Confession time, this is the drive that turned me from a Sydney visitor into a permanent local. Gloucester Tops has that effect on people.

Rolling farmland gives way to towering forest as the road climbs, and somewhere along the way you stop thinking about going home.

This is the eastern precinct of Barrington Tops National Park, and it’s an easy, rewarding day even if you’re not looking to relocate your whole life over it.

Good to know

Barrington Tops National Park is one of a few parks here where a NPWS pass is not required, so come and enjoy the beauty of this park precinct freely.

Best from spring through autumn for walking weather. Pack warm layers no matter the season, the mountain air doesn’t care what the calendar says, plus picnic supplies and plenty of water.

There are six river ford crossings on the road up and a splashy river crossing will always make the kids smile. But use a lot of common sense if the water’s running high, nature doesn’t always give you a warning first, and it’s surprising how little water it takes to float your tyres and lose traction.

And if you’re tempted to scramble up beside any of the mossy cascades for a closer look… don’t. Waterfalls are prettiest and safest viewed from the formed track, not from the top.

Morning: the drive and Gloucester Falls

The drive itself is the entree, farmland slowly folding into high forest as you climb. At the very end of the road there’s a picnic area where the Gloucester Falls Walking Track sets off, leading you to a series of pretty cascades. Settle in for a picnic lunch here before the afternoon’s walking, you’ve earned the view.

Afternoon: the Gloucester Tops Circuit

After lunch, take on the forest trails or just wander slowly, wildlife spotting in the cool mountain air. The full Gloucester Tops Circuit combines the Antarctic Beech Forest track, Gloucester Falls track and River walking track, around 8km all up.

You’ll find a fork in the trail with signposts: Long walk or Short walk. Your choice may just change your opinion of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing).

Keen walkers who do the whole loop are rewarded with hidden mossy cascades, quiet forest glens where the light barely gets in, and a snow gum wetland that feels like another country entirely.

Bring warm clothes regardless of the season, this high up the temperature has a mind of its own.

Evening: dine out in Gloucester

Head back down the mountain and into town, Gloucester has plenty of ways to round out the day.

Roundabout Inn sits at the northern end of the main street with a beer garden and The Kitchen Bistro known locally for its schnitty nights and a genuinely warm welcome.

Avon Valley Inn in the heart of town runs Barrington’s Restaurant, a menu built on local produce and classic pub favourites, casual lunches through to relaxed dinners. Their beer garden is a good spot too.

Roadies Café is the local favourite for wood fired pizza, motorbike memorabilia and a fireplace that makes winter evenings here properly cosy.

Yim Thai is a small, welcoming Thai restaurant turning out generous, authentic dishes, the sticky rice with mango is worth saving room for.

Summit Bistro, inside the Gloucester Bowling Club, serves fresh flavour packed meals blending Asian and Australian cuisine against a backdrop of the Buccan Buccan mountains.

Dumplings on the Green, inside Club Gloucester, mixes Asian favourites and Aussie classics, a solid go-to whichever you’re in the mood for.

Know a spot around Gloucester Tops that deserves a mention here? Get in touch, we’re always adding to it.