When someone mentioned to me that the Barrington Tops National Park in New South Wales had lots of sub-alpine mountain peaks I went there to see what there was. I am from Colorado so sub-alpine terrain there is something totally different than what I have found in Australia. In the Tops, where the highest peak is Brumlow Top 1,586 metres (5,203 ft) above sea level, the landscape is densely covered in eucalyptus.
The sub-alpine forest in the tops includes extensive stands of snow gum forest. What's really cool is what happens when you drop from the peaks into the creek bottoms. You discover yourself in unique rain forest environments, filled with gnarly ancient beech trees and ferns. I didn't expect two such completely different environments within meters of one another.
It is a lovely part of the world. There are some peaks, in the Mt Royal area near Singleton. Road is currently closed but should be open later in the year. Mt Royal has a narrow ridge, start from the Western end, and the summit is a mix of vegetation types. Mt Carrow has some great views. Mt Cabre Bald has an incredible grass tree forest, you can fairly much drive to the top by 4wd from the East Gresford entrance, unless tehy have closed the road.
Posted by: Ken | November 17, 2012 at 01:38 AM