Glen Davis

Glen Davis is a hauntingly beautiful ghost town tucked away in the Capertee Valley, on the western edge of the Blue Mountains. Once a bustling oil-shale mining settlement, today it offers a poignant glimpse into Australia's industrial past amid stunning rural scenery. The drive here is an adventure in itself, winding through dramatic sandstone escarpments and eucalypt forests.

Highlights & What to See

• Glen Davis Ruins – Explore the remains of the oil-shale works, including the towering retort buildings and old machinery that stand as silent monuments to a bygone era.
• Capertee Valley Lookout – Just a short drive from the village, this viewpoint offers panoramic vistas over the valley, which is the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon.
• Glen Davis Campground – Pitch a tent under the stars beside the Capertee River, a peaceful base for birdwatching and bushwalking.
• Historic Walk – Follow the self-guided trail around the town site, with interpretive signs that bring the miners' stories to life.
• Birdwatching – The valley is a haven for birdlife, including regent honeyeaters and glossy black-cockatoos.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for half a day to fully absorb the ruins and scenery, or stay overnight if you want to hike deeper into the Wollemi National Park. The drive from the Blue Mountains' main towns takes about two hours, so combine it with a stop in Lithgow or Capertee for a full day trip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Capertee – A tiny village with a historic pub and access to the Capertee Valley walking tracks.
• Lithgow – Offers the Zig Zag Railway and the fascinating Blast Furnace Park.
• Wollemi National Park – Home to the prehistoric Wollemi Pine and rugged wilderness walks.
• Newnes – Another ghost town with the ruins of a shale oil works and glow-worm tunnels.
• Blue Mountains National Park – Classic lookouts like Govetts Leap and the Three Sisters are a scenic drive away.

Please check official sources for current details.