4WD Oberon Colong historic stock route

Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Intrepid 4WD tourers will love the 4WD Oberon Colong historic route. Travel through the wild south of Blue Mountains National Park to a historic mining ghost town in Yerranderie Regional Park.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
63km
Time suggested
2hrs
What to
bring
Drinking water, snacks
Please note
  • No fuel, water or food is available along this route, so please be well-prepared.

The 4WD Oberon Colong historic route (Mount Werong Road) is an adventurous drive through the remote Southern Blue Mountains area, near Oberon. The unsealed trail takes you deep into the wilderness of Blue Mountains National Park, to reach a forgotten ghost town in Yerranderie Regional Park.

The route follows slopes that plunge down to Wollondilly River to the south and Kowmung River to the north, offering tantalising glimpses of the rugged Kanangra-Boyd wilderness. Stop at Mount Werong campground along the way, and stretch your legs on a walk to historic Ruby Creek mine. Continue on your spectacular drive, dipping and weaving along the crest of the Murruin Range to Yerranderie Private Town, a carefully preserved silver mining town where you can stay overnight.

Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and maybe even a shy echidna as you make your way along the route. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, be sure to look out for the gorgeous forest flocks of rainbow lorikeets and sulphur-crested cockatoos in spring and summer. At night, you might hear the cries of the powerful and sooty owls.

Take a virtual tour of 4WD Oberon Colong historic stock route captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Mount Werong campground, Blue Moutnains National Park. Photo: J Bros/OEH.

    Mount Werong campground

    Mount Werong campground is a great base to explore the mountain bike trails, bushwalks, and historic heritage in the remote south of Blue Mountains National Park, near Oberon.

  • Mountain vista framed by trees along Ruby Creek walking track, in the Southern Blue Mountains area of Blue Mountains National Park.  Photo: Jules Bros © OEH

    Ruby Creek walking track

    Ruby Creek walking track is an easy return walk from Mount Werong campground. It offers mining heritage and waterfall views in the remote Southern Blue Mountains area, near Oberon.

Map


Map legend

Map legend

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/4wd-touring-routes/4wd-oberon-colong-historic-stock-route/local-alerts

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about 4WD Oberon Colong historic stock route.

Maps and downloads

Learn more

4WD Oberon Colong historic stock route is in Yerranderie Regional Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Mining heritage

A couple looking across the remnants of historic Silver Peak Mine to Yerranderie Regional Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

Yerranderie township has retained much evidence of its history as a mining settlement of the early 20th century through its various remains, sites, mines, architecture and ruins. These, in combination with remnant exotic plantings, road systems and subdivision patterns, bring its early settlement to life for visitors. Yerranderie appears to be the only 20th century mining site to be preserved quasi-intact in all of eastern NSW and is an exceptionally well-preserved archaeological site. The township has been lovingly preserved to reflect its history, but the land itself has not seen much subsequent development due to its isolation. An unusually rich assemblage of mining equipment can still be viewed in the mines, and the township has a varied selection of sites, remains, ruins and buildings.

  • 4WD Oberon Colong historic stock route Intrepid 4WD tourers will love the 4WD Oberon Colong historic route. Travel through the wild south of Blue Mountains National Park to a historic mining ghost town in Yerranderie Regional Park.

Dramatic natural environment

Arial view of Yerranderie Private Town in Yerranderie Regional Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

Yerranderie lies at the centre of a broad visual catchment surrounded by sandstone escarpments and indigenous bushland. The combination of this spectacular natural setting, strong sense of isolation, and the remnants of mining and settlement activity of the past all contribute to give the township a powerful identity and sense of place.

Education resources (1)