The Barrington River: from a trickle to a raging torrent in just one year

Make it or break it: The Barrington River at The Steps in minor flood last week. A year ago it was a trickle and the region was in drought.

A year ago the Barrington River was a trickle. Now, it's a raging river.

By luck and planning, the fortunes of Gloucester, the main gateway to the Barrington Tops National Park, have turned and the town is reaping the benefits of Mother Nature's return to prosperity.

Tourism operators and accommodation providers in the Gloucester area have had excellent trading conditions in the last six months, as NSW visitors unable to travel overseas and interstate, have rediscovered this natural wonderland.

Naomi Kilby, managing director of Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre, which operates The Steps campground on the Barrington River and runs kayak tours, said, "I think there are a lot of people who traditionally would have gone overseas to seek an adventure, that are now looking for a similar experience within the state."

And it's not just visitors.

Seeing blue sky ahead: Managing director of Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre Naomi Kilby and daughter Zoe. Pictures: Simone De Peak

Real estate agent Gary Ferris of Webb Real Estate, said, "From March to now, we've seen unprecedented sales. I've been selling here since 2009, and this is the strongest period I've experienced."

The region has also benefited from the tourism rebranding of the Great Lakes, Tareee and Gloucester area as Barrrington Coast, a result of the local councils being amalgamated in 2016.

Read the full story behind the region's golden run in Weekender inside the Newcastle Herald on Saturday.