Barrington Tops National Park wilderness guide
National Park · NSW

Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park is a stunning expanse of subalpine wilderness located in New South Wales, Australia. Renowned for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and dramatic landscapes, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

National Park267,6224+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

267,622

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park is a stunning expanse of subalpine wilderness located in New South Wales, Australia. Renowned for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and dramatic landscapes, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Barrington Tops National Park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to snow gum woodlands. Situated in the Great Dividing Range, the park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Its peaks, which were formed by volcanic activity, rise over 1,500 meters above sea level, offering dramatic vistas and cooler climates that support a variety of unique flora and fauna. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails that wind through ancient beech forests and along pristine rivers. The park is home to several endangered species, including the powerful owl and the broad-toothed rat. Established in 1969, Barrington Tops attracts nature lovers with opportunities for hiking, camping, and bird watching. The Gloucester and Paterson River systems provide excellent locations for fishing and kayaking, while winter months occasionally bring snowfall, transforming parts of the park into a winter wonderland.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Barrington Tops National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Gloucester Tops Circuit – a renowned trail offering diverse landscapes✦ Antarctic Beech Forests – ancient trees that support a rich ecosystem✦ Polblue Swamp - a unique subalpine marshland known for birdwatching✦ Carey’s Peak - a prominent summit offering panoramic views
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Barrington Tops National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Barrington Tops National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee, but camping fees apply.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Barrington Tops National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Polblue Campground

Located at one of the highest points, offers facilities and access to nearby trails.

Honeysuckle Campground

Offers a more secluded experience with limited facilities; ideal for star gazing.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Barrington Tops National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Tomalla, New South Wales
⌖ 19.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tomalla, New South Wales

Tomalla, NSW, offers a low-key adventure with hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking tucked into pristine forests and rivers. This rural spot is perfect for travelers seeking quiet wilderness and true outdoor immersion.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Rosebrook, New South Wales
⌖ 38.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rosebrook, New South Wales

Rosebrook in New South Wales offers a peaceful rural escape with hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and canoeing nearby, perfect for adventurers seeking quiet and nature.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town
Scone, New South Wales
⌖ 38.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Scone, New South Wales

Scone in New South Wales invites outdoor lovers to explore Australia's Horse Capital with scenic horseback riding, hiking trails, fishing spots, and peaceful camping close to the Hunter River and bushlands.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Muswellbrook, New South Wales
⌖ 38.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Muswellbrook, New South Wales

Muswellbrook offers outdoor lovers peaceful hiking, paddling, and mountain biking along the Hunter River and surrounding woodlands. With quiet trails, camping spots, and native wildlife, it’s a relaxed country escape.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Singleton, New South Wales
⌖ 39.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Singleton, New South Wales

Singleton, NSW, offers outdoor lovers a blend of hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and birdwatching amid Hunter Valley’s striking landscapes. With easy access to Wollemi National Park and the Hunter River, it’s a great base for nature and adventure activities year-round.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town
Luskintyre, New South Wales
⌖ 40.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Luskintyre, New South Wales

Luskintyre is a peaceful rural town in New South Wales known for its vintage aviation scene and countryside adventures like cycling, birdwatching, and horse riding — perfect for travelers seeking quiet outdoor escapes.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Barrington Tops National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Devils in the Wild: An Up‑Close Conservation Walk at Aussie Ark
ADVEXPEDITION
Tomalla, New South Wales
Guided TourADV Bookable

Devils in the Wild: An Up‑Close Conservation Walk at Aussie Ark

A fully guided, two‑hour tour at Aussie Ark in the Barrington Tops that puts you inside a working conservation program to see Tasmanian Devils, Eastern Quolls, brush‑tailed rock‑wallabies, potoroos and more.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Port Stephens: Dolphins, Dunes and a Day of Coastal Adrenaline
ADVEXPEDITION
Port Stephens, NSW
DolphinADV Bookable

Port Stephens: Dolphins, Dunes and a Day of Coastal Adrenaline

An 11‑hour day trip from Sydney that combines 4WD sandboarding on huge Stockton Beach dunes with a dolphin‑watching cruise in the Port Stephens marine playground—this guide distills the logistics and must‑know details for the Colourful Day Trip.

DolphinPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip