I hiked the 17.5 km Broad Swamp to Birds Rock track just a couple of weeks after it opened and absolutely loved it. One of the newest hikes in Gardens of Stone near Lithgow, it has swamps, creeks, forest and those classic pagoda formations along the way.
About the track
The trail starts at Broad Swamp carpark, crossing boardwalks and stepping stones through the swamp before opening up into bushland and clifftop views over Carne Creek Gorge. The first section passes through open forest and swamp country, with plenty of birdlife and wide views across the plateau.
From there, the trail gently climbs through sandstone country and across a few small gullies. It’s not too tough overall, just long. I’d call it moderate for the distance, but quite easy to follow. Always make sure you download or bring a map, but the track is really well signposted with clear intersections and markers the whole way.
Around 12 km in, you reach Carne View Lookout, a short signposted turn-off with incredible views across Carne Creek Gorge. It’s towards the end of the trail, only a few kilometres before Birds Rock carpark, and well worth the detour if you’re doing the full route or turning back from here.
Car shuffle and how I did it
The hike is usually done as a one-way trail with a 4WD car shuffle, since Birds Rock carpark is 4WD access only. We drove the return and at the time of writing, the road was actually in really good condition. Other cars could easily manage it if you go slow over the bumps and potholes, though I wouldn’t attempt it after heavy rain.
I’d planned to do it as a 25 km out and back since I couldn’t do a car shuffle, but when I reached Carne View Lookout, I was lucky enough to meet a local who offered me a lift back from Birds Rock carpark. Couldn’t have timed it better and it saved me from hiking the extra 8 km in the dark.
If you don’t have a 4WD, walking out to Carne View Lookout and returning the same way is still a great full-day option and includes the best parts of the track.
If you want something shorter
If you’re after something easier, the Broad Swamp Loop Walk starts from the same carpark. It’s a 6 km circuit through open woodland, small creeks and more pagoda formations, taking around 1–2 hours. It’s a nice alternative if you want a shorter walk that still captures the landscape of this area.
Final thoughts
I absolutely loved this track. It’s quiet, remote and full of variety, with swamps, pagodas, forest and cliffs all in one hike. The area feels untouched and peaceful, and it’s the kind of walk that reminds you how much there is still to explore in the region. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney, but well worth the trip for a full day out. Definitely one to add to your list.
