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Newnes Industrial Ruins and Bushwalking

View from our cabin balcony Newness Industrial Ruins Map

Newnes Industrial Ruins

Located in the Wollemi National Park the Newnes Industrial Ruins is a heritage listed collection of decaying ruins of a once thriving shale oil processing plant. Established in 1902 and closed in 1932 due to the availability of cheaper crude oil, all that remain are decaying buildings and processing plant. The area is great for bushwalking with great tracks to the ruins and the surrounding area.

Getting There

The drive from Lithgow to the ruins takes a little over an hour, or three hours from Sydney. Road quality varies from excellent sealed road, narrow winding road down to the Wolgan Valley and dirt road for the final 12km. The views from the road as you descend from the top are amazing but, unfortunately there are few spots to stop and take advantage of them.

Where To stay

Accommodation is available through the Newnes Hotel which has five self contained cabins. The hotel itself does not offer rooms and no longer operates as a hotel. You will need to brings your own food and drinks.

Camping is available at two spots on either side of Wolgan River, but you will need a four-wheel drive to cross to the far side. Booking for campsites is through New South Wales Parks and Wildlife.

We chose to stay in one of the cabins which proved to be very comfortable, with a comfortable bed and nice shower. You do need to bring your own bedding including sheets, blankets and pillows. You will also need to bring all food and drinks as there isn’t a kiosk on site.

Newnes Hotel

On arrival, we went to the Newnes Hotel to collect our keys. the owner also gave us a booklet with information on the area and a list of the walks available. From here we went to our cabin and unpacked before exploring.

Scattered around the Hotel area are some relicts of the past. Some old rail cars line the road to the river crossing and some old buildings are near the river bank. Across the road from the Hotel is a great view of the Wolgan River. With the recent rain it was flowing well.

Newnes Industrial Ruins Walk

Deciding to walk to the ruins first, we headed to the river crossing. As we were walking, we waded across, as the stepping stones were under water and did not look safe. If driving, you will need a four-wheel-drive to cross the river. Otherwise, leave your car at the crossing and walk across.

From the river to the start of the track takes around 30 minutes. It is flat and well graded, so an easy walk.

A locked gate is at the start of the walk along with a detailed map of the industrial ruins. The first ruins are the most interesting, a row of brick bee hive kilns. There are still 13 kilns in good condition with the other 80 odd kilns in various states of decay.

Also in the area are the remains of retaining walls and ruined buildings. It takes about two hours to walk around and take in the atmosphere of the place.

Philosophers Walk

This walk starts at the far side of the camp ground, where it crosses Little Wolgan Creek. As we were staying in the cabin, we walked the short distance to the creek early in the morning. Crossing the creek was easy, but after rain, and with a higher water level, it might be difficult without getting wet.

Heading uphill, the first section of the track is steep and rocky in places, but with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Little piles of stones mark the way, and the track had recently been cleared, so it was easy to follow. Along the way we passed small rock overhangs and tiny caves, but didn’t see anything inside.

At the top of the hill you are rewarded with views over the forest, river and out to Mystery Mountain. After recovering from the uphill walk, we set off for the return leg, which was all downhill.

The Return Leg

Walking past the ruins of the manager’s house all we saw were old brick stairs, but not far away were two old Zephyr cars. A manager left them here and after several bushfires and forest regrowth they are rusty wrecks surrounded by trees.

This was a great walk with views through trees to the mountains, old ruins and rusty cars. With more time we would have added the Hidden Valley walk, but will do that on our next visit.

School Ruins Walk

Starting behind the cabins, this short walk takes you through trees and across a small creek to what is left of the old school. Time, weather, and bushfires have left only brick chimneys and scattered bricks to show where the school once stood. It was hard to imagine that a small town once stood here that required a school, when there is so little of it left.

What Did We Think?

We loved it here and could have stayed longer, because there are so many more walks to do. We would have liked to the walk to Hidden Valley and the Glow Worm Tunnels, but just didn’t have the time. With the old industrial ruins, great bush walking and amazing accommodation, this was a great visit.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Mungo Rainforest Walk Myall Lakes

The Lake shore at Dees Campground

Mungo Rainforest Walk Myall Lakes

Set in the Myall Lakes National Park New South Wales Australia, the Mungo Rainforest Walk is an easy 1.5km walk near the lake shore.

Getting There

A 45 minutes car trip from Bulahdelah will take you via the Bombah Point Ferry. Running every 30 minutes the ferry cost us $5.50 (in April 2022) for a car. They take cash only as they have no eftpos facilities. Caravans cost more and the ferry only takes six cars at a time. We haven’t used this ferry before so that added something extra to the day. If you don’t want to use this option, driving via Hawks Nest will add 40km to the trip.

We parked at Mungo Brush Campground, although you could park at Dees Corner Campground, because the walk is a loop. The area is managed by New South Wales Parks and Wildlife, so an entry fee is payable.

The Track

Starting at Mungo Brush Campground, the track heads into the forest, where we found an information board. This showed the track and detailed animals and birds we might see. The blue area crossed by the track is a depression that floods in wet weather. Fortunately, an alternate path is available, which we had to use because of recent rain.

The Rainforest

The track loops through the rainforest which consists of cabbage tree palms and coastal rainforest trees. At times it gets close to the lake where you are able to see the trees growing into the lake shore. Generally flat, the track was well maintained and apart from stepping over tree roots did not have many obstacles.

Track to Dees Corner Campground

The track comes to a T-intersection, pointing to the wet or dry weather tracks. If you want to see Dees Corner, take the dry weather track (it’s dry to Dees Corner). I would suggest wearing walking boots to cater for what ever conditions you come across.

Wet and Dry Weather Sign
Wet and Dry Weather Sign

Dees Corner Campground

Following the dry weather track takes you to the campground which was closed when we visited due to storm damage. This is a great little area with the gum trees growing down and into the lake.

From here you can take the track back to Mungo Brush.

What Did We Think?

This was a great little walk. Flat, and easy going with lots of rainforest and lake views to see.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Seal Rocks

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Seal Rocks

Besides amazing beaches, Seal Rocks has a lighthouse at Sugarloaf Point overlooking the ocean and more beaches.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse stands on a headland east of Seal Rocks village. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet as his first lighthouse, it was completed in 1875. It is one of only two towers in Australia with an external stairway. Although built to guide ships along the rocky coastline, there were still 20 wrecks after its completion.

The refurbished Lighthouse Keepers’ quarters and outbuildings are available as holiday accommodation for visitors. This would be a great way to experience the area.

Getting There

With a three and a half hour drive, 280km drive north of Sydney, Seal Rocks is too far for a day trip from Sydney, but excellent for a long weekend. From our home in the Hunter Valley, it took us a little over two hours to drive the 180kms.

A carpark at the base of the headland provides spaces for those walking to the lighthouse. A fee applies, as the area is managed by New South Wales Parks and Wildlife.

The Walk

Starting at the locked gate, a bitumen road leads up through the coastal forest, making it an easy walk. An information board near the gate provides details about the lighthouse and the wider Myall Lakes Area. Although the walk is easy underfoot, it can still be a bit of a challenge, because it is all uphill.

If you need a break, about halfway there is a toilet block.

Sea Cave

Not long before reaching the lighthouse a break in the trees lets you see a rocky inlet. This is great because it also has a sea cave, with the waves crashing through it.

Path to the Lighthouse

On reaching the lighthouse area, the patch becomes much steeper, but this section is also short. So, take your time and enjoy the views over the coastline. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now used for guests, which would be a great way to experience the area.

The Lighthouse

Set at the top of the headland, the lighthouse overlooks some rocky cliffs and a spectacular beach to the west. With the stairs on the outside instead of inside, it looks different to others we have seen. We spent quite some time here, looking at the scenery and lighthouse, before retiring to our car.

What Did We Think of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse?

This was a fun visit, with the sea caves adding something a little extra. the lighthouse was well maintain and in pristine condition. Parking may be an issue in school holidays and peak season because it is quite small.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on