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Barrington Tops Barrington Tops is a plateau of incredible diversity, separating the valleys of the Hunter and Manning Rivers. Rugged ranges fall away on all sides of the plateau, encompassing National Park, State Forest and Crown Land. The major roads in the area are pretty good, and a lot are accessible by 2WD… but it pays to be prepared. This I was not expecting. When you're changing tyres in off road areas, remember a couple of important things. Always chock the tyre diagonally opposite to the punctured one. Secondly, put the flat tyre under the vehicle. This will act as a buffer should the jack give way. Wheel or axle damage is something we really don't need! As we forge on, I discover a magic rainforest walk near a place called Honeysuckles… Then just a few kilometres up the road - we're in swamplands.. The variety of Barrington goes beyond the vegetation… there are a heap of tracks off the main roads, which provide plenty of opportunity to get your 4WD dirty! At the next turn, we're into forests of Douglas Fir, where I got a good look at this Lyre Bird… He's not on the endangered list yet, but these parts are home to more than 50 species listed as rare or threatened… It's a good idea to give the local Rangers a call when planning a trip like this… so they know your general whereabouts if something goes wrong. And they can let you know about any road blockages… unless they don't know about it themselves… There's absolutely no way under or over this… we're going to have to find another way around… On our alternative route, we discover a pretty little mountain top stream… this trickle is headed down the mountain to join the Hunter… I'm also heading down the mountain, to find a comfortable stopover for the night. The Barringtons Country Retreat has private lodges that make the perfect place to unwind after a huge day in the Tops… Or, better still, as a base to keep exploring this vast and diverse wilderness. Barrington Tops World Heritage Area is between Dungog and Gloucester… about 3 or 4 hours drive from Sydney. For 4WD permits, maps and information, contact National Parks and Wildlife at Gloucester, or Visitor Information at Dungog or Gloucester. Our stopover point was the Barringtons Country Retreat at Chichester Dam, via Dungog. 2 night mid week escapes here start at $448.80 per couple including dinner and a picnic hamper. Or you can call Tourism NSW visitor information line for more details about great short break packages right across the Hunter Region. |
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Barrington Tops 4WD Permits & Maps Accommodation Cost Tourism NSW |
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