A glimpse into ancient Gondwana.

Gloucester Tops is the easternmost precinct of Barrington Tops National Park and is the closest part of this stunning wilderness to Gloucester.

Within this park you’ll find the Gloucester Falls where the Gloucester River is born, deep green forests of ancient Antarctic beech, high altitude wetlands with snow gum meadows plus some spectacular views of course!

If you only have half a day to spare in the region then Gloucester Tops is your best option to experience a taste of our stunning world heritage wilderness.

The Gloucester Tops circuit combines three popular and scenic walks in Barrington Tops National Park into a longer 7km circuit. It’s an excellent option for a shorter day walk and a great walk to get a sense of the astonishing diversity within the Gloucester Tops precinct of the park.

Setting out from Gloucester Falls picnic area along Gloucester Falls walking track you’ll walk through open snow gum woodland to Andrew Laurie lookout on the edge of the escarpment and on to Gloucester Falls lookout.

Taking the River walking track, you’ll wander amid sub-alpine woodland. Look out for swamp wallabies and grey kangaroos along this walk, and in summer, the bluebells, rice flowers and billy buttons are an extra treat.

The Antarctic Beech Forest walking track features cool temperate rainforest with the canopy of Antarctic beech towering above the tree ferns and damp carpet of moss on the forest floor.

As you walk each track together or individually, keep in mind that you are walking through part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. This landscape is millions of years old and plays a critical role in protecting rare and threatened species and sustaining vital resources.

Gloucester Tops cascade by Catherine Boyd
Gloucester Tops cascade by Catherine Boyd
Gloucester Tops by Kate Miles
Gloucester Tops by Kate Miles
Antarctic Beech Forest walking track, Gloucester Tops, dense forest and small cascades
Antarctic Beech Forest walking track, Gloucester Tops
Antarctic Beech Forest walking track, Gloucester Tops, dense forest trail
Antarctic Beech Forest walking track, Gloucester Tops

Some areas of the parklands may have limited public access, check the NPWS alerts page for the latest info before you travel.