Barrington Tops

Rising dramatically from the Hunter Valley floor, Barrington Tops is a wild, ancient plateau of gondwana rainforests, alpine swamps and cascading rivers. This World Heritage-listed wilderness feels a world away from the vineyards below, offering travellers a raw, untamed slice of Australia’s natural heritage. Whether you’re hiking through moss-draped Antarctic beech forests, fly-fishing in crystal-clear streams or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air, Barrington Tops delivers a profound sense of escape.

Highlights & What to See

• Gloucester River & Gloucester Tops: Follow the scenic drive to Gloucester Tops lookout for sweeping views over the valley, then hike the short trail to the spectacular Gloucester Falls. The river is also a prime spot for trout fishing.
• Polblue Swamp & Campground: A surreal alpine bog dotted with tarns and snow gums – the boardwalk loop offers a chance to spot wombats and wallabies at dawn or dusk.
• Mount Barrington & The Plateau: Tackle the challenging hike to the summit for 360-degree views over the plateau, or explore the network of 4WD tracks that crisscross the high country.
• Gondwana Rainforest Walks: The Antarctic beech forests at Williams Lookout and the Corker Trail are like stepping back in time – look for lyrebirds and pademelons among the tree ferns.
• Barrington Tops National Park: The park itself is a highlight, with its dramatic altitudinal changes from subtropical rainforest to subalpine heath. Keep an eye out for the elusive superb lyrebird and the glossy black-cockatoo.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate Barrington Tops, plan for at least two full days – one to explore the northern section (Gloucester Tops and the plateau) and another for the southern rainforest walks around the Williams River. If you’re driving from the Hunter Valley, consider an overnight stay at one of the campgrounds or a cosy cabin in the nearby town of Gloucester. For a quick taste, a long day trip from the Hunter is possible, but you’ll miss the magic of dawn and dusk on the plateau.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Country: After the high-country chill, warm up with a cellar-door tour in Pokolbin, just a 90-minute drive south. Contrast the wilderness with world-class Semillon and Shiraz.
• Gloucester: This charming country town at the foot of the range is the gateway to Barrington Tops. Stock up on supplies, visit the historic Gloucester Railway Station, and enjoy a pub meal.
• Dungog: A heritage-listed town with a beautiful main street and access to the northern reaches of the national park. It’s also the start of the popular Dungog to Barrington Tops scenic drive.
• Myall Lakes National Park: Head east from Gloucester to explore the pristine lakes and beaches of Myall Lakes – a perfect combo of mountain and coast.
• Chichester State Forest: Adjacent to the national park, this forest offers additional hiking and camping options, including the popular Telegherry Forest Drive.

Please check official sources for current details.