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 photographic opportunities, wildlife encounters and immersion in a rare and fragile landscape.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Trish Doyle shared her enthusiasm 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 and offers views of the largest swamp in the park, while protecting it as an endangered ecological community via bog bridges. Keep a keen eye out for red-necked wallabies and echidnas who call this area home.
The more adventurous and challenging Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track stretches 17.5 kilometres, requiring hikers to traverse gullies and cliff lines. This Grade Three walk takes approximately seven to eight hours to complete (one-way), gaining an elevation of 100 metres from the lush valley with towering trees to the winding steps up to a scenic clifftop view of Carne Creek with glimpses of Pyramid Rock. Without a car shuffle, the walk from Broad Swamp carpark to Carne View lookout is 25 kilometres return, taking approximately eight to 10 hours, so ensure you plan ahead.
Part of the $49.5 million Gardens of Stone SCA visitor infrastructure program, these new tracks are the result of 18 months’ work to transform an eroded trail into a world-class hiking track.
“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 have also been completed to offer better convenience for visitors, with a formalised car park, road enhancements, toilets and visitor information.
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.
