National Park · NSW

Gardens of Stone National Park

Gardens of Stone National Park features rugged sandstone escarpments, diverse plant communities, and rich Aboriginal cultural heritage.

National Park37,0004+ Trails

1994NATIONAL PARK

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

37,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Gardens of Stone National Park

Gardens of Stone National Park features rugged sandstone escarpments, diverse plant communities, and rich Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in New South Wales, Gardens of Stone National Park spans an area known for its unique rock formations and diverse ecosystems. The park is characterized by dramatic sandstone pagodas and cliffs that create a visually striking landscape. The area is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several rare plant species and wildlife such as the endangered spotted-tailed quoll. Historically, the park is a significant site for the Wiradjuri, Dharug, and Gundungurra peoples. Popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts, the park offers numerous trails that showcase its geological features and scenic vistas. Notable landmarks include the impressive Pantoney's Crown and the Capertee Valley, a canyon second only in size to the Grand Canyon. Visitors appreciate the park's remote beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Field Guide · National Park

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Gardens of Stone National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The scenic views from Baal Bone Gap.✦ The diverse plant and animal life including endangered species.✦ Exploring the breathtaking Capertee Valley.✦ Hiking the spectacular Pantoney's Crown hike.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Gardens of Stone National Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Gardens of Stone National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Gardens of Stone National Park

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Gardens of Stone National Park

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Gardens of Stone National Park

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Gardens of Stone National Park

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Gardens of Stone National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entry fees; permits required for large groups.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Gardens of Stone National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Baal Bone Gap Campground

Remote campground accessible by 4WD, ideal for those seeking solitude.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Newnes Campground

Located nearby in a historic oil shale mining area with basic facilities.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Gardens of Stone National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Wollangambe 1 Canyon: a full-day lilo-and-canyon descent through tight, deep-water walls

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Wilson, New South Wales

Guided TourADV Bookable

Wollangambe 1 Canyon: a full-day lilo-and-canyon descent through tight, deep-water walls

An 8-hour guided canyoning trip on the Wollangambe River that pairs swims, scrambles and lilo floats with a harnessed exit climb — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Mt Wilson in Five Hours: A Walk-and-Drive Ramble Between Rainforest and Canyon Rims

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Wilson, New South Wales

Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Mt Wilson in Five Hours: A Walk-and-Drive Ramble Between Rainforest and Canyon Rims

A relaxed 5-hour walk-and-drive tour that links short walks through rainforest and drier Blue Mountains bushland to wildflower displays, rock formations and a leisurely lunch.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Explore a canyon without 'canyoning' — a 5‑hour descent to the Wollangambe River

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Wilson, New South Wales

Walking TourADV Bookable

Explore a canyon without 'canyoning' — a 5‑hour descent to the Wollangambe River

A medium‑grade, 5‑hour guided walk from Mount Wilson that descends through canyon cliffs, includes an optional short slot canyon and morning tea on a river beach.

Walking TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Into the Throat: Abseiling Water Dragon Canyon at Mount Wilson

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Wilson, New South Wales

ClimbingADV Bookable

Into the Throat: Abseiling Water Dragon Canyon at Mount Wilson

A hard‑grade, 9‑hour canyoning day (September–April) that threads a glow‑worm‑lit constriction with 4–5 abseils and two major ascents—essential reading for fit adventurers.

ClimbingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Slot-Canyon Abseils in Bowens Creek: Four Vertical Drops through Closing Walls

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Wilson, New South Wales

HikingADV Bookable

Slot-Canyon Abseils in Bowens Creek: Four Vertical Drops through Closing Walls

A full-day, medium–hard canyoning route in the Bowens Creek North Lower section featuring four abseils, optional jumps and a steep, rope-assisted exit best run in the warmer months.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Four Abseils, A Creek Walk and an Optional Leap: Serendipity Canyon’s Blue Mountains Canyoning

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Wilson, New South Wales

ClimbingADV Bookable

Four Abseils, A Creek Walk and an Optional Leap: Serendipity Canyon’s Blue Mountains Canyoning

A full-day, guided canyoning route in Mount Wilson that features four abseils, short swims and a scenic creek walk—this guide distills what to expect and who it suits.

ClimbingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Yileen Canyon: Five Abseils, Crystal Slots and a Grose Valley Finale

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Wilson, New South Wales

ClimbingADV Bookable

Yileen Canyon: Five Abseils, Crystal Slots and a Grose Valley Finale

A medium‑grade, 8‑hour canyoning day in Mount Wilson with five abseils, short swims and two dramatic rappels looking into the Grose Valley—use this guide to know what to expect and how the route flows.

ClimbingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Milky Way Underground: A Biologist-Guided Walk Through Mount Victoria’s Glowworm Tunnel

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Victoria, New South Wales

Guided TourADV Bookable

Milky Way Underground: A Biologist-Guided Walk Through Mount Victoria’s Glowworm Tunnel

A 6‑hour guided outing that combines a near‑400m pitch‑dark glowworm tunnel, a walk through Dry Canyon, and a picnic among Wollemi National Park’s tree ferns.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

An afternoon transfer into the Megalong Valley: two boutique wineries beneath sandstone escarpments

ADVEXPEDITION

Blackheath, New South Wales

WineryADV Bookable

An afternoon transfer into the Megalong Valley: two boutique wineries beneath sandstone escarpments

A 4.5-hour guided transfer from Blackheath visiting Megalong Creek Estate and Dryridge Estate for wine tastings and a leisurely lunch—the essential guide to what to expect.

WineryPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Three Quiet Hours Among Eucalypts: Forest Bathing at Campbell Rhododendron Gardens

ADVEXPEDITION

Blackheath, New South Wales

HikingADV Bookable

Three Quiet Hours Among Eucalypts: Forest Bathing at Campbell Rhododendron Gardens

A 3-hour guided forest bathing walk through an 18.3-hectare sanctuary in Blackheath that ends with tea and snacks — this guide covers what to expect, how to prepare, and the route flow.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Beyond the Three Sisters: A Half‑Day Into the Blue Mountains’ Less‑Seen Ridges

ADVEXPEDITION

Katoomba, New South Wales

Guided TourADV Bookable

Beyond the Three Sisters: A Half‑Day Into the Blue Mountains’ Less‑Seen Ridges

A 4‑hour guided outing from Katoomba Station that leads award‑winning Beyond the Blacktop Adventure Tours off the usual route to discover hidden outlooks and local attractions many visitors miss.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Cliff‑top Revelations: Three Hours Above the Blue Mountains from Katoomba to Blackheath

ADVEXPEDITION

Katoomba, New South Wales

Guided TourADV Bookable

Cliff‑top Revelations: Three Hours Above the Blue Mountains from Katoomba to Blackheath

A focused, three-hour guided on‑road tour that takes you to cliff‑top lookouts and short walks across the World Heritage Blue Mountains—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip