Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park — Barrington Tops](/au/places/nsw/barrington-tops) National Park is a World Heritage-listed plateau rising to 1,577 m in the Hunter…

National Park in New South Wales

National ParkUNESCO

Written by Claire Ashworth· Updated 3 May 2026

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World Heritage Status of Barrington Tops National Park

Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site

About Barrington Tops National Park

[Barrington Tops](/au/places/nsw/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

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.

Warnings

Roads To Top Are Rough And Unsealed — 4WD Or High Clearance RecommendedCan Be Snowbound July–AugustNo Mobile Coverage On PlateauSelf-Sufficient Camping Required

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.

Nearest airport

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

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)
Hours: Open 24 hours. Some roads close in wet weather.

Location

Area: Cedar Dump
Region: Hunter Valley exc Newcastle
State: New South Wales

Good to Know

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.

Highlights

Ancient Antarctic Beech Forest (2,000+ Year Old Trees)Carey'S Peak (1,544 M) PanoramaPolblue Swamp And LagoonSnow In Winter MonthsWorld Heritage Rainforest

Activities

HikingCampingBirdwatchingSnow Activities (Winter)Fishing4WD TouringPhotography

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