Barrington Tops and the Hunter Valley
The entire Stream hunter region, including the beautiful Barrington Tops, can only be described as breathtaking. Defined by sheer drops, mountainous views and brilliant rainforest walks, the list of natural attractions and scenic spots is endless.
Accessible just 90 minutes north from Sydney, or just an hour from Newcastle, the World Heritage Listed Barrington Tops is famous for its fast flowing rivers and waterfalls that run through steep gorges and are surrounded by magnificent rainforests. There are plenty of bushwalks available with most roads sealed and easily accessible by most vehicles.
The climate is generally cooler than the coast throughout the year, but every season brings a lovely change to the region. Winter brings heavenly sights, with snow capped mountains and crystal clear mountain streams, and summer is more comfortable for bushwalking in high altitudes. It is still advisable to come prepared with lots of warm clothing in case of sudden temperature changes.
There are ample camping grounds at Barrington Tops, Camp Cobark being the most central, or a bit further out at Gloucester is the Devils Hole Camping ground (located 1400m over sea level) which also offers great fishing spots and amazing views. Nights bring much wildlife, and it is the perfect time to see the Milky Way at its best.
After you have roughed it for a while, why not enjoy the comforts of the Eaglereach Wilderness resort located atVacy. With stunning views of the Barrington Tops, this four star accommodation is a great option.
There are a string of 'must sees'. Considering the region covers more than 80 000 hectares, the scenery is wild and diverse. The Barrington Tops Forest Road is famous for its many different types of rainforest, including the ancient Antarctic Beech Forest, and is worth the drive. It will take you to fantastic lookouts such as the Devils Hole, Moonan Lookout, and the Polblue plateau which is a great place to have a picnic stop and enjoy the views. The Chichester State Forest has amazing wildlife and a rainforest trail including the largest oak tree recorded in NSW. Cobark Forest Park is also a great place to relax and offers a fantastic walking track for the family.