Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
Barrington Tops National Park is one of the largest national parks in Australia. It is about a three hour drive northwest of Sydney in New South Wales in the Hunter Valley. Even though it is so close to the city, you won’t believe what a vast wilderness is encompassed in this protected park. It covers 95,000 hectares of land. It even has a controversial history with outlaws escaping into Barrington Tops National Park to evade capture and planes have been said to have been lost inside it, never to be found again. The main reason to visit is to experience camping in the beautiful wilderness of the Gondwana Rainforests with many different environments and ecosystems within the one park. There are 9 different campgrounds to stay in while in the park and plenty to do including walking trails, lookouts, kayaking, horseback riding, and spotting wildlife in the park. You can get to Barrington Tops easily by hiring a car and taking a fun road trip to the park. Budget Rent a Car offers a variety of car hire options to meet your budget and your travel needs. Once you get to the park, here are the different campgrounds you have to choose from.
Wombat Creek Campground
Wombat Creek Campground in Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
Wombat Creek Campground has 5 campsites and is rustic camping for tents only. It is free to camp here in this isolated section of the park. It is near Carey’s Peak, the highest lookout in Barrington Tops National Park.
Black Swamp Campground
Black Swamp Campground in Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
Black Swamp Campground is remote with 5 campsites. It is accessible from October until May and camping here is free. The ecology here is very fragile and has extra protections in place. Be sure to heed the signs about tree root mould and be sure to clean your shoes.
Devils Hole Campground
Devils Hole Campground in Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
Devils Hole Campground is situated high on the plateau at 1400 metres up. It has a few more facilities available including the picnic area, car, park, toilets, and barbecues. You can park your camper trailer here, park near your vehicle, or pitch a tent. The fee here is just $5 per adult and $3 for kids.
Gloucester River Campground
Gloucester River Campground in Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
Gloucester River Campground is located at the Gloucester River and is a very picturesque location at the eastern side of Barrington Tops. It is one of the larger ones with 25 campsites and set up for camper trailer, caravans, or camping near your vehicle. The facilities include picnic tables, barbecues, and toilets.
Gummi Falls Campground
Gummi Falls Campground in Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
Located on the northern edge of the park is the Gummi Campgrounds with 5 campsites for tents, camper trailers, or camping near your vehicle. This remote campground is ideal for stargazing and nearby activities includes mountain biking, horse riding, and fishing.
Horse Swamp Campground
Horse Swamp Campground in Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
The Horse Swamp Campground is only accessible with a 4 wheel drive vehicle or mountain bikes. It is remote camping on top of the high plateau in Barrington Tops National Park with access to the different biking trails in the area.
Junction Pools Campground
Junction Pools Campground in Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
The Junction Pools Campground can also only be accessed with a four wheel drive vehicle. Tent and camper trailer camping are both available. It is only open from October to the end of May. Nearby you can find mountain bike trails, swimming or fishing.
Little Murray Campground
Little Murray Campground in Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
The Little Murray Campground is one of the most remote ones in the park. It is also only accessible with a 4WD vehicle and is only open from October until the end of May. Hiking, biking, and fishing are all nearby. The campground facilities include barbecues, picnic tables, and toilets.
Polblue Campground
Polblue Campground in Barrington Tops National Park Photo Credit: NationalParks.gov.au
The Polblue Campground is the largest campground in Barrington Tops and is great for families. It is located in the subalpine woodland region of the park. Adults pay just $10 per night and kids are $5 per night. Camper trailer, caravan and tent camping is available. The Polblue Swamp walking track is nearby.