The spectacular Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area will soon host a new eco-adventure destination with the establishment of the Lost City precinct ready to move forward.
The new experience, which will be a partnership between the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and adventure tourism experts Experience Co, will position Lithgow as an iconic tourist destination.
The partnership follows a competitive Expressions of Interest (EOI) process which will see Experience Co working with NPWS to bring to life plans for the park's new multi-day walk including overnight accommodation and the Lost City zipline adventure experience.
Head of NSW National Parks Atticus Fleming said the 30,000 hectare Gardens of Stone reserve will deliver diverse experiences catering for all visitors, alongside dedicated conservation programs to protect the exceptional values of the new reserve.
"Thanks to a $50 million dollar investment from the NSW Government, the new reserve will host an array of nature-based options including accessible family-friendly camping areas, bushwalks, lookouts and four-wheel driving routes.
"There will be something for everyone as the reserve will also feature a network of mountain bike tracks catering for all abilities, canyoning and rock climbing.
"The Gardens of Stone's ancient sandstone pagoda formations and canyons will be showcased by the Great Walk, which will link the new State Conservation Area to Wollemi National Park, providing visitors an opportunity to take in outstanding views of this special place, which is home to over 80 rare and threatened species, including koalas and regent honeyeaters."
The first stages of the multi-day walk will be open in mid-2024.
The zip line and via ferrata experiences at Lost City are anticipated to open in December 2023.
The planned low impact eco-accommodation and public campsites will cater for everyone from experienced campers to those stepping into their first wilderness experience.
Experience Co Chief Executive Officer John O'Sullivan said the company was delighted to be selected to partner with NPWS to help deliver two exciting new tourism experiences.
"Building on our expertise developing sustainable tourism products in sensitive locations, we are looking forward to creating new experiences that elevate the region and engage with this unique area of NSW as well as recognise the importance of this ancient landscape to Wiradjuri people," he said.
The Gardens of Stone SCA expects to attract up to 200,000 new visitors, create around 190 local jobs and generate up to $30 million in regional economic activity each year.
All visitor infrastructure will be subject to rigorous environmental and cultural approvals to ensure effective protection of ecological and cultural values.
