Story by Alexandra
Barrington Basecamp
Adventure in Gloucester, Hunter Valley, NSW, AU
Throughout the period of compulsory lockdown, there was an undeniable feeling of cabin fever shared amongst many of us. To combat this, I spent time plotting out a series of escapes to embark on once freedom was restored. To kick things off, I decided to treat my parents to a getaway in Gloucester, a town 3 hours north west of Sydney, for a little birthday escapade, undoubtedly detouring into the Hunter Valley for some wine tastings - the best excuse for a pit-stop and to stock up for our stay.
Nestled in a valley, fed by the cool waters of Barrington Tops, Gloucester is a gateway to wondrous wilderness and adventure. And if you’re going to pay a visit to Gloucester, the obvious accomodation is The Ridge, which has two offerings, a beautifully appointed contemporary style house and a purpose-built eco cabin that has been meticulously thought out. Being off-grid, powered by solar, water self-sufficiency and build of sustainable and recycled materials, the eco-cabin takes advantage of the natural elements and was ideal for our adventure. The cabin unmistakably backs onto a ridgeline of gum trees at the edge of a native grass cattle paddock.
At morning we arose to find ourselves perched on a blanket of clouds, where low-hanging fog wrapped over the town and treetops popped their heads through. Envisage the undulating hills that form a backdrop for the painterly outlook. This called for coffee and crunchy peanut butter on toasted bakery bought bread.
Boots on and bottoms bolstered in the Defender, we set off for the day, navigating our way through the rich vegetation of the Barrington Tops National Park, scaling the 1400m elevation to reach Gloucester Tops. Dappled light, towering tree ferns and mountain streams gave us the mouthful of nature to satiate our appetite.
Deserving of its own praise was the standalone bathtub. There was nothing more indulgent than retiring in a hot bath after a jam-packed day exploring and bearing witness to the pastel palette sky put on it’s show through the window. And is it truly a getaway without sitting around a fire pit and getting lost in the night? Not in my books.
Given the current climate, our activities were limited. Had there been no restrictions, we would have definitely taken up a horse trail ride through the world heritage hills of Barrington and kayaked through scenic gorges and white rapids of Barrington River.
According to my two middle-aged adventurers, the eco-cabin experience in the valley reanimated their youth and they’re eager to share it amongst their friends in the near future. Though I have a feeling they’ll be temped to invite a larger group and take advantage of the luxury of The Ridge house!...
Nestled in a valley, fed by the cool waters of Barrington Tops, Gloucester is a gateway to wondrous wilderness and adventure. And if you’re going to pay a visit to Gloucester, the obvious accomodation is The Ridge, which has two offerings, a beautifully appointed contemporary style house and a purpose-built eco cabin that has been meticulously thought out. Being off-grid, powered by solar, water self-sufficiency and build of sustainable and recycled materials, the eco-cabin takes advantage of the natural elements and was ideal for our adventure. The cabin unmistakably backs onto a ridgeline of gum trees at the edge of a native grass cattle paddock.
At morning we arose to find ourselves perched on a blanket of clouds, where low-hanging fog wrapped over the town and treetops popped their heads through. Envisage the undulating hills that form a backdrop for the painterly outlook. This called for coffee and crunchy peanut butter on toasted bakery bought bread.
Boots on and bottoms bolstered in the Defender, we set off for the day, navigating our way through the rich vegetation of the Barrington Tops National Park, scaling the 1400m elevation to reach Gloucester Tops. Dappled light, towering tree ferns and mountain streams gave us the mouthful of nature to satiate our appetite.
Deserving of its own praise was the standalone bathtub. There was nothing more indulgent than retiring in a hot bath after a jam-packed day exploring and bearing witness to the pastel palette sky put on it’s show through the window. And is it truly a getaway without sitting around a fire pit and getting lost in the night? Not in my books.
Given the current climate, our activities were limited. Had there been no restrictions, we would have definitely taken up a horse trail ride through the world heritage hills of Barrington and kayaked through scenic gorges and white rapids of Barrington River.
According to my two middle-aged adventurers, the eco-cabin experience in the valley reanimated their youth and they’re eager to share it amongst their friends in the near future. Though I have a feeling they’ll be temped to invite a larger group and take advantage of the luxury of The Ridge house!...
Things We Did
- 4WD
- Forest
- Food & Drink
- Camping
- Surf
Forming part of Gloucester Tops circuit, this medium track leads through open sub-alpine woodlands of snow gums and eucalyptus, before entering the shaded world of cool, temperate rainforest. The dense canopy of Antarctic beech is high above, vibrant moss carpets the ground, and the sharp smell of humus fills the air. Tree ferns crowd the track leading to some delightful, mossy cascades....
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