Where

Southern Blue Mountains area in Blue Mountains National Park, Yerranderie State Conservation Area, Yerranderie Regional Park, Kanangra-Boyd National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW

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

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Mining heritage

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.

Dramatic natural environment

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.