Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

Attraction
Hidden Treasure trail, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE
Basin Loop walking track, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE
Basin Loop walking track, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE
Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE
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Park alerts

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

1 current alert · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 5:05 pm

  • Other planned eventsUntil 23 Oct 2026

    Notice of 1080 Aerial Baiting Program

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program from 12 September to 20 September 2026 in the following reserves:

    • Barrington Tops National Park/State Conservation Area
    • Towarri National Park / Wingen Maid Nature Reserve / Cedar Brush Nature Reserve
    • Wallabadah Nature Reserve
    • Woolooma National Park
    • Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve/National Park
    • Camerons Gorge Nature Reserve/State Conservation Area
    • Curracabundi National Park/State Conservation Area, Bretti Nature Reserve, Mernot Nature Reserve, Watchimbark Nature Reserve, Woko National Park, Monkeycot Nature Reserve, Coneac State Conservation Area, Camels Hump Nature Reserve, Khatambuhl Nature Reserve
    • Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
    • Berrico Nature Reserve
    • The Glen Nature Reserve

    The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes and wild dogs.

    The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

    Signs will be placed at authorised entrances to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks and most other NPWS managed land. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

    Please contact NPWS Gloucester Office on 02 6538 5300 or Scone Office on 02 6540 2300 for more information.

About

Two types of gold have been discovered within the New South Wales area now known as Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. The first was red gold', which was red cedar highly sought after by Australia's European settlers. It was the early explorers who came to log along these mountain ridges who then discovered the shiny type, and goldmining took off too. Although conditions would have been tough back then in this rugged and remote area, you'll discover that it's actually a beautiful place to have worked in.

Copeland Tops, home to the most accessible tract of rare dry rainforest in the Gloucester district, is simply gorgeous. Hike along old logging tracks beneath a canopy of towering trees on one of the park's scenic walking trails. There are plenty of great places to picnic. To learn more about the area's mining heritage, join one of our Discovery tours of Mountain Maid gold mine.

The park at a glance

In the foothills of Barrington Tops, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area offers rainforest walking tracks, picnic areas, birdwatching and guided tours at a historic mine that are great for school excursions.

Two types of gold have been discovered within the New South Wales area now known as Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. The first was ‘red gold’, which was red cedar highly sought after by Australia’s European settlers. It was the early explorers who came to log along these mountain ridges who then discovered the shiny type, and goldmining took off too. Although conditions would have been tough back then in this rugged and remote area, you’ll discover that it’s actually a beautiful place to have worked in.

Copeland Tops, home to the most accessible tract of rare dry rainforest in the Gloucester district, is simply gorgeous. Hike along old logging tracks beneath a canopy of towering trees on one of the park’s scenic walking trails. There are plenty of great places to picnic. To learn more about the area’s mining heritage, join one of our Discovery tours of Mountain Maid gold mine.

Walks
2
Historic places
1
Picnic areas
1

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Best times to visit

Spring

This season offers mild walking conditions as well as the chance to witness bird migration. For instance, the wompoo fruit-dove – Australia's largest fruit dove – migrates from lower elevations in winter to upland forests in the warmer months.

Summer

There's nothing like rainforest to keep you cool; it's always several degrees less beneath the protective canopy, so enjoy following the park's walking tracks and finding shady places to picnic during the hotter months. The park's raised elevation also contributes to these milder conditions.

Places to discover

Stay, explore and relax across the park.

2 places

Historic places (1)

Walks in this park

2 walks
  • Hidden Treasure track

    Grade 3 · Moderate · 4.5km loop · 1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min

Frequently asked questions

6 questions

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Before you go

Opening

Always open

Nearby towns

Gloucester (18 km) · Dungog (80 km) · Taree (93 km)

Get in touch

Gloucester office

02 6538 5300npws.barringtontops@environment.nsw.gov.au

59 Church Street, Gloucester NSW 2422

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Where you'll be

Copeland NSW 2422