Step through a portal into the other-worldly charms of Antarctic Beech Forest walking track near Gloucester Tops in Barrington Tops National Park. You'll wander the lush landscape of the prehistoric Gondwana era on this medium walk near Gloucester, offering some spectacular birdwatching and scenic views.
Forming part of Gloucester Tops circuit, this medium track leads through airy sub-alpine woodlands of snow gums, before entering the shaded world of cool, temperate rainforest. The dense canopy of Antarctic beech is high above, vibrant moss carpets the ground, and the sharp smell of humus fills the air. Tree ferns crowd the track leading to some delightful, mossy cascades.
Dipping between forests of beech and eucalypt, this section is a favourite haunt of the rufous scrub-bird, one of Australia's rarest birds. Descending into a rocky gorge you'll see wild white water crashing over dramatic black rocks. After a steep climb out, you'll be ready to enjoy a bite at Gloucester Tops picnic area or Gloucester Falls picnic area.
Take a virtual tour of Antarctic Beech Forest walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Gloucester River and Gloucester Tops may be inaccessible during wet weather.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Antarctic Beech Forest walking track starts at Antarctic Beech Forest carpark in the Gloucester Tops precinct of Barrington Tops National Park. To get there:From Bucketts Way, between Gloucester and Stroud.Turn into Gloucester Tops Road and continue to Gloucester RiverContinue past the river for approximately 40 minutesTake the left fork to Antarctic Beech Forest carpark Road quality Unsealed roads Vehicle access 2WD vehicles Weather restrictions All weather Parking Parking is available opposite the track head, at Antarctic Beech Forest carpark.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
Barrington Tops National Park in the North Coast and Country NSW regions
Barrington Tops National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
If you have any great photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Barrington Tops National Park
Barrington Tops National Park
Barrington Tops National Park
Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
