Barrington Tops

Rising abruptly from the Hunter Valley, Barrington Tops is a sprawling World Heritage-listed wilderness of ancient rainforests, subalpine plateaus, and cascading waterfalls. This untamed corner of New South Wales feels a world away from the coast, offering a raw, elemental escape for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. The drive up from the Central Coast is an adventure in itself, winding through dense forests before the landscape opens onto misty highlands.

Highlights & What to See

• Gloucester River & Gloucester Tops – Follow the Gloucester River to its source, where walking trails lead to stunning lookouts like Gloucester Tops Lookout, with panoramic views over the valley and the escarpment.
• Polblue Swamp & Barrington Tops Plateau – This subalpine swamp is a surreal, moon-like landscape dotted with snow gums and tarns. The Polblue Walking Track is an easy circuit that showcases the plateau's unique flora and birdlife.
• Crystal Shower Falls – A short walk through cool temperate rainforest leads to this enchanting waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascade for a refreshing misty experience.
• Mount Barrington & the Antarctic Beech Forest – A challenging hike to the summit rewards with 360-degree views. The ancient Antarctic Beech trees along the way are living relics from Gondwana.
• Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies, lyrebirds, and the elusive platypus in the rivers and creeks. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like the superb lyrebird and the flame robin.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate Barrington Tops, plan at least two full days – one for exploring the plateau and one for the lower rainforest walks and waterfalls. If you're short on time, a day trip from the Central Coast is possible but rushed; focus on the Gloucester Tops and Polblue Swamp for a taste of the park's diversity. For multi-day adventurers, the Barrington Trail offers a classic 4WD route connecting the park's highlights, best done with a high-clearance vehicle.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Gloucester – A charming country town at the foot of the mountains, with historic pubs, a local museum, and access to the Barrington Tops southern entrance.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – After the wilderness, indulge in world-class wineries and gourmet dining in Pokolbin and surrounding villages, just over an hour's drive south.
• Port Stephens – Combine mountain air with coastal beauty; Port Stephens offers dolphin cruises, sand dunes, and stunning beaches, about 90 minutes east.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A water wonderland of lakes and forests, perfect for kayaking and camping, located between Barrington Tops and the coast.
• Copeland Tops State Conservation Area – A lesser-known gem with excellent walking trails and historic gold mining relics, just south of the national park.

Please check official sources for current details.