts’.

• Population: 3000
• Elevation: 100m
• First Surveyed: 1826
• Location: 3.5 hours north of Sydney

This region provides plenty of things to see and do, such as tackling the Bucketts scenic walk, or simply relaxing by one of the many rivers which flow from the mountains, congregating close to the town. The Barrington, Gloucester and Avon rivers provide a haven for all forms of life, and have become a playground for wilderness enthusiests.

If history is your thing, then close by at Copeland Tops there is a historic gold rush heritage site that is worth a visit. Bushwalking in ancient Gondwana rainforests, the excitement of wilderness camping and spectacular lookouts over the ranges from Barrington Tops Plateau are just some of the experiences that continue to draw people to the Gloucester region from across the country.

Copeland Tops

Travelling out of Gloucester into the foothills of Barrington Tops, you’ll find Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, a goldmining region with great Australian history. Hike along the old cedar logging tracks which sparked a gold rush in the late 1870s, or through rare dry rainforests which cover this area. Experience the thrill of the gold rush through participating in a variety of historic gold mining activities and tours, run by the national parks team.

Gloucester Tops

Some of the best walks in the Barrington region are those at Gloucester Tops.

The Gloucester Tops Circuit at 8km, features three of the most popular walking tracks in the region. Follow the Gloucester River walking track through spectacular Snow Gum woodland to reach the majestic Gloucester Falls. The trail continues through sub-alpine woodland, joining with the Antarctic Beech Forest track that houses some great waterfalls and Gondwana Rainforest which proctects a variety of rare and threatened species.

To reach Gloucester Tops, from Bucketts Way turn onto Gloucester Tops Road about 10km south of Gloucester and follow the road though the farmlands of the Invergordon Valley. You’ll meet the Gloucester River many times at picturesque fords in the river (there’s a flood route you can follow if the crossings are too high).

You’ll finally reach Barrington Tops National Park where you’ll ascend to Gloucester Tops. I highly recommend a stay at either the Gloucester Tops Riverside Caravan Park or the Gloucester River campground (which is just inside the National Park boundary).

Gondwana Rainforest

Gondwana was a huge landmass that formed about 550 million years ago, later breaking apart to form the continents we know today.

Gondwana forests get their name from fossil records which indicate that some of the ancient species of flora which thrived on Gondwana, can still be found in rainforests existing today. The Australian Gondwana Rainforests are the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world, forming a World Heritage Site which spans 50 reserves stretching from Newcastle in the south, to Brisbane in the north.

Barrington Tops

Covering some 765 km², Barrington Tops National Park is a protected national park located in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

The world renowned wilderness of Barrington Tops, a UNESCO’s World Heritage site, offers so much fo those who make the effort to explore. High altitude ancient rainforests which form part of the Gandwana Rainforests of the divinding range, tree fern groves and snow gums. Spectacular short walks to waterfalls and hidden mossy cascades lead to stunning mountain lookouts with views across the park.

Travelling further across the Barrington Tops Plateau along Barrington Tops Forest Road you’ll find more highlights, a must-stop being Thunderbolt’s lookout. The spectacular views offer an unmatched panorama of the surrounding ranges, providing an insight into the true expanse of this region.

Further along you’ll find Polblue Campground, set high up in subalpine woodland. From the campground you can easily access Polblue Swamp Walking Track and the Barrington Trail which is popular with 4WD’ers.