Gloucester Tops, Barrington Tops National Park, New South Wales © Destination Barrington Coast
Guide to the Barrington Coast
The Barrington Coast is where World Heritage rainforests meet bountiful food adventures.
A two-hour drive north of Sydney will land you among the misty highlands, ancient canopies and pristine coastline of the Barrington Coast. Nestled within these diverse landscapes, find welcoming regional towns and a thriving farm-to-table food scene marked by passionate local makers and growers. This is a destination that rewards the curious.
For thousands of years, the Barrington Coast has been the nurturing home of the Gathang-speaking Worimi and Biripi peoples. Every waterway, forest and headland you encounter here has a memory, a story, and a piece of First Nation’s living cultures.
- Traditional Custodians: Gathang-speaking peoples of the Worimi and Biripi communities.
- Traditional languages: Gathang
To reach the Barrington Coast, head north along the Pacific Highway from Sydney for two hours, or board a plane to one of the nearby airports.
- Newcastle Airport (NTL) is 143km (88mi) from the region and the closest hub for international and domestic flights.
- Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) is 111km (69mi) from Barrington Coast, with domestic flights from Sydney and Brisbane.
- Taree Airport (TRO), located within the region, is serviced by regional and private aircraft.
- Car hire is available from all nearby airports.
Once you arrive, hiring a car will allow you the freedom to explore the far reaches of the region at your own pace.
The Barrington Coast is a beautiful, sprawling region, so hiring a car is the best way to explore. Main roads throughout are sealed and well-maintained. A permit and a 4WD is required for beach driving, and it’s always best to check the road conditions before heading into Barrington Tops.
The Barrington Coast boasts beautiful weather year round, and each change in season brings distinct and equally compelling experiences. Come spring a carpet of wildflowers lines the forests, through winter you’ll spot migrating whales from Cape Hawke Lookout, and in summer you’ll want to stretch out on the beaches of Forster, Seal Rocks and Hawks Nest.
- High season: Spring and summer (September to February)
- Low Season: Autumn and winter (April to August)
The Barrington Coast offers an array of accessible experiences, activities and accommodation catering to all travellers.
- Arrival: Services for people with disabilities are available at Newcastle and Port Macquarie airports, including support for travellers with hidden disabilities.
- Getting around: Public transport options and accessible taxis here can be limited, so it’s best to contact your car hire company in advance to coordinate an accessible vehicle.
- Accessible experience highlights: Some of the Barrington Top’s most scenic views can be spotted along Devils Hole Lookout Walk and Picnic Area’s wheelchair-accessible trail, while Forster and Tuncurry surf life saving clubs offer accessible beach mats and beach wheelchairs during the summer patrol season.
- Helpful resources: Contact the Barrington Coast Visitor Information Centres to uncover more accessible-friendly resources for the region.
