Wollemi National Park

Deep in the heart of New South Wales, Wollemi National Park is a rugged wilderness of sandstone cliffs, ancient forests, and deep gorges that feel a world away from the Hunter Valley's vineyards. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is one of Australia's most significant natural areas, home to the Wollemi Pine — a 'living fossil' thought extinct until 1994. For travellers craving raw, untamed nature, Wollemi offers remote bushwalks, dramatic lookouts, and a profound sense of discovery. It's a place where the landscape tells stories of Gondwana, and every ridge reveals a new vista.

Highlights & What to See

• Wollemi Pine Grove: The park's star attraction — a secret grove of these prehistoric trees, accessible only via guided tour or challenging multi-day trek (permit required).
• Glow Worm Tunnel: An abandoned railway tunnel now home to thousands of glow worms; bring a torch and walk silently to see the sparkling ceiling.
• Newnes Plateau: A scenic drive with picnic spots and walks that lead to spectacular views over the Wolgan Valley.
• Wollemi Wilderness Walks: For experienced hikers, multi-day trails like the Wollemi Track traverse deep gorges and offer remote camping under the stars.
• Bungleboori Lookout: One of the park's most accessible viewpoints, offering a sweeping panorama of sandstone escarpments and eucalypt forests.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors explore Wollemi National Park as a day trip from the Hunter Valley or Blue Mountains, focusing on the Glow Worm Tunnel and a short walk. However, to truly appreciate its scale and solitude, plan for at least two days. This allows time for a guided tour to the Wollemi Pine grove (booked well in advance) or an overnight hike into the wilderness. If you're short on time, the drive to Newnes Plateau and a visit to the Glow Worm Tunnel can be comfortably done in a full day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Country: After the bush, unwind with cellar-door tastings and gourmet dining in Pokolbin, just an hour's drive south.
• Blue Mountains National Park: Combine Wollemi's raw wilderness with the iconic Three Sisters and cliff-top walks of Katoomba, a 90-minute drive away.
• Lithgow: A historic railway town with the Zig Zag Railway and excellent access to the western edge of Wollemi.
• Mudgee: Further west, this charming town offers more wine, farm-to-table food, and a relaxed country vibe.
• Capertee Valley: Known for its vast canyon (wider than the Grand Canyon), birdwatching, and quiet rural landscapes.

Please check official sources for current details.