Glen Davis

Glen Davis is a tiny, evocative ghost town nestled in the rugged Capertee Valley, a three-hour drive west of Sydney. Once a bustling oil-shale mining settlement, it now offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Australia's industrial past, surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs and eucalypt forests that beg to be explored on foot. This off-the-beaten-path destination rewards travellers who crave solitude, history, and raw natural beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Glen Davis Ghost Town – Wander the eerie remains of the 1940s mining settlement, including the concrete foundations of the retort plant, the old post office, and a handful of preserved cottages. Interpretive signs tell the story of the town's boom-and-bust.
• Capertee Valley Lookouts – Drive to nearby viewpoints such as the Capertee Lookout or Panther's Eye for sweeping panoramas of the valley, which is actually wider than the Grand Canyon. Sunrise and sunset light up the sandstone escarpments in fiery hues.
• Bushwalking in Wollemi National Park – Glen Davis is a gateway to Wollemi National Park. Tackle the challenging Glen Davis to Capertee River walking track (4 km return) that descends through pockets of rainforest to a tranquil swimming hole, or explore longer trails deeper into the wilderness.
• Historic Cemetery – A short walk from the town site, the small cemetery with headstones dating back to the 1940s offers a poignant connection to the people who once lived here.
• Stargazing – With virtually no light pollution, Glen Davis is a superb spot for astronomy. Bring a blanket and gaze up at the Milky Way on a clear night.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find that half a day is sufficient to explore the ghost town and take a short walk. However, to fully appreciate the valley's grandeur and tackle a longer hike, plan for a full day. If you're camping or staying in the basic accommodation, an overnight visit allows for sunset and sunrise photography, plus a night of exceptional stargazing. Combine with a visit to Capertee or Lithgow for a weekend escape.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Capertee – The nearest town, 20 minutes north, with a historic pub, basic supplies, and access to the Glen Davis turn-off.
• Lithgow – A 45-minute drive south, offering the Zig Zag Railway, Eskbank House museum, and excellent bushwalking in the Blue Mountains.
• Wollemi National Park – The vast wilderness surrounding Glen Davis, with deep gorges, pagoda rock formations, and the famous Wollemi Pine discovery site (accessible only by guided tour).
• Mudgee – About 1.5 hours northwest, this renowned wine region offers cellar doors, farm-to-table dining, and heritage streetscapes – a perfect contrast to Glen Davis's ruggedness.
• Rylstone – A charming historic village on the way to Mudgee, with the dramatic Kandos Weir and Bungonia Gorge nearby.

Please check official sources for current details.