If wild coastlines, getting cosy by the fire, and reconnecting with nature are also your winter vibe, the Barrington Coast is the perfect weekend escape. Emma spent three days uncovering the area’s best-kept secrets for a cosy and adventure-filled long weekend.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place, who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

About Barrington Coast

The Barrington Coast, just three hours north of Sydney, is an underrated winter weekend gem waiting to be explored. Think bush walks with ocean views, peaceful campsites right by the beach, and the chance to come face to face with Grey Nurse sharks.

From Forster and Seal Rocks to Harrington and Old Bar, there are endless coastal nooks and crannies to explore. The Pacific Palms area is full of cute country beach towns, including Boomerang Beach, Blueys Beach, and Smiths Lake, quieter spots for enjoying an idyllic winter coastal getaway, minus the traffic and crowds.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

How to Get to Barrington Coast

From Sydney, drive north via the Pacific Motorway, which eventually becomes the Pacific Highway. Depending on your final stop, the easy scenic drive will take around three hours.

 

Where to Stay on a Barrington Coast Road Trip

Embrace the cold weather and find some great campsites where fires are permitted. Nothing beats being snuggled up in the cold, toasting marshmallows under the stars.

Kylies Beach Campground, Crowdy Bay National Park

This campground is a magical combo of bush and beach, just steps from the ocean and surrounded by scenic walking tracks through the forest. A great little spot for wildlife, hiking, and camping close to the beach.

Yagon Campground, Seal Rocks

Campfires under the stars and a short walk to the beach for sunrise are two highlights of this spot. Tucked away from the main part of Seal Rocks for a bit more privacy, just be aware of the goannas.

 

 

Gloucester River Campground, Barrington Tops National Park

This is a beautiful scenic riverside spot for a picnic or camping. It’s a great base for exploring the nearby rainforest or relaxing by the water to the peaceful sounds of nature.

Where to Eat on a Barrington Coast Road Trip

Single Fin Coffee, Seal Rocks

Single Fin Coffee is a great place to grab a coffee and a bite to eat before exploring Seal Rocks. Right by the water, this tiny coffee caravan is super cute and very friendly.

Fish n Chips at Forster

I know it might seem a bit wrong to eat fish and chips right after scuba diving and admiring all the cute fish… but the local spots are seriously good. Whether you’re after the full spread or just some top-tier chips, you’re spoiled for choice here.

Essential Gear

  • A warm sleeping bag
  • Warm clothes – thermals, beanie, whatever you need to stay warm, especially at night!
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Decent hiking shoes
  • Firewood
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Swimmers
  • Extra warm clothes for between and after dives

Barrington Coast Winter Weekend Itinerary

Day 1 – Sydney to Crowdy Bay National Park

Distance: 350km
Duration: 4 hours

We left Sydney nice and early to beat the traffic, making our way north towards Crowdy Bay National Park.

We made a quick stop at Crowdy Head Lighthouse for scenic views over the Pacific Ocean before continuing to the stunning area of Diamond Head. Several campsites here provide direct access to hiking trails that wind through the bush and along the coast; a gorgeous combo. We chose the Kylies Beach campsite for the first night.

The 6km Kylies Beach via Forest Walk was the perfect way to spend the afternoon, and adding on the small detours to Natural Arch and Mermaid Lookout was so worth it! Winter is a great time for hiking as the cooler temps mean no sweaty climbs, and it’s also your best chance for spotting whales off the coast.

As we were settling in at camp, we ran into some cute bouncing locals hanging out on the sand.

Day 2 – Crowdy Bay National Park to Seal Rocks

Distance: 120km
Duration: 2 hours

Leaving Crowdy Bay and heading towards Seal Rocks, we stopped in at Forster for a winter scuba dive. If scuba diving isn’t your thing, there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel or free dive, try out Haydens Reef or The Tanks. The cooler water brings better visibility and different marine life, as well as the best chance of diving with Grey Nurse sharks.

 

 

During our boat dive with Dive Foster, we were taken to Latitude Rock and The Pinnacle, which are known for their incredible diving opportunities with sharks, sea turtles, and rays.

Diving down deep into the ocean trenches, we tried to remain still and low amongst the seaweed. After a bit of patience, a Grey Nurse swam right over us, then another and another. The amount of wildlife was unreal, with schools of fish passing between us so large, we could hardly see each other. The Wobbegongs and rays were the cherry on top!

After resurfacing and warming up, we continued on to Seal Rocks to spend the afternoon exploring. The trail to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse was a steep 1km walk, with incredible views from the top and a stunning place to set up an afternoon picnic looking back over Lighthouse Beach. We even saw a pod of dolphins playing in the waves from the hill.

 

Day 3 – Seal Rocks to Barrington Tops National Park

Distance: 130km
Duration: 2 hours

After grabbing a morning brew at Single Fin Coffee and saying goodbye to the many beautiful beaches around Seal Rocks, we stopped by Myall Lakes. If the weather’s nice and you’re up to braving the cold water again, this is a great spot for a dip or some stand up paddleboarding.

Read more: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

 

 

After lunch by the lake, we (very sadly) started making our way back to Sydney. If we had more time, we would’ve headed to Barrington Tops National Park, a great place to extend a weekend getaway by an extra day.

Gloucester River Campground is a gorgeous campground to set up base for some beautiful hikes. Two favourites are the Gloucester Tops Circuit and the Blue Gum Loop. Stop in at Gloucester Falls for a scenic and accessible spot for a swim or just relax by the water. Keep an eye out for wildlife like wombats and all sorts of birds. If you’re REALLY lucky, you may even glimpse snow.

Tips for a Barrington Coast Winter Weekend

  • If you’re like me and absolutely hate being cold while scuba diving, make sure you ask for the thickest wetsuit available, get diving socks, boots, and a hood. It makes a world of difference, even if it’s all very awkward to get on
  • When hiking and camping, layers are key. Even when the days are nice, the nights can get cold. Bring a warm sleeping bag, a waterproof jacket, and decent hiking shoes. And don’t forget your swimmers!
  • Make the most of the cooler weather and do all those hikes that are either too overcrowded or sweaty to do in the summer. Plus, there’s the chance of spotting migrating whales along the coast
  • Most campsites, including Kylies Beach, Yagon, and Gloucster River, are open all year but can get busy on long weekends. Book ahead and check for any alerts before heading off. Do your research and find a campsite where fires are allowed, especially in winter, to help keep warm and cosy

 

Find More Adventures on the Barrington Coast

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