Wollemi National Park

Deep in the heart of New South Wales, Wollemi National Park is a vast wilderness of sandstone canyons, ancient forests, and dramatic escarpments. It’s one of Australia’s most remote and least visited parks, offering a true escape into nature. The park is famous for the Wollemi Pine, a prehistoric tree species discovered here in 1994, and for its rugged landscapes that challenge even experienced hikers. Whether you’re into canyoning, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking up the silence, Wollemi delivers an unforgettable off-grid adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Wollemi Pine Discovery: See the living dinosaur of the plant world – the Wollemi Pine. Access is restricted to protect the trees, but guided tours from nearby towns offer a chance to glimpse these ancient giants.
• Canyoning in the Wollemi Wilderness: Plunge into deep, narrow gorges like the Colo River or Wollemi Creek. These canyons are world-class for abseiling, swimming, and scrambling through slot canyons.
• Glow Worm Tunnel: Walk through an old railway tunnel near Newnes and watch thousands of glow worms light up the darkness – a magical experience for all ages.
• Zig Zag Railway: Ride the historic steam train through the Blue Mountains’ Lithgow area, offering panoramic views of the escarpment and a taste of the region’s railway heritage.
• Remote Bushwalking: Tackle multi-day treks like the Wollemi Walk or the Six Foot Track extension, which take you through pristine wilderness with few other hikers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least two to three days to truly experience Wollemi National Park. One day is enough for a quick taste – perhaps the Glow Worm Tunnel and a short canyon walk – but to explore the deeper canyons or attempt a multi-day hike, plan for a long weekend. The park is remote, so factor in travel time from Sydney (about 2–3 hours drive) and ensure you have a reliable vehicle (4WD recommended).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Blue Mountains – Adjacent to Wollemi, the Blue Mountains offer iconic lookouts, the Three Sisters, and easier walking trails for a contrast to Wollemi’s wildness.
• Hunter Valley – After your wilderness fix, head to Australia’s oldest wine region for cellar doors, gourmet dining, and hot air balloon rides.
• Newcastle – A vibrant coastal city with surf beaches, a revitalized waterfront, and a thriving café culture – perfect for a post-hike relax.
• Port Stephens – Just north, this aquatic playground offers dolphin watching, sand dunes at Stockton Beach, and calm bay waters for kayaking.
• Lithgow – The gateway town to Wollemi’s northern edge, with historic sites like the Zig Zag Railway and the Eskbank House museum.

Please check official sources for current details.