Barrington Tops

Barrington Tops is a vast, ancient wilderness of cool temperate rainforest, subalpine snow gums, and wild rivers, rising dramatically from the Hunter Valley floor. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest remnant is a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone craving solitude in nature. The drive up from the valley is an adventure in itself, winding through lush farmland and eucalypt forests before the landscape opens into high-altitude plateaus. Come prepared for changeable weather — it can be snowing on the plateau while the valley below basks in sunshine.

Highlights & What to See

• Gloucester Tops Circuit — A stunning 5.5 km loop through Antarctic beech forest with lookouts over the Gloucester River valley; keep an eye out for lyrebirds and wallabies.
• Polblue Swamp — A serene subalpine wetland with a boardwalk trail; in summer, wildflowers carpet the ground and the reflections in the still water are mesmerising.
• Mount Barrington Lookout — A short walk to a panoramic viewpoint that, on clear days, stretches from the coast to the distant Blue Mountains.
• Williams River — Crystal-clear waters perfect for a cooling dip or a picnic by the river; the pools near the Williams River picnic area are particularly inviting.
• Barrington Tops National Park — Explore the network of walking tracks, from gentle rainforest strolls to challenging multi-day hikes like the Barrington Trail.

Suggested Time to Spend

Barrington Tops is a full-day excursion from the Hunter Valley wine region, but overnighting at one of the rustic lodges or campgrounds transforms the experience. Two days allow you to tackle a major walk, explore the plateau at leisure, and soak up the serenity. If you're short on time, a dawn-to-dusk visit can still capture the highlights: drive the scenic loop, do the Gloucester Tops Circuit, and have lunch by the Williams River.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Country — Just an hour south, the vineyards of Pokolbin and Lovedale offer world-class Semillon and Shiraz, plus fine dining and cellar doors.
• Gloucester — A charming country town at the foot of the Bucketts mountain range, with historic buildings and a great farmers' market.
• Chichester State Forest — Adjacent to Barrington Tops, this forest has excellent 4WD tracks and birdwatching, especially for the rare paradise riflebird.
• Maitland — A heritage-listed city on the Hunter River with a lively arts scene and excellent cafes.
• Port Stephens — About two hours away, this coastal haven offers sand dunes, dolphin cruises, and stunning beaches — a perfect contrast to the mountain wilderness.

Please check official sources for current details.