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Sydney has its fair share of spectacular views – from ultra Instagrammable infinity pools spilling into the ocean to that gorgeous Opera House of ours, perched on the edge of the harbour. But if you’re looking for a genuinely otherworldly sight, we’d suggest jumping in the car and heading for one of NSW’s most overlooked natural wonders. Hiding in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, the Lost City walking track is a ridiculously beautiful bushwalk – lined with surreal sandstone formations, panoramic lookouts and historic mining relics, all around a two and a half hour drive from Sydney.
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Where is the Lost City walking track?
You'll find the walking trail in Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, around five kilometres from Lithgow – two and a half hours(ish) west of Sydney. The area is known for its unusual sandstone formations, which make this part of the Blue Mountains region feel truly worlds away from the city.
How far is the Lost City walking track?
The walk is a six-kilometre return journey, making it a pretty manageable half-day adventure. It's graded Grade 3, with some steep hills, steps and uneven sections, so a reasonable level of fitness and some bushwalking experience are recommended.
How long does the Lost City walking track take?
Allow around two to four hours to complete the walk, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views. We'd recommend leaving extra time for a picnic at one of the lookouts.
What can you see on the Lost City walking track?
The main attraction is the landscape's wildly striking, pagoda-like sandstone formations – known as platy pagodas. Along the way, you'll also come across panoramic lookouts, magical creek crossings, beautiful native bushland and two historic dams built in the 1920s to supply water to Lithgow. Keep an eye out for flowering wattles, boronias and native birdlife, too.
Is there parking at the Lost City walking track?
There's a dedicated car park at the southern end of the track, with 38 parking spaces, including accessible parking and spaces for longer vehicles, plus toilets. An overflow car park is also available around 1.5 kilometres away. The access roads are unsealed, and while two-wheel-drive vehicles can generally access the main car park in dry conditions, a four-wheel drive is your best bet in wet weather.
How do you get to the Lost City walking track from Sydney?
Driving is definitely the easiest way to get there. Head west from Sydney towards Lithgow, then follow signs towards Wollemi National Park and turn onto State Mine Gully Road. Around 800 metres north of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area entrance, turn left onto Lost City Road and follow it to the main car park. Allow around two and a half hours from Sydney, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Before you go: Mobile reception is limited or unavailable along sections of the walk, and parts of the track run close to exposed cliff edges. Download an offline map before leaving, check current park alerts and stick to the marked track to protect the fragile rock formations. Before setting out, make sure you check the walking trail info page and assess whether you’re up for this kind of hike – full nature immersion isn't for everyone.