Glen Davis

Once a thriving oil-shale mining town, Glen Davis today is a hauntingly beautiful ghost town tucked away in the rugged Wollemi National Park, about 140 km northwest of Sydney. The crumbling sandstone ruins of the old retorts and industrial relics are slowly being reclaimed by the bush, creating an eerie yet fascinating destination for history buffs and explorers. The drive in is an adventure in itself, winding through spectacular sandstone gorges and eucalyptus forests.

Highlights & What to See

• Glen Davis Ruins: Explore the skeletal remains of the shale-oil works, including the massive retorts, a power station, and the old railway tunnel — a photographer's dream at golden hour.
• Capertee Valley: Just south of Glen Davis, this is one of the widest canyons in the world (wider than the Grand Canyon). Lookouts offer breathtaking panoramic views, especially after rain.
• Wollemi National Park: The ruins are set within this wild, World Heritage-listed wilderness. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and goannas.
• Glen Davis Cemetery: A poignant glimpse into the past, with headstones dating back to the early 1900s, telling stories of the town's brief boom.
• Dunphys Campground: A basic free campsite near the river, perfect for stargazing and soaking up the solitude.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day exploring the ruins and nearby lookouts, but to truly appreciate the isolation and serenity, an overnight camp is recommended. If you're driving from Sydney or the Hunter Valley, allow a full day for the round trip, including stops at scenic viewpoints along the way. The dirt road in is rough but generally accessible to 2WD in dry weather; check conditions before heading out.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lithgow: A historic railway town with the Zig Zag Railway and excellent bushwalking in the Blue Mountains.
• Mudgee: Renowned for its wine region and gourmet food scene, about an hour's drive west.
• Rylstone: A charming heritage village with cafes and access to the Wollemi National Park's northern section.
• Kandos: A former cement-mining town with quirky art and history, right next door to Rylstone.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country: Combine a ghost-town visit with wine tasting in the vineyards around Pokolbin and Cessnock.

Please check official sources for current details.