Barrington Tops National Park
National Park in New South Wales
Written by Claire Ashworth· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
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World Heritage Status
- Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
About Barrington Tops National Park
Barrington Tops National Park is a World Heritage-listed plateau rising to 1,577 m in the Hunter hinterland, protecting outstanding cool temperate rainforest including ancient Antarctic beech trees up to 2,000 years old. The plateau receives heavy snowfall in winter and is the source of several important river systems. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
About
Barrington Tops National Park is a World Heritage-listed plateau rising to 1,577 m in the Hunter hinterland, protecting outstanding cool temperate rainforest including ancient Antarctic beech trees up to 2,000 years old. The plateau receives heavy snowfall in winter and is the source of several important river systems. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
History & Significance
Barrington Tops is a World Heritage-listed plateau that forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, recognised for its outstanding cool temperate rainforest containing ancient Antarctic beech trees up to 2,000 years old. The plateau is the source of several important river systems and represents a significant relict of Australia's prehistoric rainforest heritage. The site was listed as part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area due to its exceptional biodiversity and geological significance.
Sources & References
Warnings
Getting There
Drive 250 km north of Sydney via Pacific Highway to Gloucester (3.5 hours), then 70 km on unsealed Gloucester Tops Road (allow 2 hours). Alternatively access from Scone via Barrington.
Parking
Free parking at campground areas (Gloucester Tops, Carey's Peak, Polblue). Limited parking capacity at trailheads; arrive early during peak times. Unsealed roads require 4WD or high-clearance vehicles — standard vehicles not recommended. No dedicated accessible parking facilities.
Visitor Tips
- •Polblue campground is the best base for exploring the plateau. Visit Carey's Peak at sunrise for views over the coast and tablelands — one of the finest panoramas in NSW.
Cultural Significance
Barrington Tops is a World Heritage-listed plateau that forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, recognised for its outstanding cool temperate rainforest containing ancient Antarctic beech trees up to 2,000 years old. The plateau is the source of several important river systems and represents a significant relict of Australia's prehistoric rainforest heritage. The site was listed as part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area due to its exceptional biodiversity and geological significance.
Sources & References
Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site
- Significance
- World Heritage
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Free
- Duration
- 1–3 days
- Best Time
- Spring–Autumn (October–May); winter for snow (roads may close)
Location
- Region
- Hunter Valley / Mid North Coast
- State
- New South Wales
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- Best for ages 8+; walking difficulty varies from easy to moderate-hard depending on trail choice. Young children may struggle with rough road access and altitude.
- Shade/Cover
- Good shade/cover
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
No cafes or restaurants on plateau. Self-sufficient camping required; bring all food and water supplies.
Features
Facilities
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