Glen Davis

Once a bustling shale-oil town, Glen Davis is now a hauntingly beautiful ghost town wedged in the scenic Capertee Valley, about 200 km northwest of Sydney. The crumbling sandstone ruins of the old oil works and the silent streets whisper tales of a boom-and-bust era, while the surrounding Wollemi National Park offers dramatic escarpments and world-class birdwatching. This is a place for history buffs, photographers, and those who love to explore off-the-beaten-path corners of New South Wales.

Highlights & What to See

• Oil Shale Works Ruins – Wander through the skeletal remains of the retorts, tunnels and towering brick chimneys that once processed shale oil. It's a photographer's dream, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.
• Historic Town Site – Stroll the main street where the post office, school and houses still stand, many in eerie decay. Look for interpretive signs that piece together the town's brief, intense history (1910–1950).
• Capertee Valley Lookouts – Drive to nearby lookouts such as the one at the top of the Glen Davis Road for sweeping views across one of the widest canyons in the world, often dotted with wedgetail eagles.
• Birdwatching in Wollemi National Park – The valley is a hotspot for regent honeyeaters, superb lyrebirds and glossy black-cockatoos. Bring binoculars and listen for the dawn chorus.
• Walking Tracks – Short walks around the ruins and along the Capertee River reveal wildflowers, river pools and the remains of old mining infrastructure.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day exploring Glen Davis itself—enough time to walk the ruins, read the history boards and snap photos. However, to fully appreciate the Capertee Valley and its birdlife, plan a full day: arrive mid-morning, picnic by the river, then drive the escarpment lookouts before heading back. If you're a keen birder or hiker, consider staying overnight in nearby Capertee or Lithgow to allow a dawn start.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lithgow – 45 minutes south, with the Zig Zag Railway, historic blast furnaces and the stunning Glow Worm Tunnel.
• Capertee – A tiny village with a classic country pub and access to the Capertee Valley walking trails.
• Wollemi National Park – Home to the famous Wollemi Pine and vast wilderness for bushwalking and canyoning.
• Mudgee – About 1.5 hours west, a thriving wine region with cellar doors, gourmet food and heritage streetscapes.
• Blue Mountains – The greater Blue Mountains region offers the Three Sisters, Jenolan Caves and endless lookouts, about 1.5 hours south.

Please check official sources for current details.