Broad Swamp to Birds Rock walking track

Where

Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area in Sydney and surrounds

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

17.5km one-way

Time suggested

7 - 8hrs

Grade

Grade 3

Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath.

What to
bring

Drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, clothes for all weather conditions, first aid kit, personal locator beacon, hat, sunscreen, snacks

Please note

• Without a car shuffle, the walk from Broad Swamp carpark to Carne View lookout is about 27km return and will take 8-10 hours.
• It takes about 30min to drive between carparks one-way.
• There is no drinking water in the area, please bring enough water for a full day walk with you.
• There’s no phone reception along the walk. Download Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area in our NSW National Parks app before you leave home. You’ll be able to check your location on the map even when you have no mobile reception on the track.
• Closures for construction will continue over the next 12-18 months, so plan ahead and check alerts before you leave home. 

 

Broad Swamp to Birds Rock walking track is a heart-pumping 17.5km hike in Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.

You’ll need two 4WD vehicles for a car shuffle to make this a one-way walk as Birds Rock carpark is accessible by 4WD only.

You’ll start your hike on Broad Swamp loop walk which follows a track through the largest area of Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamp in the reserve. Listen for the melodic trill of scarlet and flame robins as you weave through their habitat on bog bridges and stepping stones. Beyond Broad Swamp, you'll follow the ups and downs of the terrain, from deep gullies to ridgetops with outstanding vistas.

After a gentle walk-through eucalypt bushland, sweeping views of ‘platy’ pagoda rock formations emerge 3.5km into the journey. Soon after, you’ll descend into a gully of soaring Blue Mountains ash forest. Enjoy the cool of the valley as you meander through creeks and narrow, winding canyons.

A challenging climb at the 7.5km mark will test your fitness. You’ll gain 100m of elevation as you navigate winding steps up to a scenic clifftop view overlooking the headwaters of Carne Creek. It’s a great spot to rest before heading towards Carne View lookout.

At the junction for Birds Rock, follow the track on the right for 650m to get to Carne View lookout. This 1.5km walk to the lookout and back is worth it for incredible views of sheer cliffs above Carne Creek with Pyramid Rock just visible above the tree line.

Once you return to the junction, finish the walk by following the fire trail uphill for another 3km to reach Birds Rock carpark. The drive back to Broad Swamp carpark is about 30min.

The walk to Carne View lookout from Birds Rock carpark is 3km return and can also be done on its own if you have a 4WD.

Broad Swamp to Birds Rock walking track is part of Gardens of Stone Pagoda Walk, a new 30km walk under construction. Learn more about this multi-day walk and other infrastructure upgrades planned for the park.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info