The Barnard River is one of the many “secret” rivers in the Manning catchment with its source at Hanging Rock Reserve near Nundle. It passes through the remote and beautiful Curracabundi National Park before ending at Bretti Reserve where it joins the Manning River.
The Barnard River descends 1,240 metres over its 148 km. You’ll find family-friendly swimming with easy 2WD access at Bretti Reserve on Thunderbolts Way, a scenic 30 minute drive from Gloucester. Facilities there include 50 camping sites (free of charge!), grassy areas for riverside picnics, new toilet facilities, swimming holes for cooling off and calm flat water for lazing about on a rubber ring or surf mat. Plus it’s dog-friendly if you have well-behaved dogs under control.
For a private river experience you can stay at the secluded Karamea Homestead alongside the Barnard River in Curracabundi National Park. Tucked away on an old grazing property, this federation timber homestead sleeps up to 10 guests.