Annual trail closures for winter

Media release: 30 May 2013

With the arrival of winter, the Barrington Trail (south) and Polblue Trail in Barrington Tops National Park will be closed from 1st June until 1st October 2013, for public safety.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Area Manager Anthony Signor said the trails are closed annually during winter to protect them from damage and also as a safety precaution given the possible extreme weather conditions on the Tops during winter.

“In addition, a number of other 4WD trails will be closed this winter as outlined in the Plan of Management for Barrington Tops”, Mr Signor said.

“These trails will be closed on Saturday 15th June and re-open 1 October 2013 – as per the traditional winter trail closures”, he said.

“These trails include Butchers Swamp Trail, Paddys Ridge Trail, Barrington Trail North, Bullock Brush Trail, Tugalow Trail and Thunderbolts Trail - between Pheasants Creek Rd and Barrington Tops Forest Rd.

“These additional seasonally closed trails are only closed to vehicles and motorbikes, they may still be accessed on foot, mountain bike or horse back (on approved trails). Access to Gummi Falls Camping Area during this period is only permitted by foot or mountain bike.

“These 4WD trails can become extremely wet during winter months and with the cold, short days, they do not dry out. Such conditions increase the chance of damage from vehicles and sudden changes in weather could mean visitors being caught out and possibly stranded”, Mr Signor said.

“The main road from Gloucester to Scone remains open but motorists are advised to drive to conditions and travel with care”, he said.

For further information about Barrington Tops National Park, please contact NPWS Barrington Tops Area office at Gloucester on 6538 5300 or NPWS Upper Hunter Area office at Scone on 6540 2300.

Contact: Lawrence Orel