The 17.5km Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track is Now Open 2 Hours From Sydney

 

Two new hiking trails have just opened in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area near Lithgow, just a two-hour drive from Sydney, which will eventually form a multi-day hike in the area.

The Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track is a remote, 17.5km hike showcasing previously inaccessible creeks, gorges, clifftop views, and pagoda formations. 

The trail starts from Broad Swamp, traverses intricate gullies, spectacular cliff lines and lookouts with Carne Creek as a backdrop, finishing at Birds Rock car park. 

For those looking for a more family friendly option, there’s also the new 6km Broad Swamp Loop Walk through eucalypts and colourful wattles.

Gardens of Stone Upgrades

The trails are part of the $49.5 million Gardens of Stone SCA visitor infrastructure program. These new openings are the first stage of what will eventually become a new multi-day walk.

‘It has been a privilege to play a leading role in the Gardens of Stone transformation, leaving a legacy for visitors by creating new outdoor experiences,’ says National Parks and Wildlife Service Director, David Crust.

‘These new walking tracks help protect biodiversity by converting an eroded informal trail into a world-class hiking adventure so more people can enjoy the park.’

The project also involves the development of new visitor experiences, including Bungleboori Picnic Area and Forest Campground. The works will be phased over the next two years.

To Know Before You Head Out

It’s important to note that the 17.5km Broad Swamp to Birds Rock Walking Track is a one-way trail, so a car shuffle is needed. Birds Rock car park is also only accessible to 4WDs, so two 4WDs are required to complete the 30 minute shuffle. 

Without a car shuffle, the walk from Broad Swamp car park to Carne View lookout is 25km return and takes around 8-10 hours. If you’re hiking the trail one-way, allow 7-8 hours.

There’s also no phone reception or drinking water in the area, so it’s important to bring plenty of water and notify an emergency contact of your intention to hike. You can also download the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area map in the NSW National Parks app before you leave home.

For more information, and to check for current closures, visit the NSW National Parks website.

Photos supplied by NSW NPWS