ACCESS to the Barrington Tops National Park from Gloucester is presently unavailable because of severe damage to the Scone Road during May’s flooding rains.
Access to the Polblue Campground and Thunderbolts Lookout is currently only possible from the Scone side via Tomalla, on the western side of Barrington Tops.
Otherwise, the Park is open as per normal winter conditions, with 4WD trails closed to vehicles, but open for walkers or cyclists – although some locations are closed for safety reasons.
“Visitors can access the Gloucester River and Gloucester Tops precinct of Barrington Tops National Park, which has excellent camping and walking opportunities in the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia World Heritage Area,” a spokesperson for National Parks said.
“Copeland Tops State Conservation Area (SCA) should be open for the July School Holidays following minor repairs and clean-up after the severe weather event in May.”
Those interested in guided tours or the Junior Ranger program bookings should visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/copeland-tops-state-conservation-area.
Upgrades within the Copeland Tops SCA carpark and visitor precinct are likely to see some temporary closures over the coming months.
“Scone Road remains closed due to a major landslip,” said a spokesperson for MidCoast Council.
“Geotechnical investigations are ongoing [and] long-term remediation works are being planned.
“It is expected to take some months.”
For current road closures, visitors travelling to the Park from the Scone side should consult the Upper Hunter Council website.
By John WATTS
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