The year 2024 was a significant year. We relocated from the Central Coast to the charming country town of Gloucester, located in the Barrington Coast hinterland of New South Wales. There are many reasons to like our new place, the scenic area that's providing endless photo opportunities being one of them.
It's been some time since my last blog post. Although I shouldn't make excuses, relocating was a significant factor in this delay. At the end of July 2024 we moved into our new home and got busy with unpacking, cleaning, decorating, landscaping, and all those other things people do when they move into a new place. It turned into a very busy period and we were glad to finally have some downtime during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Gloucester
Gloucester is a charming rural town located in the Barrington Coast hinterland of New South Wales, Australia. Nestled at the foothills of the stunning Barrington Tops National Park, Gloucester is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, including lush green valleys, rolling hills, and pristine rivers. The Gloucester district was first visited by government surveyor Henry Dangar in January 1826, and was named after Gloucestershire in England. Originally established in 1855 for sheep farming, the town now serves as a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, Gloucester boasts a vibrant community and a variety of local shops, cafes, and markets that reflect its agricultural roots. The annual Gloucester Show and other local events foster a strong sense of community, making it a welcoming destination for both visitors and residents alike.
Morning Fog
What really surprised us is the fog we get here in the mornings. I'm talking serious, dense fog where you can hardly see your neighbours' homes and giving everything a mystical appearance. On the Central Coast we had some fog a handful of times each year, but here we seem to have fog almost every other day, even during the summer.
The first time I saw the fog, I grabbed my camera and hurried outside to take photos, believing it would vanish soon and I'd have to wait months for another chance. How mistaken I was! Since moving to Gloucester I must have taken hundreds of pictures in foggy conditions. It adds a new dimension to my landscape photography, and I truly enjoy heading out for photo shoots early in the morning when the fog rolls in.
Kia Ora Lookout
The Kia Ora Lookout quickly became my preferred spot for photo shoots. It's just a 5-minute drive from our home and offers a stunning setting for landscape photography. The view from the lookout, particularly at sunrise, is breathtaking, and the layers of morning fog lend a magical quality to the location. I've already spent many hours on this lookout and anticipate spending many more there.
It's one of those places where you keep coming back to no matter how many times you've been there before.
Barrington Tops National Park
As mentioned, Gloucester is at the foothills of the Barrington Tops National Park, a World Heritage listed site and part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Although we have visited this park before, we have yet to start exploring this park more seriously.
The park is situated in the Great Dividing Range, with elevations ranging from 500 meters to over 1,500 meters at the summit of Mount Barrington. The region experiences a temperate climate, with cool (even freezing) winters that occasionally bring snow, especially at higher altitudes. Summers tend to be mild, making it a popular destination for exploration and outdoor activities.
Barrington Tops is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from subtropical rainforests at lower elevations to subalpine woodlands at higher elevations. The park also supports a diverse range of fauna. It’s an important habitat for endangered species like the Spotted-tailed Quoll and Eastern Pygmy Possum, as well as other native animals such as wombats, kangaroos, and a variety of bird species including lyrebirds and peregrine falcons.
We can't wait visiting this park with a camera in hand to capture the beauty of the local flora and fauna!
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