Lithgow’s Gardens of Stone backyard is as diverse and unique as it is beautiful.

Protected in a wonderful 28,332ha State Conservation Area, its pagoda landscapes support a vast array of rare plant and animal life. The new reserve protects the core of the Gardens of Stone and more than doubles the protected area in the Gardens of Stone region.

The next step is formal planning for the reserve, including siting recreation facilities to enable families to get close to nature. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has put the reserve’s management plans on public exhibition for comment, and access roads are being upgraded. Thank you for your submissions that will help to ensure this reserve becomes a wonderland, not a theme park.

Once completed, this reserve will be a must-see destination that reveals the enduring benefits of nature conservation. Thousands will then be spellbound by this true natural wonderland that need no fancy facilities.

Also, visit the Gardens of Stone In Focus gallery to see a hint of what’s in store. Once restored, with access repaired and basic facilities, this reserve can become one of the best in NSW!

The next few months will be critical…