For those wondering
You might think you don’t know the Seven Valleys, but chances are you have seen it, driven through it, or heard stories from someone who has.
For nature lovers
Wolgan Valley
Walking, Wildlife and Wide-Open Spaces
Wolgan Valley is a place of wide horizons, deep stillness and long stories. The valley has been cared for by the Wiradjuri people for tens of thousands of years, and their presence can still be felt in the rock art that lines the sandstone shelters.
The name Wolgan comes from the Wolga Vine, a native plant that blooms across the valley in spring and marks the changing seasons. It is a landscape where cliffs glow at sunrise, wildlife moves quietly through the trees and visitors are invited to walk gently on Country.
Wolgan Valley is known for its bushwalking, canyoning and scenic drives. Trails weave through forest, across sandstone platforms and along river flats where wombats graze at dusk. The valley shelters koalas, rock wallabies and more than one hundred and fifty bird species including gang gangs, glossy black cockatoos and the powerful owl.
The industrial history of the area remains visible in remnants of the former shale operations, adding another layer to the valley’s story. For those seeking stillness, the quiet of the mornings and the open night sky create moments of deep calm.
The Donkey Steps
The Donkey Steps hold a special place in the shared history of Wolgan Valley. Originally used as a steep access route into the valley, the steps once carried cattle, supplies and early visitors. Local stories recall its use in the 1820s and its role as one of the earliest pathways into this landscape. After being little used for many decades, the Donkey Steps were reopened as a temporary access route following significant damage to the main road in 2022.
Today the Donkey Steps are managed carefully with escorted convoys, supervised travel and strict safety measures. Although access is limited to residents, property holders and guided operations, their reopening has played an important role in supporting the valley’s community. For many, the Donkey Steps have become a symbol of resilience, connection and the way history can return to support people in the present.
Wolgan Valley is a landscape that invites curiosity and calm. Its cliffs, forests and long histories create an experience that feels both grounding and uplifting.
Experience Wolgan Valley
Visitors can stay in heritage cottages, eco resorts or riverside campgrounds and spend their days walking, wildlife watching or simply settling into the rhythm of the valley. Whether you come for adventure or quiet rest, Wolgan Valley offers experiences shaped by nature, story and a deep sense of place.
Keep exploring
Guides & Itineraries
For coffee lovers
Our cafés are places where good food, friendly faces and a sense of calm come together. These are some of our favourite spots to settle in with a cup and enjoy the moment.
For the Curious Wanderers
Some walks take half an hour. Others take a full day. A few end in darkness, with thousands of tiny lights overhead. We have a track to suit every kind of wander.
For for green thumbs and those that wish they were
Tucked between escarpments, along quiet country roads and behind unassuming gates, the Seven Valleys is home to gardens that reward those who take the time to wander.
For River Seekers
Wild swimming in the Seven Valleys is not something most people come here specifically looking for. It is something you discover along the way.
For the adventurous
The Glow Worm Tunnel is one of the most memorable natural experiences in the Seven Valleys. Set within Wollemi National Park, this former railway tunnel shelters thousands of soft blue lights that cling to the damp stone walls.
Gardens of Stone
· 70 KM
· 1 days
A long gravel ride through open ridgelines and quiet stone country.
For the History Lover
Vertical sandstone cliffs stand guard as you explore the crumbling, vegetation-covered Glen Davis Shale Oil Works structures.
For the Outlook Explorers
If you like your scenery served up without too much effort, the Seven Valleys delivers in spades.
For nature lovers
Towering sandstone pagodas, sheer cliffs, slot canyons and sweeping plateaus give the area a dramatic, sculptural feel. Welcome to Gardens of Stone.
For the explorer
The Bracey Lookout gives a 180° view of the Lithgow Valley, offering one of the best overviews of the city of Lithgow.
For nature lovers
Wolgan Valley is a place of wide horizons, deep stillness and long stories. The valley has been cared for by the Wiradjuri people for tens of thousands of years, and their presence can still be felt in the rock art that lines the sandstone shelters.
Wollemi National Park
· 26 KM
· 2 days
A long gravel ride through open ridgelines and quiet stone country.
Seven Valley's
· 180 KM
· 4 days
A slow camping route through Seven Valleys’ most secluded bush camps.
For the railway enthusiasts
A heritage train ride just outside Lithgow that lets you hop aboard and watch bush, escarpments, and valleys roll by, without needing to be a rail expert to enjoy it.
For lake seekers
Each lake in the Seven Valleys offers its own way of spending a day, shaped by the land around it and the people who know it well.
For the history lover
Built in the 1840's, Eskbank House and Museum showcases a fascinating historical collection of Lithgow's social and industrial heritage.
For the Sky Watchers
Once the sun drops behind the ridgelines, the noise fades, the air cools, and that 7V sky starts to do its thing.
For the Refined Retreaters
Our luxury stays are not about excess, but about quiet beauty, deep rest and experiences shaped by nature.
For the Eccentric Stay Seeker
Staying in the Seven Valleys often means something a little unexpected, with accommodation that reflects the landscape and rewards slowing down.
For the history lover
A heritage-listed 19th century village, Hartley has one of the finest collections of historic buildings in Australia, including its 1837 courthouse.
For the Family Days
Play spaces across the region are practical and easy to use, giving kids freedom to run, climb and explore while the rest of the day unfolds around them.