Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Newnes Industrial Ruins walk

Wollemi National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Newnes Industrial Ruins walk.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

2.5km

Time

1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Short steep hills: The walk has short steep hills and the ruins site is on a steep slope.

Quality of path

Formed track: The walk is hard-packed ground along its length.

After crossing the Wolgan River It follows a 4m-wide dirt 4WD road up to the ruins carpark. From there the walk narrows to a 1m-wide track.

Steps

Occasional steps: Towards the end of the track there are multiple sets of steps, ranging from between 5 to 60 steps each.

Other barriers

Gates: There's an emergency pipe swing gate at the start of the walk that's locked seasonally. There's enough space for walkers to get around this gate, but there's not enough space for wheelchairs or prams.

Other barriers: At the start of the walk, the track crosses Wolgan River. You'll need to rock hop across the water to get to the other side.

Getting there and parking

Newnes Industrial Ruins are in the Lithgow area of Wollemi National Park.

To get there from Lithgow:

  • Follow the Great Western Highway west from Lithgow for 6.5km, then take the Castlereagh Highway exit towards Mudgee.
  • At the village of Lidsdale, turn right onto Wolgan Road towards Wollemi National Park and Newnes.
  • Newnes is around 34km from the Lidsdale turnoff.
  • Cross the Wolgan River at the 4WD ford 100m north of the old Newnes Hotel, and turn left onto the gravel road.
  • You’ll pass several camping sites on your left before reaching the Ruins carpark. The signposted track begins at the locked gate.

If walking to the ruins site:

  • Cross the Wolgan River using the stepping stones, and follow the gravel road on the left around 1km to Newnes Ruins carpark, where the track begins.

Road quality

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • All roads require 4WD vehicle

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Parking is available at the hard-packed ground ruins carpark or near the Wolgan River crossing and Newnes Hotel.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

  • Check the weather before you set out as the Wolgan River level can rise rapidly
  • Keep a close eye on children and please don’t climb the ruins. They’re unstable and shouldn’t be entered.
  • Please stay on the track – there are some fragile and deep, hidden holes off the track.
  • Drive slowly along the narrow gravel roads and look out for wombats and other wildlife, especially at night.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Newnes Industrial Ruins walking track is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams and may be challenging for people with reduced mobility:

  • There's a river crossing at the start of the walk where you need to rock hop to get to the other side
  • There's a pipe swing gate at the start of the walk that's locked seasonally. There's enough space for walkers to get around this gate, but there's not enough space for wheelchairs or prams.
  • There are many steps towards the end of the walk in sets off between 5 to 60 steps each
  • The walk has short steep hills and the ruins site is on a steep slope.

Although there are no bench seats along this track, you'll find picnic tables at Newnes Cricket Pitch near the start of the walk for resting.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Newnes Industrial Ruins walk

Operated by

Park info