Wollemi National Park

Deep in the heart of New South Wales, Wollemi National Park is a wild, rugged wilderness that feels a world away from the Hunter Valley’s vineyard-draped hills. This vast, roadless park is one of Australia’s most remote and least explored, protecting the famous Wollemi Pine – a living fossil thought extinct until 1994. For travellers seeking true adventure, it offers epic canyoning, multi-day bushwalks, and a profound sense of isolation.

Highlights & What to See

• Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis): The park’s claim to fame – a prehistoric tree species discovered in a hidden gorge. Access is strictly controlled; join a guided tour with the NPWS to glimpse these botanical wonders.
• Glow Worm Tunnel: An abandoned railway tunnel now home to thousands of glow worms. Bring a torch and walk the 400m tunnel – turn off the lights to see the ceiling sparkle like a starry night.
• Newnes Plateau & Pagoda Rocks: Hike among surreal sandstone pagoda formations and slot canyons. The Lost City walk offers a landscape of towering rock towers.
• Canyoning in the Colo River: The park is a mecca for canyoning – abseil into narrow gorges, swim through crystal-clear pools, and scramble over boulders. Guided trips are recommended for beginners.
• Zig Zag Railway (Clarence): While not inside the park, the historic railway at the park’s edge offers scenic rides through the mountains.

Suggested Time to Spend

This is not a park you pop into for an hour. Dedicate at least a full day to explore the accessible edges (Glow Worm Tunnel, Newnes Plateau), but to truly experience its wilderness, plan a 2–4 day self-drive itinerary combining short walks and overnight camping. For serious canyoning or multi-day treks, allow a week. The park has no fuel or supplies – stock up in the Hunter Valley or Lithgow before heading in.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Country: After days in the bush, unwind with a wine tasting in Pokolbin, just an hour’s drive east.
• Blue Mountains National Park: World Heritage-listed escarpments, the Three Sisters, and endless hiking trails – a natural complement to Wollemi’s raw wilderness.
• Lithgow & the Zig Zag Railway: A historic railway town with a fascinating industrial past and access to the park’s northern edge.
• Mudgee: A food- and wine-lover’s haven, about two hours north-west, perfect for a gourmet stop on a longer road trip.
• Katoomba & the Blue Mountains Lookouts: Iconic viewpoints like Echo Point and scenic railway rides are less than 90 minutes away.

Please check official sources for current details.