Glen Davis

Glen Davis is a hauntingly beautiful ghost town in the rugged Capertee Valley, once a bustling oil-shale mining centre in the 1940s. Today, its crumbling ruins and silent streets offer a poignant window into Australia's industrial past, set against dramatic sandstone cliffs and eucalyptus forests. For travellers with a taste for offbeat history and desolate landscapes, this is a captivating detour off the tourist trail.

Highlights & What to See

• Glen Davis Ruins: Wander through the skeletal remains of the oil-shale retorts, power station, and workers' cottages. The eerie silence and bush reclaiming the structures create a powerful atmosphere.
• Old Glen Davis Mine Site: Follow the short walk to the mine entrance and interpretive signs that explain the short-lived boom (1940–1952) and the community that once numbered over 1,000 people.
• Capertee Valley Lookouts: Drive to nearby lookouts for sweeping views over one of the world's widest canyons – the valley is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to the endangered regent honeyeater.
• Historic Cemetery: A small, poignant cemetery on the hill holds graves from the mining era, offering a quiet spot for reflection.
• Bushwalking & Photography: The area is crisscrossed with walking trails and dirt roads perfect for exploring the valley's wild beauty and capturing the ruins at golden hour.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to explore the ruins, take in the valley views, and soak up the ghost-town atmosphere. If you're keen on longer walks or birdwatching, plan for a full day. Combine Glen Davis with a visit to the nearby Capertee Valley or Wollemi National Park for a complete wilderness-and-history experience. The road in is unsealed for the last 10 km, so allow extra travel time and check conditions after rain.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Capertee Valley – a spectacular canyon with walking trails, birdwatching, and camping.
• Wollemi National Park – ancient wilderness with the famous Wollemi Pine, canyoning, and remote bushwalks.
• Lithgow – historic railway town with the Zig Zag Railway and Eskbank House Museum.
• Mudgee – renowned wine region with cellar doors, gourmet food, and heritage buildings.
• Blue Mountains National Park – iconic sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and the Three Sisters (allow a full day).

Please check official sources for current details.