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Length: 2.5km
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Duration: 1.5hrs
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Grade: 3
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Style: Circuit
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Start: -33.1757149999999, 150.247385
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End: -33.1757149999999, 150.247385
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Location: Wollemi National Park
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Closest Town:
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Distance from CBD: --
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State: NSW
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Latitude: -33.175715
Longitude: 150.247385
Keep the Trail Access info current...
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Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.
2WD Access
4WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road
Gravel Road
Steep Road
Winding Road
Speed Bumps
Vehicle Ford
Entry Fee
Large Car Park
Small Car Park
Accessible Parking
Accessible Toilet
Public Toilets
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
BBQ Facilities
Campfire Pit
Camping Area
Keep the Trail Features current...
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Wollemi National Park...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.
Concrete Path
Timber Boardwalk
Gravel Path
Sandy Trail
Rough Trail
Undefined Trail
Prams & Strollers
Manual Wheelchair
Motorised Wheelchair
Bicycle Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Historic Rail Trail
Dog Friendly
Urban Walk
Coast & Beach
Historic Lighthouse
Waterfalls & Lakes
Rainforest Walk
Goldfields & Mining
Heritage Walk
Aboriginal Art
Alpine Region
Alpine Huts
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Bush Bashing
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Well Marked
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Fishing Spots
Swimming Spots
Overnight Campsites
Trail Running
Horse Riding
Hike Summary
Located at the head of the Wolgan Valley, enjoy this fascinating walk into the history of Newnes - once the site of a thriving shale oil mining industry. You'll see some remarkably well-preserved remnants of the area's mining history, including old coke ovens, brick kilns, paraffin sheds and crumbling walls.
Starting at the Ruins carpark, the walking track zig zags across the large site, which is on a steep slope. The 15m 'Big Wall' is a highlight, and the unique beehive kilns are the largest of their type in Australia. Keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles soaring above.
Follow the route of the railway line back to the carpark. If walking from the river crossing, you'll need to add an extra 1km each way. Why not stay the night under the stars at Newnes campground with the local wombats and wallabies.
Getting there
Newnes Industrial Ruins are in the Lithgow area of Wollemi National Park. To get there from Lithgow:Follow the Great Western Highway west from Lithgow for 6.5km, then take the Castlereagh Highway exit towards Mudgee.At the village of Lidsdale, turn right onto Wolgan Road towards Wollemi National Park and Newnes.Newnes is around 34km from the Lidsdale turnoff.Cross the Wolgan River at the 4WD ford 100m north of the old Newnes Hotel, and turn left onto the gravel road. You'll pass several camping sites on your left before reaching the Ruins carpark. The signposted track begins at the locked gate.If walking to the ruins site:Cross the Wolgan River using the stepping stones, and follow the gravel road on the left around 1km to Newnes Ruins carpark, where the track begins. Road quality Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads Vehicle access All roads require 4WD vehicle Weather restrictions 4WD required in wet weather Parking Parking is available at the ruins carpark or near the Wolgan River crossing and Newnes Hotel.
Tips
The Ruins carpark is only accessible by 4WD or rock hopping on foot across the Wolgan River. Please don't try crossing the river in a 2WD.
If crossing the river on foot, you'll need to add an extra 1km (approx. 20-30mins) each way to the Ruins carpark.
Please don't climb the fragile ruins as they can be unstable
Remember to stay on the track as there are hidden holes off the track
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
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