Saturday 18/10/2025 Lost City Walking Track Carpark – Lost City Walking Track – Lost City Lookout – Lithgow State Mine Ventilation Shaft No. 4 – Marrangaroo Creek – Lost City
Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, NSW
Wiradjuri Country (Wiradjuri people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
After completing Lithgow parkrun, we drove to the Gardens of Stone Conservation area to complete this short walk. The walk has been recently built by NPWS, and the facilities are excellent. There is a graded carpark and new drop toilets. A wide track leads to the Lost City South Lookout which provides panoramic views of endless cliffs and pagodas as far as the eye can see.
Max elevation: 1147 m
Total climbing: 298 m
Total descent: -292 m
Average speed: 3.27 km/h
Total time: 02:35:56
From here, you descend on hewn sandstone steps, of which there seem to be an endless number on this walk. We did wonder where the stone was taken from, which hopefully didn’t leave too much of a scar in the landscape. On occasions, the steps were actually cut into the rock. We were impressed with the amount of work that had gone into building this walk.
Sue on Lost City Walking Track
Before long, we reached the intersection of the main track with the shorter option, the Miners Track (rated Grade 4). We followed the Miners Track, which involves a steep descent with steel rails to hold on to. We didn’t rate it as a Grade 4 though. On reflection, it might be better to ascend this section on the way back rather than descend it. This section is relatively short and we soon rejoined the main trail.
The scenery was outstanding with sandstone pagodas all around while you follow the bush path. There are several creek crossings with large sandstone stepping stones strategically positioned. There was a dam which was built in the 1920s to provide water for the town of Lithgow, but swimming is not allowed.
The final climb to the lookout has many stone steps, but the views are definitely worth the climb. While we were climbing up, a man was descending, and he said to us, “There’s no more stairs” Stephen, who claims he doesn’t need hearing aids, replied, “Namaste”, thinking that was what he had said.
We climbed up a pagoda to enjoy the view and have a snack and a drink before heading back along the main track. It allows a more gentle climb, but there are still lots of steps to negotiate before returning to the Lost City South Carpark.
This is a great short walk and shouldn’t be missed if you are in the area. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Lithgow, NSW.
Amongst other photographically recorded observations during this walk we were able to confirm sightings of each of the following species: Pink Matchheads (Comesperma ericinum)
On the return to camp, we stopped in at Hassans Walls Lookout and included some photos and panoramas from that lookout in the links below.
Clickable icons on this world map will open the related trip report
A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries
Information on Parks signage along the way
Welcome to Lost City
You’re standing at the gateway to Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCAl, officially gazetted in May 2022 after more than 20 years of community campaigning. This reserve protects a landscape of global significance. Its dramatic sandstone pagodas, rare Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamps, and upland wetlands provide vital habitat for threatened species Iike the Blue Mountains water skink and giant dragonfly. These ecosystems also safeguard the headwaters of Sydney’s drinking water catchment.
For Wiradjuri People, it’s part of a vast cultural landscape that’s rich with stories, sacred sites and deep connections to Country.
Once part of three state forests, this area has a long and colourful history that is steeped in historic heritage. mining and forestry.
However, a landmark transformation is currently underway following a 549.5 million NSW Government Investment to restore damaged landscapes and establish the area as an iconic visitor destination.
Lost City walking track
Grade 3
Distance: 6km retum Time: 2-4 hr
Continue along the road for 400m to reach Lost City lookout, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of nationally significant platy pagodas. From here, head north to the junction with Miners Pass link track. Turn right to stay on the family-friendly Lost City walking track; to the left is Miners Pass (details below), a steep Grade 4 option.
The Lost City walking track follows Marrangarco Creek, connecting two heritage dams which were built over a century ago. The track meanders through bushland rich with native plants and wildlife, with iconic pagoda formations as a backdrop.
Signs lead you up an 800m climb to Lost City North lookout, offering a new perspective over the pagoda landscape. Return the same way, or take the Miners Pass link track back to the carpark.
Miners Pass link track
Grade 4
Distance: 2km return to Marrangaroo Creek junction
Time: 30 – 45 min
After following the signs for Lost City walking track, you’ll reach a junction which trends left to Miners Pass ink track. This steep route follows a historic mining path, with hand-carved steps once used by miners to reach a valley shaft – offering a unique glimpse into the area’s mining heritage. It’s short but challenging and may not be suitable for young children.
At the bottom, you arrive at Marrangarco Creek. From here, you can turn left to continue to Lost City North (1.5km one way, turn right to return via Lost City walking track (adds 1km), or retrace your steps up Miners Pass.
Platy pagodas
Protecting fragile landscapes, Sculptural platy pagodas are among the area’s most iconic features, recognised as nationally significant rock formations.
Pagodas provide habitat for unique flora and fauna, including the Pagoda daisy. When pagodas are damaged or broken, it can remove shelter for wildlife and destroy habitat for rare plants. Pagodas take millions of years to form and are extremely fragile.
Their thin edges can crumble under pressure and even minor disturbance can:
• Accelerate erosion and destroy unique features • Kill rare plants that only grow in cracks on pagodas • Destroy habitat for threatened species.
Please tread lightly and help us protect these sensitive formations.
Hassans Walls Lookout (back towards Lithgow)
Hassans Walls Lookout is just minutes from Lithgow town centre. The Sir Joseph Cook boardwalk provides easy access to the magnificent 180 degree views of the Blue Mountains escarpment and rolling valleys below. Hassans Walls Lookout is the highest scenic lookout (1,136m above sea level) in the Blue Mountains area.
The Hartley Valley extending into the Kanimbla Valley below us is the product of erosion by the River Lett and Coxs River of the overlying sedimentary sandstone and shale series through into the underlying Hartley granite. The sandstone escarpments and sedimentary upper slopes progressively transition before us to granite and granite derived soils as one moves further down the valley. While Mount York to the east represents the end of the complex maze of the Blue Mountains, the actual ridge of the Great Dividing Range is the western horizon we see from this vantage point. This valley was treasured by Australia’s first people who inhabited this area for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in 1813. The Hartley Valley is a place of national heritage significance. It is largely through this valley that the west of New South Wales was settled.
Within the valley are located:
– More than twenty early historic buildings built between 1820 and 1850
– The remnants of three convict/military stockades
– Six historic roads down the escarpment
– Numerous indigenous heritage sites
– Several heritage cemeteries
– The villages of Little Hartley and Hartley, the latter clustered around its 1837 court house
– Numerous farm, orchard and residential properties of historical significance
– The nineteenth century industrial site of Hartley Vale
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, Indigenous history, white history and other nearby walks in the area (Perplexity AI Model)
Landscape Features and Geology
This region is renowned for its striking Triassic Narrabeen Group sandstone geology, featuring dramatic cliffs, slot canyons, gorges, mesa-type landforms, and the unique “pagoda” rock formations. These pagodas, some rising up to 60 metres, display ironstone banding and rounded forms, yielding a visually distinctive landscape almost exclusive to the western Blue Mountains. The Lost City is an extensive pagoda complex, visible from designated lookouts, and surrounded by escarpments, perched swamps, and wooded plateaus. Marrangaroo Creek flows through the area, contributing to deep gully formation and supporting riparian vegetation. The mineral resources underlying this site, particularly coal seams, are reflected in the historic State Mine Ventilation Shaft No. 4, a remnant of twentieth-century mining activities.
Scenic Highlights
Visitors to the Lost City Walking Track experience panoramic views of rugged sandstone pagodas, intricate patterns of rock weathering, and sweeping valleys lined with eucalyptus forest. The Lost City Lookout offers commanding prospects of the pagoda clusters and dramatic drops into surrounding gorges. Scenic highlights also include the remnants of mining infrastructure integrated into the bush environment, such as the old ventilation shaft and visible traces of supporting works along the track. Marrangaroo Creek and its gullies display seasonal water flows and are particularly fresh following rainfall, with intermittent pools and wet cliff lines.
Local Flora
Gardens of Stone is celebrated for high plant diversity, with more than 1,000 recorded flora species in 33 different vegetation communities. Dry woodland and heath dominate the plateaus, with eucalypt species such as Sydney peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita), scribbly gum (Eucalyptus sclerophylla), and mallee (Eucalyptus spp.) present. Shrub swamps and montane peatlands found on the Newnes Plateau are critical for endemic species including the Newnes Plateau geebung (Persoonia hindii) and Deane’s boronia (Boronia deanei), both of which are adapted to moist, acidic soils. Banksia, grevillea, and teatree often flourish on exposed slopes and among pagoda outcrops. Hanging swamps and gorges support ferns, sedges, and occasional sphagnum moss.
Local Fauna
Faunal diversity includes more than 300 vertebrate species and at least 42 threatened animals. Noteworthy species found here are the glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), and regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia), especially in mature wooded habitats. The giant dragonfly (Petalura gigantea) and Blue Mountains water skink (Eulamprus leuraensis) are locally rare and depend on swamp habitats. Ground-dwelling mammals such as wallabies, as well as numerous reptile species, inhabit rocky pagoda landscapes.
Indigenous History
Gardens of Stone lies within Wiradjuri Country and adjoins important Aboriginal heritage precincts, including the Maiyingu Marragu Aboriginal Place, which contains rock art, grinding grooves, occupation deposits, and artefact scatters. The Wiradjuri people maintain enduring custodianship, with cultural practices involving rock art, food gathering from swamps and woodlands, and significant ceremonial sites. The pagoda landscapes were valued for both shelter and resource provision, and contemporary management includes efforts to preserve cultural knowledge and continue connection to Country.
White History
Coal mining and shale extraction have influenced the area since the late nineteenth century. Lithgow State Mine Ventilation Shaft No. 4 (constructed circa 1940) and associated structures served the State Mine Colliery and are visible near the walking track. These industrial remnants reflect the broader history of Lithgow as a major coal mining and industrial centre. Efforts to protect Gardens of Stone as a conservation area began as early as 1932, led by advocates such as Miles Dunphy, culminating in reservation in 2022 to safeguard scenic, ecological, and cultural values.
Clickable icons on this world map will open the related trip report
A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries
