The Broad Swamp Loop Walk and Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track showcase the unique geology and diverse ecosystems of the Gardens of Stone area.

Two new walking tracks in the picturesque Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCA) have opened just in time for the warmer months and the school holidays. The Broad Swamp Loop Walk and Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Tracks showcase the unique geology and diverse ecosystems of the Gardens of Stone area near Lithgow, offering fantastic wildlife encounters and the chance to walk within a rare landscape.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Trish Doyle, shared her excitement for the new walking tracks.“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." 

Broad Swamp Loop is a family-friendly six-kilometre walk among towering eucalypts and vibrant wattles. This Grade Three track takes approximately one to two hours to complete, offering adventurers views of the largest swamp in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area. Animal enthusiasts should keep a keen eye out for red-necked wallabies and echidnas who have been spotted in the area.

Those looks for more of a challenge can undertake the Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track, a 17.5-kilometre stretch that traverses gullies and cliff lines. This Grade 3 walk takes approximately seven to eight hours to complete (one-way) and will guide hikers from the lush valley with its towering eucalypt trees to the twisting steps to a scenic clifftop view of Carne Creek which reveals glimpses of Pyramid Rock. Without a car, the walk from Broad Swamp carpark to Carne View lookout is 25 kilometres return, taking approximately eight to 10 hours, so planning ahead is key.

These new tracks are the result of 18 months’ work transforming an eroded trail into a world-class hiking track and are part of the $49.5 million Gardens of Stone SCA visitor infrastructure program.

“These new walking tracks help protect biodiversity by converting an eroded informal trail into a world-class hiking adventure so more people can enjoy the park," shared National Parks and Wildlife Service Director, David Crust.

Upgrades to the Lost City precinct, including a formalised car park, road enhancements, toilets and visitor information, have also been completed to better convenience visitors.

The transformation is the first stage of a planned multi-day walk, with new precincts, Bungleboori Picnic Area and Forest Campground, to be completed over the next two years.

To know before you go

• There is no phone reception on either walk. 
• There is no drinking water along the way.
• Closures due to construction will continue over the next 12-18 months, so check each walk is open in advance.
• -To do the Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track as a one-way trip, you’ll need two 4WD vehicles, as Birds Rock car park is only accessible by 4WD. It is a 30-minute drive between Broad Swamp car park and Birds Rock car park.