The best things to do, eat and where to stay on the Barrington Coast

Just more than two hours north of Sydney, the Barrington Coast unfolds in a landscape of misty highlands, ancient rainforests and pristine coastline.

For the scenic journey, head inland via Bucketts Way, one of New South Wales’ oldest tourist drives, and you’ll see why the region is certified by Ecotourism Australia as a nature-based ECO Destination. The route winds through rolling countryside to the charming town of Gloucester, which recently claimed Silver in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2026.

Prefer to take the train? The North Coast Railway runs through the Barrington Coast linking Sydney to Brisbane, with daily stops in Gloucester, Wingham and Taree. 

If you truly want your nature fix and are looking for an out-of-the-box stay to make it all the more memorable, then spend the night sleeping beneath a 150-year-old lighthouse at The Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages. Offering a dramatic coastal perch with sweeping ocean views, you can also venture out on foot and discover nearby walking tracks and secluded beaches. For a budget-friendly alternative that’s still right on the ocean’s doorstop, pitch a tent at Seal Rocks Holiday and Caravan Park. 

For a hotel that rocks, Boogie Woogie Beach House in Old Bar is a motel-turned-music-themed hotel where you can book a Ziggy, Nick Cave or Louis Armstrong-themed room. Nearby, Finns offers roomy beachside accommodation with suites, apartments and holiday houses in case you’re bringing your whole crew. 

After a luxe getaway? Hola Palms does it right with bespoke holiday homes in Blueys Beach and Pacific Palms. With all the touches of a five-star stay, you’ll be struck by the relaxation bug as soon as you step foot in one of these stunning coastal-style homes. For a romantic hideaway, The Stable in Bandon Grove is a little eco cottage situated among rolling hills where animals graze the land and watercolour sunsets can be appreciated from the outdoor firepit. There’s also The Ridge in Gloucester, a cosy treehouse stay that’s perfectly suited to a large group of friends (the house has five bedrooms) seeking stellar views of lush hills and starry skies. 

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to buttery pastries and top-notch coffee. Check out Batter & Dough in Gloucester and 2 Fat Bakers Bakery in Tea Gardens for a lip-smacking lineup of sweet treats to see you through your getaway. A worthy pit-stop is Forster Bakehouse – home to one of the state’s best pies after claiming two gold medals at the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition in 2024. 

For breakfast with a view, Beach Bum Café in Forster looks out over Main Beach and makes an ideal spot to park yourself in the early mornings during whale migrating season. Overlooking the Manning River is the Boathouse Café in Taree, where you can order a slice of cake with your sunrise. 

A visit to Barrington Coast isn’t complete without a taste of the region’s fresh and famous oysters, and we reckon you should throw some back at Thirty Three Degrees. This top-shelf establishment shows off the very best of local seafood with a menu packed full of hits. While you’re there, try the warmly spiced local barramundi fillet. 

Some other spots to grab a hearty meal include Coopernook Hotel, Hallidays Point Tavern and The Artisan Farmer in Nabiac for a paddock-to-plate menu with plant-based offerings. 

For a post-surf session, head to The Coastal Brewing Company in Forster or Pacific Ocean Brewery where you can sink some craft beers or sample the rotating lineup with a tasting paddle. 

Wine drinkers can try characterful drops at Gloucester River Wines, where the produce is made using 460-year-old methods from Central Europe. Then, take a tour of the 30-acre property and soak in the scenic views of Buccan Buccans (The Bucketts Mountains). Just outside of Gloucester sits Mograni Creek Estate. The boutique cellar door has been around since the ‘90s and was built in the image of a traditional English barn from Windsor. 

The outdoor patio at The Bunker Bar is a great spot to settle in for an afternoon, especially during happy hour when beer and wine will only cost you spare change. For comfort food and ice-cold beers, the riverside Shoreline Tavern has it all, including a stunning waterfront backdrop. 

The region is peppered with beaches perfect for a dip including Forster Main Beach, Burgess Beach, Pebbly Beach and Tuncurry Rock Pool. Surfers can catch waves at Nine Mile Beach, Elizabeth Beach, Boomerang Beach and Blueys Beach. 

Get back to nature on a Free Spirit Cruise on Wallis Lake. The lunch cruise offers front-row views to dolphins, birdlife and pristine waters or you can level up with a sunset cruise that comes with a fully stocked bar. A number of coastal walks stretch across the region, including Bicentennial Walk. This four kilometre nature stretch will lead you to ocean-view lookouts, a beloved swimming spot, parks and a secluded beach. Reward yourself with a farm tour of Brighton Oysters and take advantage of the chance to taste fresh Sydney Rock Oysters right from the source. 

If you only do one thing on your trip, make it a visit to Barrington Tops National Park. The untamed wilderness and mossy grounds of this ancient rainforest and World Heritage site is truly a sight to behold. Back in its day, it was roamed by bushrangers – in fact, the most popular lookout Thunderbolts Lookout was named after Captain Thunderbolt. To explore its depths there are a number of trails to choose between. The Gloucester Tops Circuit combines three of the best into a seven-kilometre loop taking in woodland, wildflowers and waterfalls.  

The region’s sleepy small towns are brimming with history. Learn about the gold fever that struck in 1876 at Mountain Maid gold mine in Gloucester and pay a visit to Australia’s oldest purpose-built cinema, James Theatre. Dating back to 1912, the charming community hub still puts on film events to this day. 

If relaxation is on the agenda, there’s no better place to kick back than at Great Lakes Paddocks for a live music gig. For something slightly more adventurous, go chasing waterfalls at Ellenborough Falls. At 200 metres tall, it’s the longest single-drop waterfall in New South Wales, and ranks among the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Start planning your visit here.