Gardens of Stone National Park
Overview
Be inspired by the dramatic landscape at Gardens of Stone. This World Heritage area features stunning rock pagodas, sandstone cliffs, canyons and breathtaking scenic views.
Read more about Gardens of Stone National Park
To walk among the exquisite and varied rock pagoda formations, sandstone cliffs and canyons at Gardens of Stone National Park is a memorable experience. The extraordinary rock shapes, the stunning scenic views over the valleys and the mesa of Pantoneys Crown make this area of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property a must for photographers. This rugged territory is also a haven for adventurers, with excellent opportunities for canyoning, mountain-biking and serious bushwalking or hiking.
There’s plenty to see while enjoying a leisurely walk. Along the way, you can admire rare yellow pagoda daisies bursting from the rocks, blue tongue lizards, and wood geckos basking on the warm stone. You may even be lucky enough to spot a koala in the east of the park..
For a sense of the majesty of Gardens of Stone without the sore legs, why not take one of the wonderful driving tours? Find out more about the adjoining park, Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/gardens-of-stone-national-park/local-alerts
Contact
- in the Sydney and surrounds region
Gardens of Stone National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Mudgee office
02 6370 9000
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm. - 27 Inglis Street, Mudgee NSW 2850
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Email: npws.mudgee@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Mudgee office
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Oberon office
02 6336 6200
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. - 38 Ross Street, Oberon NSW 2787
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Email: npws.kanangra@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Oberon office
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Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
02 4787 8877
Contact hours: 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 270 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
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Email: bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Gardens of Stone National Park.
Map
Map
Map legend
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Lithgow:
- Head north on the Castlereagh Highway to Ben Bullen
- Turn right for the 4WD road to Baal Bone Gap picnic area
From Lidsdale:
- Follow the Wolgan Valley Road towards Newnes. The valley road descends below the cliffs of Gardens of Stone and Wollemi National Parks. Donkey Mountain is just past the Wolgan valley resort, great for climbing and views. The road ends at Newnes Historic Site and Newnes camping area in Wollemi National Park.
Parking
- Baal Bone Gap picnic area See on map
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- All roads require 4WD vehicle
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Gardens of Stone National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
Experience the wonder of the spring bird migrations and enjoy the flowering season for many of the plant species of the park.
Summer
Though you need to be prepared for hot weather, this can be a great time to explore the pagodas as deep shade falls between them and in the canyons, making for dramatic photographs.
Winter
The light in the mountains is beautiful in winter. Take crystal clear scenic photos from your vantage point on the cliff tops or just marvel at how far you can see from up here.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
8°C and 25°C
Winter temperature
Average
0°C and 9°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
April
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
135mm
Facilities
Maps and downloads
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.
Nearby towns
Lithgow (28 km)
Hassans Walls Lookout, near Lithgow, is the highest in the Blue Mountains. Admire Mt Wilson, Mt York, Mt Tarana and Mt Blaxland as well as the pretty Hartley Valley below. To the south are the Kanimbla and Megalong valley and Mt Bindo. While there, go for a walk or ride around the lookout.
Hartley (65 km)
The small village of Hartley features one of the finest collections of historic buildings in Australia, providing a captivating look into the country's colonial past.
Katoomba (69 km)
Katoomba is at the heart of most of the stunning natural attractions that make up the Blue Mountains National Park. You can admire deep valleys, sandstone plateaus, waterfalls and native animals from the many walking trails and lookouts near Katoomba.
Learn more
Gardens of Stone National Park is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
World-class bird watching
The diversity of the park supports a wonderful array of birdlife - this is an internationally-recognised bird watching area. You may see such threatened birds as the regent honeyeater, swift parrot, spotted harrier, square-tailed kite, turquoise parrot, lyrebird, and many more. Spring and autumn are the times to see the migrations across the sky. Walkers may also come across rare broad-headed snakes, Lesueur's gecko, heath monitors, brown antechinus, bush rats and occasional quolls. Brush-tailed rock wallabies can be seen along the caves and ledges, and the upland swamps in the eastern part of the park are home to giant dragonflies.
Astonishing rock formations
The geological evolution of this park has produced Triassic Narrabeen sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, grand mesas and the beautiful, yet often strangely delicate, pagodas. These pagodas are formed by wind and rain shaping the Banks Wall and Burramoko sandstone layers that spread right across the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property, and they range from quite small to over 60 metres in height. They are amazingly beautiful against the blue mountain sky.
- Baal Bone Gap picnic area Visit the jewel in the crown of Gardens of Stone and marvel at the magnificent rock pagodas, sheer cliffs and endless scenic views of Baal Bone Gap.
- National trail: Crown Creek fire trail For horseriding or mountain-biking, take Crown Creek fire trail. This iconic part of the east coast's National trail reveals staggering scenic views and a feeling of complete freedom.
- The Newnes Plateau Cliffs For self-reliant walkers, climbers and mountain bikers, Newnes Plateau is a wonderland of challenging experiences and awe-inspiring views.
An adventurer's haven
If it's not enough to view the splendour of the park from your car or the picnic area, perhaps canyoning, mountain-biking National trail: Crown Creek fire trail, or climbing Pantoneys Crown or Donkey Mountain are more your style. Come well prepared into this remote and sometimes challenging country, or join one of the private tour companies that bring groups into the park.
- The Newnes Plateau Cliffs For self-reliant walkers, climbers and mountain bikers, Newnes Plateau is a wonderland of challenging experiences and awe-inspiring views.
Education resources (1)
What we're doing
Gardens of Stone National Park has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the OEH website for detailed park and fire management documents.