The Bucketts Way

Carving a dramatic path between the Pacific Highway and the Manning Valley, The Bucketts Way is a stunning 60-kilometre scenic drive that delivers a quintessential taste of rural New South Wales. Named after the craggy peaks of the Bucketts Range, this route winds through lush dairy country, past historic villages and beneath towering escarpments. It’s a slower, more rewarding alternative to the highway, offering intimate encounters with local food producers, national park lookouts and a landscape that feels both wild and welcoming.

Highlights & What to See

• The Bucketts Range Lookout – Pull over at the aptly named lookout for a panoramic view of the razorback ridges that give the drive its name; it’s especially photogenic in the late afternoon light.
• Gloucester – This friendly timber town is the gateway to the Bucketts Way. Stroll the main street for heritage architecture, grab a coffee at a local café and chat with the locals at the Gloucester Gallery.
• Barrington Tops National Park – The Bucketts Way skirts the eastern edge of this World Heritage-listed wilderness. A short detour takes you to rainforest walks, waterfalls and ancient Antarctic beech forests.
• Stroud – A picture-perfect heritage village with a convict-built courthouse and a pub that serves hearty country fare. The Stroud Showground hosts a lively farmers market on select weekends.
• Dairy & Produce Stalls – The route is dotted with farm gates selling fresh cheese, berries and seasonal fruit. Don’t miss the chance to try local brie or pick your own apples in autumn.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to properly savour The Bucketts Way. Start in Gloucester after breakfast, take your time with stops at lookouts and villages, and aim to reach the Pacific Highway by late afternoon. If you want to explore Barrington Tops or linger in Stroud, consider an overnight stay in Gloucester or a nearby farm stay. The drive itself takes about an hour without stops, but the whole point is to meander.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – An hour east, this aquatic playground offers dolphin cruises, sand dunes and coastal walks.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast system of lakes and waterways perfect for kayaking, fishing and birdwatching.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – Head south for world-class wineries, gourmet restaurants and cellar door tastings.
• Forster & Tuncurry – Classic beachside towns with a laid-back vibe, great for swimming and seafood.
• Manning Valley – Continue north to find historic Wingham, the Manning River and the lush rainforest of Ellenborough Falls.

Please check official sources for current details.