Big Hole – Barrington Tops

gps tracks

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Track notes

In the northern part of New South Wales lies a unique top surrounded by snow grass plains and snow gums. The top is called Barrington, it has extensive plateau which is about 1500 m above sea level. Despite of being a remote area, Barrington Top remain as one of the most interesting place in Australia.
Wild animals are seen in the area including brumbies, dingoes and wild pigs. The plateau has lush sub-tropical forest on its slopes and a cool temperate forest near the top where you will get to see Antarctic beech trees and lyrebirds.
Access to the area is by driving to the Lagoon Pinch which has 700 m elevation. There is a small picnic area at the pinch which served as the starting point of the walk circuit.
Summary:
A 25.6 km medium grade walk that will take two days to complete.
Directions:
From the Lagoon Pinch’ picnic area, the road continues up the mountain.
After 4 km you need to take another climb that is about 700 m to 1400 m elevation.
The area is known as Corker. It served as the entry point to Barrington Tops National Park.
At the north side of Corker you need to take the 3 km climb and reach the jeep track junction which is about 7 km from the Lagoon Pinch.
At the left side lies a Careys Peak which is about 2 km from the Pinch and the Wombat Creek at the right which is about 400 m distant.
Follow the Gloucester Tops Track for just 300 m then fork left for 100 m to reach the Wombat Creek.
The creek has camp sites and fireplaces, it is also the best spot to take your lunch.
After lunch go back to the nearby junction and continue uphill north-west which is about 1 km towards Careys Peak to another jeep track junction.
The left fork is going to Careys Peak while the right fork leads to the Big Hole.
Go right (north-north-east) and continue to walk downhill which is about 3 km passing through the Black swamp to the Big Hole.
You will get to see a large deep-pool on the Barrington River filled with sub-alpine setting.
The area is an ideal spot for camping and swimming.
It is about 3 – 4 1/2 hours to reach the big hole.
The following day, a retrace to the Careys Peak should be done. First retrace 3 km and then turn right for about 1 km west.
For the 1 km deviation you need to go 700 m then fork left downhill to Careys Hut (an old tin hut) which is about 100 m away.
The hut is just at the saddle at the north-east side of Careys Peak summit.
There are two foot tracks in the area which is about 200 m long to the summit.
When the summit is reached you will get to see a sundial and panorama.
Take your time to enjoy the beautiful vegetation and a temperate forest in the south.
At the southern flank of the plateau is the beautiful Allyn River.
After the descent you may retrace the track back to the Wombat Creek for lunch.
After lunch, simply descend the jeep track passing through the lovely forest to go back to the Lagoon Pinch.
When to go:
Any season
Facilities:
Picnic area at the Wombat Creek
Well defined-tracks

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