Barrington Tops National Park Travel Guide

Discover the stunning Barrington Tops National Park with our comprehensive travel guide. From its natural and cultural attractions to its hiking trails and local cuisine, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park is one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, located in Hunter of New South Wales in Oceania. It covers an area of approximately 95,000 hectares and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The park is known for its stunning vistas and unique geological formations, such as the Barrington Tops volcanic plateau. It’s a fantastic destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, as well as those looking for a cultural experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the must-see attractions and activities in Barrington Tops National Park.

List of Places to Visit in Barrington Tops National Park

From culturally important museums and historical sites to natural attractions, outdoor adventure sports and scenic viewpoints, Barrington Tops National Park has something for everyone. Here’s a list of the top attractions and places to visit in the park:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Barrington Tops National Park has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums and historical sites highlighting the area’s past. Some of the must-visit highlights include:

  • Gloucester and Barrington Tops Visitor Information Centre – This is the perfect place to start your visit to the park, with helpful staff who can provide you with all the information you need, including maps and brochures.

  • Barrington Tops Forest Road – A scenic drive that takes you through the heart of the park, with plenty of stops to admire the stunning views.

  • The Dingo Gate – An old gate that was used to keep dingoes away from livestock in the area.

  • James Cook’s Tree – The site where James Cook carved his initials into a tree during his exploration of the area in 1770.

Natural Attractions of Barrington Tops National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Barrington Tops National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of natural attractions and outdoor adventure sports to enjoy. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Careys Peak – A popular spot for hiking, as it provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Barrington Tops Cascade – A series of cascading waterfalls that are great for swimming and picnicking.

  • Polblue Swamp – An alpine swamp that provides a unique viewpoint and is a great spot for bird watching.

  • Blue Gum Loop Track – One of the most popular hiking trails in the park, which takes you through stunning rainforest and eucalyptus forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise, with plenty of scenic trails to choose from. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the park:

  • Aeroplane Hill Trail – A scenic trail that takes you through stunning rainforest and is perfect for a day hike.

  • Williams River Trail – A great trail for mountain biking, providing a challenging ride through beautiful scenery.

  • The Gloucester Tops Circuit – A 24km trail that takes 8 hours to complete, and provides stunning views of the park’s peaks and valleys.

  • The Rocky Crossing Walk – A short but stunning walk that takes you through stunning rainforest and over a river crossing.

Best Things to Do in Barrington Tops National Park: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities to do in Barrington Tops National Park. Here are some of the best things to do in the park:

  • Picnicking – There are plenty of picnic spots throughout the park, with stunning views and facilities available.

  • Fishing – Barrington Tops National Park is a great place to go fishing, with species such as trout and bass available in the rivers.

  • Horse Riding – There are plenty of trails in the park that are perfect for horse riding, giving you a unique viewpoint of the area.

  • Four-wheel driving – The park has some great four-wheel drive tracks, providing a challenging ride through stunning scenery.

Week-Long Itinerary for Barrington Tops National Park

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Barrington Tops National Park, here’s a great itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive in the park, visit Gloucester and Barrington Tops Visitor Information Centre, drive the Barrington Tops Forest Road
Day 2 Hike the Blue Gum Loop Trail, have a picnic at one of the park’s scenic locations
Day 3 Go fishing at the Williams River, explore the Polblue Swamp
Day 4 Take a horseback ride through the park’s trails, have a picnic at one of the scenic locations
Day 5 Go four-wheel driving, explore the park’s backcountry tracks
Day 6 Hike to Careys Peak, enjoy the stunning views
Day 7 Relax at one of the park’s picnic spots, take in the scenery before departing

Food and Drink Scene of Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park has a great food and drink scene, with plenty of local produce available. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Barrington Tops Trout – A dish made with locally caught trout, served with a side of vegetables.

  • Barrington Tops Beef – Grass-fed beef that is locally sourced, seasoned and cooked to perfection.

  • Local Honey – Produced by local beekeepers, the honey is sweet and delicious, and pairs well with a variety of dishes.

Local Beverages

  • Hunter Valley Wines – The Hunter Valley is just a short drive from Barrington Tops National Park, and is a well-known wine region, with many wineries offering tastings and tours.

  • Old Hill Cider Works – A local cider producer that uses locally sourced apples, providing a refreshing and crisp drink.

  • Barrington Brewery and Distillery – A brewery and distillery that produces a range of beers, spirits and liqueurs, using locally sourced ingredients.

Where to Stay in Barrington Tops National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options available in Barrington Tops National Park, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best options:

  • Gloucester Tops Cottage – A charming cottage located in the heart of the park, with stunning views and facilities available.

  • The Barrington Guest House – A historic guesthouse that provides comfortable accommodation and facilities in a beautiful setting.

  • The Gloucester Country Lodge – A hotel located just outside the park’s entrance, providing a range of facilities and amenities.

What to Buy in Barrington Tops National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home from Barrington Tops National Park, here are some great options:

  • Local Honey – Honey produced by local beekeepers, and is sweet and delicious.

  • Handmade Crafts – There are plenty of artisans in the area who produce unique handmade crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and clothing.

  • Local Produce – The area is known for its delicious produce, including beef, trout, and apples.

Local Culture and Customs of Barrington Tops National Park

The locals of Barrington Tops National Park are friendly and welcoming, and the area has a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. Here are some customs and cultural traditions to be aware of:

  • Respect for the land – The locals have a deep respect for the land and its natural beauty, so it’s important to take care of the area and leave it as you found it.

  • Indigenous heritage – The area has a rich heritage, with many indigenous tribes having lived in the area for thousands of years. It’s important to acknowledge and respect this cultural heritage.

  • The importance of sustainability – The locals have a deep appreciation for sustainability and a low-impact lifestyle, so it’s important to practice sustainable behaviors while visiting the area.

Best Time to Visit Barrington Tops National Park

The best time to visit Barrington Tops National Park is in the spring and autumn seasons, between March to May and September to November, when the temperatures are mild and the scenery is stunning.

Do’s and Don’ts of Barrington Tops National Park

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Barrington Tops National Park, here are some do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Take care of the environment, and follow the principles of leave no trace.

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.

  • Plan your trip ahead of time, and be aware of the park’s regulations and rules.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the park’s natural beauty.

  • Ignore warning signs or undertake activities that are clearly prohibited.

  • Attempt to touch or feed the animals in the park.

Safety and Health

Safety in Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park is a safe destination for visitors, but it’s important to be aware of hazards such as sudden weather changes, uneven terrain, and slippery surfaces while hiking. It’s also important to carry a map and compass, and to tell someone where you’re going before setting out.

Health in Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park is a relatively healthy destination, but visitors are advised to bring their own supplies of medicine and first aid equipment, as there are no medical facilities in the park. It’s also important to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.

Getting to Barrington Tops National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Barrington Tops National Park is relatively easy, with a variety of transportation options available. Here are some of the best options:

Airports Near Barrington Tops National Park

The closest airports to Barrington Tops National Park are Newcastle Airport, Sydney Airport, and Armidale Regional Airport.

Bus Stations Near Barrington Tops National Park

There are bus stations in Gloucester and Scone, which provide transport to Barrington Tops National Park.

Other Options

Driving is the most convenient way to get to the park, with car rentals available from major cities such as Sydney and Newcastle.

How to Get Around in Barrington Tops National Park

To get around Barrington Tops National Park, the best options are driving or walking. There are plenty of scenic drives throughout the park, and many trails and walking tracks to explore.

Where to Go Next from Barrington Tops National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to explore once you’ve finished your visit to Barrington Tops National Park, including:

  • The Hunter Valley – A popular food and wine region, located within driving distance of the park.

  • Newcastle – A vibrant city with plenty of attractions, including museums and art galleries.

  • Port Stephens – A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and marine life.

Conclusion

Barrington Tops National Park is a stunning destination, with plenty of natural and cultural attractions to explore. From hiking and biking to fishing and picnicking, there’s something for everyone in the park. With the help of our comprehensive travel guide, you’re sure to have an enjoyable and memorable visit to Barrington Tops National Park.