The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has developed the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area: draft Plan of Management and Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area: draft Master Plan to inform park management and visitor infrastructure improvements.
The draft plan of management is a legal document which outlines strategic, ongoing management objectives for the park.
The draft master plan sits within the framework provided by the draft plan of management and outlines a range of proposals for visitor management and infrastructure improvements.
Public consultation on the Gardens of Stone draft Master Plan provides an important opportunity for the community to have a say on the delivery of the exciting new $50 million eco-adventure tourism destination and proposed visitor experience improvements for Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (formerly Newnes, Ben Bullen and Wolgan state forests).
The Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area draft Master Plan provides a framework for the delivery of the $50 million eco-adventure tourism destination including the Lost City Adventure Experience, Wollemi Great Walk and associated visitor experience improvements in Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
The draft master plan represents conservation in action, presenting a framework that provides for great experiences that go hand-in-hand with protecting the park’s natural and cultural values.
The master plan is underpinned by the following guiding principles, providing a foundation for the planning and delivery of visitor experiences:
- environment and habitat
- heritage and scenic amenity
- visitation
- vehicular access
- 4WD access
- bushwalking experiences
- mountain biking
- adventure experiences and tourism
- camping
- services and facilities.
The final master plan and its delivery will be consistent with the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area Plan of Management (currently being prepared). Visitor infrastructure will be subject to rigorous environmental and heritage assessment. This includes consideration under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the NSW Heritage Act 1977 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The draft Master Plan and draft plan of management were exhibited together to provide people with a clearer understanding of what’s being proposed for the future management of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area and the information necessary to enable feedback.
What is a master plan?
A master plan is a non-statutory document that outlines a vision to guide how an area may evolve with visitor infrastructure and experiences. It is important to note that our draft master plan is conceptual. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking community input to refine our vision in advance of the detailed design and environmental planning approval stages.
What is being proposed?
In November 2021, the NSW Government announced the establishment of the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, along with an unprecedented $50 million investment to create a 'must see' destination at the new park, which is expected to attract up to 200,000 new visitors to the region per year and generate more than $30 million in economic output in the Lithgow region.
The draft master plan balances conserving the park’s natural and cultural values with existing and future visitation demand by creating sustainable eco-adventure tourism experiences that connect people with nature.
The master plan outlines the park’s significant natural and cultural values and identifies key management strategies and planning principles, to guide the delivery of the proposed improvements.
The draft master plan proposes a range of high-quality, immersive, nature-based visitor experiences, including:
- the ‘Lost City Adventure Experience’, which will be a key attraction of the park offering one of the longest zip-lines in Australia and exhilarating via ferrata (supported rock climbing) experiences
- the ‘Wollemi Great Walk’ with eco-style accommodation and facilities, linking Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area to Wollemi National Park
- an extensive network of purpose-built mountain bike tracks, catering for a range of abilities with connections to Lithgow township
- all weather 4-wheel drive designated touring route
- family-friendly designated camping areas.
The draft master plan proposes a range of visitor experience improvements and the following visitor precincts:
- State Mine Gully and Lost City Precinct
- Carne Creek and former Plantation Precinct
- Birds Rock Precinct
- Long Swamp Precinct.
Other proposed improvements include new and upgraded camping areas, lookouts, bushwalking tracks, viewing platforms, parking, wayfinding signs, interpretation and a range of supporting visitor amenities, which are sensitive to the natural environment.
Visitor infrastructure will be subject to rigorous environmental and cultural heritage assessment, prior to commencing.
While not all improvements proposed in the draft plan may be delivered immediately, the master plan provides long-term visitor experience planning for the park, to better manage existing and future visitor demand and the enhance conservation outcomes for the park.
The priority for delivery is the Lost City Adventure Experience and Wollemi Great Walk with associated visitor facilities.
We will continue to update the community on what is being developed as the project progresses through the detailed design stage. Register your interest to receive updates online at our Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area webpage.
When will the draft plan be finalised?
The draft Master Plan consultation has now closed. The plan will be finalised once feedback has been considered and following further technical and environmental assessments and consultation.
A submissions summary will be prepared to capture feedback on the draft master plan and will be available to view on this webpage.
The final master plan and its delivery will be consistent with the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area Plan of Management.
The final master plan will be displayed:
- online on this website
- at the National Parks and Wildlife Service Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
270 Govetts Leap Road
Blackheath NSW
Next stages of the project
The next stage of the project is detailed design and environmental assessment for the delivery of the Lost City Adventure Experiences, Wollemi Great Walk and associated facilities. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will deliver the project in stages, with construction expected to commence in 2022.
Visitor infrastructure will be subject to rigorous environmental and cultural heritage assessments prior to commencing. This includes consideration under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the NSW Heritage Act 1977 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The final master plan must be consistent with the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area Plan of Management once adopted.
We will continue to update you on the projects progress. Anyone who has not yet registered to receive project updates can do so on our Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area webpage.
Where can I see a printed copy of the master plan?
Printed copies of the draft Master Plan were available for viewing at:
- Blackheath Visitor Information Centre
270 Govetts Leap Rd
Blackheath NSW - Lithgow Council
180 Mort Street
Lithgow NSW
How can I comment on the master plan?
Comment on the draft master plan has now closed.