Newnes Campground - NSW

No vehicle access. It's a long, roughly 10km walk to reach Newnes campground. The campground is walk-in only because Wolgan Road has collapsed and there's a landslip risk at Wolgan Gap. Wolgan Road was the only vehicle access into the valley and is managed by Lithgow Council.

Bookings are required. Book online or call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757. There are no camping fees at this campground but a small booking fee applies.

There are barbecue facilities and toilets. Suitable for tent, remote backpack camping.

Pitch your tent and enjoy a picnic under the trees before heading out to explore the tracks, tunnels and ovens of the historic shale oil ruins nearby. There are walks nearby for taking in the dramatic scenery. You can also camp on the other side of the river.

This NSW National Parks campground is one of two in the immediate vicinity. The other (fees payable) is on private property which you will pass through as you approach this one.

To access the larger, proceed straight ahead past the old hotel and across a small creek with relatively steep entry and exit. This campground is set in a large open, grassed area on the banks of the Wolgan River and is surrounded by majestic sandstone cliffs and bluffs which are a feature of the Wollemi National Park. Areas alongside the river are level, while a little further away the ground undulates as it rises toward the bluffs and cliffs. This area is suitable for tents, campervans, camper trailers and high-clearance, small caravans. (There is a creek crossing with steep entry and exit.)

Access to the smaller camping area is 4WD only. Shortly after passing the old hotel turn right, cross the Wolgan River (rocks, sand and water of variable depth), turn left and follow the track to the camp. The site is quite large, level and grassed, suitable for tents, camper trailers and vehicle-based camping.

There are no marked sites in either area, bookings are not taken and the only facilities provided are toilets and some fire rings. There are two other free National Parks camping areas - Coorongooba Campground and Glen Davis Campground.

Newnes was a successful but short-lived shale mining town in the early 20th century, producing various petroleum based products from 1907 to 1912. There is a fascinating self-guided walk through the nearby industrial ruins, with a brochure available from the old hotel (now a kiosk/museum) if it is open. An excellent potted history can be found at www.aussietowns.com.au/town/newnes-nsw.

There is a great walk from the industrial area along the old railway line to the glow worm tunnel, about 8km each way.

The area is remote, so BYO everything, including firewood. Fire rings and barbecue facilities. The nearest supplies are at Lithgow, about 42km away, though some basics, including bagged firewood, may be available at the service station at the turn off the Castlereagh Hwy onto Wolgan Valley Rd at Lidsdale.