Blackall Range

Rising dramatically from the Hunter Valley floor, the Blackall Range is a wild, forested escarpment that feels a world away from the coastal bustle. This rugged plateau rewards drivers and hikers with sweeping views, ancient rainforests, and waterfalls that tumble into fern-filled gullies. It’s a place where the air smells of eucalyptus and damp earth, and where you can swap sand for soil on a day trip from Port Stephens or Newcastle.

Highlights & What to See

• Gloucester Tops – The crown of the range, offering panoramic lookouts over the valley and beyond. The short walk to Gloucester Falls is a must, especially after rain when the cascade is thunderous.
• Barrington Tops National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of Antarctic beech forests and subalpine swamps. Drive the scenic loop or tackle the Polblue Swamp walk for a taste of this ancient landscape.
• Mount Royal National Park – Less visited but equally spectacular, with towering cliffs and the challenging but rewarding Mount Royal summit walk.
• Chichester State Forest – Perfect for a picnic or a cool dip in the Williams River; the forest roads are a treat for 4WD enthusiasts and gravel-bike riders.
• Local produce stops – The villages of Dungog and Gloucester are gateways to the range, with farm gates selling honey, cheese, and seasonal fruit.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can skim the highlights on a full-day drive from Port Stephens, but to truly absorb the range’s grandeur, plan an overnight stay. Two days let you hike one of the longer trails (like the Gloucester Tops circuit) and explore the quieter corners of Barrington Tops without rushing. If you’re short on time, focus on the Gloucester Tops lookout and a short waterfall walk – that alone captures the essence of the escarpment.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – Head back to the coast for dolphin-watching cruises and sand dunes at Stockton Beach.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – Just an hour south, the vineyards of Pokolbin offer cellar doors and gourmet dining.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A watery wonderland of lakes and paperbark forests, ideal for kayaking and birdwatching.
• Barrington Tops – The national park itself deserves dedicated exploration; combine it with a drive over the range to Scone or the Upper Hunter.
• Dungog – A charming historic town with a main street of heritage buildings and a great bakery.

Please check official sources for current details.