Weekend Adventure in Barrington Tops
The promise of fresh mountain air, winding dirt roads, and starry night skies lured us out of the city for a weekend of mild 4WDing and camping in Barrington Tops National Park. With our troopy packed with supplies and more than enough snacks to last a week—I closed the laptop and hit the road late on Friday afternoon, fueled by the thrill of adventure.
The boys had an advantage, they skipped out on the Friday grind and took off early and headed up the Tops early Friday morning to get a day of adventure under their belts.
This has become somewhat an annual tradition now, with us looking to escape and stay at Little Murry’s campground the last week before it closes for the winter, but more on that later.
Leaving behind the city traffic, the drive to Gloucester was a transition from urban hustle to rural charm. I stopped stopped for a quick coffee and fuel top-up in Gloucester, knowing that beyond this point, supplies were scarce. As we approached the foothills of Barrington Tops, the landscape transformed—rolling green pastures gave way to dense eucalyptus forests, and the air turned crisp and earthy.
The real adventure began as we turned onto Barrington Tops Forest Road, marking the start of our ascent into the highlands. With the window down, we could hear the bellbirds and other native calls echoing through the trees. Our first stop, Cobark Lookout, was a perfect teaser of what lay ahead—endless mountain ranges layered in hues of green and blue.
Whilst out of your car this is a great spot to air down your tires before continuing along Barrington Tops Forrest Road, be mindful that occasionally slowing down for kangaroos and the odd curious brumby peeking through the bush is required. The Barrington Fire Trail marked the true 4WD section, and while it wasn’t extreme, it was enough to get a sedan into trouble as you navigated dips, ruts, and puddles.
Arriving at Little Murray Campground, you’ll be immediately struck by the tranquility of the place. The open, grassy expanse is often framed by wild Scotch Broom, with the gentle trickle of Little Murray Creek adding to the peaceful ambiance. As i was arriving late i seen a herd of brumbies grazed nearby, completely unbothered by my arrival. Setting up camp is an easy affair with the troopy —It was time to settle in and catch up with the lads on how their first day went, a few beers were had as we swapped stories and listening to the distant calls of nocturnal birds with the fire crackling away, warding off the evening chill. The sheer remoteness of the campsite was refreshing—no phone signal, no artificial noise, just nature at its finest.
That first night, the temperature dropped sharply, a stark reminder of the altitude. Sleeping is layers is a hint, as we fell asleep to the sounds of the wilderness, excited for what lay ahead.
Itinerary
Friday:
Depart Sydney around 9 AM
Lunch stop in Gloucester (~3.5hr drive)
Refuel and check in with the NPWS office (track conditions)
Enter Barrington Tops via Barrington Forest Road
Quick stop at Cobark Lookout for sweeping views
Then down the road a few kilometers to Thunderbolt Lookout for more incredible valley views
Navigate the Barrington Fire Trail to Little Murray Campground (~5km in, 25min drive)
Set up camp and enjoy a quiet night under the stars
Saturday:
Early morning drive to explore Cock Rock
Stop at explore Polblue,
Optional Walk - Polblue Swamp track through high altitude wetlands.
Lunch at Junction Pools, a stunning remote area (Good swimming holes)
Optional 4WDing and bushwalking in the afternoon
Back to camp for a well-earned evening around the fire
Sunday:
Pack up camp and head towards Dingo Gate
Stop at The Pines, a historic Douglas fir plantation
Then head through the Dingo Gate and take in a final scenic moment at Barrington Tops Forest Road
Start your descend towards Moonan Flat
Lunch at Moonan Flat Pub before the drive back to Sydney
Trip Highlights
✅ Cobark Lookout – Stunning views as you enter the park
✅ Thunderbolt Lookout – Another incredible panoramic viewpoint
✅ Little Murray Campground – Wide open, peaceful, and perfect for stargazing
✅ Cock Rock – A quirky rock formation hidden in the woods
✅ Barrington Fire Trail – A winding dirt road with breathtaking views below
✅ Polblue – A high altitude wetlands.
✅ The Pines – A moody Douglas fir plantation with a unique history
✅ Junction Pools – Remote and picturesque, the perfect lunch stop
✅ Dingo Gate – Your exit point with incredible valley vistas
✅ Moonan Flat Pub – A classic country pub for a satisfying end to the trip
Notable 4WD Tracks
Barrington Fire Trail – Entry to the backcountry, best suited for 4WD
Pheasants Creek Road – Connects to scenic campgrounds, including The Firs
Junction Pools Track – Leads to remote camping and hiking spots
Bull Ridge Road / Bungaree trail - Difficult 4wd Track - Winch Required
Notable Bushwalks
Aeroplane Hill Walking Trail – Begins at Junction Pools, a must for hikers
Gloucester Tops Circuit – A stunning 8km walk through diverse landscapes
Antarctic Beech Forest Walk – A lush, mossy rainforest trail
Essential Gear
Water (drinking and washing)
Camping gear (tent/swag, cooking equipment)
Food and snacks for the weekend
4WD with good clearance
Hiking boots & weather-appropriate clothing
First-aid kit & emergency supplies
Head torch & firewood (if camping in winter)
Skill Level
4WDing – Beginner to Intermediate (some tracks require low-range capability and a winch)
Hiking – Beginner to Advanced (depending on the chosen trails)
Alternative Campgrounds
Junction Pools – Remote, smaller sites, best for those seeking solitude
Devils Hole Campground – A good option near Gloucester Tops
Horse Swamp Campground – Another secluded spot with great access to trails
Video Links
Tips for the Trip
✔️ Check NPWS for track closures – Weather can impact road conditions
✔️ Refuel in Gloucester – No fuel stops beyond this point
✔️ Watch for wildlife – Brumbies, roos, and wombats frequent these roads
✔️ Layer up – Temperatures drop significantly at night
✔️ Leave no trace – Pack out all rubbish and respect the environment
Final Thoughts
A weekend in Barrington Tops is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. From winding 4WD tracks and scenic lookouts to peaceful campgrounds and historic landmarks, the region offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether it’s your first time tackling a 4WD track or you’re a seasoned explorer, this slice of NSW wilderness will keep you coming back for more.
Until next time, Barrington!
