Gardens of Stone National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Gardens of Stone National Park.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Lithgow:
- Head north on the Castlereagh Highway to Ben Bullen
- Turn right for the 4WD road to Baal Bone Gap picnic area
From Lidsdale:
- Follow the Wolgan Valley Road towards Newnes. The valley road descends below the cliffs of Gardens of Stone and Wollemi National Parks. Donkey Mountain is just past the Wolgan valley resort, great for climbing and views. The road ends at Newnes Historic Site and Newnes camping area in Wollemi National Park.
Park entry points
- Ben Bullen access See on map
- Newnes Plateau Cliffs access See on map
Parking
- Baal Bone Gap picnic area See on map
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- All roads require 4WD vehicle
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Gardens of Stone National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
Experience the wonder of the spring bird migrations and enjoy the flowering season for many of the plant species of the park.
Summer
Though you need to be prepared for hot weather, this can be a great time to explore the pagodas as deep shade falls between them and in the canyons, making for dramatic photographs.
Winter
The light in the mountains is beautiful in winter. Take crystal clear scenic photos from your vantage point on the cliff tops or just marvel at how far you can see from up here.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
8°C and 25°C
Winter temperature
Average
0°C and 9°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
April
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
135mm
Facilities
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area unless you have received an approval permit 10 days before your visit. Find out how to apply for a permit on the Drones in parks webpage.
Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. A request for a permit may not always be approved. Penalties apply if you fly a drone without a permit. See the Drones in Parks policy.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Contact
- in the Sydney and surrounds region
Gardens of Stone National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Mudgee office
02 6370 9000
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm. - 27 Inglis Street, Mudgee NSW 2850
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Email: npws.mudgee@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Mudgee office
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Oberon office
02 6336 6200
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. - 38 Ross Street, Oberon NSW 2787
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Email: npws.kanangra@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Oberon office
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Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
02 4787 8877
Contact hours: 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 270 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
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Email: bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
Nearby towns
Lithgow (28 km)
Hassans Walls Lookout, near Lithgow, is the highest in the Blue Mountains. Admire Mt Wilson, Mt York, Mt Tarana and Mt Blaxland as well as the pretty Hartley Valley below. To the south are the Kanimbla and Megalong valley and Mt Bindo. While there, go for a walk or ride around the lookout.
Hartley (65 km)
The small village of Hartley features one of the finest collections of historic buildings in Australia, providing a captivating look into the country's colonial past.
Katoomba (69 km)
Katoomba is at the heart of most of the stunning natural attractions that make up the Blue Mountains National Park. You can admire deep valleys, sandstone plateaus, waterfalls and native animals from the many walking trails and lookouts near Katoomba.