Authorities are advising potential visitors to the Barrington Tops that there are better places to go this weekend. Road access to Barrington Tops remains closed from Gloucester due to impacts from the recent extreme weather event, and access from Scone is limited to Tomalla. People are strongly advised not to travel to the area.
The forecast for Barrington Tops is uncertain for snow; however, strong winds and rain are likely. The northern tablelands are expected to have widespread snowfalls that may be far more easily accessed.
Many of the roads around Barrington Tops have land slips below or onto them, damaged bridges and some fallen trees remain. With forecast strong winds, there is also a high chance of more trees falling, with the ground still very wet from recent heavy rains.
As a general safety message for any future visits, people entering remote areas should inform a family member or other responsible person of their travel plans and expected date and time of return. Conditions on the sub-alpine plateau can change rapidly and people visiting the area are advised of the need to be prepared for weather extremes.
As a minimum, visitors to the Barrington Tops should carry:
- additional warm clothing
- food and water sufficient for all members of the party for the duration of the stay – with some reserve for unforeseen circumstances
- 4G or equivalent mobile telephone capable of transmitting from remote areas (phone reception is extremely unreliable in most areas of the Barrington wilderness).
For up-to-date information about local road conditions, please visit livetraffic.com, or contact the Visitor Information Centre at Gloucester on 02 6538 5252 or Scone on 02 6545 1526.
