Is it snowing yet? Although we love them, not all our winter experiences rely on snow or a roaring fireplace.
The middle of the year here is blessed with sunny skies, clear waters and unbeatable opportunities to engage with nature at almost every turn. So keep the beach towel for another visit, here are 15 suggestions guaranteed to change the way you think about a mid year break to the Barrington Coast.
1. Where to see snow
OK, you may need to keep this advice handy for the next time a substantial snowfall event is forecast for Barrington Tops, because you know we can’t predict the next flurry. But you’ll always remember the first time you (or your kids) saw snow for the first time. And who can resist making a snow angel or snow man or even a whole snow family! Just remember to always follow the advice from local authorities about safe travelling to see snow.
2. Where to watch for whales
Watch the passing parade from our top spots for whale watching: lookouts, headlands and cruises. On land or at sea, pick any spot on this list and you'll be mesmerised by these gentle giants.
3. Go chasing waterfalls
Cascades, cataracts, showers, chutes and falls. Have you discovered all the best waterfalls in the Barrington Coast? You may be surprised how many should be on your must-see list.
4. Lookouts you can drive up to
Sometimes you just want a scenic drive topped off with a big view, straight from the car. So if you want big views but no walking then check out these lookouts around the Barrington Coast. No walking, no worries!
5. Explore Wallis Lake
Let the beautiful turquoise waters of Wallis Lake wash over you: cruise it, paddle it, snorkel or SUP it, you can even pedal it. You’ll soon discover why this 100km² coastal lake is one of the glorious gems of the Barrington Coast.
6. Paddle like an explorer on our lakes and rivers
Our southern gateway teems with wildlife and it’s easy to imagine what the first explorers saw: white breasted sea eagles and ospreys, cormorants, black swans and herons and of course the ever-popular pelicans. You may even be accompanied by dolphins, they’re just as inquisitive as you.
7. Go gravel grinding on our backroads
Take a detour with your bike off the ‘black top’ main roads onto the unpaved roads of the Barrington Coast… they’re a drawcard for the growing ranks of gravel grinders: dirt, sand or gravel.
8. Cuddle a Tasmanian devil joey at Aussie Ark
Join a tour of the Aussie Ark conservation facility hidden high in Barrington Tops wilderness and cuddle a Tassie devil joey… there’s no other experience like this on the Australian mainland!
9. Dive with grey nurse sharks and green turtles
Yes you’ll need a wetsuit for these underwater suggestions but the experience of sideling up to a grey nurse shark or curious turtle is unforgettable and will surely make you an ocean-protecting warrior.
10. Uncover an old gold mine hidden in a forest
Touch relics from gold rush days at the heritage Mountain Maid mine, hidden deep in the cool rainforest at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Peek inside the mine shaft, visit machining sheds and even pan for gold.
11. Drop into epic downhill trails at Barrington Bike Park
This purpose-built mountain bike park is fast, flowy and a joy to ride. And with the 4WD shuttle to the trail heads at the top, you’ll hardly work up a sweat… summer or winter.
12. Find extraordinary nature in Barrington Tops
Tasmanian devils better than any Bugs Bunny cartoon, land mullets, masters of bird mimicry, frogs that purr and change colour for sex, and a fungus that’s a treatment for cancer… all these and more await you in high altitude Barrington Tops.
13. Hinterland walks
Midyear is perfect for walks that are a little more challenging, either by their length or steepness. Here are our suggestions for forest walks that reward you with lookouts and more, no sweat.
14. Coastal walks
Love the ocean at any time of the year? These coastal walks make the most of glorious sunny days that make the Pacific Ocean a giant glittering sapphire.
15. Watch the Milky Way
The low light pollution of our region makes it perfect for observing the night sky for those with patience, a tripod and the right app on their mobile device. Make a comfy spot for dark sky gazing at stars, satellite spotting, comet watching or for a front row seat to a spectacular meteor shower.
