10 Best hikes and trails in Barrington Tops National Park

Hiking/
Australia/
New South Wales/
Barrington Tops National Park

Best trails in Barrington Tops National Park

4.2(909 reviews)

Australia
:
#412 of 638 national parks

Barrington Tops National Park is located in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales on Biripi land. It was established around Barrington Tops, which is part of the Mount Royal Range. The landscape consists of plateaux, mountains with granite peaks, rainforests and pine forests, ranging from subtropical rainforests in the valleys to subalpine and alpine regions. It is home to a variety of wildlife including kangaroos, frogs, cockatoos, kookaburras, bats, echidnas, quolls, native rodents and platypus.

The trails are ideal for bushwalking, trail running and backpacking, with several campsites to facilitate multi-day adventures exploring the high country.

Top trails

#1 - Gloucester Tops Circuit [CLOSED]

The Gloucester Tops Circuit does a fabulous job at showcasing the diverse beauty of the Gloucester Tops section of Barrington Tops National Park. The trail begins from the Gloucester Falls Picnic Area and follows a combination of trails in the area. The whole family will enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and extensive views out over the rainforest covered mountains and valleys. There's lots of birdlife and wildlife around too so keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and grey kangaroos.

#2 - Careys Peak via The Corker Trail [CLOSED]

The Corker Trail is a classic walk within Barrington Tops National Park. From the starting point at bottom the trail immediately starts going uphill and continues that way with little relief until the top of the plateau at Careys Peak. The route runs along a fire trail and is generally easy walking although it can be rocky and slippery in places. It passes by Corker Mountain, Mount William, Governors lookout on the way up. When you get to Careys Peak Hut, drop your packs and do the final...

#3 - Blue Gum Loop and Rocky Crossing Track [CLOSED]

A surprisingly quiet and picturesque walk that starts at the Williams River day use area then follows the Williams River through rainforest up to Rocky Crossing, with several short detours leading to secluded river spots, such as Crystal Pools and side trips to features along the river like to the scenic Fern Creek cascades. The Rocky Crossing trail includes the Blue Gum Loop Track (which can also be done separately as a shorter walk). An area with magnificent rainforest views and filled...

#4 - Blue Gum Loop Track [CLOSED]

A surprisingly quiet and picturesque walk that starts at Williams River day use area follows the Williams River through the rainforest up to Fern Tree Creek Picnic Area with the scenic Fern Creek cascades and back via Crystal Pools. You can continue along the Rocky Crossing trail if you feel like doing a longer route. An area with magnificent rainforest views and filled Beech Trees, Sassafras Red Cedar, Young Sydney Blue Gums and chances for wildlife spotting including lyrebirds.

#5 - Gloucester Falls Walking Track [CLOSED]

Gloucester Falls walking track makes for a perfect family day trip within the Barrington Tops National Park in New South Wales. The trail begins from the Gloucester Falls picnic area and takes you through a beautiful range of scenery for such a short hike. The kids will love the views, the waterfalls and the beautiful sub-alpine woodlands of snow gum. The waterfalls are particularly spectacular after rain. If you're looking to extend your adventure there are several nearby trails in the...

#6 - Rocky Crossing Walk [CLOSED]

Rocky Crossing Walk is a fantastic hike through beautiful subtropical rainforest in Barrington Tops National Park. Experience tranquil waterfalls surrounded by ferns, dense subtropical rainforest and soothing birdsong. The track starts from Lagoon Pinch Picnic Area off Lagoon Pinch Road. From here the route follows Blue Gum Loop Trail. Keep an eye out for eastern whip birds and lyrebirds as you pass through dense forest of red cedar, sassafras, and enormous stinging trees.

#7 - Antarctic Beech Forest Walk [CLOSED]

This is a very nice hiking trail and the waterfalls are amazing! In some places it is over grown but nothing that will slow you down and it is recommended to take the long loop around beech forest walk trail if you want a bit of a longer hike. There is a short "cutoff" version available but some say it misses all the best parts.

#8 - Jerusalem Creek Track [CLOSED]

The Jerusalem Creek Track is a wonderful short trail in Barrington Tops National Park highlighted by Jerusalem Creek Falls. There are car parks on both the north and south ends of the track allowing you to start in either direction. The trail is very scenic and provides a serene natural setting in lush forest. Towering trees and mossy rocks dot the trail and create a wonderful ambience for the walk. The falls are relatively small but still offer a wonderful backdrop for a picnic or snack.

#9 - Polblue Swamp Track [CLOSED]

An easy track through high altitude wetlands featuring dense growths of sedge grasses on the forest edge, with plenty of orchids in warmer seasons and a nice vantage point for spotting wombats and kangaroos. Ideal for an over-night trip at Polblue campground with picnic areas, toilets and barbecue facilities.

#10 - Gloucester Tops and Riverwalk Loop [CLOSED]

This is a return hike within the Barrington Tops National Park that contains a small and large loop at either end. The trailhead is at Gloucester Falls Picnic Area. The walk follows River Walk, Gloucester Falls Track and Beach Forest Walk through a variety of environments: granite peaks, rainforests and pine forests that are home to a variety of wildlife including kangaroos and many birds. The trail itself is well marked. Highlights of the walk: - Gloucester Falls Lookout - Andrew Laurie...

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Barrington Tops National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Barrington Tops National Park is Gloucester Tops Circuit [CLOSED], which has a 4.6 star rating from 117 reviews. This trail is 4.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 777 ft.

What is the longest trail in Barrington Tops National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Barrington Tops National Park is Federation Track North: Craven to Baxters Ridge [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 149.2 mi long.

How many trails are in Barrington Tops National Park?

There are 38 trails in Barrington Tops National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 909 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Barrington Tops National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Barrington Tops National Park has you covered. Federation Track North: Craven to Baxters Ridge [CLOSED] boasts the most elevation gain with 30,439 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Barrington via The Corker Trail [CLOSED], which will get you 4,662 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Barrington Tops National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 15 camping trails in Barrington Tops National Park and the most popular is Careys Peak via The Corker Trail [CLOSED] with an average 4.5 star rating from 119 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Barrington Tops National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 11 running trails in Barrington Tops National Park and the most popular is Gloucester Tops Circuit [CLOSED] with an average 4.6 star rating from 117 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Barrington Tops National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 biking trails in Barrington Tops National Park and the most popular is Gloucester Tops and Riverwalk Loop [CLOSED] with an average 4.7 star rating from 25 community reviews.