Barrington Tops National Park covers a high basalt plateau at the northern rim of the Hunter Valley, rising to more than 1,500 metres. It is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and protects ancient Antarctic beech forest, snow-gum woodland and sub-alpine swamps that feed the Hunter’s rivers.
The contrast with the vineyards could hardly be greater: it can be 10–15 °C cooler on the tops, mist is common and snow occasionally falls in winter. It suits walkers, campers and anyone with an extra day and a taste for wild country.
Top things to do: Barrington Tops
Walk in ancient rainforest
Short, well-marked tracks at Gloucester Tops and in the Williams River area lead through mossy Antarctic beech forest to waterfalls and lookouts. Longer trails cross the plateau for experienced walkers.
Visit Polblue and the high plateau
On the western side, reached from Scone or Gloucester along the partly unsealed Barrington Tops Forest Road, an easy loop track circles the Polblue swamp among snow gums. Lookouts along the road give huge views.
Explore the foothill towns
Dungog and Gloucester are the usual bases, with pubs, cafés and river swimming holes. Local operators offer kayaking, mountain biking and guided walks.
How to get there
- From Pokolbin to Dungog: about 1 hour 15 minutes by car via Maitland; the southern park entrances are a further 40–60 minutes.
- To Gloucester Tops: around 2.5 hours from Pokolbin, the last section on gravel.
- Tours: there are few scheduled tours from the wine region; this is a self-drive destination.
Insider tips
- Many park roads are unsealed and can close after rain or snow — check NSW National Parks alerts before setting out.
- There is no fuel, food or mobile coverage in most of the park. Carry warm and waterproof clothing all year.
- Leeches are common in the rainforest after rain; long socks help.
Best tours & tickets: Barrington Tops
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to enjoy Barrington Tops and the rest of the Hunter Valley:
Local wine tour from A$239 Hunter Valley: Uncork the Hunter Full-Day Wine Tour
A full day of tastings for people already staying in the valley. A local guide collects you from your accommodation and takes you round a hand-picked set of cellar doors, with cheese and chocolate tastings along the way. It often sells out on weekends.
- Pickup from accommodation in the Hunter Valley
- Wine, cheese and chocolate tastings with a local guide
- A relaxed full day with no driving
Private tour Newcastle: Private Tailored Hunter Valley Wine Tour
A private day for your own group, starting and finishing in Newcastle: three seated wine tastings, a craft vodka and gin tasting and a cheese or chocolate pairing, with the route shaped around what you like to drink. Priced per group.
- Door-to-door from Newcastle, just for your group
- Three seated wine tastings
- A vodka and gin tasting plus a cheese or chocolate pairing
