Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area

Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area links Wollemi, Blue Mountains and Gardens of Stone national parks. The reserve is on Wiradjuri Country and includes Newnes Plateau, the highest-elevation sandstone plateau, in the Blue Mountains.

There’s an abundance of geological features to marvel including dramatic gullies, deep slot canyons, and sandstone cliffs. But the most iconic are the fragile and nationally significant sculptural ‘platy’ pagodas with their distinct ironstone banding. 

You can admire these rare, ancient pagodas from lookouts along Lost City walking track which makes an ideal day trip for families. You’ll also find heritage dams and relics that are a reminder of Newnes’ mining heritage. 

Rich eucalypt forests and woodland offer a peaceful escape for visitors and a refuge for plants and animals. The area protects endangered Newnes Plateau shrub and Montane peatlands and swamps. The Newnes Plateau geebung is only found here on the Newnes Plateau.

The park is home to more than 80 rare and threatened animals like glossy black cockatoos, koalas, spotted-tailed quolls, regent honeyeaters, Giant Dragonfly and Blue Mountains water skinks.

The park has limited opportunities for 4WDing and cycling on specific roads and management trails. There are vehicle-based campsites in a few areas. To find out more please contact the park office.

If you’re planning a trip to Glow Worm Tunnel in Wollemi National Park then a visit to Lost City is recommended and will be directly on your way from Lithgow.