Walking Weekend – Barrington Tops National Park
Ready to explore more of our world?
Come and immerse yourself in ancient Gondwana Rainforest, walking amongst giant old-growth trees, leafy ferns and moss-covered rocks in Barrington Tops National Park. You’ll retire to luxurious accommodation each night after delicious meals and good conversation around the fire.
As part of a small group of walkers, you’ll see some jaw-dropping sights and feel the sense of wonder that comes from spending time in World Heritage-listed nature.
The Walking Weekend is for those who need to recharge, remember the important things in life, and enjoy this beautiful world we live in.
Here are all the details:
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 June 2026
Itinerary (subject to change)
Friday 26 June
4pm-6:30pm – Arrive at Carawirry Forest Escape to settle into your room and enjoy some appetisers
7pm – Dinner and dessert
Post-dinner briefing about the weekend’s walks
Saturday 27 June
Make your own breakfast with the wide range of ingredients provided
Pack lunch, snacks and water
8am – Depart for our first adventure: Rocky Crossing Walk (16km) in Barrington Tops National Park
Relax at the house or take a dip in the plunge pool to rejuvenate
Pre-dinner drinks and appetisers
7pm – Dinner and dessert
Outdoor firepit with marshmallows and hot chocolate
Sunday 28 June
Your choice of a leisurely morning for a sleep in/fireside reading OR a gentle walk to Carawirry’s waterfall OR take on the Yowie Trail!
10:30am brunch – our final meal together
Pack up and depart by midday
Perhaps a stop in Dungog on the way home?
What’s Included
2 nights of luxurious accommodation in Tathra House at Carawirry Forest Escape
Guided walks over 2 days
2 delicious dinners followed by mouthwatering desserts
A variety of provisions so you can make your breakfast on Saturday
Snacks to stock your backpack for walks
Appetisers to enjoy in front of the fire each evening
A smorgasbord of lunch supplies to make your own picnic for the trail
A delicious made-for-you brunch on Sunday
Coffee, tea, herbal tea plus milk and sugar
Bed linen and towels
A donation to The Groundswell Collective for projects to protect and restore the world we love
Suggested training program to maximise your enjoyment of the weekend
A preliminary meeting with the group to discuss the walks, menu and transportation
What’s Not Included
Transportation to and from Carawirry Forest Resort (see FAQs)
Beverages other than coffee, tea, herbal tea
Travel insurance
Pricing
Tathra House at Carawirry Forest Escape is comprised of five luxurious bedrooms with sumptuous beds and premium bedding. Your choice of sharing with a friend or partner in a king bed or two singles, or come alone and share with a future friend in two singles.
Walking Weekend = $650 per person
Deposit = $200 per person
Balance due 6 weeks prior to departure = Friday 15 May
Payments are made via bank transfer. You are welcome to pay by instalments up to the balance due date with a minimum of $50 per payment.
Ready to book? Please complete the booking form.
What to Bring
Walking boots/shoes or joggers – waterproof if possible
A backup pair of walking boots/shoes or joggers
Backpack
Bottles or bladder to carry at least 1.5 litres of water
Raincoat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Hat and layers of warm clothing to walk in (minimum three sets)
Swimmers and a towel in case you want to rejuvenate in the plunge pool
All the typical items you’d bring for a weekend away: toiletries, pyjamas, phone charger, something to read, maybe your favourite pillow and anything else you need to be comfortable
Optional – walking poles if you use them
Note: bed linen and bath towel are provided
FAQs
Do I need special walking skills?
All the walks we have planned are rated easy to moderate, meaning they’re suitable for an average person with average fitness. Of course, some training before the Walking Weekend will make it more enjoyable for you and your muscles. A suggested training plan will be provided after you’ve booked.
We will cover a variety of terrain including boardwalk, sand, gravel paths, and rocky narrow trails. Uphill and downhill on both stairs and trail, both wet and dry underfoot: we’ll experience it all. You will be able to move at your own pace during the walks and we’ll take regular breaks.
If you have health concerns or would like more specific information, please read about the walks (see Itinerary for links) and then contact Katie on katie@thegroundswell.org.au
Do I need special walking equipment?
See the list of What to Bring and remember to borrow or buy second hand if you need something you don’t already own (Facebook Marketplace has oodles of walking shoes/boots).
Can I arrive late?
Please arrive by 6:30pm on Friday for dinner.
How do I get to Carawirry Forest Escape?
Carawirry is a piece of paradise about 20 minutes outside Dungog. We’d like to make this weekend as sustainable as possible so a good option is to carpool with other walkers. We’ll have a meeting prior to the Walking Weekend so you can meet everyone and make travel arrangements.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
Sure can. We’ll ask you about food and any other special needs during the booking process and at the preliminary meeting.
What kind of projects will be supported by the donation portion of my fee?
The Groundswell Collective loves bringing people together to create a better planet. Our projects include:
- planting tiny forests to rapidly regenerate landscapes that have been cleared for development or farming. These compact ecosystems provide food and habitat for biodiversity, cool urban areas and help communities take practical climate action.
- facilitating workshops to help children connect with nature and foster a lifelong love of caring for our world
- growing food for people and pollinators in our community garden
What if the weather isn’t great?
We won’t let a little rain put us off (it is rainforest after all) but in the event of extreme weather conditions (eg. a flooding event or dangerous storms) then we may need to postpone the Walking Weekend in the name of health and safety. Obviously, we won’t be able to make this decision until shortly before the event. You would be given the option of transferring to a new date or receiving a full refund.
How do I book?
Please complete the booking form and we will respond within 24 hours. Once we offer you a place, you will have 24 hours to pay your $200 deposit via bank transfer. The balance of your payment will be due 6 weeks prior to the Walking Weekend (Friday 15 May). You are welcome to pay by instalments up to that date with a minimum of $50 per payment.
Are there any refunds?
There are no refunds if you cancel your place at the Walking Weekend. If, after booking, you become injured or unwell in a way that prevents you from attending and you can provide a medical certificate to that effect, you will be able to transfer the money you’ve paid to an alternative Walking Weekend.
If the event is cancelled by The Groundswell Collective due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be given the choice of transferring to another event date or receiving a refund.
You might like to consider if travel insurance is right for you.
Still have questions?
Contact Katie on katie@thegroundswell.org.au
About Us
The Walking Weekend will be led by Katie from The Groundswell Collective, who believes now is the time to get out and explore the places we’ve always wanted to see. Walking through the bush allows us to be face to face with world we love and reap the benefits of being in nature.
Katie has been bushwalking for years, escaping outdoors whenever she needs to make sense of the world or remember why she wants to protect it. Katie holds a current First Aid certificate and will carry a First Aid Kit on each walk.
The Walking Weekend will be supported by Libby, a long-term supporter of The Groundswell Collective and one of our most dedicated volunteers. Libby will help with the logistics of the weekend including transport and delicious food.
