Gloucester, New South Wales
The Bucketts Way (Official Tourist Drive 2) is the second oldest tourist drive in New South Wales, and for good reason: this scenic loop off the Pacific Highway takes you through pretty towns and villages to dramatic mountain ranges, breathtaking views, beautiful valleys and platypus-filled rivers. This scenic route is popular with motorcycle riders as it provides one of the best road touring experiences in NSW. Motorists will discover the historic town of Stroud, the beautifully located regional town of Gloucester, the hillside village of Krambach and the riverside village of Tinonee. Named after the Bucketts Mountains overlooking Gloucester, The Bucketts Way is a section of the previous State Highway 10 (changed in 1931 to the Pacific Highway), between Raymond Terrace and Taree between August 1928 and 1952. The Bucketts Way provides a vital link to Barrington Tops via Gloucester and access to the New England region via Thunderbolts Way....
This is the best short scenic drive in Gloucester, taking you in circle around the remarkable Buccan Buccans (the Bucketts Mountains) which you'll see from all sides. You'll drive through the best of the beautiful rural landscapes, cross numerous river fords on concrete causeways with excellent spots for a lunch break or a swims, and end up in the beautiful riverside park in the centre of Gloucester which is perfect for a leisurely picnic by the Gloucester River. You'll see the village of Barrington, the old timber Barrington Bridge, the upper reaches of the beautiful Barrington River valley, Rocky Crossing, the Gloucester River, the Buccan Buccans, Lions Club Scenic Walk, Gloucester District Park and five river crossings on concrete causeways. Pick up a free Scenic Drive brochure with route map at Gloucester Visitor Information Centre.
If you only have half a day in Gloucester then this offers you a taste of world heritage wilderness. Gloucester Tops National Park is the easternmost section of Barrington Tops and is the closest part of this stunning world heritage wilderness to Gloucester. You'll see the upper reaches of the Gloucester River valley, Gloucester Tops, Barrington Tops National Park, Andrew Laurie Lookout, Gloucester Falls, Gloucester River and multiple river crossings on concrete causeways. Pick up a free Scenic Drives brochure with route map at Gloucester Visitor Information Centre.