Gardens of Stone National Park, Nature reserve in Lithgow, Australia
Gardens of Stone National Park is a nature reserve near Lithgow featuring towering sandstone cliffs shaped like pagodas and deep canyons cutting through the land. These dramatic rock formations create the park's distinctive character and define much of what visitors encounter when exploring the area.
The park was established to protect landscapes and sites that have held significance for Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years. This decision reflected growing recognition of both the cultural and natural value of the region.
The landscape contains numerous sites of Indigenous significance, with artifacts and rock art presenting evidence of long-term Aboriginal occupation.
Visitors can walk multiple trails, try rock climbing, or join guided tours that follow established paths through the park. The terrain is uneven in places and some routes are steep, so sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness are helpful.
The park is home to rare yellow pagoda daisies that grow only among the sandstone formations, creating a specialized ecosystem found nowhere else. These plants are adapted to the harsh rocky environment and produce bright blooms during their season.
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