Ground has been broken at the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, with construction of the Lost City Walking Track now underway as part of a $49.5 million NSW Government commitment to establish Lithgow as a premier tourism destination.
Construction of the Lost City Walking Track marks the first visitor infrastructure project to start since the reserve came under National Parks and Wildlife Service management in May 2022.
Located 5 minutes’ drive from Lithgow CBD, the 5 km walking track will capture unrivalled views of the iconic Lost City skyline, meandering through platy pagoda formations and historic mining relics with the sandstone escarpment as a backdrop.
The family friendly walking track will be accessible via 2-wheel-drive, with a car park and facilities, and visitor interpretations that tell the story of the area’s rich biodiversity and colourful mining history.
Planning is underway for a number of other nature-based visitor experiences including a dedicated mountain bike network, shared-use walking and cycling trail, picnic areas and a family-friendly campground.
Due to the Lost City Walking Track construction and other park establishment infrastructure works, including road and fire trail repair works, the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area has some areas temporarily closed to visitors.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has also continued work on upgrading walking tracks and constructing a path at the nearby Glow Worm Tunnel in Wollemi National Park. Once completed, the pathway will allow visitors to marvel at the glow worms from a safe distance.
The tunnel path project is expected to be completed in mid-2024 but the National Parks and Wildlife Service plans to open the popular precinct for summer holiday visitors for a short stint from 23 December 2023 until 9 January 2024.
Visitors should use a red LED light to navigate the tunnel, stay away from the glow worms and be aware of uneven and slippery surfaces.
Visitors are urged to check the National Parks and Wildlife Service alerts page prior to planning a visit to either park.
‘The transformation of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area from a former state forest to a protected reserve over the last 18 months has been remarkable.
‘It’s exciting to see extensive park planning, design and consultation come to life, while supporting natural and cultural values and delivering opportunities for the visitors of tomorrow. Establishment works undertaken so far including maintaining and upgrading roads, removing rubbish, flora and fauna surveys, pest and weed control and installing signage.
‘Once completed the important upgrades at Glow Worm Tunnel will allow the 50,000 visitors who come to the site each year to enjoy the glow worm colony from a proper path that keeps both visitors and the glow worms safe.
‘For safety reasons visitors can’t access the Glow Worm Tunnel precinct or some parts of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area while construction works are taking place but keep an eye on our webpage for updates on opening and closures, along with important information such as solid fuel bans which are in place until 31 March 2024.’
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