New Values; New Plans

Manage the Gardens of Stone so visitors are spellbound by nature

The Gardens of Stone area is more than just an iconic pagoda-studded landscape, it encompasses forested montane sand dunes, high altitude peat swamps, slot canyons, caverns, slot canyons, waterfalls, gorges and arches. It supports 1000 plant species, 33 vegetation communities, 319 vertebrate animal species, 42 threatened animals and 42 threatened plants.

Gardens of Stone Challenge - World Class Reserve or Theme Park?

Today, the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area was gazetted, with its draft Master Plan publicly released containing plans for major visitor and tourism development.

Keith Muir, former Colong Foundation for Wilderness (now Wilderness Australia) Executive Director, said:

“The Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area gazetted today must negotiate a political minefield if it is to be properly managed.

Ben Bullen - Photo H. Gold

After a 20 year campaign, new protection for the Gardens of Stone

Hut News Issue 398 December 2021

Cheers, tears and a storm of emails erupted in celebration within the Society when, on Saturday 13 November, the NSW government at last announced the creation of a new Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCA).

The announcement came in a joint media release from the Premier, Dominic Perrottet, Environment Minister and Treasurer, Matt Kean and Deputy Premier and local MP, Paul Toole.

Protect the Gardens of Stone Banner

Australia's longest conservation campaign delivers

Media release 19 November 2021

Keith Muir, former Colong Foundation for Wilderness Executive Director, said:

“After what must be the longest protected area campaign in history, the Colong Foundation welcomes the new Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area of over 30,000 hectares which positions Lithgow as the gateway to the Gardens of Stone region.

Wyn Jones with microphone by David Noble

Supporters

The Gardens of Stone Alliance are a collection of conservation groups who developed the reserve proposal and Destination Pagoda - its people in nature vision . Become a supporter, please fill in the webform 
 

Picture

The Gardens of Stone

Waratahs at waratah ridgePagodasGrevillea Acanthifolia in the Newnes PlateauFlannel flower with bugs

Pagoda landscapes support a vast array of rare plant and animal life

Cabin development site 1 in pagoda landscape
Angus Place areas to be pumped out are beside EEC swamps
Angus Place areas 800 & 900 to be pumped out are beside endangered swamps
Angus Place areas to be pumped out are beside EEC swamps
Angus Place areas 800 & 900 to be pumped out are beside endangered swamps
Adventure facilities and building in middle of Lost City view – NPWS illustration from the tourism EoI
Adventure facilities and building in middle of Lost City view – NPWS illustration from the tourism EOI
Adventure facilities and building in middle of Lost City view – NPWS illustration from the tourism EoI
Adventure facilities and building in middle of Lost City view – NPWS illustration from the tourism EOI

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.

A natural wonderland
A natural wonderland
Manage events
Exhibition period for luxury cabins has closed

Thank you to everyone who made a submission aginst this damaging proposal. The proposal to build serviced cabins for tourism in pristine parts of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area near Lithgow risks damage to its internationally renowned pagoda landscapes and will set a dangerous precedent.

Bid for Serviced Cabins in a Blue Mountains park will test the Minns Government’s green credentials
Cartoon of cabins in a pagoda landscape by Ned Toons

A proposal to build serviced cabins for tourism in pristine parts of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area near Lithgow risks damage to its internationally renowned pagoda landscapes and will set a dangerous precedent.

Visit Gardens of Stone

The Gardens of Stone have outstanding variety and beauty

The Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area is one of the premier regions for bushwalking in NSW. The unique scenery, terrain and variety of walks on offer makes it the perfect area to explore. There are many different walks on offer catering to all levels of experience. Organise a self-guided multi-day walk in the wilderness or enjoy a casual day-walk to take in the rivers, wetlands and pagodas. 
 

Pantoney's crown at sunset
Bushwalking

Lookouts in the Destination Pagoda region offer stunning panoramic views. Located from just outside Lithgow to remote wild areas scenes include hundreds of metres of vertical cliffs and dramatic and rugged landscapes. Take a look at the wild flowers while you are there.

The 5 best spots to take in the views

Rain storm by Joel Robinson
Lookouts

The deep, lush valleys and gorges of the Blue Mountains and Lithgow regions provide some of the best canyoning experiences in the world.

There is a huge variety of canyons to explore. Be careful and make sure you are prepared when canyoning; some will need special skills and equipment, others warm clothing, whilst others can be easily walked through.

Nobles canyon by Joel Robinson
Canyoning

There are many special and unique areas to explore in the Gardens of Stone region, that you won't find anywhere else.

Glow worms by Joel Robinson
Unique Adventures
Astro photography
Bird Watching

Only two hours drive from Sydney, the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area offers many family adventures from picnicking and sightseeing to day walks, camping, nature study, exploring industrial ruins, bird-watching, bicycling, photography, drawing and painting. The Visitors Map is full of suggested walks and trips.

The beautiful Birds Rock at sunset

What to do in Lithgow

Only 2 hours drive from Sydney, Lithgow is a town brimming with history, art and culture. It has fantastic boutique accomodation, a gourmet food scene and plenty of places to kick back and relax. You can visit lakes or rivers for some fantastic fishing, or grab a beer at a secret brewery. You won't run out of things to do!

Destination Pagoda

Destination Pagoda, the visitor management plan for a 39,000 hectare Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, can attract 155,000 visitors in the first year, growing to 420,000 in ten years.

By then, a new reserve will generate an estimated $24.3 million per year for the Lithgow economy in dining, accommodation, retail and transport expenditure, and a total of $40.3 million through direct, industry and consumption effects, contributing to 258 local jobs.

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