Fast facts
- Famous for gold deposits and the bushranger "Captain Thunderbolt"
- Located in the north Hunter region, east of Barrington Tops
- 271 km north-east of Sydney, population 2,600
Why go there
Gloucester sits in a picturesque river valley surrounded by hills at the junction of the Avon, Gloucester and Barrington rivers. The closest town to Barrington Tops National Park, it makes a perfect base for adventure activities in the region, including trout fishing, canoeing, horse-riding, bushwalking and camping in the park.
History
The Kattang Aboriginal people originally occupied the Gloucester area. European explorers arrived in the 1820s and named it after the English countryside it resembled.?,p>
A sheep and dairy outstation was established to export wool and agricultural products to England. Most of the town was built during the early part of the 20th century, after the railway line arrived in 1913.
Things to do
- Pan for gold at Mountain Maid goldmine.
- See the original schoolhouse and folk museum for tales from the gold-mining era.
- Take the Bucketts Scenic Walk for panoramic valley views.
- Hire a canoe and explore the rivers.
Events
- Shakespeare on Avon, in May, commemorates the work of the Bard with a series of dramatic performances.
- Mountain Man Trichallenge, in September, brings out the iron men and women for a thrilling competition that involves running, paddling and cycling.
Don’t miss
- The scenic wilderness of Barrington Tops National Park.
- Community markets every Saturday.
- Annual all-breeds bull sale in August.
- Cheese-making and alpaca farms.
- Trout fishing in the local streams.
