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Gloucester Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Gloucester Gallery

Gloucester Gallery hosts an exciting program of quality monthly exhibitions presented by visiting and local artists and community groups. The gallery is a much-loved and inviting space for artists and art lovers alike from across the region and beyond. Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council Inc established this non-for-profit exhibition space in 1999, which is located in the historic Gloucester School of Arts building in the heart of town. Their aim is to foster the practice, study and appreciation of the arts in the community by encouraging and supporting artists in their artistic, economic and professional development.

Gloucester NSW

0.1 km away

At Gloucester Museum learn about the Memorial Park — Image credit: Gloucester Visitor Information Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Gloucester Museum

The Gloucester Museum is full of fascinating local history and valuable artefacts. Accompanying the Aboriginal artefacts and artwork are substantial collections dating from the 1826 European arrival. The collection and preservation of photographic records, memorabilia and archival material dates back to 1826 when Gloucester and surrounding towns were named by the Australian Agricultural Company's Agent Mr Robert Dawson soon after his arrival. Friendly staff are on hand to assist in providing a most enjoyable experience down Memory Lane. Bus groups visiting Gloucester are welcome and are offered personalised guided tours of the Museum and/or the district.

Gloucester NSW

0.2 km away

Gloucester Bowling Club

Entertainment Venues

Gloucester Bowling Club

Gloucester Bowling Club is centrally located within the beautiful district park; you'll have close-up views of the Bucketts Mountains as you play lawn bowls or share a drink with friends. If you're a visitor to town, the Gloucester Bowling Club is within walking distance of the town and the Gloucester caravan park. Travelling bowlers are welcome or just pop in for a drink. You can also dine at the Jack High Chinese Restaurant located within the club and the restaurant offers both Australian and Chinese meals, eat-in or takeaway. Visiting bowling clubs are always welcome, and they're always happy for new members to join their bowls and fishing clubs.

Gloucester NSW

0.2 km away

Gloucester Olympic Pool Complex

Amusement and Theme Parks

Gloucester Olympic Pool Complex

For a small country town, Gloucester enjoys an exceptional range of sporting facilities that make it the envy of many larger centres. In the middle of the lovely Gloucester District Park, you'll find the council-owned pool complex that's been providing perfect swimming conditions for over 50 years. You'll love the 50 metre lap pool, 15 metre wading pool with water feature and shade cover, toilets, change rooms, kiosk, first aid room, shady areas, picnic facilities and a fenced children's play area. The many benefits of swimming include health, enjoyment and lots of fun for the kids! The grassy area features two free electric barbecues and a gazebo that's perfect for parties, work functions or even the extended family. Plus there's free wi-fi available for those who can't live without their technology close by. The outdoor Olympic Pool is heated to 24°C and the Hydrotherapy Pool is heated to 34.5°C.

Gloucester NSW

0.3 km away

Gloucester Tennis Club

Parks and Gardens

Gloucester Tennis Club

Be part of the great sport of tennis at the friendliest club in Gloucester! Play on their lovely all-weather courts at Gloucester Tennis Club. The GDTA have 15 courts; 9 clay and 6 synthetic grass. The synthetic grass courts are available for hire online. The Clubhouse is also available for hire for your next function. The club conducts a Ladies' competition every Thursday and a Men's competition on Tuesday nights and hosts the Gloucester Seniors Tournament in April, and the Gloucester Open in October.

Gloucester NSW

0.3 km away

Gloucester District Park — Image credit: Eastcoast Photography

Parks and Gardens

Gloucester District Park

Gloucester is justifiably proud of its many parks and public areas that make the most of the scenic location at the foot of the Buccan Buccans. Gloucester enjoys an exceptional range of sporting facilities for a small country town that make it the envy of many larger centres. In the centre of town is Gloucester District Park that offers an unbeatable range of recreation opportunities in its beautiful riverside location. Here you'll discover a fully equipped recreation centre for indoor sports, football fields for all codes, cricket pitches, basketball, tennis courts with clubhouse, lawn bowls and even croquet. There's a fitness circuit. A Park Run path, an off-lead dog walking area, beautiful flower gardens, picnic facilities, plus a human sundial to keep the kids guessing the correct time. The jewel in the crown of Gloucester District Park is the Olympic Swimming Pool and Hydrotherapy Centre. Here you'll find the obligatory Olympic-sized 50-metre lap pool, 15-metre wading pool with water feature and shade cover, toilets, change rooms, kiosk, first aid room, shady areas, picnic facilities, plus a fenced children's play area. Or you can simply lay out a picnic blanket under the trees and listen to the sound of the Gloucester River gently babbling over the river pebbles on its way to meet the Manning River.

Gloucester NSW

0.6 km away

Gloucester Creatives

Shopping and Markets

Gloucester Creatives

Gloucester Creatives is now open: a place to meet, learn new skills and find quality handmade items. Local creatives have turned Gloucester's old garden centre into a beautiful space to showcase talented local artists and artisans. You'll be amazed by the quality and variety in their retail gallery: artwork, jewellery, woodwork, clothing, soaps, preserves, cards, plants, macrame... all handcrafted by locals. While you're there you might see a workshop in progress or peek over an artist's shoulder while they work. The kids can entertain themselves with timeless games or get crafty with their Craft Kits. Then you can relax in their beautiful outdoor space with a cuppa from the coffee van. You might be lucky enough to catch a local musician playing on the stage. You never know what you might find at Gloucester Creatives!

Gloucester NSW

0.7 km away

Gloucester River at Gloucester Falls — Image credit: East Coast Photography

Natural Attractions

Gloucester River

Gloucester River is one of several major rivers born in the high altitude wetlands of Barrington Tops, the highest point of the Barrington Coast. On this high plateau, the eroded remains of an ancient shield volcano - there are snow gums and cool temperate rainforests of Antarctic beech perched high above the steep valleys. The Gloucester, Barrington, Manning and Karuah Rivers are formed on Barrington Tops and as their crystal clear waters tumble from the rugged peaks, they breathe life into the land; for this is the Barrington Coast - a place where the leaves touch the waters from the mountains to the sea. The Gloucester River is formed in the plateau above the beautiful cascades of Gloucester Falls. It flows eastwards for 102 kilometres and descends 1,150 metres before joining the Manning River at the village of Bundook. The Gloucester River starts as a rugged mountain river then transforms to a calm and beautiful waterway passing verdant farmland in its lower reaches. It lends a lot of this beauty to the township of Gloucester where it's joined by the Barrington River and Avon River.

Gloucester NSW

1.0 km away

Buccan Buccan — Image credit: Suzannah Jones AUH

Natural Attractions

The Sacred Peaks of The Bucketts: A Guringay Cultural Journey

Discover The Bucketts, a prominent landmark near Gloucester with deep Aboriginal significance for the Guringay people. Derived from the Kattang word "Buccan Buccan" meaning "lots of rock" these peaks were central to ancient initiation ceremonies. Young Guringay boys, embarking on their journey to manhood, would receive a stone and race to the first peak, Toocal Buccan (big rock north), to touch a sacred rock. A second, more sacred stone was then given for the ascent to Weela Buccan (the smaller southern rock), and finally, to Mograni, before returning. These stones were vital to the transformation into tribal manhood. After initiation, men carried a sacred stone in a possum-string bag, believed to ward off evil and sickness. The Buccan remains a sacred and taboo site for Aboriginal women, with severe penalties for trespass. It's also where the revered Malookut buried his king stone, boomerangs, spears, and shield, preserving their heritage from colonial influence. Contrary to local lore about a "bucking horse" "Buccan Buccan" predates the arrival of horses. This narrative, documented by Guringay Bob Syron and Luke Russell, highlights the enduring cultural importance of The Bucketts amidst the fading tribal life and the transition to a new way of living.

Gloucester NSW

1.4 km away

Mograni Lookout overlooking Gloucester — Image credit: East Coast Photography

Natural Attractions

Mograni Lookout, Gloucester

Just before arriving in the heart of Gloucester from the east, Mograni Lookout is your grandstand for one of the best views in the Barrington Coast. Make sure you stop at the picnic area there for unbeatable views. To your left is the Mograni Range and below you is the township of Gloucester nestled on a quiet bend of the Gloucester River beneath the Buccan Buccans (the Bucketts Mountains). The Gloucester River is born as a rugged mountain stream high in Barrington Tops, but transforms to a calm and beautiful waterway passing verdant farmland in its lower reaches. It lends a lot of this beauty to the township of Gloucester, where it's joined by the Barrington River and Avon River, in the valley below you.

Tugrabakh NSW

4.1 km away

Barrington River at The Steps Rapids

Natural Attractions

Barrington River

The Barrington River is one of several major rivers to be born in the high altitude wetlands of Barrington Tops, the highest point of the Barrington Coast. On this high plateau - the eroded remains of an ancient shield volcano - there are snow gums and cool temperate rainforests of Antarctic beech perched high above the steep valleys. The Barrington, Manning, Gloucester and Karuah Rivers are formed on Barrington Tops and as their crystal-clear waters tumble from the rugged peaks, they breathe life into the land; for this is the Barrington Coast - a place where the leaves touch the waters from the mountains to the sea. The Barrington River is formed in the valley below Mount Barrington near Edwards Swamp. It flows eastwards for 93 kilometres and descends 1,370 metres before joining the Gloucester River at the town of Gloucester. The Barrington River is renowned for its paddling and scenic beauty. It offers reliable water for canoeing and kayaking as it flows through scenic gorges, forming white water rapids in its upper section, and calm flowing pools in its lower section as it passes verdant farmland.

Barrington NSW

8.9 km away

Basin Loop Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer.

Natural Attractions

Basin Loop Track

For those who really like to stretch their legs, Basin loop track is the longest walking trail in Copeland Tops. This continuation of Hidden Treasure track follows, for the northern part of its loop, historic Old Copeland Road. The track will lead you through dry rainforest to open forest that lines the ridge tops of this area. See how the vegetation changes along the way from red cedars, giant stinging trees and strangler figs in the moister, more protected sections of rainforest, to Sydney blue gums and Craven grey box in the sclerophyll forest on the more exposed and drier ridges. There’s an abundance of birds, so take along binoculars for birdwatching. Many of the park’s animals are nocturnal, but have been known to sometimes keep odd hours. Koalas can, of course, be seen at any time dozing off high up in the fork of gum trees, so keep your eyes peeled.

Copeland NSW

12 km away

Barrington Bike Park

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Barrington Bike Park

Your base for an unforgettable riding experience - Barrington Bike Park is located in the foothills of Barrington Tops and offers 370 metres of drop across black, blue and green mountain bike trails surrounded by thick rainforest. Both flow and technical trails. Uplift only. Guaranteed to ignite the stoke in every mountain bike rider.

Bindera NSW

12 km away

Hidden Treasure picnic area — Image credit: OEH

Natural Attractions

Hidden Treasure picnic area

All paths in Copeland Tops lead from Hidden Treasure picnic area. This lovely picnic spot, in a red cedar and dry rainforest setting, is situated at the main entrance of the park and is the access point to Basin Loop and Hidden Treasure tracks as well as being the meeting point for guided tours through historic Mountain Maid gold mine. Enjoy a barbecue or picnic before or after exploring the park. Or just relax for the day and make the most of this picnic area. Keep your binoculars handy for birds such as wompoo fruit-doves and glossy black-cockatoos. Listen out for the rare stuttering frog and look up for koalas munching leaves or dozing in the eucalypts. Animals such as spotted-tailed quolls, brush-tailed phascogale and numerous types of microbats are most likely to be seen at dusk and after dark.

Copeland NSW

12 km away

Hidden Treasure Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer.

Natural Attractions

Hidden Treasure Track

Hidden Treasure track is an easy walk through dry rainforest following Copeland Creek beneath a canopy of grey myrtle, shatterwood, yellow tulip and other dry rainforest species. This hike also takes you past remnants of the area’s mining history. Look out for adits, which are tunnelled entrances to underground mines. See the boiler from Criterion stamper battery, which used to provide the power to crush ore from the nearby mines. Hidden Treasure gold reef was discovered in 1877. Despite the name, the treasure did not really stay hidden for long, and this mine became the area’s second most productive, yielding 269 kilograms of gold after its construction. Now that all those miners have left, microbats have moved in and travel back and forth from the cave through the open mesh grill at the mine entrance, generally scavenging for insects.

Copeland NSW

12 km away

Mountain Maid gold mine

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Mountain Maid gold mine

In 1876, a man by the name of Saxby first discovered gold in the district. He found it around Back Creek, now Copeland Creek, near to what is now the village of Copeland. After his discovery, miners from everywhere descended on the area and the population grew to 1,100. Three pubs and four stores soon catered for the needs of 800 miners. To learn more about the history of mining in the area and to see where these gold-hungry souls toiled, come along on a guided Discovery tour of Mountain Maid gold mine – one of New South Wales’ longest running operational gold mines. Walk around some historic buildings and get up close and personal with old machinery such as a battery stamper, whirly-gig gold separator, air compressor and gold carts.

Copeland NSW

12 km away

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area — Image credit: NSW Government

National Parks and Reserves

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

Two types of gold have been discovered within the New South Wales area now known as Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. The first was red gold', which was red cedar highly sought after by Australia's European settlers. It was the early explorers who came to log along these mountain ridges who then discovered the shiny type, and goldmining took off too. Although conditions would have been tough back then in this rugged and remote area, you'll discover that it's actually a beautiful place to have worked in. Copeland Tops, home to the most accessible tract of rare dry rainforest in the Gloucester district, is simply gorgeous. Hike along old logging tracks beneath a canopy of towering trees on one of the park's scenic walking trails. There are plenty of great places to picnic. To learn more about the area's mining heritage, join one of our Discovery tours of Mountain Maid gold mine.

Copeland NSW

15 km away

Antarctic Beech Forest walking track

Natural Attractions

Antarctic Beech Forest walking track

Step through a portal into the other-worldly charms of 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 picnic area.

Berrico NSW

15 km away

Mountaineer-Glowang trail

Natural Attractions

Mountaineer-Glowang trail

Pining to get outdoors? If you love a challenging walk with spectacular views across pristine wilderness, then look no further than Mountaineer-Glowang trail. This day-long walk, from Wangat Road, winds through a spectacular array of landscapes, highlighting the best on offer in the southern region of Barrington Tops National Park. It’s all mountain peaks and majestic views as you follow a rippling ridgeline. You’ll climb several peaks along this track, including The Mountaineer, with plenty of inspiring views across the vast wilderness region. Passing through blue gum, messmate, and Antarctic beech forests, you’ll notice how the vegetation changes dramatically with altitude. After joining the Glowang trail, you’ll enter rainforests of coachwood and sassafrass, before climbing steeply with more spectacular views over the deep Gloucester River gorge. At Mount Nelson, the track descends, giving way to open woodlands before arriving at Gloucester Tops picnic area for a well-earned break.

Berrico NSW

20 km away

Gloucester River walking track

Natural Attractions

Gloucester River walking track

This track is an ideal walk for your next family getaway, and the rich nature wonderland is perfect for budding David Attenboroughs. Starting at Gloucester River campground, this walking track takes in the scenic river and nearby gullies, with great views, and plenty of chances for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Crossing the river, look for the shy platypus and long-necked tortoise before climbing uphill through paperbarks and towering Sydney blue gums. The cries of yellow-tailed black-cockatoos above the canopy often mingle with the ever-present sound of rushing rapids from below. You may hear the piping shrill of lyrebirds, and see the tell-tale signs of a satin bower bird nest. Round off your walk with a swim and a riverside picnic and, if you’re hooked, make a weekend of it by camping overnight at Gloucester River campground and in the morning set out along Sharpes Creek walking track.

Invergordon NSW

26 km away

Sharpes Creek Walking Track

Natural Attractions

Sharpes Creek Walking Track

An invigorating walk to enliven the senses, moderate Sharpes Creek walking track combines an environment of river, rainforest and gums with excellent wildlife and birdwatching. It's truly a great adventure for friends or family on a camping holiday, in the river country of Barrington Tops National Park near Gloucester River campground. You’ll cross the creek several times, so keep an eye out for platypus and eastern water dragons. Smooth dark lumps of basalt stand out in the creek bed, carried down from the slopes above, creating an eye catching hump in the river. The track winds up through the valley as lush rainforest gives way to drier eucalypt forest. Soak in the scenic views of the canopy and beyond as Sydney blue gums soar overhead. You may see rare rufous fantails or golden whistlers flitting among the trees. Retrace your steps or opt for the steep climb up to the road, lined with huge grass trees. For a longer loop add in the Gloucester River walking track then round off your day with a swim and barbecue.

Invergordon NSW

27 km away

Brush Turkey Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Brush Turkey Track

Starting right from Woko campground, Brush Turkey track is just as interesting as it is convenient. The loop twists through a sampling of the park’s dry rainforest habitat, with brush turkeys foraging in the undergrowth for grubs and insects, giving the trail its name. Their scratching actually serves an important purpose in the ecosystem, turning over soil and encouraging new growth. Bring binoculars for other species: whipbirds, lyrebirds, grey fantails and scrub wrens are all common in the area, making up a memorable chorus. The trail begins in colonising rainforest, where hibiscus and acacia trees create the shade that then allows for the next stage in flora development. Be sure to take note of how the atmosphere cools as you move into older forest, where a canopy of Port Jackson fig and shatterwood blocks out the sun. The track won’t take you long and is perfect for walking with children. You might like to bring a packed lunch and make a day of it, taking advantage of the free barbecues and picnic tables near the river camping sites.

Dewitt NSW

28 km away

Cliff Face track

Natural Attractions

Cliff Face track

Adventurous travellers visiting Woko National Park won’t want to go past this challenging alternative to Brush Turkey track, which it branches off from shortly after the trailhead. A steep four kilometre circuit, Cliff Face track threads through dry rainforest and pockets of subtropical rainforest, finishing up in dry sclerophyll woodlands. What makes it a really special day walk, however, is what you see along the way: climbing higher, you’re afforded scenic views of the cliff face above; rocky outcroppings are extensions of a striking escarpment. Be sure to bring your camera as cliffs like these provide precious habitat for the threatened peregrine falcon. You might even be lucky enough to glimpse a wedge-tailed eagle cycling across the sky. Birdwatching opportunities are superb.

Dewitt NSW

28 km away

Woko National Park

Natural Attractions

Woko National Park

Woko National Park is a steep, rugged landscape with important reserves of NSW forest land, perfect for exploring on a school excursion, and great for swimming, walking, river camping and free barbecues. Woko is wild. A steep and rugged landscape with swathes of wet and dry rainforest, rocky outcroppings, and eucalypt groves. This is a national park for people looking to escape the frantic bustle of everyday life. Jump in the car for a road trip and bring hiking boots and swimmers. There are several hiking tracks in Woko, perfect for walking with children, but river camping and barbecues make it just as attractive a place for settling down over a long weekend. Birdwatchers will also find much to celebrate here: the forest, escarpment and open grasslands are filled with beautiful species like the wedge-tailed eagle and lyrebird. There are numerous animal species, too, including several threatened ones, like the brush-tailed rock wallaby.

Dewitt NSW

28 km away

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