FAMILY ADVENTURES IN GLOUCESTER
DAY 1
Grab a Picnic lunch and drive South out of Gloucester to Gloucester Tops, A family friendly day trip, Gloucester Falls picnic area offers walking, picnicking, rainforest, and waterfalls in Barrington Tops National Park, between Stroud and Gloucester.
Gloucester Tops circuit is an excellent option for a shorter day walk, and is a great walk to get a sense of the astonishing diversity within the Gloucester Tops area of Barrington Tops National Park.
Set out from Gloucester Falls picnic area for a along Gloucester Falls walking track. You’ll walk through open snow gum woodland to Andrew Laurie lookout, on the edge of the escarpment, and on to Gloucester Falls lookout. Join River walking track, and wander through sub-alpine woodland. Look out for swamp wallabies and grey kangaroos along this walk. In summer, bluebells, rice flowers and billy buttons are an extra treat. You'll then meet, Antarctic Beech Forest walking track, which features cool temperate rainforest with the canopy of Antarctic beech towering above the tree ferns and damp carpet of moss on the forest floor.
As you walk each track together or individually, keep in mind that you are walking through part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. This landscape is millions of years old and plays a critical role in protecting rare and threatened species and sustaining vital resources.
Gloucester Tops circuit is an excellent option for a shorter day walk, and is a great walk to get a sense of the astonishing diversity within the Gloucester Tops area of Barrington Tops National Park.
Set out from Gloucester Falls picnic area for a along Gloucester Falls walking track. You’ll walk through open snow gum woodland to Andrew Laurie lookout, on the edge of the escarpment, and on to Gloucester Falls lookout. Join River walking track, and wander through sub-alpine woodland. Look out for swamp wallabies and grey kangaroos along this walk. In summer, bluebells, rice flowers and billy buttons are an extra treat. You'll then meet, Antarctic Beech Forest walking track, which features cool temperate rainforest with the canopy of Antarctic beech towering above the tree ferns and damp carpet of moss on the forest floor.
As you walk each track together or individually, keep in mind that you are walking through part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. This landscape is millions of years old and plays a critical role in protecting rare and threatened species and sustaining vital resources.
Your family friendly accommodation, Old Schoolmasters Cottage on the Barrington River is the perfect place for the kids to run around. The historic Cottage is set on the banks of the rambling Barrington River and absorbs the beautiful and unspoiled Barrington River Valley. The outlook is spectacular: uninterrupted views to the western side of the Buccan Buccans (the Bucketts Mountains) and working river flats. The Cottage is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the surrounds, visit the Barrington and Gloucester Tops or to simply take the time to cherish a restorative and reviving break from City living.
DINNER
Enjoy the relaxed dining atmosphere of The Roundabout Inn
DAY 2
An early start for this one, enjoy The Bucketts Scenic Walk, is a hidden gem and it begins just a few kms from the township of Gloucester. You access the start of the trail via Bucketts Rd which is off Thunderbolts Way just after the bridge as you leave Gloucester. After an initial steep ascent through a paddock you are amongst Ferns, Orchids and Grass Tress. A scramble over the granite outcrops brings you to some special views over the fertile farm land below. Wildlife in the area includes the Wallaroo, Red-necked Wallaby, Burtons Lizard, Peregrine Falcons and the iconic Wedge tailed Eagle. The path is easy to follow and it leads you to many “lookout” spots. This walk is on private property so please stay on the walking track.
A complete loop will take you approx 2 hrs, it is best when there is low light in the morning or afternoon.
A complete loop will take you approx 2 hrs, it is best when there is low light in the morning or afternoon.
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BREAKFAST
Enjoy a well earnt breakfast at The Common
Enjoy the Billabong Park with Skate bowl, Flying Fox, swings and climbing equipment, the Gloucester District Park is a beautiful area to walk around. Follow the track that runs beside the Gloucester River. If you are really quiet and it's the right time of day, you may see a platypus!
DINNER
Enjoy dinner at Roadies Cafe (Wood Fired Pizza night - Thursday night) a great friendly relaxed environment to unpack the days activities
DAY 3
As you leave Gloucester, you will pick up Tourist Drive 2, one of the oldest Tourist Drives in NSW. Stop in Stroud, for morning tea at Billly T Cafe and Silo Hill is a must stop before you leave historical Stroud.