Acknowledgement of Country
Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area forms part of the Wiradjuri cultural landscape. We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging, and respect the rights and aspirations of Wiradjuri people as custodians of their Country.
Works at a glance
Works are continuing across the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCA) to improve visitor access, support safer and more sustainable recreation, and restore natural areas across the reserve.
Lost City North Lookout
Work is underway on a new accessible lookout at Lost City North, including an accessible pathway and parking, bench seating, picnic tables and a level concrete viewing area suitable for wheelchairs. The works follow major road upgrades to the lookout, creating a revitalised precinct that will cater for more park visitors. Works are estimated to continue until August 2026. While works are underway, the lookout will remain closed to visitors, with increased heavy vehicle activity in the area.
Bungleboori precinct
A new day-use area and visitor orientation hub is being established in the heart of the reserve, with works at the Bungleboori picnic area set to commence in July. The new precinct will include a picnic area, accessible parking, visitor amenities, pathways and signage to help people explore the reserve, alongside ongoing landscape remediation. Construction works will continue through to summer 2026-27. During this time, access will be mostly maintained, although temporary closures may be required at times for road drainage and safety works.
Broad Swamp carpark
Broad Swamp carpark upgrades are nearing completion to improve safety and accessibility to new walking tracks. Works include more than 40 parking spaces, an information shelter, visitor seating, signage and rehabilitation works. The upgrades will support access to the Broad Swamp loop walk, the Broad Swamp to Birds Rock walking track and the future Pagoda Walk. Works are nearing completion, with the carpark and walking tracks to re-open to the public on Friday 3 July 2026.
Visitor area updates
State Mine Gully Road
Staged road upgrades are continuing along State Mine Gully Road to improve access, safety and visitor safety at one of the main gateways into the reserve. Works include improvements between Dobbs Drift and the junction of Lost City Road. State Mine Gully Road is now open to visitors, with further improvements, including bitumen sealing, planned in September.
Road vehicle access management
NPWS is continuing to implement the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area vehicle access strategy, including the installation of 15 gates to better manage vehicle access, protect park infrastructure and reduce impacts from unauthorised vehicle use. There will be some vehicle access changes across the reserve. Check NPWS Alerts before travelling to the area.
Restoring native landscapes
A major environmental restoration program is underway to remove remaining pine plantations and support the recovery of native ecosystems.
Pines were first planted in the early 1950s, and about 110 hectares remained when the park was transferred to NPWS management in 2022. Radiata pine suppresses native vegetation and spreads into surrounding bushland. Its removal will help restore natural landscapes, improve biodiversity, support native regeneration and reduce the risk of pine spread into adjacent areas.
Pine removal works started in 2023, with large-scale harvesting continuing throughout winter 2026.
Low-impact techniques such as ringbarking, drill-and-fill treatment and hand removal have been used in sensitive areas. Mulch and logs from the works are being kept where possible for future rehabilitation projects, including trail closures and restoration works.
Commercial harvesting is being used to remove pine in denser plantation areas, with timber transported to local mills for processing.
Local volunteers making a difference
The Gardens of Stone Guardians volunteer program continues to support rehabilitation and community education across the park.
Over the past 12 months, volunteers have helped with pine wilding removal, rubbish removal, tree planting and community education events.
The program continues to attract strong attendance, with first-time and returning volunteers contributing their time and effort to protect and enhance the natural values of the Gardens of Stone SCA.
More volunteering opportunities are planned throughout 2026 and 2027.
You can register for volunteer work with the Gardens of Stone Guardians on the NSW National Parks website.
Landscape restoration gains momentum
Rehabilitation works are continuing across the reserve, with teams undertaking track closures, installing erosion controls, collecting local seed, and revegetation works. A range of restoration trials is also underway to identify the most effective methods for restoring damaged areas and guiding future rehabilitation works.
More than 5,000 native tubestock were planted in autumn 2026, bringing the total number of plants established through the program to 10,000.
The project is also trialling a range of restoration techniques, including mulch treatments, brush matting, erosion control measures and direct seeding. These trials will help identify best-practice approaches to be applied across the reserve and the broader region.
More revegetation works are planned for spring 2026, with additional sites identified for planting in 2027.
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5,000 plants were installed in Autumn 2026, including at this former motorbike track -
Planting in disturbed areas along Lost City North Road. Species include she-oak to support Black-Cockatoos -
Seedlings grown from locally sourced native seed, grown by volunteers in the Lithgow & District Community Nursery for rehabilitation projects in Gardens of Stone SCA -
Scenic view from Lost City North lookout
Supporting safe visitor experiences
Ongoing compliance and park management efforts are helping to protect the landscapes and natural values of Gardens of Stone SCA while supporting safe and enjoyable experiences for visitors.
Regular patrols and targeted operations are being undertaken throughout the reserve, with officers focusing on unauthorised vehicle use, access to restricted areas, and damage to vegetation and park infrastructure. Over the past six months, compliance activities have resulted in more than 150 formal enforcement actions, including penalty notices, cautions and directions to leave the reserve.
New surveillance technology is being used to help monitor and respond to unlawful activity. Strong partnerships with local police continue to support these efforts, with joint patrols contributing to both visitor safety and the protection of park assets.
Before you visit
Visitors are encouraged to check NPWS Alertsbefore travelling to Gardens of Stone SCA for the latest information on closures, road conditions and access changes.