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Barrington Tops And The Hunter Valley
The entire 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
motor home.
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’s the
perfect time to see the Milky Way at its best.
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.
There are also a string of ‘must do’s’. There are cycling
and bushwalking circuits to suit all ages. Walks range from
a less than an hour to two weeks, depending on your time and
fitness levels. Canoes and kayaks are available for hire
along the Barrington River, trout fishing is popular, and
the historic towns of Gloucester and Dungog in the Hunter
valley are great for a stroll. The Barrington is also
popular for horse riding, with extensive trails and horses
to suit all ages. White water rafting is another favourite
for the adventurous on the Barrington River in the Upper
Hunter Region.
The Hunter Valley moves at a slower pace, which is why
people are attracted to its towns, national parks and
natural beauty. Stretching from the Barrington Tops in the
north to the Wollemi National Park in the south, it is known
for its great vineyards. The three national parks in this
region are just as unique with amazing wildlife and scenery,
and also offer great Aboriginal sites for a great cultural
experience.
The centre of the lower Hunter Valley wineries is Pokolbin,
located west of Cessnock. There are over 50 wineries in
this region, producing many well known wine labels, such as
Linemans, Tyrell’s Vineyards and Wyndham Estate. It is best
to take your time chatting to the locals and enjoying the
local food, wine and general atmosphere of the valley.
Driving through the Valley, you will come across colourful
towns such as Branxton and Greta, famous for their markets
and festivals. Kurri Kurri also has a fascinating mining
museum which the kids will love. The historic town of
Wollombi will take you back in time. Surrounded by bushland,
it is a great place to stop for a while and enjoy the quiet
pace.
With so many natural attractions, and diversities in
landscape and appeal, the flavour and quietness of the
Hunter Valley is a great contrast to the heights of the
Barrington Tops. With the choices of adventure sports,
bushwalking and sightseeing or doing absolutely nothing but
perhaps a picnic and snooze, the entire region is the ideal
destination for your ‘wilderness’ campervan holiday.
Jen Brewer
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| Related Information |
Boutique Wine Tours
Join us on Sydney's best Hunter Valley wine tour. Departing daily from Sydney, our Hunter Valley wine tours travel in style to the Hunter, wine-tasting in the Hunter's best boutique wineries.
Gloucester Holiday Park
The Gloucester Holiday Park is nestled in 20 acres of natural bush alongside the Gloucester river and at the foot of the Bucketts Mountain Range.
Sydney Wilderness Tours
Visit Hunter Valley, one of the most renowned wine regions in Australia with over 75 wineries totaling 10,000 acres. Enjoy a gourmet lunch as well as wine tasting and a visit to the Chocolate Shop.
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