Exploring the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area – Lithgow, NSW – The Lost City Trail

The Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area is not to be confused with the Gardens of Stone National Park. I am sure both are equally scenic, but the lesser-known State Conservation Area is a much more serious commitment to get to. In fact, I had tried to visit this area way back in May and relying on Google Maps for directions, I was led on a merry dance to places I never knew existed. When I finally got on the correct road, I was stopped by a sign stating that the ‘road is closed’! Oh well, I guess it was a nice day for a drive! 😊

Determined to return and complete my reccie (for my local bushwalking club), I double checked everything, confirmed my itinerary, called the local tourist office for local intel, and set off. I was not disappointed.

Over the next few blog posts I will share what I found in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, starting with the Lost City Walking Track.

Let’s go…

Walk Name: Lost City Walking Track – South to North

Format: Out and back

Approx. Distance: 5.8km

Total Ascent: 282m                        Total Descent: 277m

Rating: Grade 3 (Grade 4 returning via Miner’s Link Pass. It has a metal rope to pull yourself up on and good foot/hand holds).

Timin: Allow 2-2.5hours or however long you want.

Terrain: Lots of steps and stairs leading down to the valley floor. The path is generally wide and clear.

Weather: I got back to the car just in time before it bucketed rain.

Getting There: There is no public transport to the walk. You would need your own car for the 12km drive from Lithgow. As the road can be quite rough, I recommend that you leave your low-slung sports car at home!

Where to Stay: There is the full range of accommodation in Lithgow. Take your pick.

General Comments:

• This track has recently reopened after a major financial investment and upgrade. This includes a clear, wide path leading to the look out area from the carpark, enabling wheelchair access.
• The walking trail has also been upgraded with new steps, stairs and good signage.
• This is a very pretty walk with a good mix of sweeping views and interesting detail. The towering pagoda rocks provide great contrast to the native flora such as wattle flowers and other Winter blooms.
• A small stream babbling along the valley floor adds a nice background soundtrack. There are a number of sets of sold stepping stones to cross and re-cross the stream, although these may be submerged if there has been heavy rainfall.

• Another feature of this trail is all the mining heritage. Apparently, this was a significant shale mining area in its day and there are remnants of old buildings, weirs, and heavy equipment which are being slowly reclaimed by the scrub.
• I have no doubt this would be a popular hiking spot on weekends and during school holidays. When I walked midweek, I saw only one other walker/photographer making the most of the statuesque rock formations.

Top Tips for this Trail:

• Car Shuffle: If you only wanted a short walk and to walk one way, you could do a car shuffle with any walking companions you may have – leaving one car at the Lost City North carpark.
• Mobile Service: There is none or its very patchy. Take a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) if you are walking on your own.
• Toilets: Composting toilet facilities are available at Lost City South carpark and nothing at the North carpark. Also, there are no handwashing facilities.

• Water: Bring plenty of water as there are no taps or tanks. At a pinch you could get water from the stream (if it is running) on the valley floor with the usual treatment recommendations. I did see some signs warning of asbestos contamination in the land near the mining infrastructure, so you would be wise to collect water upstream of this area.
• Hiking Poles: If you normally hike with poles, consider bringing them along to help with the steep descents and ascents.
• Safety: All the usual Aussie bush safety rules apply to this walk. Definitely do not walk in this area if there is a high chance of bushfire as there is simply no avenue for escape. Also be snake-aware when walking in warmer seasons. And, I’ll repeat the need to carry your own PLB if walking solo. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

This trail is a great introduction to the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area. It is not as well known or as easily accessible as other National Parks in the area, so you definitely feel like you are discovering something new and rare.

As further government investment is made in infrastructure, including a multi-day loop walk, I have no doubt that this area will be bumped closer to the top of many walkers hiking to-do lists. Get there before the crowds arrive. 😊

Have you discovered an interesting trail lately?

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