Sharpes Creek walking track is a 4.5km, grade 4 hike located in the Barrington Tops National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.5 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
An invigorating walk to enliven the senses, moderate Sharpes Creek walking track combines an environment of river, rainforest and gums with excellent wildlife and birdwatching. It's truly a great adventure for friends or family on a camping holiday, in the river country of Barrington Tops National Park near Gloucester River campground.
You'll cross the creek several times, so keep an eye out for platypus and eastern water dragons. Smooth dark lumps of basalt stand out in the creek bed, carried down from the slopes above, creating an eye catching hump in the river. The track winds up through the valley as lush rainforest gives way to drier eucalypt forest.
Soak in the scenic views of the canopy and beyond as Sydney blue gums soar overhead. You may see rare rufous fantails or golden whistlers flitting among the trees. Retrace your steps or opt for the steep climb up to the road, lined with huge grass trees. For a longer loop add in the Gloucester River walking track then round off your day with a refreshing swim and a hearty barbecue beside the river.
Route and GPX file
If you have a GPX or KML file for this hike and are happy to share it, please upload your file here.
Tips
If retracing your steps, the walk is 3km return. If opting to walk back via the road, it will be a harder track of 4.5km.
The heart-shaped leaves of the rainforest giant stinging tree can inflict a painful sting, so be cautious, particularly with children.
It's a good idea to bring a topographic map, compass and GPS.
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Gloucester River and Gloucester Tops may be inaccessible during periods of wet weather
Toilets and picnic facilities are located at Gloucester River campground
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.
Trail location
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Getting there
Sharpes Creek walking track starts from Gloucester River campground 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 River campground Parking Parking is available at Gloucester River campground.
Gallery
If you have any 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.
About the region
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.
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Gear to consider

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Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.