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.

BARRINGTON TOPS AND GLOUCESTER TOPS NP - DRIVE, HIKES AND SWIM - 18 JANUARY 2017

I woke up early, had breakfast and readied the van for a drive.

During the night, I heard a large band and as I was leaving the campsite, I saw that the money box holding the camp fees and part of the pole were gone. the mystery of the bang was solved.

I drove in the Gloucester direction and stopped for a short hike at Cobark Park. The parking area looked impressive but the trail was overgrown and lead nowhere.

I continued on and stopped at Gloucester for a cappuccino, breakfast and petrol. Gloucester is a nice town and I like the atmosphere, the small cafes and the backdrop of rugged mountains.

I continued further towards Gloucester Tops. I passed over about six causeways with water running over them and then in was the long and windy road to the top where the hikes are located.

My first hike was to the Gloucester Falls. It was an easy track leading down to creek and then following it. I turned off the main track at one stage to wander closer to the creek and watch the water cascade over the rocks. Further onwards, I stopped at the view point for the Gloucester Falls. I hike up a steep hill brought me to expansive lookout with great views. I continued along the track back to the car. It was an extremely hot day! I rested for awhile in the shelter and struck up a conversation with a retired couple.

Though it was very hot day, I did another 1.17 km hike along the Beach Forest Track. The vegetation was very thick with trees and ferns and the track was steep in parts leading to two creek crossings. The humidity was extreme. The second creek crossing was very peaceful and pretty and I  rested here for awhile taking in the relative coolness of the cascading water. Back at the van and it was time to get out of the heat and down to the camping area.

The camping area at Gloucester River was nice and I gathered some light food and sat in creek for the rest of the afternoon to cool off.

Late in the afternoon a storm hit with strong winds, rain, thunder and lightning. the rain continued lightly throughout the night.