Two new walking tracks have opened at the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCA) near Lithgow in New South Wales, allowing visitors to explore the dramatic sandstone cliff lines and pagoda landscapes.
A new family friendly walking track is on offer among the eucalypts and colourful wattles along the new six-kilometre Broad Swamp Loop Walk.
And, for the more adventurous, the Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track is a 17.5-kilometre hike showcasing stunning scenery, including previously inaccessible, remote creeks, gorges, clifftop views and pagoda formations. Starting from Broad Swamp, the walking track traverses intricate gullies, spectacular cliff lines and lookouts with Carne Creek as a backdrop, finishing at Birds Rock car park.
Bushwalkers enjoying the new walking track at Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area. PIC: DCCEEW
The Government says it is the culmination of 18 months of work transforming an eroded informal trail into a world-class walking track.
Part of the $49.5 million Gardens of Stone SCA visitor infrastructure program, the new walks include the first stage of what will eventually become a unique multi-day walk.
The opening of the new tracks coincides with the completion of upgrades at the popular Lost City precinct, including a formalised carpark, road enhancements, toilets and visitor information.
Meanwhile, the development of new visitor experiences and precincts is continuing at Gardens of Stone SCA, including Bungleboori Picnic Area and Forest Campground. Works will be staged over the coming two years.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Trish Doyle, said the new walks would draw visitors and help safeguard the fragile environment.
“The tracks are fantastic news for families, hikers and nature lovers and will be a drawcard for visitors, driving economic and tourism growth and creating new bushwalking routes of international significance in our backyard,” she said.
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We’ve always been keen bushwalkers, it’s a major part of our travels.
We rarely see any other grey nomads on the trails.
It seems that the only exercise they get is carrying their chairs & grog over to happy hour. LOL.