Learn about this rural town’s gold mining heritage and enjoy outdoor pursuits among its Arctic beech forest, rushing river rapids and vineyards.
The small agricultural town of Gloucester has much more to offer than just timber and cattle. Trek through a UNESCO-listed rainforest, taste wine in vineyards, hurtle down rapids in a raft and go mountain biking in stunning national park surrounds.
The landscape of this region features some truly unforgettable scenery. Discover more about the history of the agricultural settlers at the Gloucester Museum, housed in the original Gloucester Shire Council Chambers building, which dates back to 1909. The museum displays a range of artefacts and memorabilia, from historical photographs to items used in daily pioneer life.
Wander around Gloucester town and admire the historic houses and school built during the 1800s. In the 19th century, gold was discovered in nearby Copeland. Find out more about the region’s gold-mining history on a guided tour of the Mountain Maid gold mine at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. The Hidden Treasure hiking track weaves through the dry rainforest past an old stamper battery and the disused mine entrance.
Adventurers will love exploring Barrington Tops National Park, once the hideout of the notorious bushranger, Captain Thunderbolt (Fred Ward). The park also hosts Devil Ark, a conservation breeding programme for the Tasmanian devil. Book your visit in advance to ensure you see these characterful and very noisy marsupials.
Hike through a UNESCO-listed rainforest and prehistoric Gondwana-era Antarctic beech forest at Barrington Tops. Listen out for rustling in the undergrowth: lyrebird, black pademelon and wombats all dwell here.
Book a white-water adventure on the Barrington River or an abseiling excursion on the Bucketts rock formation. For something more relaxing, opt for a wine-tasting session at Tugwood Wines or Faulls Ridge winery.
Drive west from Forster for an hour to reach Gloucester in New South Wales. The town has a number of cafés and restaurants to choose from, many of which serve locally grown produce. A gateway to the natural playground of the Barrington, Gloucester has an abundance of things to see and do in all seasons.
