It is hard to link this scene with the high drama that thrust the quietly spoken Mr Barker into the international spotlight in 1982 in one of Australia's most famous criminal trials.

It was Mr Barker who successfully led the prosecution against Lindy Chamberlain over the death of her daughter, Azaria.

Now 78 and still active in criminal law, Mr Barker said he and his wife were reluctantly selling their house to downsize in Sydney.

He preferred not to comment on the Chamberlain trial and aftermath but when asked about his first thoughts when given the case, he said: "It sounded interesting".

Eight years later, the murder conviction was overturned after the discovery of new evidence, and both Lindy and her then husband, Michael Chamberlain, were eventually acquitted of all charges.

Mr Barker, like the other key players, was immortalised in Fred Schepisi's film Evil Angels but he said he could not comment on Bruce Myles's portrayal of him because "no, I never saw the film".

It is clear it is all behind him and the challenge now is to break free from what was to be his retirement fantasy in bushland about six kilometres from Berry's commercial centre.

"When we first came here, I thought it was a lovely place to retire but that now seems a distant dream," he said.

It takes more than two hours to drive to his Sydney chambers but most of his preparatory work is done at home in the converted two-room chambers on the ground floor.

The three-bedroom house on nearly 15 hectares is both stylish and comfortable and shared with German shepherd Amica and West Highland terrier-cross Poco.

The couple has a varied collection of art and furniture.

One of Mr Barker's favourite pieces is the re-upholstered low-slung armchair, where his grandmother once sat knitting.

The view from the living area and the summer sitting room stretches out to sea at Seven Mile Beach.

The property is listed for $1.6 million with Adam Guthrie Lifestyle Properties at Berry.