River tracker: a day trip exploring the scenic countryside around the Barrington River and Gloucester River.
It's easy to spend a day exploring the river valleys of Gloucester, tracking the easy flows of the Barrington River and Gloucester River.
- Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Common cafe and afterwards pick up some picnic supplies at Batter & Dough Patisserie or Hebby's Bakery before heading to Barrington village.
- Leaving the village and crossing the new Barandan Bridge, turn left onto scenic Barrington West Road which follows the Barrington River towards Rocky Crossing.
- Stop at Rocky Crossing Reserve for a swim, a paddle, or just laze under the trees with your picnic goodies. (Hot tip: the river crossing ford here is closed for flood repairs so you'll need to backtrack to Barrington village if you wish to continue the rest of this river tracking itinerary).
- An alternative route is taking Barrington East Road (from within Barrington village, just after the general store) and continue along this winding road to where it meets Barrington West Road. Here you can choose to turn right (which takes you to the southern side of Rocky Crossing for the same riverside activities as above); or turn left and head down into the next valley.
- Barrington West Road descends into the Gloucester River valley where it crosses that river at the ford to meet Faulkland Road. The Federation homestead Faulkland House is perched just above this intersection.
- Turn left onto Faulkland Road and you'll find more nice picnic spots at the next two river crossing fords, also good for a swim.
- Continue on Faulkland Road to where it meets the Bucketts Way and return into Gloucester, stopping for a delicious lunch at Roadies Cafe.
- Spend the afternoon in Gloucester District Park to finish your exploration alongside the Gloucester River: easy walks, gardens, fitness equipment, Olympic pool, hydrotherapy pool, tennis courts, croquet field, even a human sun dial.
- For a peaceful end to your day, sit on the grassy banks and listen to the water babbling past on its way to the sea at Harrington.
- Enjoy delicious Thai for dinner at Yim Thai.
Caution: the river crossing fords here are concrete causeways usually covered by water flow. Flow rates and river heights are dependant on recent rainfall events but the river markers are no indication of the force of moving water. It doesn't make much for a vehicle to be floated enough to move sideways across a causeway. Never cross a river ford that's in flood conditions. If in doubt, go back.
