Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Barrington Tops National Park with the Link Trail, a challenging yet rewarding experience for seasoned hikers and mountain bikers. This 38-kilometer, grade 4 trail winds its way from Gloucester Tops to the Barrington Plateau, offering stunning views and diverse landscapes along the way.
The Link Trail is typically completed in one to two days, providing a fantastic opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Connecting the renowned Gloucester Tops with the Barrington Plateau, the trail caters to both experienced bushwalkers and mountain bikers seeking adventure.
The path follows a narrow, tree-lined ridge that divides the Kerripit and Chichester Rivers. Hikers will encounter unique hanging swamps and towering forests of messmate and Antarctic beech as they traverse the moderate track. As you ascend towards the plateau, the scenery transforms, with sub-alpine snow gums replacing the lush forests below. The challenging climb culminates at Careys Peak lookout, where you'll be rewarded with some of the most magnificent panoramic views in the entire park.
After soaking in the breathtaking views, you can choose to rest your weary legs and camp overnight at Wombat Creek campground before returning to Gloucester Falls picnic area. Alternatively, for those seeking further exploration, a network of scenic walks beckons, inviting you to delve deeper into the pristine high country.
- Enhance your wildlife spotting: Pack binoculars to identify the park's abundant birdlife.
- Safe navigation: Consider bringing a topographic map, compass, and GPS device for safe navigation during your explorations in the park.
- Trail closures: This walk may be closed due to weather events or fire hazards. For the latest information, contact the Gloucester National Parks and Wildlife Service office on 02 6538 5300.
- Restrooms: While not available directly on the trail, public toilets can be found at Gloucester Falls picnic area and Wombat Creek campground.
- Challenging trek: This is a challenging 38-kilometer return journey. Only experienced bushwalkers with proper fitness and preparation should attempt to complete it in a single day.
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Total distance: 33475 m
Max elevation: 1553 m
Min elevation: 1288 m
Total climbing: 945 m
Total descent: -945 m
Getting to the trailhead: Barrington Tops National Park.
Accessing the Link Trail requires navigating to the Gloucester Tops precinct of Barrington Tops National Park. Travelers coming from Bucketts Way, located between Gloucester and Stroud, can turn onto Gloucester Tops Road and follow it until reaching the Gloucester River. Continue past the river for roughly 35 minutes. Keep an eye out for the right turn onto Kerrepit Road. Follow Kerrepit Road all the way to its conclusion, where you’ll find a designated parking area conveniently situated at the Link Trail trailhead. Here, you can prepare for your multi-day adventure or challenging day trip on this scenic trail.
Closest towns to this walk: Dungog, Ebor, Gloucester, Merriwa, Moonan Brook, Moonan Flat, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Nabiac, Scone, Singleton, Stroud, Wingen, Wingham
The Barrington Tops National Park offers a diverse range of experiences for every visitor. Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, teeming with ancient walking trails, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking lookouts. Explore the park's extensive network of walking tracks, catering to all levels, from gentle strolls to challenging overnight hikes. Scenic picnic areas and cycling trails provide perfect options for day trips.
Carved by ancient volcanic flows, the park boasts one of mainland Australia's largest temperate rainforests. Rising from near sea level to over 1,500 metres, it encompasses diverse habitats teeming with birdlife and animals. Camping enthusiasts can find designated spots for an unforgettable evening under the stars.
For those seeking adventure, options abound. Kayak across serene waters, challenge yourself with abseiling, or explore the terrain on a mountain bike. At the foothills, Chichester State Forest offers stunning scenery along the Allyn River, with campsites even welcoming your canine companions.
Beyond the park, discover the charming towns of Dungog and Gloucester. Gloucester, nicknamed the "basecamp for Barrington Tops," provides a welcoming gateway to your Gondwana adventures. Enjoy a refreshing dip in Ladies Well on a hot day, or venture further for hiking and picnicking opportunities in nearby Mount Royal National Park. Trout fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the Gloucester River between October and June.
Barrington Tops National Park, a magnificent region near the Hunter Valley and Upper Hunter, is easily accessible. Just a few hours' drive north of Sydney or a short trip from Newcastle and Port Stephens, this World Heritage wonder awaits exploration.
Looking for more walks in or near Barrington Tops National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
