Destinations > Barrington Tops NP

The park is replete with rare flora and fauna. Nine endangered plant species and 26 endangered animal species make Barrington Tops their home. They include both the unfortunately-named broad-toothed rat and the rufous scrub bird, the sphagnum frog and the red-legged pademelon.

But it's not just the plants and animals that are endangered. The Tops' wet and wild environment means tracks are very sensitive and easily degraded; that, in turn, has led to at least one 4WD tragedy when a vehicle slid off the path and somersaulted down into a steep gully. I'm not trying to scare you but it's good to be aware of potential danger - and nobody wants to be the Tops' next victim.

The National Parks & Wildlife Service closes all 4WD trails within the park between June 1 and September 30 for precisely this reason but, of course, you can't just close the forestry trails. So be careful, especially in winter, both for your own sake and for the environment.

High Times
Barrington Tops National Park is shaped a little like the heraldic symbol of the Isle of Man, with three legs radiating out from a common centre. One leg points south-west and shelters a parcel of Chichester State Forest in the crook of its knee. The next leg points north and is held in place by Stewarts Brook and Barrington State Forests, with Polblue Crown Reserve between them. The last leg points south-east, with the rest of Chichester State Forest as its eastern border.

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Barrington Tops Forest Road, the main (and in winter, pretty much the only) access to the area except for the Gloucester Tops Road which leads to a dead end, hugs the northern edge of the park. It has generally been in good condition when I've used it, and would be suitable for 2WD vehicles at just about any time. It's gravel from Moonan Flat to near the Barrington River in the west.

The Gloucester Tops Road leads to a day-use area. It is mainly gravel but suitable for 2WD vehicles, however there is a slight problem - namely several fords. If it's been raining you'll definitely need a 4WD. As you enter the park on this road, the Gloucester River Camping Area is situated on your left.

The various tracks from the south all stop at or before the park boundary; the few 4WD tracks inside the park are accessible either from the Forest Road or from Moonan Flat via the Middle Ridge Trail. They provide access to Little Murray and Junction Pool camping areas. Please note that these tracks, when they are open, may only be used by 4WDs.

The tracks in the park, when they are not closed for conservation, are mostly pretty good as long as it's dry. The only thing I can say about them in the wet is: don't use them. They will very rapidly turn to glutinous and slippery mud under your wheels, besides which it's against the rules.

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