Barry Station Wildlife Sanctuary

Hidden away in the Northern Rivers hinterland, Barry Station Wildlife Sanctuary is a 300-hectare haven for native Australian wildlife and a dream for nature lovers. This former cattle station has been rewilded into a mosaic of rainforest, eucalypt forest, and wetlands, offering an intimate, off-the-beaten-path encounter with Australia's unique fauna. You won't find crowds here – instead, expect to share the trails with wallabies, echidnas, and an astonishing variety of birds.

Highlights & What to See

• Guided nocturnal walks – Spot gliders, bandicoots, and owls as the sanctuary comes alive after dark.
• Birdwatching paradise – Look for regent bowerbirds, superb lyrebirds, and the elusive rufous scrub-bird.
• Rainforest trails – Wander through ancient Antarctic beech groves and cool, fern-lined gullies.
• Wildlife hospital – Visit the rehabilitation centre to see rescued koalas, pademelons, and possums up close.
• Self-guided day walks – Explore well-marked loops through varied habitats, with chances to spot wallabies and goannas.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least half a day to truly appreciate the sanctuary. A morning walk followed by lunch at the on-site café (try the bush-tucker inspired dishes) and an afternoon wildlife talk works perfectly. For the full experience, join the evening spotlight tour – you'll need about 2 hours for that. If you're a keen birder or photographer, consider staying overnight in one of the eco-cabins; two days lets you explore every trail and attend both day and night activities.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dorrigo National Park – Ancient Gondwana rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and the famous Skywalk canopy walk.
• Bellingen – A creative town with a thriving arts scene, Sunday markets, and the Bellinger River for kayaking.
• Coffs Harbour – Coastal attractions including the Solitary Islands Marine Park, Muttonbird Island, and the Big Banana.
• New England National Park – World Heritage-listed wilderness, wildflower displays, and the Point Lookout escarpment.

Please check official sources for current details.