Lost City Walking Track - Gardens of Stone, NSW
- Iveta
- Jul 26
- 4 min read
The Lost City walking track is a captivating 7km round-trip trail that is perfectly suited for beginner bushwalkers and nature enthusiasts alike. Nestled within the stunning Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, this trail offers an accessible yet enriching experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Australian wilderness. Conveniently located just a short 15-minute drive from the town of Lithgow, NSW, the trail serves as an ideal day trip for both locals and visitors seeking a delightful escape into nature.
As you embark on the Lost City walking track, you will be greeted by the remarkable sight of distinctive pagoda rock formations that define the landscape. These unique geological structures, shaped by centuries of erosion and natural processes, create an otherworldly atmosphere that is both breathtaking and intriguing. The trail meanders through this striking terrain, allowing walkers to appreciate the intricate details of the rock formations up close, while also providing ample opportunities for photography and reflection.
Moreover, the Lost City walking track is steeped in history, as it features several heritage artifacts that provide a glimpse into the region's past. These historical elements enrich the walking experience, allowing visitors to appreciate not only the natural beauty but also the cultural significance of the landscape.
Overall, the Lost City walking track in the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area is more than just a hike; it is an opportunity to explore a diverse ecosystem, witness stunning geological formations, and delve into the history of the region. Whether you are a seasoned bushwalker or a beginner, this trail promises an unforgettable adventure that connects you with the natural world and its rich heritage.
Trail Overview
This trail offers an easy to moderate challenge, rated as grade 3, but it's well-maintained. There are some stepped sections as you descend into the valley and ascend back up. The route is clearly marked, and signposted. The path is very easy to follow.
Trail Details
Starting Point: Lost City South Lookout
Finishing Point: Same as above
Total Distance Covered: 7 km
Total Elevation Gain: 460m
Time Spent: 3-5 hours
Trail Conditions
The newly constructed track, which opened in December 2024, features a well-maintained and clearly signposted path that is easy to navigate.
Track notes:
On Sunday morning, we're meeting our hiking friends at Lithgow Tin Shed for a quick coffee and breakfast before heading to the trailhead. It's just a 15-minute drive from the coffee shop to the Lost City carpark - South Lookout, where we start our walk.
Lost City walk from South Lookout point
Our walk begins at the Lost City carpark, which is currently under reconstruction. The upper track and firetrail provide picnic platforms at the lookout area. From this point, we embark on our descent to the valley, following the newly constructed track.
Shortly after beginning, you have the option to choose which trail to take to reach the North Lookout (as that's our destination). You can either take the steeper Minors Pass Link Trail or continue on the main trail. We chose to stay on the main trail and took Minors Pass on our return journey.
As you traverse the valley, the trail offers breathtaking views of rock pagoda formations in combination with the vibrant yellow color of golden wattle bushes flowering around this time of the year. Along the way, there are a number of Marrangaroo Creek crossings to give the walk a bit of variety.
Passing two heritage dams as you continue your walk, these were constructed in the 1920s to supply water to Lithgow until the late 1980s (says the nsw.gov website). The water looks really clear, and the perfect reflection of the surrounding landscape makes it great for photography and enjoying the peaceful ambiance. It would be nice to visit in summer and enjoy the beach next to the second dam.
After the second dam, the path ascends toward the North Lookout. There are some fantastic rock formations on this side of the valley, along with more stunning views from the opposite side. It's an excellent spot to pause for lunch or a snack while taking in the scenery. Once you reach the North side, you're expected to return the same way. However, we opted for a shortcut, following an old, unused trail that led straight down to the valley, avoiding the need to retrace our steps. We then rejoined the official trail and continued toward the Minors Pass Link Track to exit.
As you start heading up along Minors Track, you'll encounter another historical site, an old water pumping station, just before ascending a steeper set of stairs to rejoin the track at the top where you began.
This track can be walked as a circuit, or you can follow the main path and return the same way. As of July 2025, there is no vehicle access to the North Lookout.
We spent about 6 hours on this walk, incorporating a fire trail hike to another viewpoint just outside of the Marrangaroo Military Training Area to fully enjoy our day there. Usually, 3-4 hours would be sufficient to enjoy the walking track.
Alltrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-f3144ce-830?u=m&sh=opzdyt
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