If you're heading to Barrington Tops the best approach is via Gloucester on the eastern side, stop for fuel, provisions, a coffee or a meal on your way through.
Location 1
Antarctic Beech Forest Track
If you’re looking to be transported into a forgotten landscape of prehistoric, Gondwana era rainforest, The Antarctic Beech Forest Track might be exactly what you’re looking for.
This medium grade, 2.5km loop track descends through an airy sub-alpine woodland of snow gums before transforming into a dense, other-worldly temperate rainforest.
Crowded with tree ferns and carpeted with vibrant mosses the trail is home to an abundance of wildlife and plant species, including the rufous scrub-bird, one of Australia's rarest birds.
The lowest section of the track leads to rocky gorge that features a mesmerising cascade, covered with moss and adorned with dense foliage. This captivating location is sure to thrill photographers and Instagrammers alike.
Steppingstones form a path across the creek, leading to a steep ascent and a final look back over the gorge before the traverse back to the heights of the snow gum forest.
The Antarctic Beech Forest walking track starts at Antarctic Beech Forest carpark in the Gloucester Tops precinct of Barrington Tops National Park. It took Charne and Bridge roughly an hour to complete.
The hike is enjoyable through-out the year and as our explorers found out, the wet conditions made the experience even more magical with the creeks and cascades flowing with crystal clear water.
Location 2
Kerripit Trail and Munro Hut
The second bush walking stop for Bridget and Charne was Kerripit Trail, a 1.9km hike through World Heritage Listed Barrington Tops National Park. This hiking trail features a very special explorers hut, suitable for overnight stays by intrepid and respectful hikers only.
This piece of bush walking history was built by the Newcastle Bushwalking Club over 60 years ago and named after the founding member Darby Munro. It’s the perfect spot to shelter from inclement weather or to unwind next to the fire with a cuppa, surrounded by nature.
Donations towards Munro hut’s upkeep are gratefully received by the Newcastle Bushwalking Club, and if you’re planning on visiting or staying overnight, permission should be gained first. Visit their website or follow them on Facebook for more information.
Location 3
Gloucester Falls Walking Track
If you haven’t visited the Gloucester region, a day trip to Gloucester Falls is the perfect excuse to indulge your curiosity. This relatively short and easy hiking trail features several scenic lookouts over picturesque bushland and includes a stunning section of waterfalls, perfect for first-time hikers or families alike.
Start your journey at Gloucester Falls picnic area before descending through a forest of snow gums to Andrew Lauri lookout. As you follow the route, a second lookout offers scenic vistas of the picturesque Gloucester Falls where the river plunges over the plateau to the valley below.
The twin drops are breathtaking after rain and if you’re as brave as Charne, you might enjoy a refreshing dip in the deep and clear mountain waters. Just make sure your walking companion has a towel at the ready, especially during the cooler months.
Location 3
The Ridge Eco Cabin
The Ridge Gloucester is a unique holiday retreat, perched on 100 acres with panoramic views of the Barrington and Gloucester River valleys. This is a fantastic example of the contemporary accommodation available across the Barrington Coast.
Whether you’re looking for a unique rural escape or the perfect base to explore Barrington Tops National Park and the region’s renowned outdoor adventure activities, The Ridge delivers a luxury accommodation experience that will delight couples, families or friend groups alike.
The Ridge HOUSE is an architecturally designed homestead combining state-of-the-art sustainable design with off-grid solar power and absolute luxury. The Ridge ECO-CABIN is designed for couples wanting luxury, privacy and an ‘up close to nature’ experience with spectacular views.
Location 5
Gloucester Visitor Information Centre
Open 363 days of the year, the team providing local information about Gloucester and Barrington Tops. From accommodation options to activity suggestions, the team are on hand to give you the advice and assistance to fuel your adventure.
Before travelling to the locations in this guide, check the conditions with the visitor information team as the road to Gloucester River and Gloucester Tops may be inaccessible during wet weather.
As with any bush walking adventure, ensure you have plenty of drinking water, a hat, sunscreen and weather appropriate clothing and footwear.
