Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
Getting there and parking
Directions from Lithgow, via State Mine Gully Road
- Follow signs to Wollemi National Park from the corner of Bridge Street and Main Street Lithgow.
- From Bridge Street, turn right at Inch Street.
- Turn left at Atkinson Street and after 750m, turn right onto State Mine Gully Road.
- Continue past State Mine Heritage Museum on State Mine Gully Road for 2km until your reach the park entry.
Directions from Lithgow, via Clarence
- Take the B59 (Chifley Road) to Clarence (Zig Zag Railway).
- Turn left at Petra Avenue and continue onto Old Bells Line of Road.
- You’ll enter the park after about 2km on Old Bells Line of Road.
Parking
- Lost City walking track See on map
Road quality
- State Mine Gully Road is an unsealed gravel road. While 2WD vehicles can access this route in dry weather, 4WD vehicles are highly recommended in case of changing weather conditions. Access is by 4WD only in wet weather or after long periods of rain.
- Trucks frequently use Old Bells Line of Road for infrastructure works. Please drive carefully.
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads require 4WD vehicle
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Best times to visit
Autumn
Crisp mornings and mild days provide the stage for family trips to Lost City and the adjoining parks, including Wollemi National Park and Gardens of Stone National Park.
Spring
Waratahs, boronias and Sunshine Wattle are in bloom and temperatures are perfect for walking and cycling.
Summer
The summer sun casts interesting shadows across the landscape making for dramatic photographs but be ready hot weather.
Winter
Cool days are ideal for exploring walking tracks and fire trails surrounded by flowering wattle.
Facilities
Visitor info
What's permitted
4WD touring is permitted on public roads and selected trails with a valid permit. Please avoid driving after heavy rainfall to minimise road and trail damage.
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Permitted when there are no TOBANs or park fire bans.
Camping
Vehicle-based camping is allowed in previous camping areas only. Remote, backpack camping for overnight bushwalks is also permitted.
Cycling
Cycling is permitted on existing roads and management trails. Please keep to the trail and avoid cycling after heavy rainfall to minimise trail damage.
Horses
Permitted on roads and management trails only.
What's prohibited
Single track and off-trail motorcycle and 4WD activity is not permitted in this park.
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
Fishing
Gathering firewood
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 State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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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
Nearby towns
Lithgow (5 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.