We did this ride in October with a support vehicle that carried our camping gear to each of the camps from Muswellbrook to Gloucester.  It was a much appreciated assistance (thanks Lindsay).  When you see the profiles, you will understand why.  This trip is not recommended during the winter months as the road is occasionally closed due to snowfalls.  Barrington Tops is a sub alpine climate and the weather can change quickly.

There was about 125kms of gravel road between Moonan Flat and Barrington, and from Wards River to Stroud Road.

Peaking at 1586 metres and with an area of more than 100 sq kms above 1400 metres, Barrington Tops is the highest tableland in the country outside the Australian Alps.

Subtropical rainforest grows at around 300-600 metres with a cool temperate rainforest occupying the misty heights from 700-1500 metres.  Sub alpine grasslands and swamps occupy many valleys of the Barrington Tops Plateau.  The relief and variety of the area’s landscapes have allowed a rich patchwork of plant communities to flourish.

For more information contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service shown on the Links page.

Caring for Barrington Tops

(Source – NPWS brochure)

• Please don’t feed wild animals.  This changes their natural feeding behaviour and makes them rely on humans for their food supply.  Feeding can make an animal sick or aggressive.

• Leave everything in a park as you find it –“take only photos and leave only footprints” – because all plants and animals, living or dead, are protected for the benefit of park wildlife.

• Please don’t pollute the creeks with soap, shampoo, detergent or human wastes.  Take rubbish home for proper disposal.

Safety

(Source – part from NPWS brochure)

Streams flow swiftly after rain.  Rocks can be slippery.  Do not jump or dive into water as it may be shallow or contain hidden logs.  Cliff tops can be slippery and hidden by vegetation.  Snakes, which may be seen in the warmer months, are best left alone.  For snake bite treatment read Tips.

As there is regular traffic along the Barrington Tops road, it should be possible to arrange for a passing motorist to transport a snake bite victim to either Scone Hospital or Gloucester Hospital for medical attention.  An identification of the type of snake, or its description will greatly assist in the treatment of the victim.

Do not rely on a mobile phone in this area, as signals may be patchy or non-existent.  If you have an EPIRB, you may wish to bring it with you for added safety.

It will be necessary to determine what fire bans exist before entering the National Park by phoning NPWS at Scone or Gloucester.  If there is a total fire ban, it will prohibit all fires, including the usual self contained stoves.  You should check on this before packing any of your food, as it may not be able to be heated if a total fire ban is in force.  This will also prevent water from being boiled, so alternate methods of purification may need to be considered.

Climate

Itinerary
Towns listed below that have distances marked ( ) are those where food/drink is expected/known and those marked [ ] are points of interest

I caught a late afternoon train from Newcastle.  Check the CityRail timetable for the Hunter Line on Links.  There are a number of pubs, motels and caravan parks nearby.  Refer to Tips regarding accommodation in this area.

You should carry food supplies to last through until arriving at Gloucester.  There were a variety of food shops and pub in Aberdeen, but there were no supplies between there and Gundy.  There is a pub and store with limited supplies and takeaways at Gundy.  I can only recall there being a pub at Moonan Flat.  They served us a meal that evening because I had arranged it a few weeks beforehand.  They normally do not provide meals every night of the week.  The pub had motel accommodation, and across the creek, we were able to camp in the sports field and use its showers and toilets for a nominal fee.

This was a tough day's ride, with a lot of walking.  It has a few big ups, and not many downs along a gravel forest road that is suitable for 2WD through to the camp at Polblue.  It is suggested that you should wear shoes that are comfortable for walking in, and carry bandaids in case of blisters.  The average gradient is about 6% for 18 kms of gravel road, and starts about 4 kms from Moonan flat.  Along the route, there is a Dingo Fence – please keep the gate closed.  There is a scenic lookout just beyond the dingo gate at Moonan Lookout (15kms).  Remember to occasionally stop while climbing and have a look back over the country that you have been through.  Water is available from streams in the area, but must be boiled before drinking.  Although water is shown to be available at The Firs Picnic Area (18kms) and at Polblue Camping area, it is advisable to carry sufficient water (at least 3 litres) to take you through a hard and potentially hot day until striking camp at Polblue. The camp has a picnic area with tables and chairs under shelter next to an open fireplace as well as bush toilets.  Water is nearby.  Please remember, don’t pollute the creeks with soap, shampoo, detergent or human wastes.  Take rubbish home for proper disposal.

It is suggested that water for the next day be boiled for at least 10 minutes and cooled for potting at Polblue camp before leaving for Gloucester on Day 3.

This ride starts with a big descent and then a climb again before running down beside the Bowman River towards Barrington and Gloucester.  It is wise to exercise caution on the gravel descents, as high speeds could be quite dangerous.  There are a number of quite steep descents on this road.  Constant braking will make your hands tired, and it will be necessary for you to stop regularly to give your hands a rest.  In addition, those bikes that do not have disk brakes, will experience rim heating from the constant braking.  Frequent stops will enable the rims to cool down and thereby minimise the risk of overheating, which may cause blowouts.  The gravel surface will continue until about 60kms from Polblue.  There are ample photo opportunities at Devils’ Hole Lookout (7kms); Thunderbolts Lookout; Moppy Lookout (16kms); Cobark Lookout (20kms); Gibsons Mill; and along the Bowman River.  Again, water is available from streams, but should be boiled before drinking.  There is no tank water available until Barrington Reserve (68kms).  No food or drink is expected to be available until Barrington with its fuel stop, post office and tourist information centre.  Ahhh! Then a decent shower at Gloucester Holiday Park!  There is a wide variety of eating establishments, pubs, etc in Gloucester, or just use the camp facilities.

If need be, this ride can be shortened by catching the booked XPT back to Broadmeadow - or beyond - from Gloucester.

This day’s ride is relatively easy compared to the earlier days, with rolling hills mainly through farmland and only a 10kms section of gravel along the Johnson Creek Rd.  The morning tea stop could be at Wards River, with an early lunch at Stroud Road, before rolling in to Dungog for something to eat at the bakery.  It is necessary to collect the Dungog Caravan Park key from the Caltex servo on the Chichester Rd.  It has a rattly timber bridge on one side and the North Coast railway line on the other, but be assured that sleep will not be a problem.  As the caravan park is on the eastern side of the railway line before you arrive in Dungog, you may choose to pitch camp before collecting the shower key.  There is a sizable deposit on the shower key and it is refundable on its return the next day.  It is about 1km from the Caravan Park to the shops, the nearest pub and food. 

If need be, this ride can be shortened by catching the regular train service back to Newcastle from Dungog.

After returning the Park key and visiting the bakery again, it will be off through the foothills and farmlands to Clarence Town for morning tea.  On the way to Raymond Terrace for lunch there are about 10kms of good gravel road.  From there it is back to civilisation and cars.

After crossing the Hexham Bridge on the off road cycleway, take the first turn to the left along the highway, near a couple of fuel stops.  This road avoids the roar of the traffic and follows the old road alongside the Hunter River.  It rejoins the highway after a few kilometres.

Near the cemetery at Sandgate, take the off road cycleway on the left of the road to avoid a dangerous intersection.

The Industrial Highway near Mayfield will eventually lead you to Wharf Rd at Wickham.  This will take you to finish the ride at Newcastle Railway Station.  If you wanted to camp overnight before going home or extending your trip, the closest caravan park is a quick ferry trip across the harbour to Stockton.  There are all types of accommodation available in Newcastle, including YHA.

Use the Links page to obtain timetables for CityRail services from Newcastle and domestic airline flights from Williamtown.