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At
the end of the Wolgan Valley lies a reminder of the oil
shale industry. The township and oil shale mining complex
was established in 1906. Operational costs and the availability
of lower priced crude oil finally closed the works in
1932. The former hotel (now Newnes
Kiosk) is the only reminder of a thriving community.
[click on image to enlarge]
To
gain access to Newnes,
turn off the Mudgee road at Lidsdale and continue past
Angus Place colliery. The view of the expanse of Wolgan
Valley and the sandstone escarpments is spectacular. Follow
the road for a further 24 kilometres through to the floor
of the valley, where there are many natural picnic areas
alongside the Wolgan River. To reach the ruins of the
works, cross the river at the ford by foot or 4WD down
from the hotel
and follow the well-defined path which was the route of
the original railway line.
There
is limited fishing in the river at Newnes, it is probably
best to check with Newnes
Kiosk
(formerly the old Newnes Hotel).
Car
based camping areas
are provided at Little Capertee camping area, 400 metres
past the hotel. There are pleasant grassy camp sites and
a pit toilet.
A
limited number of camping sites are
available on the opposite bank of the Wolgan River.
Access is by walking or driving across the ford, near
the Newnes
Hotel. This crossing can be negotiated by 4 wheel
drives, other vehicles should check the crossing first.
The river levels can rise rapidly after heavy rain.
(see Newnes
Hotel Cabins listing below) |
Firewood
is not provided at the camping areas.
Please bring your own firewood or use a gas or fuel stove.
Use of generators and chainsaws is prohibited in the park.
Camping
is very popular during school holidays and long weekends.
At times campsites may be scarce. There is no booking
system (at present) so sites are allocated on a first
come basis. (camping is free).
It
is best to bring your own supply of drinking water.
Water. Water from the Wolgan river should be boiled for
at least 3 minutes before using for cooking or drinking.
No
pets or firearms are permitted in the park.
[click on image to enlarge]
There
are a number of bushwalks around Newnes, brochures are
available from the Lithgow
Visitors Centre.
Visitors are treated to excellent
Tour Service from our Lithgow
City Cabs.
Visit
the Newnes
Kiosk Website, Email
Us
Visit
the Glow Worm Tunnel
Information on
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa
External
Links - Info Blue Mountains
Wolgan
Valley Railway
Glow
Worm Tunnel
Kerosene
Shale
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