Over the years I’d seen photos of rock pagodas in Gardens of Stone National Park, but didn’t know much about how to access these areas. In 2022 NSW added Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area to the mix, and within this boundary is the amazing Lost City. This must be one of the most concentrated areas of pagodas, and a newly constructed track takes you on an easygoing 6km greatest-hits tour. Apart from the rock pagodas there is a very atmospheric canyon network to walk through.
The well graded track and accessibility from Lithgow means this walk is already quite popular, and getting more so. I recommend arriving early to beat the crowds, at least in one direction. Track notes at the end.
If you’d like to visit an area of rock pagodas without the crowds then consider the Goochs Crater route. It’s not as spectacular as the Lost City, and the route is harder, but there are opportunities for easy off-track walking and we didn’t meet anybody all day. Another route we’ve subsequently added (in late 2025) is Lost City West, which is within sight of this route but there is just a fire trail in, then you explore the area with easy off-track navigation. Just as spectacular pagodas but with no people.
Lost City walking track: The Scenery
Track Notes
Currently access is just from the south, but they are constructing a car park and facilities at the north lookout also. Here’s a link to the NPWS site so you can check the latest.
The track is really obvious, so navigation is easy. We walked to the north lookout via the short route, which requires a bit of scrambling with the help of railings. (If you are not so able bodied you should avoid this route). It was a very pleasant walk back the long way (still short) following Marrangaroo Creek through a high sided canyon.
This might take you 1.5-2 hours (~6km, although I’m not sure which of the two alternative routes that includes), but allocate extra time for exploring around the Lost City North Lookout. They rate the longer route grade 3, but the short-cut grade 4.
