Visitors keen to take in the new Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area near Lithgow during the school holidays are being reminded to play it safe and check on access before heading out.
The majority of the 28,000 hectare reserve, which is home to over 80 rare and threatened species and important cultural heritage, is currently only accessible by 4WD vehicles.
Anyone looking to visit the park should first check NPWS Alerts to make sure they have the latest information.
‘We want visitors to enjoy exploring this special part of the world, however wet weather can impact access,’ said National Parks and Wildlife Service Blue Mountains Branch Acting Director Glenn Meade.
‘If it is wet, please reconsider your trip because roads can be damaged by vehicles and quickly become unpassable.
‘In good weather, Spring is a great time to visit and there are a number of great recreational opportunities in the park for visitors, including bushwalking, 4WD, mountain biking and just enjoying nature.
‘Some beautiful native plants, such as the Waratah and a range of Acacia are in flower, and there is spectacular scenery to take in.’
All vehicles and drivers entering the park must be licenced, registered and keep to formed roads.
Mr Meade said the Gardens of Stone SCA features many remote areas, limited mobile phone service and does not have rubbish bins, so visitors must take rubbish with them when they leave the park.
Visitors planning to visit the popular Glow Worm Tunnel at nearby Wollemi National Park should also check NPWS Alerts before heading out.
‘Glow Worm Tunnel Road is open but 2WD vehicles should avoid the road on wet days,’ Mr Meade said.
Visitors are reminded domestic pets, including dogs, are not permitted in NSW national parks.
