GLOUCESTER TOPS NATIONAL PARK - 10 TO 12 FEBRUARY 2023

 

10 FEBRUARY

We decided to head to Gloucester Tops National Park as the weather prediction was for strong onshore winds for the next few days.

It was time for an early lunch and coffee at Tea Gardens. Next, was groceries and petrol and we were back on the road.

About two hours later, passing through lush green countryside and over six weirs, we arrived at Gloucester River Camping Area.

After setting up camp, we walked down to the river and had dip in the waters. It was very cold which was great because it was a very hot day. We relaxed through the afternoon.

11 FEBRUARY

A beautiful day.

After breakfast we drove to the top of Gloucester Tops for some hiking.

The first hike was the Gloucester Falls track. Easy to follow and steep in some sections. The first event was a lookout with a great morning view across the mountain ranges in the direction of the coast. The next, was a lookout over Gloucester Falls, A good view but parts were obscured by vegetation. A little further along, we diverted off the main track and down to the falls. A nice place to sit, eat a snack, watch the water flow and the skinks darting out between rock cracks. We continued to follow the track back to the car park.

Feeling like a bit more, we drove to the first carpark and followed the beech track (short loop). It stated off in an open area, but we were soon enclosed by the rainforest. The upper canopy blocked most of the sunlight and the ground level was mostly ferns and moss-covered logs. A small creek bubbled along part of the track.

Back to camp for a late lunch on the edge of the Gloucester River. The water was very cold. Excellent for cooling the body down.

12 FEBRUARY

We woke to clear skies and warm temperature.

I had a hike along Sharpes Creek. A great 3 km return hike through dry rainforest, a number of shallow creek crossings and a lot of bird calls. All of this with morning sunlight filtering through the trees.

We packed and left for Gloucester, where we had lunch, made some calls and stocked up on food.