A steady stream of mud-covered 4WDs paraded into Gloucester just after midday on Sunday (August 23) after the Hunter Valley Police District made the call to close Barrington Forest Road due to dangerous conditions.
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After the Bureau of Meteorology predicted snow showers on the Barrington Tops across the weekend, many day-trippers set off for a chance to see the snow.
According to the Hunter Valley Police, Saturday's (August 22) traffic resulted in the deterioration of the gravel road. That, coupled with low overnight temperatures, made way for the formation black ice, which can be particularly dangerous for motorists as it's not visible on the road surface and is incredibly slippery.
"As a result in consultation with Natrional Parks and Wildlife Service, the Barrington Forest Road is closed between Moonan Flat and Gloucester," Hunter Valley Police District posted on its Facebook page on Sunday morning.
Prior to the road closure, the police had made several trips to the tops to assist people who had been stuck in the icy conditions. It happened not only this weekend but over the past two weekends before as well.
"Please stay away from the area or consider visiting more accessible snow locations such as Gloucester Tops or Nundle which can be accessed on sealed roads," the police posted.
Crystal Jenner was one of the many travellers into the area over the weekend. She travelled up from the Maitland area and camped overnight from Friday (August 22) to Saturday, leaving around midday.
She made a snowman at the Polblue campground which she said proved to be a very popular photo spot for passersby.
"Lots of snow up at the tops, road are little chopped up. Very packed up there, with lots of cars still heading up," Crystal posted on the Barrington Snow Tops Snow Chasers Facebook page after her return.
What you need to know before visiting Barrington Tops
Did you know Barrington Tops is the highest point of the Barrington Coast?
It's also the highest sub-alpine region in the country outside the Australian alps and it gets a regular dusting of snow each winter.
The Barrington Coast Business Hub provides useful information for visitors on how to #StaySnowSafe in Barrington Tops
Their advice includes:
- Before you leave home check the weather forecast with the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Before you leave home check whether the road is open, call Gloucester Visitor Information Centre 6538 5252
- And before you leave Gloucester always check the weather and road conditions before you leave town and head up to the Tops.
- The Barrington Tops Forest Road is mostly unsealed road in variable condition.
- 4WDs are better suited for driving in snow and ice conditions, so leave the two-wheel drive at home.
- The distance from Gloucester to Polblue is 68km of which 23km is unsealed road. Travel time is up to 1.5 hours depending on conditions.
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Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
