Where to wander in Gloucester Tops

Exploring Gloucester Tops is like stepping into an ancient, untouched world. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking through Antarctic Beech forests, or just soaking up the views, this part of Barrington Tops offers a unique wilderness experience.

The Gloucester Tops precinct on the eastern side of the Barrington Tops parklands offers a stunning mix of subalpine forests, temperate rainforests, snow gum woodlands, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a great destination for hikers, nature lovers, and birdwatchers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure that is truly soul soothing.

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. The track starts at Antarctic Beech Forest carpark and will take you roughly an hour to complete.

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.

This relatively short and easy, 1.8km grade 3 hiking trail features several scenic lookouts over picturesque bushland and includes a stunning section of waterfalls.

Start your journey at Gloucester Falls picnic area before descending through a forest of snow gums to Andrew Laurie lookout offering panoramic views over the forests and ridges of Barrington Tops.

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, 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.

This grade 4, 2.5km loop track heads west into a shallow valley from Antarctic Beech Forest walking track. Snow and mountain gums rise up from a carpet of snow grass and lomandra, while crimson rosellas often flit through the trees.

In spring, the valley erupts with a colourful display of wildflowers, such as triggerplants, billy buttons, bluebells, and rice flowers. Crossing a creek, the track meets the quiet flowing Gloucester River. Stop here for a break and you might see wombats, grey kangaroos, and red-necked wallabies.

Gloucester Tops Circuit combining all three trails is the best way to get a sense of the astonishing diversity within the Gloucester Tops area.

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.

These hikes are enjoyable through-out the year. Although each season will offer a different kind of special:

• Autumn & Spring – Mild weather, vibrant foliage, and active wildlife.
• Winter – Occasional snow, misty forests, and crisp mountain air.
• Summer – Cooler than the coast, but can be humid. Great for waterfalls and swimming.