Australia's longest conservation campaign delivers

Media release 19 November 2021

Keith Muir, former Colong Foundation for Wilderness Executive Director, said:

“After what must be the longest protected area campaign in history, the Colong Foundation welcomes the new Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area of over 30,000 hectares which positions Lithgow as the gateway to the Gardens of Stone region.

Wyn Jones with microphone by David Noble

Supporters

The Gardens of Stone Alliance are a collection of conservation groups who developed the reserve proposal and Destination Pagoda - its people in nature vision . Become a supporter, please fill in the webform 
 

Picture

The Gardens of Stone

Waratahs at waratah ridge
Pagodas
Grevillea Acanthifolia in the Newnes Plateau
Flannel flower with bugs

Pagoda landscapes support a vast array of rare plant and animal life

Angus Place areas to be pumped out are beside EEC swamps
Angus Place areas 800 & 900 to be pumped out are beside endangered swamps
Angus Place areas to be pumped out are beside EEC swamps
Angus Place areas 800 & 900 to be pumped out are beside endangered swamps
Adventure facilities and building in middle of Lost City view – NPWS illustration from the tourism EoI
Adventure facilities and building in middle of Lost City view – NPWS illustration from the tourism EOI
Adventure facilities and building in middle of Lost City view – NPWS illustration from the tourism EoI
Adventure facilities and building in middle of Lost City view – NPWS illustration from the tourism EOI

Lithgow’s Gardens of Stone backyard is as diverse and unique as it is beautiful.

Protected in a wonderful 28,332ha State Conservation Area, its pagoda landscapes support a vast array of rare plant and animal life. The new reserve protects the core of the Gardens of Stone and more than doubles the protected area in the Gardens of Stone region.

A natural wonderland
A natural wonderland

Visit Gardens of Stone

The Gardens of Stone have outstanding variety and beauty

The Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area is one of the premier regions for bushwalking in NSW. The unique scenery, terrain and variety of walks on offer makes it the perfect area to explore. There are many different walks on offer catering to all levels of experience. Organise a self-guided multi-day walk in the wilderness or enjoy a casual day-walk to take in the rivers, wetlands and pagodas. 
 

Pantoney's crown at sunset
Bushwalking

Lookouts in the Destination Pagoda region offer stunning panoramic views. Located from just outside Lithgow to remote wild areas scenes include hundreds of metres of vertical cliffs and dramatic and rugged landscapes. Take a look at the wild flowers while you are there.

The 5 best spots to take in the views

Rain storm by Joel Robinson
Lookouts

The deep, lush valleys and gorges of the Blue Mountains and Lithgow regions provide some of the best canyoning experiences in the world.

There is a huge variety of canyons to explore. Be careful and make sure you are prepared when canyoning; some will need special skills and equipment, others warm clothing, whilst others can be easily walked through.

Nobles canyon by Joel Robinson
Canyoning

There are many special and unique areas to explore in the Gardens of Stone region, that you won't find anywhere else.

Glow worms by Joel Robinson
Unique Adventures
Astro photography
Bird Watching

Only two hours drive from Sydney, the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area offers many family adventures from picnicking and sightseeing to day walks, camping, nature study, exploring industrial ruins, bird-watching, bicycling, photography, drawing and painting. The Visitors Map is full of suggested walks and trips.

The beautiful Birds Rock at sunset

What to do in Lithgow

Only 2 hours drive from Sydney, Lithgow is a town brimming with history, art and culture. It has fantastic boutique accomodation, a gourmet food scene and plenty of places to kick back and relax. You can visit lakes or rivers for some fantastic fishing, or grab a beer at a secret brewery. You won't run out of things to do!

Destination Pagoda

Destination Pagoda, the visitor management plan for a 39,000 hectare Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, can attract 155,000 visitors in the first year, growing to 420,000 in ten years.

By then, a new reserve will generate an estimated $24.3 million per year for the Lithgow economy in dining, accommodation, retail and transport expenditure, and a total of $40.3 million through direct, industry and consumption effects, contributing to 258 local jobs.

Economic Research - Summary and Report for Destination Pagoda

New economic research by Dr Jo Mackellar has demonstrated that Lithgow will gain significant job and economic benefits if a new state conservation area were created on its doorstep. The report, commissioned by the Gardens of Stone Alliance, assessed the potential visitors to a planned Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area and the economic contribution of those visitors to the local region. The research identified the community benefits to Lithgow from the new reserve.

The Destination Pagoda report cover
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