Antarctic Beech Forest walking track — Attraction in Gloucester Tops

Antarctic Beach Forest walking track offers rainforest, cascades, scenic views and birdwatching. Step through a portal into the other-worldly charms of the Antarctic Beech Forest walking track near Gloucester Tops in Barrington Tops National Park.

You’ll wander the lush landscape of the prehistoric Gondwana era on this medium walk near Gloucester, offering some spectacular birdwatching and scenic views.

Forming part of Gloucester Tops circuit, this medium track leads through airy sub-alpine woodlands of snow gums, before entering the shaded world of cool, temperate rainforest. The dense canopy of Antarctic beech is high above, vibrant moss carpets the ground, and the sharp smell of humus fills the air. Tree ferns crowd the track leading to some delightful, mossy cascades.

Dipping between forests of beech and eucalypt, this section is a favourite haunt of the rufous scrub-bird, one of Australia's rarest birds. Descending into a rocky gorge you’ll see wild white water crashing over dramatic black rocks. After a steep climb out, you’ll be ready to enjoy a bite at Gloucester Tops picnic area or Gloucester Falls...

It’s quite a drive from Gloucester to get to the walking trails, with a few river crossings on the way. Not a problem when the water is low.

Beautiful walks, and whilst they are close to each other and interconnected as part of the Gloucester tops walk, the landscape is varied with different...

Fascinating nature walk, with easy gradients. Accessibility from parking area was very good, however, the tracks were often not distinct and the available printed and plaque maps were overly simplistic and not accurate...