Major city · Australia
Gloucester, New South WalesGloucester
Give Gloucester one night, two if you walk the Bucketts: it is a country-town stop on the drive between the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast, not a destination in itself.
Gloucester sits in the Avon Valley under the Bucketts, a ridge of rocky peaks that rises straight off the town's edge. It is dairy and cattle country with one of the wettest climates in New South Wales, a single main street (Church Street) with two pubs and a bakery, and the southern approach to Barrington Tops National Park. Most travellers pass through on The Bucketts Way between the Hunter and Taree; the reason to stop is the walk up the Bucketts and the drive into the Tops.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Sep–Nov, Mar–May
- avoid Dec–Feb (heat and storms); the Tops can close in winter snow and after heavy rain
- Airports
- NTL · SYD
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Gloucester, New South Wales000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- NSW National Parks (Barrington Tops closures)1300 072 757
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Gloucester, New South Wales, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA quiet country town; the real risks are wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk, wet and unsealed roads into Barrington Tops…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 1300 072 757 NSW National Parks (Barrington Tops closures)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportNTL Newcastle (Williamtown) (Closest airport with scheduled flights; about 1 h 30 min by car via The Bucketts Way).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: the town is small but the Bucketts trailhead, Barrington Tops and the surrounding villages are all a drive away.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Street or quick mealBakery pie or sandwichA$6–12 (≈ US$4–8)
- Beerschooner in a pub / six-pack at the bottle shopA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)A$18–25 (≈ US$12–17)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryA$5–10 (≈ US$4–7)
- Budget bedHostel or pub-room bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$300 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$260 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NTL Newcastle (Williamtown) (Closest airport with scheduled flights; about 1 h 30 min by car via The Bucketts Way) · SYD Sydney (Kingsford Smith) (About 3 h 30 min by car; NSW TrainLink Regional trains run from Sydney via Dungog)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Mar (12 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Gloucester, New South Wales: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
12 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: the town is small but the Bucketts trailhead, Barrington Tops and the surrounding villages are all a drive away. NSW TrainLink Regional trains and coaches stop in Gloucester, but coaches set down in the town centre rather than at the station, and there is no local bus network worth planning around.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Barrington Tops National Park
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h to the plateau
Car via Scone Road and the Barrington Tops Forest Road
Cool rainforest and subalpine grassland; check road and campground status first.
Stratford and Stroud
goDoor to door: 20–40 min
The Bucketts Way south
Small historic villages; Stratford has the region's coal mine.
Nabiac
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
The Bucketts Way east to the Pacific Highway
Service stop on the highway, not a sight in itself.
Taree
goDoor to door: About 1 h
The Bucketts Way and the Pacific Highway north
Bigger town for supplies, hospital and the Manning River.
Hunter Valley wineries
overnightDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
The Bucketts Way south to Dungog, then west
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in the valley instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Church Street (town centre)
Pubs, cafés and the bakery on foot; the Avon Valley Inn and motels are here.
The Bucketts Way south of town
Country lodges and farm stays; you need a car for everything.
Barrington and the Tops road
Rural stays and campgrounds toward the national park; quiet, cold at night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–230 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$230 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 1 night × A$180 | A$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| NSW TrainLink Regional from Dungog, one way2 × A$10 | A$20 |
| Barrington Tops day entry per vehicle1 × A$8 | A$8 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$56 |
| Trip total≈ A$307 per person per day, bed included | A$614≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Pub main (counter meal) | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Bakery pie or sandwich | A$6–12 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Beer: schooner in a pub / six-pack at the bottle shop | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) / A$18–25 (≈ US$12–17) |
| Fuel, unleaded | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) per litre |
| Museum entry | A$5–10 (≈ US$4–7) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Rain: Gloucester is one of the wettest towns in New South Wales, and unsealed roads into Barrington Tops can be closed after heavy falls.
- Barrington Tops roads and campgrounds close at short notice for snow, ice, flooding or fire; check NSW National Parks before you drive up.
- Kangaroos and wombats on The Bucketts Way at dawn and dusk.
- Fuel and food are limited outside town; fill up before heading into the valley.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- NSW National Parks (Barrington Tops closures)
- 1300 072 757
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Gloucester, New South WalesGloucester
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address, please?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- NSW National Parks1300 072 757
Embassy
No embassies in Gloucester; consulates-general are in Sydney. US citizens: US Consulate General, Sydney.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- NSW TrainLink Regional Dungog → Gloucester: about A$10 (≈ US$7) first class, about 1 h
- Taxi or rideshare around town: short hops, A$10–20 (≈ US$7–14)
- Barrington Tops day entry per vehicle: about A$8 (≈ US$6)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the visitor info centre? — Where is the visitor centre?
- Is the Barrington Tops road open? — Is the road to the Tops open?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
English is the working language; a few Wiradjuri and Gathang place names survive locally.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Gloucester, New South Wales. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Nov, Mar–May · avoid Dec–Feb (heat and storms); the Tops can close in winter snow and after heavy rain · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for NTL and SYD: last NSW TrainLink departures to Gloucester, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Church Street, the Bucketts trailhead, the Tops road, Stratford and Stroud.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (museum, visitor centre, Barrington Tops entry) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-weather and fire-closure fixtures so gates A–D can go green.