AU Gondwana Rainforest & Rural Charm of Barrington Tops 4D/3N

This 4 day discovery has us exploring the lush farming district of Gloucester and surrounds, as well as the pristine wilderness that is the ancient and magnificent world heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest region of Barrington Tops. Quaint country towns, meandering rivers, fresh mountain air and farm gates will delight you in this little-visited part of New South Wales.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 4 days of personalised exploration of the beautiful Barrington Tops National Park and Upper Hunter Valley
• Morning Tea at Hunter Regions outstanding Botanic Gardens
• Exploring the environs of Gloucester, the charming town at the foot of the Barrington Tops National Park
• Farm gate visit and fine food from local restaurants
• Guided tour of ‘Aussie Ark’ – a conservation project to assist the rehabilitation of Tasmanian Devils and other endangered cool-temperate species
• A journey through the Upper Hunter Valley Wine Region including tastings and a delicious lunch

Itinerary

DAY 1 – SYDNEY – GLOUCESTER (LD). Departing Sydney at approximately 8.00am we head North towards Gloucester. Our first stop is at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens where we have time to explore the gardens and enjoy morning tea refreshments. Continuing North towards the Bucketts Way, we arrive at the Farmers Wife Distillery. Created on their farm, this boutique hand crafted gin is a homage to the tradition of Gin making and the native flavours of Australia and we will enjoy gin tasting and a relaxed lunch in this unique venue. After lunch we’ll have time to wander the historic village of Stroud before making our way to Gloucester to enjoy one of the short walks in the town, see the oldest remaining ‘Homestead’, have a chance to explore the town centre, then settle in to our accommodation. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant. 

DAY 2 – GLOUCESTER (BLD). Today is spent exploring the astonishing diversity that is the Gloucester Tops. Combining a series of walks, you’ll wander through open snow gum and sub-alpine woodland as well as cool temperate rainforest. This landscape is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and is millions of years old. Keep your eye out for swamp wallabies and grey kangaroos and in the summer season, the flora is spectacular. Lunch will be picnic style today before returning to our accommodation mid-afternoon. Time to relax and freshen up before we head out for a late afternoon tour of the Hill View Herb Farm – a farm gate property offering a wide range of fresh culinary and medicinal herbs to smell, taste and touch. We will enjoy a delightful dinner in this picturesque setting.

DAY 3 – BARRINGTON TOPS & THE AUSSIE ARK (BLD). An early start today as we head out of Gloucester and ascend the stunning Barrington Tops to our destination – the Aussie Ark. Established in 2011 this incredibly unique property is located high above the beautiful Barrington Tops and is dedicated to saving the iconic Tasmanian Devil from extinction as well as creating a long term future for a range of threatened Australian Species. On arrival we are met by one of the Ark Rangers and enjoy an unforgettable 2.5 hour guided “Devils in the Wild” tour. You will be privy to enter a huge free-range enclosure and experience a rare opportunity to get up and close and personal in the Tasmanian Devil’s natural enclosure. Departing from the Ark we will enjoy a picnic lunch beside the Manning River and then enjoy a series of short walks and lookout stops designed to immerse you in the ancient Antarctic Beech forest. We then move West, off the Tops and through the scenic Upper Hunter Valley to arrive into the Hunter Valley early evening. Dinner tonight at our accommodation.

DAY 4 – HUNTER VALLEY – SYDNEY (BL). As yesterday was a busy day, this morning we have a relaxed start.  After full breakfast, we depart for a leisurely visit to the Hunter Valley Gardens where we can soak up nature at its most stunning in the 14 hectare garden complex.  Then enjoy visit to a boutique winery followed by a delightful lunch and visits to local boutique chocolate and cheese shops before we commence our return to Sydney where we arrive approximately 5.00pm. 

Inclusions

• 4 days of personalised exploration of the beautiful Barrington Tops and Upper Hunter Valley
• Morning Tea at Hunter region’s outstanding Botanic Gardens
• Exploring the environs of Gloucester, the charming town at the foot of the Barrington Tops and the beautiful wilderness of the Barrington Tops National Park
• Farm gate visit and fine food from local restaurants
• Guided tour of ‘Aussie Ark’ – a conservation project to assist rehabilitation of Tasmanian Devils and other endangered cool-temperate species
• A journey through the Upper Hunter Valley with a delicious lunch

Exclusions

• Any items of a personal nature.
• Any meals or drinks not specified in inclusions.
• Anything not included in the list of inclusions (above).
• Domestic flights, unless specified in inclusions.
• Laundry.
• Travel insurance.

Note, we can arrange all travel to and from tour locations, quote for group bookings, and tailor any packages as required.

*Price

• Prices may vary due subject to availability and accommodation type, number of travellers and activities.   

Product 403421