Acknowledgement of Country
Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area forms part of the Wiradjuri cultural landscape. We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging, and respect the rights and aspirations of Wiradjuri people as custodians of their Country.
Protecting conservation values
As well as our ongoing pest control programs, this year we prioritised weed control work on tracks, trails and swamps – and the removal of remnant pine trees.
Remediating former pine plantation
We've treated about 1,500 hectares out of the 2,000 hectares targeted for pine removal, thanks to the hard work of staff, contractors and volunteers.
The remnant pine is incompatible with the state conservation area as it can naturally germinate and grow in new areas, hindering the growth of native species and encroaching on native forest.
In the areas where pine has been removed, we are witnessing the regrowth of native plants such as the hop bitter-pea, and various Acacia and Eucalyptus species. Additionally, the iconic NSW waratah has been spotted growing in sections previously dominated by pine.
Pine removal at Bungleboori
Over 100 mature pine trees were removed from Bungleboori – in preparation for upgrade work to the visitor facility. The pine logs and wood chips have been stockpiled for future use in the park.
As part of the picnic area upgrade, Bungleboori will be revegetated with seed collected in the park and grown at the Lithgow and District Community Nursery – to improve amenity and provide future shade.
Protecting rare plants
We are delighted that the rare prostrate cone-bush (Isopogon prostratus) has made a remarkable recovery at a site in the park, following fencing to prevent vehicles from impacting the plants. In just over a year since the fencing, the plants recently flowered.
Before fencing, showing vehicle damage in June 2023 
After fencing with new growth in February 2024 
Plants in flower in October 2024
Vehicle access
A vehicle access strategy has been prepared for the park, in consultation with stakeholders. The strategy provides a framework for safe and sustainable vehicle access in accordance with the park's plan of management and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Vehicle Access Policy.
Over 256 km of roads and trails in the park are designated for public and management use, catering for a diverse range of uses including dry weather 2-wheel drives, 4-wheel drive touring, regulated 4-wheel driving, registered motorbike riding, cycling and operational and emergency management.
The strategy balances the demand from a diverse range of user groups with the protection of the park's values and visitor safety. It aims to:
• protect the park's natural and cultural values
• cater for a diverse range of park users
• deliver a coordinated network of roads and trails for public vehicle use
• support community wellbeing and connection to nature
• cater for future visitor experiences
• provide appropriate maintenance and resourcing.
View the vehicle access strategy.
Spotlight on the giant dragonfly
The giant dragonfly (Petalura gigantea) is one of the world's largest dragonflies, found along the coast and ranges of New South Wales and south-east Queensland. This endangered species breeds in permanent peat swamps, with the Newnes Plateau in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area being its highest altitude habitat.
These dragonflies have large eyes and a brownish-black body with light yellow markings. Females are larger than males, boasting a wingspan of up to 12.5 cm. The larvae live in burrows near swamp edges for 6 to 10 years, relying on high groundwater levels to avoid drying out. Adults emerge for a single flying season from late spring to summer.
Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the crucial peat swamp habitats, like those in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, to ensure the survival of this remarkable insect.
Female giant dragonfly (Petalura gigantea)
Improving visitor experiences
Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area continues to be popular with visitors, with over 40,000 vehicles entering the park in 2023, with April and October being the most visited months.
In addition, over 4,500 visitors explored the Glow Worm Tunnel Walking Track in the adjoining Wollemi National Park in the last 3 months.
We undertake regular patrols on weekends and peak holiday times in collaboration with NSW Police, to address illegal activity, educate visitors on the park rules and ensure that everyone enjoys the park safely.
Visitors are reminded that:
- all vehicles including motorcycles must be registered; all riders and drivers must be licenced
- dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in the park
- collection of firewood in the park is illegal
- entering closed areas in the park is an offence.
Penalties apply for non-compliance, and security cameras have been installed in the park to assist in managing illegal activity.
Master plan update
Finalising the master plan for the delivery of visitor facilities and eco-adventure opportunities in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area continues to be a priority. We are working to resolve many complex planning and environmental challenges, to deliver the best outcome for the park, visitors and community.
This involves the extensive analysis and the preparation of design concepts for new visitor facilities such as the Gardens of Stone Pagoda Walk, mountain biking network, day walks, picnic areas and campgrounds.
The master plan will provide a framework for visitor infrastructure improvements, delivering great experiences that go hand-in-hand with protecting the park’s natural and cultural values.
The master plan will be available in 2025 on the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area webpage.
Bungleboori improvements
Bungleboori is set to become a key picnic area and visitor gateway for Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, with work to commence on the new facilities in 2025.
Improvements will include a formal car park, toilets, picnic shelters, seating, information signs and landscaping.
Gardens of Stone Pagoda Walk
Construction is underway on the Gardens of Stone Pagoda Walk, a 30 km, 3-day, 2-night adventure that connects the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area to the Glow Worm Tunnel in Wollemi National Park.
The walk is set to become a major attraction, forming the first stage of the Wollemi Great Walk – a 9-day trek from Lithgow to the Mudgee region, and a key part of the NSW Great Walks program.
The walk is being delivered in stages, with work on Stage 1 expected to be complete by mid-2025.
Planning and environmental assessments are currently underway for the northern section of walking track, including 2 campgrounds.
The walk is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Stage 1 of the Pagoda Walk
Glowing new upgrades at Glow Worm Tunnel
A glow worm friendly $4.3 million upgrade was recently completed at the popular Glow Worm Tunnel in Wollemi National Park.
The new tunnel path and handrails allows visitors to enjoy the glow worms from a safe and level pathway, while providing better protection for the glow worms.
The work was carried out using special red LED lighting and hand-held or battery-operated tools to ensure the glow worms weren’t disturbed.
The Glow Worm Tunnel precinct attracts over 50,000 visitors each year, and the new pathway and upgraded walking tracks, car park and access road will provide the opportunity for more people to experience the mesmerising glow worms.
The upgrade was funded under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, and by the Australian Government.
Glow Worm Tunnel is a 387-metre-long tunnel that was built in the early 1900s as part of a 53 km railway line for the shale mining industry at Newnes. The high humidity and running streams in the former railway tunnel have made it the perfect environment for the glow worm colony.
More visitor information is available from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Things to know if planning a visit this summer
Road maintenance and upgrades – temporary closures
Visitors are advised that there is ongoing road maintenance and upgrade work happening in Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area. Before you visit, make sure you check the alerts and closures on the National Parks and Wildlife Service webpage.
Camping
Vehicle-based camping is allowed in previously used camping areas only. Remote, backpack camping for overnight bushwalks is also permitted.
- Please do not camp in undisturbed forested areas or remove plants to clear a new campsite.
- There are no facilities in the park at this point. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
- Take all your rubbish with you.
- Consider bringing a portable camp toilet. Do not empty your toilet in the park. Recreational vehicle dump points are available outside the park.
- Generators and chainsaws are not permitted.
Previous unregulated camping had a significant impact on park values and visitor safety and experience. Camping is being managed to be more sustainable, protect the park’s natural and cultural values and improve visitor safety and experience. Designated camping areas will be established in the park, in line with the master plan.
No wood fires from 1 October 2024–31 March 2025
Consistent with the NSW Rural Fire Service’s bushfire danger period, there is a park fire ban on solid fuel or wood fires in the park from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. You can still use gas cookers, except during total fire bans. Check for total fire bans on the NSW Rural Fire Service webpage.
Get involved
The ‘Gardens of Stone Guardians’ volunteer program, established in early 2023, has grown to over 130 members. The group provides an invaluable contribution to the park, dedicating over 300 hours to rehabilitating the park.
Six events were held in 2024 including weed control, rubbish removal and guided bushwalks. More volunteer days are planned for 2025, starting with the annual reserve clean-up day in March.
Corporate volunteering
In October, the National Parks and Wildlife Service partnered with corporate volunteers to rehabilitate a degraded site at Lost City. The group planted over 300 trees, installed brush matting and collected native seed for propagation – making a positive contribution to restoring the biodiversity in the area.
Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the park, learn about the environment and meet people. New volunteers are always welcome. If you’re interested in getting involved you can register at the National Parks and Wildlife Service webpage.
Bushwalkers enjoying the scenery at Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area 
Spectacular views overlooking Carne Creek 
Entrance to Glow Worm Tunnel 
Corporate volunteers on a newly completed section of the Lost City Walk