Pipeline Track from the Wolgan Valley, NSW

The Pipeline Track runs between two of the most spectacular valleys in NSW: Wolgan Valley to the east, and the more remote Capertee Valley to the west. In between, the excellent Pagoda Lookout provides views over the Wolgan Valley, and this was our turnaround point for the walk depicted here.

Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley

This walk on the Pipeline Track climbs out of the spectacular Wolgan Valley to a high point at Pagoda Lookout. It starts in Newnes Campground surrounded by high cliffs, and at first passes through mining relics from the early twentieth century. The track then climbs up through an attractive gully to excellent views back down into the valley. 

Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
The camp site at the start.

Track Notes

It’s a pretty straightforward walk starting at Newnes Campground. The Wolgan Valley is on the western side of the Greater Blue Mountains area, and a bit further than a day trip from Sydney. There are track notes on the Bushwalking NSW website. It is possible to continue along the track into the even more spectacular (and more remote) Capertee Valley at Glen Davis, although that would be a long day walk. We’ve done the somewhat longer walk from Glen Davis to Pagoda Lookout two or three times, but it may be closed from the Glen Davis side so check the status before trying to start at, or enter, the Capertee Valley.

Pipeline Track from the Wolgan Valley: The Scenery

Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
Various relics of the area’s oil mining past remain.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
An Aztec temple I think.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
Climbing out of the valley.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
We passed through a steep sided gully to get to the top.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
In the gully.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
The Wolgan Valley viewed from Pagoda Lookout, at the high point of the track.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
Cliffs lining the Wolgan Valley.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
Sophia adding a bit of colour at Pagoda Lookout.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
Back down in the valley.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
High cliffs back at the start.
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
Happy campers. Sophia had a tour of somebody’s fancy pants camper van (in the foreground).
Pipeline Track from Wolgan Valley
Wattles!

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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