Broad Swamp Loop Walk (6km)

Just 5km from Lithgow in New South Wales and around 150km northwest of Sydney, Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area offers a fascinating mix of dramatic landscapes, rich history, and rewarding bushwalks. Only a 2.5-hour drive from the city, it’s an easy day trip for those keen to explore something different in the Blue Mountains region.

The park connects Wollemi, Blue Mountains, and Gardens of Stone national parks and sits on Wiradjuri Country. Its centrepiece, the Newnes Plateau, is the highest sandstone plateau in the Blue Mountains, supporting rare ecosystems and a surprising diversity of wildlife.

Walks here reveal spectacular natural features. Towering sandstone cliffs, deep gullies, and narrow canyons cut through the land, while the park’s most striking attraction—the fragile ‘platy’ pagodas—stand proudly with their distinctive ironstone banding. A hike along the Lost City track not only offers sweeping views of these formations but also uncovers relics of the region’s mining past, with old dams and industrial remains scattered through the forest.

This conservation area is also a sanctuary for plants and animals. It protects endangered swamps and shrublands unique to the plateau, along with species such as the glossy black cockatoo, regent honeyeater, and spotted-tailed quoll. Keen eyes may also catch sight of the Giant Dragonfly or the Blue Mountains water skink.

For those seeking more than bushwalks, there are limited 4WD and cycling routes, as well as vehicle-based camping. The park is also perfectly positioned for side trips—if you’re heading to the Glow Worm Tunnel in Wollemi National Park, the Lost City is directly on the way from Lithgow.

Each season offers something different: autumn’s crisp mornings, spring’s wildflower displays, summer’s dramatic sandstone shadows, and winter’s cool, clear days. Whether you’re after a short family walk or a full-day hike, this park has plenty to offer across all trails.