A Mountain Region That Is Just Tops
Newcastle Herald
Friday February 29, 2008
THE township of Gloucester was established in 1855 and today cattle, dairy farming, timber and tourism are the major industries in the area.
It is easy to understand why the town, nestled near the world heritage-listed Barrington Tops, attracts so many tourists.Gloucester has beautiful views of dramatic mountain ranges, rivers to canoe, national parks to explore, and farmyards where you can sample produce and see animals.Not far out of Gloucester are the magnificent Barrington Tops and Gloucester Tops, part of the Mount Royal Range. The tops are a central alpine plateau,created after the ancient eruption of the Barrington Volcano. They fall away on all sides into steep and rugged ranges. More than 1500 metres above sea level, there are Antarctic beech forests, snow-gum woodlands and scenic waterfall walks on the plateau. The tops receive a high rainfall, with snow in winter not at all uncommon. Gloucester hosts a variety of events during the year, including the Shakespeare on Avon Festival on May 16 and 17, the Blackmore's Mountain Man Tri Challenge, rodeos and country music camps, and there are community markets on the Saturday of each long weekend. Adventure seekers can launch themselves at the wide range of outdoor activities possible, like whitewater rafting, horse riding, fishing, four-wheel-drive tours, canoeing, cycling, golf, bowls or swimming.A simple family drive can become a farm tour where you can see and feed goats, pigs, chickens and ducks, and learn about new forms of farming while enjoying homemade treats. Visit the Folk Museum or Gloucester Gallery or go on the 45-minute Gloucester Town Heritage Walk.But if you are in the mood for a little more of a romantic retreat, or just some time away from the everyday, Gloucester is a great place to visit.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald