Gloucester

History & country charm 

Tucked into the foothills of the Buccan Buccans (Bucketts Mountains) in the Barrington Coast hinterland, Gloucester is surrounded by lush green dairy and cattle farms. Founded in the early 19th century, the town boomed during the gold rush of 1876. Learn more about its early mining heritage on a tour of the Mountain Maid gold mine. 

Gloucester, Barrington Coast

There’s more fascinating local history waiting at the Gloucester Museum, with photographs and memorabilia dating back to European arrival in the area in 1826 as well as Aboriginal artefacts on display. Legendary bushranger Captain Thunderbolt roamed this area in the early 1800s and the magnificent Thunderbolts Lookout is named after him, offering stunning views across the plateau between Gloucester and Scone. 

Thunderbolts Lookout at Barrington National Park, Hunter Valley

Wilderness adventures 

The majestic Barrington Tops National Park is just a short drive from Gloucester, with more than 74,000 hectares of untouched wilderness to explore. The popular Gloucester Tops Circuit combines three bushwalks in a seven-kilometre loop, taking you through temperate rainforest, sub-alpine woodland and vast tracts of snow gums. Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and grey kangaroos.

Thunderbolts Lookout, Barrington Tops National Park

Canoe or kayak along the Barrington River, paddling through calm gorges or across white water rapids. The exhilarating Barrington Bike Park has a network of mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to expert, climbing 370 metres in the foothills of Barrington Tops. Nearby, The Steps Barrington Mountain Bike Park has 3.5 kilometres of riding trails and a dedicated skills building area. 

Barrington River, Barrington Coast

The compact Woko National Park is also nearby, offering wild landscapes and steep terrain. Follow a walking trail, set up camp by the Manning River or just float along the gentle current on an air mattress. In the Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, join an Aboriginal guide on a tour to learn about their ancestors’ ancient connections to the land and the secrets of bush tucker. 

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, Barrington

Local produce 

Meet the makers and pick up delicious fresh produce at the Gloucester Farmers Market, held on the second Saturday of each month. There are a number of wineries dotted around the region – drop in to the cellar doors at Gloucester River Wines, Mograni Creek, Faulls Ridge and Gap Hill Wines for a tasting. 

Gloucester Farmers Market at Billabong Park, Gloucester

Getting there & where to stay 

Gloucester is part of the beautiful Barrington Coast. It’s just over three hours’ drive north of Sydney and around 90 minutes from Newcastle Airport. It’s also only an hour west of Forster’s sandy beaches. Take a scenic train trip from Sydney to Gloucester via the Central Coast and Maitland, which takes around 4.5 hours. 

The Ridge Eco-Cabins, Gloucester - Credit: The Ridge, Gloucester

Accommodation in and around Gloucester ranges from motels and country pubs to holiday cottages, stylish mountain retreats, glamping tents and farm stays. You will also find many picturesque camping options within Barrington Tops National Park, from riverside locations to sites in open bushland. Some campsites are accessible only by 4WD.