Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track (17.5km)

The Broad Swamp to Birds Rock walking track is a 17.5 kilometre, grade 3 hike in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, near Lithgow in New South Wales. Allow around seven to eight hours to complete this one-way walk, and keep in mind that you will need two 4WD vehicles for a car shuffle, as the Birds Rock carpark is only accessible by four-wheel drive.

The journey begins along the Broad Swamp loop walk, where the track winds through the largest section of Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamp in the reserve. Raised bog bridges and stepping stones guide you across damp ground, and if you pause for a moment you may hear the soft calls of scarlet and flame robins among the reeds and shrubs. Beyond the swamp, the track rises and falls across rugged ground, moving between deep gullies and ridgetops that open onto sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

After a stretch through open eucalypt bushland, the first striking pagoda rock formations come into view around 3.5 kilometres in. Their layered sandstone shapes are a hallmark of the area and set the tone for the geological variety that follows. Soon after, the track descends into a cool gully shaded by tall Blue Mountains ash. Here the path meanders past creeks and through narrow canyons, offering a refreshing change of pace before the next climb.

At about the 7.5 kilometre mark, the track challenges you with a steep ascent of roughly 100 metres. A series of winding steps leads to a clifftop vantage point overlooking the headwaters of Carne Creek. This is a natural place to pause, catch your breath, and take in the expansive views before continuing on.

Not far beyond lies the junction for Carne View lookout. A short side trip of 650 metres each way rewards you with a striking outlook over sheer cliffs above Carne Creek, with Pyramid Rock just visible above the canopy. The detour adds around 1.5 kilometres to your day but is well worth the effort.

From the junction, the track continues along a fire trail for another three kilometres, climbing steadily until it reaches Birds Rock carpark. From here, it is about a half-hour drive back to Broad Swamp carpark to complete the shuffle. For those with a 4WD looking for a shorter walk, the 3 kilometre return track from Birds Rock carpark to Carne View lookout offers a taste of the scenery without committing to the full day hike.