Gloucester River Campground is a Quiet Forest & Fauna Hotspot in NSW’s Barrington Tops National Park

If you enjoy a camping trip that’s quiet, filled with nature, calm creek dips, and curious fauna, Gloucester River Campground in NSW’s Barrington Tops National Park has everything you could want.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Biripi, Worimi, Guringai, Geawegal, and Wonaruah people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Tucked into the eastern corner of NSW’s Barrington Tops National Park is Gloucester River Campground, a quiet pocket of peaceful rainforest a rush with birds and trees. A stay here means experiencing First Nations tracks in the area and witnessing the bold and curious wildlife for yourself.

Gloucester River Campground Quick Facts

Time from Sydney: 4 hours’ drive
How long to stay: 2-3 days depending on if you’re hiking
Nearest town: Gloucester township (a few kilometres before the turn-off to the campground)
Price: From $24.60 per night
Camping type: Tents, camper trailers, caravans
Facilities: Toilets, unpowered sites, unmarked sites, barbecue facilities, and picnic tables

About Gloucester River Campground

There are a lot of popular reasons to visit Barrington Tops, famous for its icy roads and snowy vistas during winter, but its reputation for a summer road trip isn’t as well known. Gloucester River Campground is a great home base to explore the many activities in Barrington Tops National Park, including hiking, trail biking, and 4WDing. But my favourite activity during my stay was simply sitting still among the birds and critters.

Gloucester River History

Beyond the Gondwana rainforests of Barrington Tops, the national park and conservation area has a revered history among both the local First Nations Peoples and the early conservation groups of NSW.

Some areas of the national park acted as the main trading place for Biripi, Worimi, Guringai, Geawegal, and Wonaruah People. Barrington Tops, Gloucester, and its surrounding conservation area share a deep ecological connection to the First Nations Peoples through its diverse fauna and flora, original forest tracks, trading routes, and camping areas.

How to Get to Gloucester River Campground

Driving really is the best way to experience this campground. Particularly if you have a 4WD, with the Barrington Tops scenic drive a must-do when visiting between October and May.

Read more: How to 4WD for Beginners

From Sydney: It’s a four-hour drive along the M1 and Pacific Highway north all the way to Gloucester Tops Road in Invergordon. Then follow signs to the campground.

From Brisbane: It’s a seven-hour drive along the M1 and Pacific Highway south until you reach the exit to Gloucester Tops Road. Then follow signs to the campground.

Where to Eat Near Gloucester River Campground

There are many little cafes in Gloucester, around a 45-minute drive away.

I visited The Common, which offers coffees and pastries but there are many others in the strip to choose from. I recommend topping up any ice or firewood you need in Gloucester.

Skill Level

Beginner

If you’re new to the outdoors, Gloucester River Campground is a great spot for your first camping trip. There are plenty of picnic tables around, with fire pits that have billy hooks and hot plates (BYO firewood). There are pit toilets but no drinking water or showers available.

Read more: 7 Water Purification Methods for the Outdoors

Essential Gear

• Camping gear (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, etc.)
• Firewood
• Binoculars (for the birdwatching)
• Camera
• Long pants and tops to keep insects off you
• Swimmers for a dip in the creek
• Drinking water
• Food for a few days
• A camp chair or hammock
• A good book!
• Walking shoes

Read more: What to Pack in Your Hiking First Aid Kit

What It’s Like to Visit Gloucester River Campground

I travelled to Gloucester River Campground over the holiday period in December. Given it was in the busier part of the year, I expected to come across a few more road trippers before my stay was over but there really wasn’t a single other person in sight.

Arriving at the campground, I felt the overwhelming sensation of deep quiet rush over me. Though there were plenty of natural sounds like rushing water and calls of wildlife, the fauna seemed surprised that there was even a single human in the area. Wrens and lyrebirds curiously approached me and the car for closer inspection.

It’s easy to understand the connection to place here, with usually shy Superb lyrebirds roaming freely through the cleared space and even wombats and pademelons pottering around without any concern for humans.

Read more: Remember to Leave No Trace

If you’re a keen Explorer that enjoys the unperturbed fauna, I recommend the short walks from the campground either at sunrise or sunset to witness the forest come to life.

Walks From Gloucster River Campground

Sharpes Creek Walking Track

Distance: 2.5km loop
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

Gloucester River Walking Track

Distance: 1.5km loop
Duration: ~2 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

Read more: Leeches: How to Remove, Avoid, and Appreciate Them

Tips for Visiting Gloucester River Campground

• It’s best to book Gloucester River Campground in advance through the NSW National Parks booking site
• Bring your own processed firewood due to protected trees and relics
• Check the causeway crossings after rainfall and never drive through floodwaters!
• Even in summer, Barrington Tops can get quite cold, so bring a spare blanket or sleeping bag

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

Gloucester River Campground FAQs

Can you swim in Gloucester River?

Yes you can swim in the Gloucester River, there’s a small swimming hole near the Gloucester River Campground.

Can you take a caravan to Barrington Tops?

Yes you can take a caravan to some areas in Barrington Tops, including Gloucester River Campground.

Do you need a 4WD for Barrington Tops?

No a 4WD isn’t necessary to reach many spots in Barrington Tops, including Gloucester River Campground, however there are unsealed roads throughout the national park and wider area. There are 4WD specific driving trails in the national park, such as the Barrington Trail.

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