Newnes Industrial Ruins walk
Wollemi National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Newnes Industrial Ruins walk.
Track grading
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
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.
Operated by
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
- 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 4787 8877
- bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 270 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
Park info
- in Wollemi National Park in the Sydney and surrounds, North Coast and Country NSW regions
Wollemi National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.