Barrington TopsGeneral |
Barrington TopsGeneral |
This page is a directory of resources dealing with the Barrington Tops, near Gloucester in New South Wales, Australia. This includes information relating to the various national park, state forests, world heritage area, declared wilderness area and other reserves.
WHAT'S ON THIS PAGE:
The World Heritage listed Barrington Tops is one of my favourite places and best of all it's not that far from where I live. It is a place of beauty and wilderness, and when camping there it often feels like you are in the middle of uncharted territory.
The area is made up of not only the Barrington Tops National Park (74 000 hectares), but also the State Forests of Barrington Tops, Chichester, Stewarts Brook and the Avon River.
The national park is about 2.5 hours from Newcastle. The Gloucester Tops section of the park is reached via the Buckets Way, turning left about 9km before Gloucester (not far past Stratford - sign posted). The northern section of the park is accessed by the Barrington Tops Forest Road between Gloucester and Moonan Flat. The Williams River area is reached via Dungog and Salisbury.
The Barrington Tops is a place of contrast, with snow gums in the heights and rainforests in the valleys. It is a place of rugged beauty, with many wild rivers and cascading waterfalls. The mountains reach to a height of over 1500m. There are snowfalls each winter.
Found within the park are numerous native animal and bird species, many of which are considered threatened, including wallabies, wombats, lyrebirds, bower birds and brush turkeys.
The following topographic maps should be used for walking within the area:
BARRINGTON TOPS STATE FOREST AND NATIONAL PARK:
Most of the attractions in the northern section of the park are found along the Barrington Tops Forest Road, with various camping and picnic areas also.
Yet to be described on this page are the areas above the Barrington Tops Forest Road and the area on the Barrington Tops Plateau itself.
The picnic area has toilets and water available.
A walking trail through the forest leads past identified and sign-posted tree species. The walk takes about 60 minutes to complete.
Moppy Lookout provides good views of the forested valleys of the national park. A picnic site is provided here.
A walk through the rainforest commences at Moppy Lookout, proceeding through tree ferns and past the small Moppy Falls. The walk takes about 20 minutes to complete.
NOTE: On my last visit the walk is pretty much abandoned, courtesy of a major windstorm several years ago.
The Dilgry Circle is a 14km circuit that passes 'The Rock' and two picnic sites on the Dilgry River.
The Banksia Picnic Area is located on the Dilgry River within Barrington Tops State Forest. This area is subject to snow falls in winter.
The Dilgry River Camping Area (and picnic area) is found on the banks of the Dilgry River. This is a great little place to camp with little disturbance.
At Devil's Hole there is a spectacular lookout. From the picnic area you simply follow the well built path to the lookout. This is a very short walk.
There is also a camping ground here, which is generally very quiet, just off the Barrington Tops Forest Road.
I have camped at Devil's Hole on a number of occasions:
Devil's Hole - Manning River Circuit:
The Devil's Hole - Manning River Circuit is a walk I undertook in December 1999. I have developed some track notes fully describing the walk for others to actually be able to do it also. The notes can be easily printed off and the document is in pdf format.
The Manning River Camping Area is found on the banks of the Manning River (see above track notes for further information).
Thunderbolt's Lookout:
The track to Thunderbolt's Lookout is an easy one through Antarctic Beech Forest, to the edge of the Barrington wilderness. Ahead lies Mount Carson and the Moppy River Valley.
Polblue is a large sphagnum moss swamp on the plateau. Wild brumbies are often seen grazing at Polblue (not that I have actually ever seen them). There is a picnic area and a camping area at Polblue, with BBQ and toilet facilities, as well as water provided.
A walking trail proceeds around the swamp. The walk (2km) takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Polblue is often a 'white out (mist) during Winter, often for days at a time. It also snows here during the Winter.
The Firs picnic area is surrounded by a very dark conifer plantation forest. There is also a 15 minute walk through the forest, where Lyrebirds are often seen. The Firs is about 6km west of Polblue Swamp on the Barrington Tops Forest Road.
Horse Swamp Camping Area:
Horse Swamp Camping Area is found by turning right at the first road past The Firs Picnic Area (toward the Dingo Gate). Follow the road until the first road to the left is found. This leads to the camp area.
Located on Polblue Creek near the picnic area are what is known as 'Mini Falls.' These are nothing of note.
Polblue Creek Falls:
Polblue Creek Falls is found by turning left at the road after the Horse Swamp Camping Area access road. It is just a short walk from the parking area to the falls.
At the edge of the Stewarts Brook State Forest is the Dingo Gate. There is a hort 10 minute walk here. The small Gologolies Camping Area is found just before the Dingo Gate, 500m down Boundary Road.
Fires are only allowed at the established fireplaces within the park, located at Carey's Peak, Wombat Creek, The Big Hole, Junction Hole and little Murray Creek. Everywhere else fuel stoves are to be used. Water from creeks and rivers should be boiled before drinking.
The road to the Gloucester Tops area includes a number of river crossings which cannot be crossed during times of flooding. At the moment the road is closed due to road works and improvements being made to the area. Check with National Parks before going to the area.
There are a number of established walks in the Gloucester Tops area of the national park. These walks include:
This walk takes about an hour (4.5km) to complete, beginning just before the Gloucester River Camping Area. The walk proceeds along Sharpes Creek. The best return is by following the track back to the road. An alternative route is a steep climb to the road and then back along the road.
This easy walk takes about an hour (2.5km) to complete. It starts from the Gloucester Falls car park and follows the Gloucester River through alpine woodland. To return to the start of the walk, follow the road back to the car park.
In Spring and Summer there is a good range of wildflowers to be seen on this walk. It is also possible to see a variety of Kangaroos and Wallabies, as well as a number of bird species.
This easy walk takes about 20 minutes to complete if only doing the short section and about an hour if doing the longer walk (2.5km - more difficult - includes a steep ascent). The walk begins from a car park on the Gloucester Tops Road. The walker will see a number of creeks and tree ferns on the walk.
It is possible to see Platypus on this walk, as well as Wallabies and even the Marsupial Mouse.
This easy walk takes about 40 minutes to complete, giving good views of the Gloucester River and Gloucester Falls. The walk begins at the Gloucester Falls Carpark (now greatly improved) and soon arrives at the Andrew Laurie Lookout. After this the walk continues to the Gloucester Falls Lookout and the Gloucester River before returning to the picnic area.
See Also: www.galactic.net.au/bushwalking/parks/Barrington/walk18.html
Gallery 6: Gloucester Tops Photos
Camping is available at the Gloucester River Camping Area where there are a number of numbered sites (camping allowed at numbered sites only). The camping area is found along the Gloucester Tops Road. There are fireplaces, toilets, gas BBQs and picnic areas. The site has been recently improved. Camping fees apply (Currently $5.00 per adult per night, children $3.00 per night) using a self registration system.
Bush camping is also allowed in the area away from the picnic areas and roads.
Gloucester Tops Riverside Caravan Park is located just outside the national park. There about 42 powered sites and a large number of unpowered sites, as well as a cabin (you need to book ahead). There is an amenities block, laundry, general store, picnic and BBQ areas.
Gloucester Tops Day Trip - 20 November 2006:
For a record of the trip, along with photos taken on the day, visit the following URL:
http://www.kevinswilderness.com/NSW/gloucestertops_2006_1120.html.
WILLIAMS AND ALLYN RIVER AREA:
This area is accessed via Dungog and Barrington Guesthouse along the Allyn River Forest Drive and Williams Top Forest Road. The Chichester Dam Road is taken from Dungog, then left at Salisbury Road, onto Williams Top Forest Road, left onto Lagoon Pinch Road and left again onto Allyn River Forest Road.
The alternative route is via Gresford and the Allyn River Road. The road is not in the best of repair, but is negotiable with two wheel drive vehicles. The four causeways are a problem in periods of prolonged rain and should not be used. The area includes the Chichester State Forest and a portion of the Barrington Tops National Park.
It should also be noted that much of what is regarded as a 2WD road on many maps, enabling a circuit trip to be made, is no longer true. The Allyn River Forest Road is basically 4WD territory after the White Rock Camping Area.
Camping areas are located all along the Allyn River Forest Road, including White Rock Camping Area and the Dobbie Rim Camping Area.
The Chichester Dam area will be closed during 2003 due to improvements at the dam face. These improvements are to modify the spillway for extreme flood events.
The Allyn River Forest Drive is from Dungog to Gresford and through the Chichester State Forest. The drive is about 110km long (about 3 hours driving time). Along this drive (a leaflet is available from State Forests) are the Williams Top Lookout, Headwaters Lookout and the Allyn River Forest Park (picnic and camping sites).
Blue Gum Loop:
This 3.5km walk begins from the Williams River Picnic Area, crossing a steel-span bridge across the Williams River. The track winds it's way up the river, eventually reaching a small side-track to a series of small cascades (Fern Tree Creek). The Blue Gum Loop eventually joins the Rocky Crossing Track before reaching the Barrington Guesthouse and Williams River Picnic Area. Another sidetrack along this last stretch reaches the Crystal Pool.
Rocky Crossing Track:
The Rocky Crossing Track is an easy 16km (5 hours) walk along the Williams River. There are several short side-tracks to the Pool of Reflections and the Slippery Dip. At the top the track reaches Rocky Crossing.
The walk can be done from either the bottom (near Williams River Picnic Area) or from the Top (near Williams Top Picnic Area - Lagoon Pinch Road).
The lookout is found off the Williams Tops Forest Road, on the Williams Top Trail. The road to the lookout should not be used if wet. There is a picnic area at the lookout.
The Headwaters Lookout is found along the Williams Tops Forest Road providing good views of the Barrington Tops.
The forest park is found along the Lagoon Pinch Road, which is off the Williams Top Forest Road. (Note that Careys Peak Trail begins here). There are picnic facilities at the park.
Careys Peak trail begins at Lagoon Pinch and is an 8 hour return walk (10km). The climb up the Corker is a real 'killer.' The walk back is probably not too bad.
Pademelon Park:
The Pademelon Park is a secluded camping area not far into the Chichester State Forest, on the Mount Allyn Forest Road. The camping ground has fireplaces, water, toilets and shelter. This is a very quiet spot to camp and chances are you will have it to yourself.
The Gunyah:
The Gunyah is a small cabin that is available for bookings through NSW State Forests. From near The Gunyah there is a walking trail known as the Double Bridges Walking Trail - it can be a little difficult to locate.
Dobbie Rim and Allyn River Camping Areas:
These two camping areas are located just inside the Chichester State Forest along the Allyn River Forest Road. They are basically opposite each other on the road. Fireplaces, water and toilets are available at both locations, with easy access to the Allyn River.
It should be noted that the smaller camping areas along the Allyn River past these points have been closed.
Ladies Well:
Ladies Well is a series of small waterfalls and pools that provide a great spot for a swim during the hotter months. This area is reached by a very short walk, starting from a car park just past the Allyn River Camping Area and Dobbie Rim Camping Area.
The Rapids Picnic Area:
The Rapids Picnic Area is a small picnic area with easy access to the Allyn River.
Allyn River Forest Park:
The Allyn River Forest Park is a large picnic area with shelters, fireplaces and toilets. It also provides easy access to the Allyn River.
Peach Tree Park is located on the Lagoon Pinch Forest Road, just off the Allyn River Forest Road (across the bridge). Picnic facilities are provided at the Peach Tree Park.
Beginning at the park is the Allyn River Rainforest Trail, which provides an easy stroll through the rainforest along the Allyn River. There are several impressive trees to be seen during the walk.
White Rock Camping Area:
The White Rock Camping Area is basically the end of the road for 2WD cars, providing a camping area with fireplaces and toilets, with easy access to the Allyn River. The long Gillwinga Walk can be begun here. This walk makes it's way around to the Mount Allyn Forest Road, just before the turn off to Mount Allyn Lookout.
Burraga Swamp is found via Mount Allyn Road, 1.5 hours drive from the Williams River Day Use Area (off the Allyn River Forest Road). It is part of the Barrington Tops National Park. From the car park the walk is an easy stroll through the Beech forest to the swamp and return is back the same way (2km return).
Mt Allyn is accessed from the Allyn River Forest Road and the Mount Allyn Forest Road. The road may not be open during bad weather.
The lookout provides tremendous views over the surrounding areas. There is a small picnic area just below the summit (difficult to see from the road - located on a bend).
The Telegherry Forest Drive begins from the town of Dungog for a 90km drive through the Chichester State Forest. Follow the Chichester Dam Road and then follow the signs for the Telegherry Forest Drive. There are a number of worthwhile places to visit along the drive, including Jerusalem Creek, Telegherry Forest Park, Dundungra Falls, Kanungra Lookout, Frying Pan Forest Park and Problem Creek Falls.
Jerusalem Creek Walking Trail:
The walking trail begins at the Wangat Road and finishes at the Jerusalem Creek Park. I have found it good to start at the park end and follow the creek, but be warned, the creek is extremely slippery. There are quite a few waterfalls to be seen, as well as plenty of evidence of historic logging in the area.
The forest park here is an excellent place for a picnic or BBQ, with various facilities provided, including tables and toilets.
Not far from Jerusalem Creek is an open air museum of past logging history.
This park is located off Wanget Road on Middle Road. Here there is both a picnic and camping area beside the Telegherry River. There are a number of walking tracks here.
Located about 100m before the Chichester Arboretum on Wangat Road is the short track to the base of Dundrunga Falls on Hotel Creek. The falls are some 34m high. Note that the walk out is both steep and often slippery when wet.
Kanungra Lookout is found on Middle Ridge Road (follow Wangat Road to Middle Ridge Road). There is a small BBQ area here.
At Frying Pan Forest Park alongside the Telegherry River are picnic and camping areas (Frying Pan Creek and Coachwood on opposite banks of Frying Pan Creek) with a good range of facilities. The park is on Frying Pan Road (follow Middle Ridge Road to Frying Pan Road) A walk begins here to Problem Creek Falls. The walk is an easy 2km trail. Return is back the same way.
The Knob Picnic and Camping Area:
The Knob Picnic and Camping Area is found on Skimmings Gap Road, 2km off Frying Pan Road. There are tables and BBQ areas.
TOPS TO MYALL'S HERITAGE TRAIL:
The Tops to Myall's Heritage Walk is an eleven day trek from the Barrington Tops to the Myall Lakes National Park and Hawks Nest. The walk totals some 220km of both mountainous and coastal scenery. The walk involves the following days and routes:
More information on the walk can be obtained by way of a comprehensive booklet from the Department of Conservation and Land Management, NSW State Forests, National Parks and Wildlife Service of NSW, National Parks Association of NSW, Gloucester Shire Council and the Great Lakes Tourist Board.
Barrington Tops Trek 1996: A description of this trek is available by following the link, including photos of the trek. It is a variation on the Tops to Myall's Heritage Trail.
Barrington Tops Trek 2003: A description of this trek is available by following the link, including photos of the trek. It is a variation on the Tops to Myall's Heritage Trail.
More Information:
Corner Dowling and Brown Streets
Dungog NSW 2420
(02) 4992 2212
www.barringtons.com.au
www.visitdungog.com
Denison Street
Gloucester NSW 2422
(02) 6558 1408
www.gloucester.org.au
www.gloucestertourism.org
Hunter Region
464 King Street
Newcastle West NSW 2302
Ph: 02 4927 2900
Fax: 02 4927 8030
8.30am - 4.30 pm week days
Ph: 1300 655 687
Ph: 02 9871 3377
7 days a week
www.forest.nsw.gov.au
Accommodation and Visitor Services:
These huts are located in the Chichester State Forest. For more information and bookings contact Andrew and Leisa Camping Tours on 02 4933 2537.
The cottage is located on the banks of Moonan Brook. The cottage has BBQs, electric and fuel stoves, hot showers, fireplaces and beds for twenty people. Phone 02 6546 3173 for more information and bookings.
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25/10/2008
