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Gardens of Stone Guardians

Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Mon 25 September 2023, 10.01am

Applies from Tue 18 Jul 2023, 4.07pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 4.08pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 11.17am.

Closed areas: Glow Worm Tunnel closure

The Glow Worm Tunnel visitor precinct and associated walking tracks will be closed until December 2023 for upgrades.

This closure includes:

  • Glow Worm Tunnel carpark
  • Glow Worm Tunnel walking track
  • Pagoda track (Old Coach track)
  • Glow Worm Tunnel to Newnes walking track (to ‘four-ways’ intersection).
  • Dry Canyon track (Wolgan View canyon).

There is no access to Glow Worm Tunnel walking tracks during this time.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6336 6200.

Applies from Wed 19 Apr 2023, 6.00am to Fri 6 Oct 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 21 Sep 2023, 11.19am.

Closed areas: Trail Closures

Centennial Coal are performing scheduled works in areas of the park surrounding Lost City from Wednesday 19 April 2023 until Friday 8 December 2023. Trails may be closed from time to time with signage and barricades in place.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact Springvale Colliery springvalecolliery.compliance@centennialcoal.com.au

Applies from Mon 18 Sep 2023, 5.00am to Wed 20 Dec 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Sep 2023, 10.01am.

Closed areas: Closed Areas: Maiyingu Marragu Trail for road repairs

Maiyingu Marragu Trail from Sunnyside Ridge Road to Maiyingu Marragu Aboriginal Place, closed for road repairs Monday 18th September to 20th December.

 

Open long weekend 30th September to 2nd October (Closed all other weekends)

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the local NPWS office on 02 4843 5976.

Applies from Fri 28 Jul 2023, 11.43am to Wed 1 Nov 2023, 11.43am. Last reviewed: Fri 1 Sep 2023, 4.15pm.

Closed areas: Ben Bullen trail (Moffits trail) closed for road repairs

The following areas are closed due to trail repair work:

  • Ben Bullen trail (Moffits trail) from Hutchinson Road heading east to the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area boundary
  • Baal Bone Gap picnic area

The trail has several large bog holes that are impassable to all vehicles. Due to these bog holes being impassable there is no through access to Wolgan Road from the Castlereagh Highway.

The repairs are expected to take up to 4 weeks for stage 1 from Ben Bullen to Baal Bone Gap.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Mudgee Area office on 02 6370 9000.

Affects 1 location in this park: Show list

Applies from Tue 4 Jul 2023, 4.43pm to Fri 1 Dec 2023, 4.44pm. Last reviewed: Wed 23 Aug 2023, 8.13am.

Closed areas: Closed trail due to damage

Bicentennial National Trail is closed to vehicle traffic from Cameron’s Point Junction through to Moffitt’s trail due to roadworks.

No through access to Baal Bone Gap Picnic Area or Gardens of Stone National Park.

There are several large bog holes on the trail that are impassable to all vehicles.

This closure may be extended depending on conditions, and any extension will be posted as soon as possible.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office on 02 6336 6200.

Applies from Thu 20 Jul 2023, 3.06pm. Last reviewed: Tue 22 Aug 2023, 9.18am.

Safety alerts: Haulage trucks using Old Bells Line of Rd

Haulage trucks are in operation along Old Bells Line of Rd between the park entrance near Chifley Road (Zig Zag Railway) and Clarence Sands during the following times:

• Monday to Friday: 04.00 to 18.00

• Saturday: 04.00 to 13.00

 

During these times road users are reminded to:

• drive with caution

• adhere to the speed limit of 40 km/hr

• listen for truck movements via UHF-11

 

If a UHF radio is unavailable, NPWS recommends to access the reserve via State Mine Gully Rd. For more information contact the Kanangra Area office on (02) 6336 6200.

Applies from Mon 24 Jul 2023, 9.52am to Tue 31 Oct 2023, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Sun 3 Sep 2023, 4.37pm.

Closed areas: Waratah Ridge closed

Waratah Ridge Road is closed to all traffic from 21 February 2022 to 31 October 2023 as part of the Wartime Remnants Clean-up Project. 

For more information please contact wartime.remnants@defence.gov.au

Upcoming management events

Upcoming management events
Date Event Title
1 October 2023 Fire bans Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area park fire ban Details

Applies from Sun 1 Oct 2023, 9.14am to Wed 1 May 2024, 9.15am. Last reviewed: Tue 26 Sep 2023, 9.20am

A park fire ban is in effect from Sunday 1 October 2023 to Tuesday 30 April 2024 unless otherwise extended or removed at Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area. The park fire ban applies to all areas of the park. During the ban, all campfires and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

  • They're under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the Oberon NPWS office on 02 6336 6200 before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page

Details
16 October 2023 Closed areas Road and track closures Details

Applies from Mon 16 Oct 2023, 5.00am to Fri 20 Oct 2023, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 8 Sep 2023, 1.10pm

The following roads and walking tracks are closed from Monday 16 October 2023 to Friday 20 October 2023 (weather-permitting) for a helicopter operation to deliver materials to worksites:

  • Glowworm Tunnel Road including the carpark (closed near Deep Pass intersection).
  • Old Coach Road, including the carpark.
  • Galah Mountain Road
  • Dry Canyon
  • Glowworm tunnel walking tracks
  • Pagoda track
  • Glowworm to Newnes (from ‘4ways’).
  • Tiger Snake Canyon access track
  • Rocky Creek Canyon track.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6336 6200.

Details
30 October 2023 Closed areas Road and track closures Details

Applies from Mon 30 Oct 2023, 5.00am to Fri 3 Nov 2023, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 8 Sep 2023, 1.17pm

The following roads and walking tracks are closed from 5am Monday 30 October 2023 to 6pm Friday 03 November 2023 (weather-permitting) for a helicopter operation to deliver materials to worksites:

  • Glowworm Tunnel Road including the carpark (closed near Deep Pass intersection).
  • Old Coach Road, including the carpark.
  • Galah Mountain Road
  • Dry Canyon
  • Glowworm tunnel walking tracks
  • Pagoda track
  • Glowworm to Newnes (from ‘4ways’).
  • Tiger Snake Canyon access track
  • Rocky Creek Canyon track.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6336 6200.

Details
11 December 2023 Closed areas Road and track closures Details

Applies from Mon 11 Dec 2023, 5.00am to Fri 15 Dec 2023, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Sep 2023, 6.27pm

The following roads and walking tracks are closed from Monday 11 December to Friday 15 December 2023 (weather-permitting) for a helicopter operation to deliver materials to worksites:

  • Glowworm Tunnel Road including the carpark (closed near Deep Pass intersection).
  • Old Coach Road, including the carpark.
  • Galah Mountain Road
  • Dry Canyon track
  • Glowworm tunnel walking tracks
  • Pagoda track
  • Glowworm to Newnes (from ‘4 ways’).
  • Tiger Snake Canyon access track
  • Rocky Creek Canyon track.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6336 6200.

Details

Nearby alerts

Applies from Fri 22 Sep 2023, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 4.03pm

Closed areas: Newnes Campground Pedestrian Access Only

Newnes campground is available for walk-in access only starting from Saturday 23 September. The campground is remote and can only be accessed by long walks via the Old Coach Road or the Pipeline Track.

Campers need to be fully self-sufficient and carry all supplies including drinking water. Campers are strongly advised to complete a trip intention form for their safety. Pack it in, pack it out – please take all rubbish with you when you leave.

There is no road access due to the Wolgan Road collapse and continuing land slip risk at Wolgan Gap. Wolgan Road is managed by Lithgow Council.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6336 6200.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 18 Jul 2023, 4.07pm to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 4.08pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 11.17am

Closed areas: Glow Worm Tunnel closure

The Glow Worm Tunnel visitor precinct and associated walking tracks will be closed until December 2023 for upgrades.

This closure includes:

  • Glow Worm Tunnel carpark
  • Glow Worm Tunnel walking track
  • Pagoda track (Old Coach track)
  • Glow Worm Tunnel to Newnes walking track (to ‘four-ways’ intersection).
  • Dry Canyon track (Wolgan View canyon).

There is no access to Glow Worm Tunnel walking tracks during this time.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6336 6200.

Affects 2 parks and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 25 Aug 2023, 2.48pm to Mon 30 Oct 2023, 2.48pm. Last reviewed: Thu 14 Sep 2023, 1.38pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in the following from Monday 4th September 2023 to Sunday 17th September 2023:

  • Abercrombie River National Park
  • Blue Mountains National Park
  • Gardens of Stone National Park
  • Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  • Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  • Mares Forest National Park
  • Turon National Park
  • Wollemi National Park

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected and 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs. Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For more information, contact the NPWS Oberon area office on 02 6336 6200.

Affects 2 parks and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 28 Aug 2023, 10.00am to Fri 13 Oct 2023, 3.14pm. Last reviewed: Tue 12 Sep 2023, 11.12am

Closed areas: Trail Closures

Mt Cameron Fire Trail and Deep Pass North Fire Trail are closed for Fire Trail maintenance from Monday 28th August until Friday 13th October 2023. Deep Pass South remains open.


Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Kanangra Area office on 02 6336 6200.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 28 Jul 2023, 11.43am to Wed 1 Nov 2023, 11.43am. Last reviewed: Fri 1 Sep 2023, 4.15pm

Closed areas: Ben Bullen trail (Moffits trail) closed for road repairs

The following areas are closed due to trail repair work:

  • Ben Bullen trail (Moffits trail) from Hutchinson Road heading east to the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area boundary
  • Baal Bone Gap picnic area

The trail has several large bog holes that are impassable to all vehicles. Due to these bog holes being impassable there is no through access to Wolgan Road from the Castlereagh Highway.

The repairs are expected to take up to 4 weeks for stage 1 from Ben Bullen to Baal Bone Gap.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Mudgee Area office on 02 6370 9000.

Affects 2 parks and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 25 Aug 2023, 11.37am to Mon 30 Oct 2023, 11.37am. Last reviewed: Fri 25 Aug 2023, 2.08pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Wollemi National Park from Monday 4th September 2023 to Sunday 17th September 2023.

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Please contact the local NPWS area office for more information:

Mudgee 02 6370 9000

Oberon 02 6336 6200

Bulga 02 6574 5555

Glenbrook 02 4720 6200

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 25 Aug 2023, 11.39am to Mon 30 Oct 2023, 12.27pm. Last reviewed: Fri 25 Aug 2023, 2.05pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Avisford Nature Reserve (NR), Capertee National Park (NP), Dapper NR, Durridgere State Conservation Area (SCA), Gardens of Stone NP, Goodiman SCA, Goulburn River NP, Mugii Murum-ban SCA, Munghorn Gap NR, Wollemi NP and Yarrobil NP from Monday 4th September 2023 to Sunday 17th September 2023.

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Please contact the NPWS Mudgee office for more information on 02 6370 9000.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 25 Aug 2023, 2.22pm to Mon 30 Oct 2023, 2.27pm. Last reviewed: Fri 25 Aug 2023, 1.58pm

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Abercrombie River National Park (NP), Avisford Nature Reserve (NR), Blue Mountains NP, Capertee NP, Dapper NR, Durridgere State Conservation Area (SCA), Gardens of Stone NP, Goodiman SCA, Goulburn River NP, Jenolan Karst Conservation Area (KCA), Kanangra-Boyd NP, Mares Forest NP, Mugii Murum-ban SCA, Munghorn Gap NR, Turon NP, Wollemi NP and Yarrobil NP from Monday 4th September 2023 to Sunday 17th September 2023.

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Please contact the local NPWS area office for more information:

Mudgee 02 6370 9000

Oberon 02 6336 6200

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 23 Nov 2022, 2.08pm. Last reviewed: Fri 25 Aug 2023, 10.38am

Closed areas: Wheeny Creek campground - Boobook section closed

The Boobook campground and picnic area within Wheeny Creek campground has permanently closed due to flood damage. Please note that the rest of Wheeny Creek precinct remains open for bookings.  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 4720-6200.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 24 Aug 2023, 9.31am to Mon 16 Oct 2023, 1.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 25 Sep 2023, 9.20am

Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting ongoing ground baiting program from 22 May 2023 to 15 October 2023 in the following areas:

  • Dharug National Park
  • Koolewong Flora Reserve
  • Manobalai Nature Reserve
  • Parr State Conservation Area
  • Wollemi Flora Reserve
  • Wollemi National Park 
  • Wollemi State Conservation Area
  • Yengo National Park

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For more information, contact the NPWS Wollemi Yengo Area office at Bulga on 02 6574 5555.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 4 Jun 2020, 3.29pm. Last reviewed: Fri 18 Aug 2023, 8.48am

Other planned events: Marangaroo National Park

If you plan to stay at an NPWS campground after 1 June 2020 you'll need to make a booking first. This also applies to campgrounds that did not require bookings previously.

If you can't find your preferred campground on a webpage for Marangaroo National Park, please check this list of lesser-known campgrounds and make your booking.

If you're still unable to find your preferred campground phone 1300 072 757.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 3 Aug 2023, 8.12am. Last reviewed: Mon 31 Jul 2023, 10.32am

Hazard reduction burns: Marrangaroo HR

There is a planned Hazard Reduction burn in this park from 03/08/2023. The fire is called Marrangaroo HR. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 1 May 2023, 7.30am to Thu 2 Nov 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 17 Jul 2023, 12.37pm

Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting ongoing ground baiting program from Tuesday 2 May 2023 to Thursday 2 November 2023 in the following areas:

  • Abercrombie River National Park
  • Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
  • Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  • Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
  • Wollemi National Park (Wolgan Valley area)
  • Gardens of Stone National Park
  • Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  • Turon National Park
  • Marrangaroo National Park

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.

Affects 4 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 2 Feb 2022, 9.20am to Sun 31 Dec 2023, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Sun 10 Sep 2023, 3.23pm

Closed areas: Roads closed due to flood damage

The following roads in this park are closed due to storm and flood damage:

  • California trail - closed until late January 2024
  • Martindale trail - closed until November 2023
  • Hunter Main trail:
    • Raspberry Junction to Three Ways - closed until November 2023

Visitor areas that are currently closed include:

  • California Hut - closed until late January  2024

Gates have been locked, and signs are in place on closed roads. Expected reopening times are subject to weather delays.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Bulga area office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 19 May 2022, 1.42pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 9.29am

Closed areas: Pt Hatteras Trail closed due to trail damage

There is no vehicle access to the Point Hatteras Trail in Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area due to trail conditions from the extended periods of wet weather.

There is no vehicle access to the following areas

  • Point Hatteras

 

For more information please contact the Mudgee Area Office on 02 6370 9000 or npws.mudgee@environment.nsw.gov.au 

 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 18 Feb 2020, 5.42pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Sep 2023, 9.29am

Closed areas: Tramway trail closed due to rockfall

Tramway trail in Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area is closed to vehicles until further notice. The closure is due to a rockfall adjacent to the trail.

A geotechnical risk assessment has been undertaken.  Repairs to address safety issues need to be undertaken before reopening. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6370 9000.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

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/volunteer-activities/gardens-of-stone-guardians/local-alerts

Park info

Emergency services

For all NSW fires visit the Rural Fire Service

For the latest information on wildfires in your area please contact the NSW Rural Fire Service.

View all alerts for NSW