Wollemi National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Wollemi National Park, the second largest national park in the state and its largest wilderness area, is a primeval landscape of precipitous escarpments and deep canyons, virgin forest, woodlands, fl owering heath and pockets of rainforest. The discovery here in 1994 of the Wollemi pine, a new plant species (not accessible to the public) that was declared a ‘living fossil’, brought international attention to the park. Wollemi is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and an intrinsic part of the natural landscape surrounding Sydney. This scenically awe-inspiring area, with a mosaic of diverse vegetation, supports dozens of species of native wildlife. Kangaroos, koalas, wombats, wallabies, dingoes, gliders, possums, snakes, goannas and skinks are common, 20 native fi sh species swim in the network of rivers and 235 bird species seek refuge in or near the national park. Numerous signs of Aboriginal occupation over thousands of years – archaeological deposits, engravings, art sites and more – attest to the area’s rich cultural heritage. History buffs can wander around the remains of an oil-shale mining complex near Newnes. Experienced and fi t bushwalkers will fi nd demanding but richly rewarding walks across the rugged terrain. The Glow Worm Tunnel, part of an abandoned railway line, can be reached from Clarence on the Bells Line of Road. Visitors should carry detailed directions to reach this site, and take food, water and a strong torch. Other activities include swimming, canoeing, fi shing and wildlife-watching. Walkers who descend to Colo River, on Bob Turners Track (4 km, 200-metre descent) can relax on the sandy beaches of a magnifi cent scenic gorge. The Cudgegong River, east of Rylestone near Dunns Swamp, is another fantastic location for river-based activities. The campgrounds have only basic facilities.

Fact file

Camping

Newnes (80 sites), Dunns Swamp (50 sites, fees apply), Wheeny Creek (10 sites), Colo Meroo (10 sites); carry drinking water and fuel stove; bush camping permitted

Location and access

100–250 km north-west of Sydney; from Windsor via Bells Line of Rd or Putty Rd; from Lithgow via Great Western Hwy then Mudgee Rd to Lisdale then 47 km north to Newnes; all roads into park are unsealed

Park Information

• NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
• North-east: NPWS Bulga
• (02) 6574 5555
• South-east: NPWS Richmond
• (02) 4588 5247
• South-west: NPWS Blackheath
• (02) 4787 8877
• West: NPWS Mudgee (02) 6372 7199

Size

492 531 ha

Where to Stay

Blackheath (02) 4787 8877
www.bluemountainstourism.org.au
Richmond (02) 4588 5895
www.hawkesburyvalley.com


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• Campsites

Campsites

Coorongooba camping area

This basic camping area is set by the river at the start of the sandstone gorge gouged out by the Capertee River. Facilities are limited to picnic tables for sunset dining and wood barbecues. Bring your own firewood and... Find out more

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Newnes Ruins camping area

Close to this site are the ruins of the old shale-oil mining town of Newnes, as well as a glow-worm tunnel. With 80 campsites to choose from there’s a lot of space, but keep in mind this is a very popular spot,... Find out more

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Colo Meroo camping area

Access to this camping site in the southern section of the park is by foot on the 24 km Mountain Lagoon Loop, which starts and finishes on Sam’s Way in the town of Mountain Lagoon. A far less taxing method of... Find out more

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Wheeny Creek camping area

Thirty camping sites are available here, in the southern section of the park. It’s a spacious, picturesque medley of grassy terraces by the creek, which is a tributary of the Colo River. It’s on Comleroy Rd... Find out more

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Dunns Swamp

Camp by the tranquil Kandos Weir on Cudgegong River, accessed via Narrango Rd in the west of the park. There’s a rock-art site nearby, and you can explore the swamp and surrounding forest on a number of walking... Find out more

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