Even before I was born my family has spent each Easter camping at Barrington Tops. Every Easter for more than 40 years, we have driven past the turn off to Copeland Tops State Conservation Area and have not taken the turn off. A few weekends ago, we took the turn and finally hiked in the region. It did not disappoint! I only wish we had made the effort much sooner.
Copeland Tops State Conservation area is about 20 mins from Gloucester on the North Coast of NSW. The area has a historic gold mine, fantastic picnic area with a BBQ area and toilet facilities.
Copeland Tops walking and hiking trails at a glance
Distance: 4.5 km – 7kms
Duration: 1 1/2 hours to 4 1/2 hours
Track: Combination of fire trails and single file bush trails
Grade: 3
Start: End of Copeland Road, Copeland
Finish: End of Copeland Road, Copeland
Nearby trails: Bucketts Scenic Walk
Bookings/Permits: Not required
Other information: Picnic, BBQ and toilet facilities available. Car parking (including bus parking) is available. The area is busy on weekends and on public holidays, so best to arrive early if you plan on visiting during these times. Guided tours of the Mountain Maid gold mine are available from NSW National Parks.
Information on how walking trails are graded can be found here.
Hidden Treasure Track
Hidden Treasure Track is a 4.5km loop in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. The hike easy to moderate and includes well formed pathways that wind their way through the rainforest over undulating hills.
Gold was discovered here in 1877. The trail passes by long abandoned mine shafts which are now inhabited by mircobats.
Basin Loop Track
Basin Loop Track is an extension of the Hidden Treasures Track. This Grade 3 moderate track climbs to Old Copeland Road before looping around towards the entrance of the conservation area.
There are lots of opportunities here to view wildlife including koalas and native birds. Most other animals in the park tend to be nocturnal.
The hike is approximately 7kms and will take between 3 and 4 hours to complete.
Getting there
Copeland Tops State Conservation area is located at the base of Barrington Tops, five minutes from the village of Barrington. The turn onto Copeland Road is well signed posted.
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