THE AREA

About Gloucester

An hour and a half northwest of Newcastle, Gloucester offers quaint small-town charm set against a stunning natural backdrop.

Surrounded by National Parks and refreshing natural waterways, there is no shortage of outdoor activities for the adventurist or those who appreciate nature.

The town itself offers a range of dining, boutique shopping and leisure activities - with parks and green spaces at every turn.

Eat and Drink

Gloucester has an array of options for breakfast lunch and dinner. From takeaways, cafes and bakeries to pubs, clubs and restaurants, there is no shortage of places to eat around town. Your cullinary plan for a day out in Gloucester might include breakfast at Roadies, or a coffee from The Common coupled with a pastry from Batter & Dough or Hebby's Bakery. Lunch for the road could be a burger and chips from Thunderbolts Takeaway or a counter lunch at either the Roundabout Inn or Avon Valley Inn. With eateries at both pubs, the Golf Club, Bowling Club or Soldiers Club, among others, there is no shortage of options for dinner in town. Or you could make the most of the cooking facilities at Hamilton House!

Activities close to town

After sampling some local coffee, a visit to Gloucester Art Gallery should be next on the agenda. From there, a short drive (or walk) past the tennis courts, swimming pool and cricket grounds, to Gloucester River, leads to the start of a pleasant stroll along the riverbank.

Between Hamilton House and the township, Gloucester Country Cub offers a well-manecured round of golf with an incredible view of the Bucketts Mountains. For those a bit more adventerous, a short drive from town to the iconic Bucketts Scenic Walk is a must-do. Less than half an hour from town, visitors can immerse themselves in rainforests and gold mining history of Copeland Tops State Conservation area, or thrill-seekers can attempt the downhill mountain bike tracks at Barrington Bike Park.

Adventures further afield

Visitors willing to venture a bit further from town (about 1.5 hours drive) will be rewarded with the breathtaking views and rich tranquility of the World-Hertiage listed Barrington Tops National Park. While a visit to The Tops will take a full day, you won't regret making the effort - as long as your car is suitable for dirt roads and you check the weather conditions before going!

A shorter drive (about 45 minutes) the other side of town will take visitors up to Gloucester River camp ground. This scenic rural drive also leads into Gondwanan Rainforest, with an opporunity to go further into the Gloucester Tops if time permits.