Destinations > Barrington Tops NP

The eastern section is also accessible to 2WDs except when the fords are flooded, and is reached from Gloucester along the Gloucester Tops Road.

Dungog or Gresford make the best bases for the southern area including Chichester State Forest. Most roads and tracks are accessible by 2WD but some of them only in good weather. If it rains a 4WD will prove useful.

Staying There
For many people, the whole point of going to Barrington Tops is to camp there. I have indicated some campsites in the main story but effectively you can camp in most places (in the park you may be charged a fee) as long as you abide by the basic rules. That means things like setting up camps away from roads, picnic spots and running water, and using gas or fuel stoves where there are no authorised fireplaces. No fires are allowed outside these fireplaces in the park.

Please boil all your drinking water. Feral animals are a major problem for the park and their droppings can contaminate water supplies.

There are many alternative accommodation facilities all around the Tops. They include private and council camping areas, motels, guest houses and even resorts. See the contact numbers below for detailed information and bookings.

read on below advertisement



Things To Do
Barrington Tops is a place to use your legs and your eyes. Your legs will get you to some of the most beautiful and remote patches, and your eyes will let you enjoy the outstanding scenery, the forests and the wildlife. Leaflets describing the walks are available from the National Parks & Wildlife offices in the area, which will also have the State Forests brochures and maps.

Bushwalkers in the area should remember the weather is very changeable. Sudden weather changes including snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures cannot be ruled out at any time. Be prepared and make sure someone reliable knows where you're going and when you're due back. It is inconsiderate to make people turn out to search for you in this kind of country unless it's unavoidable. Like if you're in a plane crash.

Around & About
Scone, Gresford, Dungog and Gloucester are all pleasant towns with something to offer. The Scone Historical Society Museum is interesting, while nearby Wingen has the Australian Thoroughbred Museum. Glenbawn Dam offers watersports and horse riding. Dungog, established as a base to keep the bushrangers down, also has an historical museum but it's only open on Sundays.

next page »

 

« go back