Recreation in State forests of the Upper Barrington Tops

The State forests of the Barrington Tops are a great place for bushwalking, photography, swimming, fishing and four-wheel-driving. Many people are surprised to hear that some of the forests have a logging history stretching back to the 1820s, with evidence of this history scattered throughout these forests today.

While popular over the summer months when sites along the plateau can provide welcome relief from the searing heat of the nearby valley, thousands of visitors are drawn to the area by winter snowfalls. However, check weather and road conditions before you leave as many of the roads can be closed during winter. Listen to the local radio station for details or contact State Forests Hunter region office for details Ph: (02) 4927 2900.

Access to Barrington Tops is via Barrington Tops Forest Road. This road was constructed during the 1970s by the Forestry Commission (as State Forests was then known) to access valuable timber from the area. Now it is a major tourist route. From Gloucester head south along Barrington and Scone Road, which then becomes Barrington Forest Road at the entrance to the forest.

Picnic Areas

Area	Facilities	Map Ref
The Firs Picnic Area		B - 4
Manning River Camping and Picnic Area		C - 3

Camping grounds

Area	Facilities	Map Ref
Manning River Camping and Picnic Area		C - 3
Moonan Outlook and Camp		B - 4

Lookouts

Area	Facilities	Map Ref
Moonan Outlook and Camp		B - 4

Walking Trails

Trail	Grade			Map Ref
	Easy	Medium	Hard
The Firs Walking Trail 500m loop trail (1 hour)				B - 4
Easy: suitable for all age groups and levels of fitness, generally gentle grades. Medium : suitable for people with an average level of fitness, contains some steeper grades. Hard : suitable only for people with a good level of fitness, contains steep grades and rough sections of track.

More Information

The Lower North Coast Forest Map showing recreation areas, special features and roads is available for purchase from the State Forest Information Centre on 1300 655 687 or your local Forests NSW office (rrp $9.85 plus $1 postage).

For specific information about the State forests in this area please contact Forests NSW Central Region office during business hours on (02) 6585 3744.