Planning and construction is well underway on a number of new walking experiences within the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, NSW.
Construction on the 5km, family-friendly Lost City Walking Track is approaching the halfway point with the project on track to open in late 2024.
Local crews have been establishing dedicated work zones to protect biodiversity values during construction, with drainage and erosion management at the forefront of the works program.
Geotechnical stabilisation works have also been completed, with ecological surveys ongoing to monitor and record fauna and fauna in the valley.
Local heritage considerations have been incorporated into the track design to capture the colourful mining history of the area, with Aboriginal cultural heritage to form a key part of visitor interpretations in collaboration with local First Nations people.
Meanwhile, work began on the Gardens of Stone Multi-Day Walk in April, with planning and construction to be delivered in sections to progress the works in stages over two years.
The first stage of works covers the initial 12km of walking track, following old access trails to showcase woody eucalypt forest, ancient ferned gullies and complex pagoda formations towards the headwaters of Carne Creek.
The first section of works will form part of a 35km four-day, three-night moderate grade walking track with remote camping facilities and connectivity to short walks within the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
The Gardens of Stone Multi-Day Walk and Lost City Walking Track are part of a $49.5 million NSW Government visitor infrastructure program to establish Lithgow as an iconic visitor destination.