Corker Trail, Barrington Coast NSWCredit: Catherine Boyd and Destination Barrington Coast
Hiking in Barrington Tops National Park.
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Wander through primordial rainforest in Barrington Tops National Park and you’ll be transported to a distant time when Australia was part of the Gondwana super-continent. It’s just one perspective-changing experience waiting for you in the Barrington Tops region, around a three-hour drive north of Sydney. Immerse in this incredible national park before meandering around nearby country towns and seeking out the boutique wineries dotted across the surrounding expanses of lush farmland.
Bliss out in a bushwalker’s paradise
Step back millions of years in time when you walk into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest of Barrington Tops National Park. Feel spoilt for choice of a network of short, easy walks as well as plenty of steep mountain treks as you begin to explore this incredible national park, which straddles more than 76,000 hectares of mountainous terrain.
Ease into a day of bushwalking through the eastern section of the park by tackling the Gloucester Tops circuit, which connects the snow-gum woodland of the Gloucester Falls walking track to the River walking track’s sub-alpine woodland and the temperate rainforest and beech groves of the Antarctic Beech Forest walking track.
Stretch your legs on the one-hour walking loop around the Polblue Swamp in the northern section of the park, or tackle the riverside Blue Gum loop trail starting from the Williams River picnic area. For beginners, the short walking track to the Thunderbolts lookout takes in panoramic views.
Up for a more challenging hike? Prepare for high-octane adventure when you follow the 20km, two-day Corker Trail as it winds through woodlands, rainforest and Antarctic beech in the central section of the park.
Whichever section of the park you explore, you’ll find an incredible diversity of wildlife. Spot kangaroos and wallabies on the grass flats, platypuses in the rivers, koalas and possums in thick woods and valleys and brush turkeys and lyrebirds in the rainforest. Pack your lunch and enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many scenic spots, including Gloucester Falls, Honeysuckle, Jerusalem Creek or Polblue Falls, keeping an eye out for some furry friends.
Get on your bike
Feel the gravel crunch under your tyres as you take in stunning scenery on a guided mountain-bike tour of Barrington Tops National Park with Aussie Bike or Hike. You’ll be transported from Gloucester town deep into the national park for an unforgettable day ride covering a distance of 50 to 60km along dirt roads, passing through rainforest, rugged bushland and open countryside as you cycle back toward town.
If you prefer your mountain-biking to feature frenetic bursts of downhill action, head to Barrington Bike Park, around 30 minutes from Gloucester at the foothills of the national park. Here you’ll plunge around 370 metres in elevation through rainforest trails dotted with twisted vines and mossy rocks on your way down to the banks of the Barrington River. Then hop on the bike park’s shuttle and relax as you’re chauffeured up to the top of the hill to do it all over again.
Gloucester Tops, Barrington Tops National Park Credit: Destination Barrington Coast
Two women hiking the Gloucester Tops circuit in Barrington Tops National Park
Gloucester Tops, Barrington Tops National Park Credit: Destination Barrington Coast
Two women hiking the Gloucester Tops circuit in Barrington Tops National Park
Thunderbolts Way, Gloucester Credit: Destination NSW
Car taking the scenic drive along Thunderbolts Way on the Barrington Coast.
Thunderbolts Way, Gloucester Credit: Destination NSW
Car taking the scenic drive along Thunderbolts Way on the Barrington Coast.
Soak up history in quaint country towns
Refuel between forays into Barrington Tops Nationals Park by exploring the nearby towns of Dungog and Gloucester. Amble down Dungog’s wide main street to find historic buildings such as the Dungog Museum, housed within the former School of Arts (1898), and the Spanish Mission-style James Theatre. Pick up some cheese and house-smoked ham for a picnic at Westwood Dungog Providores, linger over a delicious lunch at one of the smart cafés lining the main street, or wash down a craft ale with a burger at Tinshed Brewery.
In Gloucester, stuff your backpack with fresh sandwiches and classic country-style treats from Hebby’s Bakery before enjoying easy access to multiple entrances to the national park. Reward yourself for your bushwalking efforts by visiting cellar doors such as Villa d’Esta Vineyard, Mograni Creek Estate, Faulls Ridge Winery and Gloucester River Wines, and sample seasonal produce at the Gloucester Farmers Market, held on the second Saturday of the month.
Between Gloucester and the Pacific Highway, stop in the picturesque village of Stroud to see its convict-era buildings dating back to the 1820s and 1830s. Follow the Heritage Walk to see preserved buildings such as the Post Office (1884) and Court House (1876), before feasting on everything from banh mi to falafel at the vegan-friendly Billy T Cafe.
You can also sample some seriously crisp verdelho at Gap Hill Wines, between Gloucester and Stroud, or try the hand-crafted gin at The Farmer’s Wife Distillery in Allworth, between Stroud and the Pacific Highway.
Rest up for a big day in the mountains
Pitch a tent or set up your caravan or camper site at one of the camping grounds throughout Barrington Tops Nationals Park and you’ll enjoy easy access to 4WD trails, fishing, mountain biking, walking and more.
Cosy up mere minutes from the national park at Roseleigh Cottage, a restored settlers’ home just outside the Gloucester River entrance in the eastern section, or soak in the seclusion at Bluegums Cabins, near the Jerusalem Creek trailhead in the southern section of the park.
For something a little more luxurious, book a stay at the beautifully appointed, eco-friendly The Ridge Gloucester, just outside of Gloucester town. Settle into one of the Ridge’s Eco-Cabins for the perfect romantic getaway surrounded by nature, or take over the five-bedroom House with your extended family or closest friends.
Check into Narraweema Guesthouse in the heart of Gloucester to laze in heritage style before exploring the national park – take advantage of the luxe offerings at this boutique guesthouse and order a picnic hamper or a cheese platter for your lunch in the mountains.
Dungog's surrounding areas, Dungog Credit: Destination NSW
Alpacas in the scenic countryside surrounding Dungog.
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Dungog's surrounding areas, Dungog Credit: Destination NSW
Alpacas in the scenic countryside surrounding Dungog.
The Steps Barrington, Barrington Coast Credit: The Steps Barrington Facebook:@TheStepsBarrington Instagram: @the_steps_barrington
Father and son enjoying a canoeing experience along the Barrington River at The Steps Barrington.
The Steps Barrington, Barrington Coast Credit: The Steps Barrington Facebook:@TheStepsBarrington Instagram: @the_steps_barrington
Father and son enjoying a canoeing experience along the Barrington River at The Steps Barrington.
More Inspirational Stories
Bogey Hole, NewcastleCredit: Destination NSW
Young people enjoying a swim at Bogey Hole ocean pools in Newcastle at sunrise.
Ready to dive in? New South Wales offers endless ways to cool off in nature’s most beautiful settings. From sparkling ocean pools and secret waterfalls to natural springs, NSW is brimming with swim spots to refresh or explore your adventurous side.
Whether you’re chasing coastal charm or inland tranquility, pack your swimmers, grab your sunscreen and explore these stunning NSW swim spots to make your summer unforgettable.
Coastal Classics and Ocean Pools
More than 100 ocean pools sparkle along the NSW coast, offering special swimming spots and picturesque stops on coastal road trips. Start your summer by the sea at Bogey Hole in Newcastle, NSW’s oldest rock pool hand-carved out of the rock platform in 1819. This heritage-listed gem offers dramatic views and a refreshing dip.
If you’re in the Sawtell and ECO-certified destination Coffs Coast area, the Sawtell Memorial Rockpool is a beautiful spot with its natural rock bar edge and prime position tucked into the headland.
For another showstopping ocean pool experience, head to the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool in Kiama. This family-friendly pool sits right by the famous Kiama Blowhole, offering calm waters and amazing coastal views – the perfect place to cool off after exploring one of NSW’s iconic attractions.
Or go further south to the Sapphire Coast to visit the spectacular Bermagui Blue Pool, a natural rock pool with turquoise waters and sweeping coastal vistas. It's ideal for a sunrise swim or family day out.
Bogey Hole, Newcastle Credit: Time Out
People enjoying a dip in the Bogey Hole, Newcastle.
Bogey Hole, Newcastle Credit: Time Out
People enjoying a dip in the Bogey Hole, Newcastle.
Bermagui Blue Pool, Bermagui Credit: Destination NSW
Couple at Bermagui Blue Pool, Sapphire Coast, NSW
Bermagui Blue Pool, Bermagui Credit: Destination NSW
Couple at Bermagui Blue Pool, Sapphire Coast, NSW
Waterfalls and Natural Pools
Trade the beach for the bush and relax in some of NSW’s spectacular waterfalls.
In the Southern Highlands, cool off in the natural pools at Bargo State Conservation Area, where swimming spots at Little River and Moore Creek offer refreshing bushland escapes.
Or head to the ECO-certified destination Blue Mountains, where you can visit Blue Pool in Glenbrook (check conditions with the National Parks Information Centre at the Glenbrook Park Entrance before swimming) or the Victoria Falls waterhole for serene swimming spots.
Further north, Unicorn Falls in the Tweed region is a hidden gem with a serene swimming hole, perfect for those looking for off-the-beaten-path beauty.
Inland Escapes
For something truly unique, head inland for thermal pools and hidden swim spots surrounded by rugged bush and epic scenery.
Explore Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool in Kosciuszko National Park, a 27-degree pool which is a year-round favourite fed by a natural spring. Views don’t get better than this in the Snowy Mountains, swimming surrounded by alpine scenery and limestone caves.
Or visit Sofala near Bathurst and try your luck panning for gold dust in the Turon River - and if fortune doesn’t strike, you can still enjoy fishing and swimming in its cool waters.
Note: follow this helpful advice to ensure you stay safe and well during your visit to New South Wales:
Yarranobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Couple explores the Yarranobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Yarrangobilly, Snowy Mountains
Yarranobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Couple explores the Yarranobilly Caves Thermal Pool, Yarrangobilly, Snowy Mountains
Gold Panning, Sofala Credit: Destination NSW
Gold panning guide and family in Sofala
Gold Panning, Sofala Credit: Destination NSW
Gold panning guide and family in Sofala