Barrington Tops

Fast facts

World Heritage area with diversity of ecosystems and cascading rivers
Undulating, basalt-capped plateau with diverse plants and wildlife
266 km north of Sydney

Why go there

Rising sharply from the surrounding valleys to a height of almost 1,600 m, Barrington Tops is a world of streams, waterfalls, forests and soaring cliffs. The region’s high rainfall collects on the top of the plateau in peat bogs that act as giant sponges, providing a habitat for several species of waterfowl as well as a constant flow of water to the Manning, Hunter, Barrington and Gloucester rivers. Racing away from the plateau, these streams fall sharply – as much as 1,000 m in 13 km. To the south, east and west, the sides of the plateau are deeply indented with gorges, rapids and waterfalls.

Barrington Tops is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. More than 220 bird species have been recorded in the national park. This diversity plus the unique topography, natural beauty and rare animal species endemic to this area alone have won the park a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

History

European settlement commenced in the area in the early 1800s, with cedar cutters who cleared the land, followed by gold prospectors and graziers. In 1826, the Australian Agricultural Company established grazing and farming industries, with river transport playing an important role in the development of the region’s towns. Gold was discovered in 1876, but the most significant period of growth occurred between the two world wars.

Things to do

Explore the different types of forest in the Barrington Tops’ four distinct regions.
Watch out for grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies and wombats in the national park.
Experience the ultimate thrill of skydiving at the Gloucester aerodrome.
Go white-water canoeing on the rapids of the pristine rivers.