Gloucester, NSW: Gateway to the Barrington Tops
Things to do around Gloucester are far from ordinary and if you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. This relaxed Barrington Coast town is where adventure meets country charm. Chase waterfalls, sip wine, and explore at your own pace — no rush, no stress, just good vibes.
If you love the outdoors, you’ll be right at home here. Hike lush trails, kayak down clear rivers, or tackle rugged 4WD tracks and mountain bike trails. For the brave, climb the Gloucester Tree, the 66-metre views are worth every step.
If you prefer to stay relaxed, wander the Farmers Market, drop by a cellar door, or join in at the Chill Out Winter Festival. Just a short drive away, explore Barrington Tops National Park or the hidden Buckets valley, where waterfalls and forest walks are pure magic.
Getting to Gloucester, NSW: Your Gateway to Barrington Tops Adventure
Gloucester is about 3.2 hrs drive north of Sydney, just off the Pacific Highway via Bucketts Way, or roughly 1.5–2 hrs from Newcastle and 2.5–3 hrs south of Port Macquarie. Prefer the train? Hop on a direct service from Sydney in around 4.5 hrs. Once you arrive, the town’s easy roads make getting to Barrington Tops National Park and nearby spots a breeze, so you can trade the city rush for country air and adventure in no time.
Things to do around Gloucester: Wellness & Pampering
- Remedial Massage: 54 Hume St, Gloucester
- Health Foods: this local spot is your go-to for nourishing your body from the inside out. 47 Church St, Gloucester
- Max Value Pharmacy: Sells all your essentials, from health products to beauty items. 43 Church St, Gloucester
- Kinetic Medicine: This team uses exercise physiology to develop individual treatment and management strategies for a range of conditions.
From injury recovery and chronic pain to mental health support and tailored programs for NDIS participants to enhance mobility, manage pain, and improve overall well-being. 1/77-81 Denison St, Gloucester NSW - Pure NRG Gym: work up a sweat and feel energised in this fully functional gym with all the latest strength and conditioning equipment. There’s Group Training and Personal Training. 20 Britten St, Gloucester
- Mandy Tomlinson Pilates: Reformer, Pilates and Yoga plus Private Consultations are available if you need support and advice in starting an exercise regime and/or healthy nutrition advice. The consultation will also include tips on how to prioritise fitness, strength training and ways to reduce stress.
- Total Wellness Co: is a welcoming space that has been lovingly created as the base for massage and reiki, small yoga classes and workshops. They also tailor packages to suit your needs.
- Medi Co: Should you need attending, this is the local health hub, providing everything from medical treatments to wellness products. The medical practitioners are supported by dedicated nurses and receptionists, as well as visiting specialists and allied health providers. 77-81 Denison St, Gloucester
Things to do around Gloucester: Explore & Discover
Outdoor Adventures in Gloucester, NSW
- Walk the Mountain Bike Trails – like Mosaic Walk or Hidden Treasure Trail (great for mountain bikers). Advanced walkers can take on Buckett’s Mountain for panoramic views!
- Cool off in Gloucester River where the platypus play
- Abseil or mountain bike at The Steps
- Ride horseback at Camp Cobark
- Fylfish at Capt Baldy – Ph 0435 094 851
- Cycle the Link Trail
- BBQ beside the river at Woko National Park
- Play tennis
- Swim at Denison St Pool
Local Culture, History & Unique Gloucester Experiences
- Birdwatch at Boomerang Discovery Walk
- Check out the School Museum, then picnic at Billabong Park
- Walk with Dinosaur Ghosts and uncover fossils and ancient footprints
- Join the Barrington Tops Interpretive Tour and connect with the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area.
- Discover the Mountain Maid Gold Mine and get a taste of Gloucester’s gold mining past on a fascinating tour.
- Make a snowman in winter on the Barrington Tops
- Enjoy the stunning Gloucester Art Gallery
- Spot a Tasmanian Devil (ask at the Visitors Centre)
Food, Wine & Local Delights in Gloucester
- Picnic with Farmers Markets fresh produce
- Grab some wine at a local market and watch a sunset.
- Taste a local wine at Faulls Ridge Wines, Gloucester River Wines, Gap Hill and Mogranie Creek Estate, 450 Mograni Creek Rd, Gloucester NSW
- Feel some country hospitality (and purchase organic herb salt) at Hillview Herb Farm
- Get your adventure on at Essentially Barrington!
- Enjoy a pint at the Gloucester Soldiers Club or the Avon Valley Inn. 82 Church St, Gloucester
Things to do around Gloucester: Good Eats, Casual Dining
- Roadies Cafe: Warm and friendly wood fire, red leather lounges and old school motorcycle. Licenced and open at 5:45 am Mon-Fri and 7am Sat & Sun, “good honest food”. 77 Church St, Gloucester
- Hebby’s Bakery: freshly baked goodness with generation recipes. Try their famous pie and sky high vanilla slice! 55 Church St, Gloucester
- Thunderbolts Cafe and Takeaway: 67 Church St, Gloucester
- Yim Thai: fresh and tasty dishes and their frozen ice cream comes with sprinkles and umbrella. (Who doesn’;t love a cocktail umbrella?) Open for lunch 6 days and dinner 7 days a week at 117 Church St Gloucester
- The Common Gloucester: Single origin coffee, healthy brunch options, and a selection of books and artisan products. Highly recommend their Chai tea
- DD’s Little Lolly Shop:.. deliciously nostalgic sweets for the sweet tooth. 29 Denison St, Gloucester
- United Chinese Restaurant: Chinese and Australian cuisine.Try their home made Dim Sims, and it’s just downstairs from the United Services Club. 32 Denison St, Gloucester
- Batter and Dough Patisserie: Hailey Dodds has created a strong following for her bakery and patisserie. She specialises in small batch artisan breads, custom designed buttercream cakes, pastries, mouth watering desserts, savoury pies & coffee! It’s a must! 35 Church Street, Gloucester.
- Land and Sea Cafe: fresh produce sourced locally and prepared then served by our friendly and skilled staff.
- The Kitchen at the Roundabout Inn: seasonal bistro menu & Wednesday schnitzel night.
- Barrington General Store: Provisions including petrol, groceries and take away food. Try their burgers and breakfasts using local produce and always a lovely community vibe. 8 Thunderbolts Way, Barrington.
- The Kitchen at the Roundabout Inn: Seasonal bistro menu with schnitzel night every Wednesday. Check dates for live music. 1 Roundabout Rd, Gloucester
Things to do around Gloucester: Foodies & Gourmet Lovers
- Batter and Dough Patisserie: Small batch beautiful artisan breads, Parisian croissants, exquisite buttercream cakes, pies, cheesecakes, arty cupcakes and exquisite pastries! Beautiful service too. 35 Church Street, Gloucester
- Avon Valley Meats: Quality, locally sourced fresh meats for all your cooking needs.
- Bramley’s Bakery: Freshly baked bread, pastries, and sweets, made from scratch with love and local ingredients
- Gloucester Farmers Markets: One of the best Things to do around Gloucester is supporting the local community, and with artisanal products, local produce, and gourmet treats, while listening to Gloucester’s up and coming musicians, is a great way to start. Join in the fun every second Saturday of every month usually at Billabong Park. A must visit.
Things to do around Gloucester: Retail Escapes
- Elk and Willow: beautiful homewares, clothing, and gifts with a rustic, boho feel. 41 Church St, Gloucester
- Town and Country Store: Has a nice mix of home goods, lifestyle products, and country-inspired decor. 23 Denison St, Gloucester
- Drifta Camping and 4WD: 100% Australian owned and made, Drifa products are specially designed to help keep campers and travellers organised in the bush and on the road. Everything you need for camping and 4WDing. Also it’s worth checking out their massive Summer Sale with 60% off selected items annually.
- Garden Centre: Take a walk through here garden lovers. 140 Church St
- Gloucester Bookshop: Grab some holiday reading. 76 Church St (check re-opening time)
- Random Adventure Gear: camping gear, 4WD accessories, and adventure equipment at 126 Thunderbolts Way
- Nannas Homewares and Antiques: stocks a range of classic homewares, giftware, kitchenware, clothing and a great range of camping equipment plus fun stuff for kids and gifts for all occasions. Family owned since 2016 at 25 Church St.
- McRaes Fashion Centre : You’ll find a range of clothing, gifts, homewares, baby items and jewellery. 79 Church St, Gloucester
- Uptown Country: Men’s and Ladies Fashion, Giftware and toys. They sell quality labels like Thomas Cook, Wrangler, Jump, Ping Pong, Willow, Tree Babies, 41 Church St, Gloucester
- Baby and Childrens Boutique: For 0-5 year olds – clothes, shoes, gifts, unique toys, baby hammocks, slings and more. Stockists of Oobi, Purebaby, Gaia, Natures Child, Beatrix Potter and more. 73 Church St.
- Circle of Friends: An exciting clothing store at 64 Church St.
- Forest of Play: a magical toy store, and it’s all about sourcing brands where Ethics and the Environment sit well above Unsustainable Production. You’re going to love it! 75 Church St, Gloucester
Need Roadtrip Inspiration?
Check out our fabulous scenic roadtrips at Travellarks Getaways.
Looking for accommodation in this region?
If you think Things to do around Gloucester and this region sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our handpicked Stays with a WOW Accommodation.
