What is Newnes?

Newnes is a place located in the western Blue Mountains, north of Lithgow, NSW. It used to be a mining town, where Torbanite (a type of oil-shale rock) was mined and processed into a range of oil products.

Newnes is in a scenic valley and today it is a popular spot for day visitors and campers. Very little is left of the town itself, but there are extensive ruins of the oil-shale processing plant to be explored and the walk to the Glow-worm tunnel is very popular. (Right) --> The mountain opposite the kiosk is called "Mystery Mountain". The climb to the top is another way for the energetic to spend the time at Newnes.

The "town"

<-- (Left) There was once a town at Newnes. These shops were located about half-way between the present day hotel and the camping area. (Right) --> Today only the old hotel remains from the mining period. It is now de-licensed and only trades as a kiosk at weekends.

The oil-shale works

<-- (Left) The oil-shale works at Newnes were very extensive. This view, c.1920, has been taken from the hill west of the works looking east. (Right) --> Today there are extensive ruins to be seen. This is part of the remains of the Paraffin Sheds.

The glow-worm tunnel
	Visitors to Newnes can walk to the Glow-worm tunnel. The walk is a 9km circuit (allow at least 3 hours) that starts at a weir over the Wolgan River 7km south of the Newnes Kiosk.
	<-- (Left) The railway that once came to Newnes entered the valley in a truly spectacular setting. Surprisingly, the engineering on the railway was relatively light and the railway is, instead, a tribute to the surveyors who plotted the route. (Right) --> Today the tunnel is host to numerous glow-worms. But there are other attractions here, such as the pretty, fern-filled gorge between the tunnel and the cliffs.

How do we get there?

There is no public transport to Newnes, so you will need your own vehicle. From Sydney, head across the Blue Mountains to Lithgow; continue west and take the Mudgee (Castlereagh Highway) exit. The Newnes turn-off is at a major road junction, just past the Wallerawang power station at Lidsdale. It is signposted. The first 10km is bitumen, but deteriorating in the latter stages. The road in the valley is gravel and care is needed, particularly when wet. At all times, DRIVE CAREFULLY. <-- (Left) The road to Newnes is particularly scenic.

Latest road conditions are posted regularly on the Current Conditions information page.

Do you want to know more? Then have a look at the other pages on this web-site.

Do you have any specific questions about Newnes? Email us at: "newnes[at]tpg.com.au"