In 1923, the ‘Barrington Tops League’ formed to progress the idea of establishing a health and tourism resort, similar to the Blue Mountains, for “ordinary tourists” but especially for the large industrial population of the Lower Hunter.2 Creating a suitable road for cars to reach the Barrington Tops was the main goal. Unaided by government funding, the League facilitated a road being cut from Wharton’s Mill on Tomalla Road to Edwards Hut, two miles shy of Carey’s Peak – one of the highest points in Barrington Tops.3
One of the greatest advocates for the opening of the Tops was Henry Luke White, a pastoralist and philanthropist from Belltrees near Scone.4 On Tuesday 15 January 1924, his party drove the first car up the mountain to Edwards Hut over 17¼ miles of rough surface.5 Several others, including from Gloucester, made the same trek in the days following.6
The road was officially opened 2 February 1924 by Mr Wearne, Minister for Lands.7 The League was thrilled to draw Members of Parliament to the Tops and the MPs were in turn amazed by the Barrington’s wild beauty and spectacular scenery. The party acknowledged the area’s national significance and promised to find funds to create a more substantial road, however this was not realised.8 The positive side of the inevitable disappointment was the delayed development of this precious area.
Author: Janine Roberts
References:
1 “The first car to reach Edward’s Hut, Barrington Tops”, 15 January 1923 (incorrectly dated, should be 1924). Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales.
2 Maitland Daily Mercury, 28 March 1923, 4.
3 Newcastle Morning Herald, 21 January 1924, 5; Scone Advocate, 8 January 1924, 2.
4 https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/white-henry-luke-1435
5 Maitland Daily Mercury, 16 January 1924, 4.
6 Scone Advocate, 18 January 1924, 7.
7 Sydney Mail, 20 February 1924, 31.
8 Newcastle Sun, 21 January 1924, 3.
9 “Hauling cars up to Edward’s Hut, Barrington Tops”, February 1924. Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales. (Incorrectly labelled as the first successful attempt to reach the top by car).
