Turon National Park
Overview
Near Lithgow, 185km west of Sydney, Turon National Park is great for remote bushwalking and camping, trout fishing, birdwatching, swimming, mountain biking or canoeing.
Read more about Turon National Park
If you want to really feel like you’ve gotten away from it all with a remote and rugged bush camping experience, Turon National Park is a fantastic, accessible choice. Just 45km from Lithgow and 185km north of Sydney, here you can explore remote bushwalking and camping in a spectacular setting that features incredibly diverse vegetation, from wide-open eucalypt forest to silver wattles and river oaks.
The park has a fascinating history, both for its role in the Australian gold mining boom and its early Aboriginal occupation, which is believed to date back thousands of years. History buffs will be intrigued by the evidence of both that is still highly visible in the park.
You’ll also encounter plenty of interesting birds and animals, such as powerful owls hooting away at night and red wallabies sunning themselves on the sandstone tops during the daytime before descending to the valley at dusk. Be sure to take some time to enjoy a spot of trout fishing, swimming or canoeing on the gorgeously crystal clear stream that is Turon River.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://uat.nswparks.cloud/visit-a-park/parks/turon-national-park/local-alerts
Contact
- in the Sydney and surrounds region
Turon National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Oberon office
02 6336 6200
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. - 38 Ross Street, Oberon NSW 2787
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Email: npws.kanangra@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Oberon office
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Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
02 4787 8877
Contact hours: 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 270 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
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Email: bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Turon National Park.
Map
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Maps and downloads
Nearby towns
Lithgow (45 km)
Hassans Walls Lookout, near Lithgow, is the highest in the Blue Mountains. Admire Mt Wilson, Mt York, Mt Tarana and Mt Blaxland as well as the pretty Hartley Valley below. To the south are the Kanimbla and Megalong valley and Mt Bindo. While there, go for a walk or ride around the lookout.
Sydney City Centre (185 km)
No trip to Sydney is complete without spending some time in the city’s beautiful parks. Whether it’s in central areas like Hyde Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens or further out in Centennial Parklands, there’s plenty of green space to go out and enjoy.
Learn more
Turon National Park is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
Important cultural history
Turon National Park is Wiradjuri Aboriginal country and is home to many sacred sites that bear witness to the land’s earliest occupiers. Archaeological surveys from recent times have revealed evidence of extensive Aboriginal occupation prior to European arrival in the area. Therefore, the park plays an important role in conserving evidence of traditional, historical and contemporary land use and is of cultural significance to the Wiradjuri people, as well as descendents of early settlers of European and Chinese heritage.
Dramatic geological activity
Central west NSW has had an eventful geological history and the landscape of the area still bears striking reminders of these events, from gold mining remnants to volcanic activity. The gold extracted in the Turon area was alluvial, having washed down over millions of years, to be deposited in the gravels and silts of the creeks and streams.
A prosperous gold mining area
In 1851, a delighted Aboriginal prospector found a large gold nugget in the Turon River. Subsequent valuable finds led to the development of the nearby town of Sofala during a gold mining boom. The park area has now been extensively mined for gold and many relics of this activity are still visible along the river’s banks. The park’s historic gold diggings hold local, regional and state significance and are on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Riverine oak forest communities
Turon National Park protects regionally important stands of fringing riverine oak forest communities along Turon River. With an abundance of plant life, you can also find snow gum and ribbon gum woodlands in the area. If you're seeking an adventure, then explore the park and head to the relatively undisturbed ranges throughout the park, which are filled with eucalypt communities.
Education resources (1)
What we're doing
Turon National Park has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. View the detailed park and fire management documents.