Wollemia National Park

Deep in the wild gorges of the Hunter Valley, Wollemi National Park is a place of ancient secrets and rugged beauty. This vast wilderness, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, is famous for the discovery of the Wollemi Pine—a prehistoric tree species thought extinct until 1994. For travellers craving raw nature, hiking trails, and solitude, this park delivers an unforgettable Australian bush experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Wollemi Pine Discovery Site: The top-secret location of these living fossils is protected, but you can learn about the story at the park's visitor centres and see planted specimens.
• Glow Worm Tunnel: An old railway tunnel now home to thousands of glow worms—bring a torch and walk in awe beneath the bioluminescent ceiling.
• Lost City Lookout: A surreal landscape of sandstone pagodas and labyrinthine canyons, accessible via a challenging but rewarding walk.
• Colo River Canoeing: Paddle through deep gorges and camp on remote riverbanks for a true wilderness immersion.
• Birdwatching & Wildlife: Spot lyrebirds, wallabies, and even the elusive platypus in the park's pristine waterways.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience Wollemi, plan at least a full day—ideally two if you want to hike into the backcountry or paddle the Colo River. Day-trippers from the Hunter Valley can tackle the Glow Worm Tunnel and a short walk, but overnight camping unlocks the park's wild heart. Pace yourself: trails are rugged and unsealed roads require a 4WD in wet conditions.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Country: Contrast the wilderness with cellar doors and gourmet dining in Pokolbin.
• Blue Mountains National Park: Iconic lookouts, the Three Sisters, and more hiking just south of Wollemi.
• Maitland & Morpeth: Historic towns with museums and riverside walks, perfect for a relaxed stop.
• Barrallier National Park: Adjacent wilderness with Aboriginal heritage sites and remote camping.
• Singleton: A service town with info centres to help plan your Wollemi adventure.

Please check official sources for current details.