Getting to Newnes
Since the closure of Wolgan Gap in November 2022, the only access into the valley is via the ‘Donkey Steps’. This is not a public road and only open for residents and their guests. Trucks, trailers and caravans are not able to use this road. The Donkey Steps Road is gated at the top (8.5km in on Wolgan Road from Lidsdale) and we need to meet guests and escort them down. If you have a 4WD or All Wheel Drive you can drive your own vehicles. Otherwise you can park safely at the top and transfer into our vehicle. To make these arrangements you will need to make a booking.
Get Directions
Using Google Maps
If you have a mobile phone with Google Maps, just set your phone to give you directions to 3406 Wolgan Rd, Newnes NSW 2790 and away you go. Please don’t use Google when you are on the Bells Line of Road as it will direct you onto dirt roads via the Newnes Plateau which is not suitable for small cars.
Manual Directions
From Sydney: Head west across the Blue Mountains, either via Katoomba, or via Windsor and Bell; from the Lithgow traffic lights on the Great Western Hwy proceed towards Bathurst for 6 km and then take the road towards Mudgee. (Castlereagh Highway). 4km down you will find Wallerawang Power Station on your left and a United service station on your right. That's the turn-off to Newnes at Lidsdale.
From Bathurst: Follow the Great Western Highway to the Mudgee Road, then as above. It is also possible to follow side-roads through Wallerawang.
From Mudgee: Watch for the sign-posted turn-off (sharp left) at Lidsdale.
The drive from Lidsdale to Newnes is 35km following Wolgan Road and normally this takes 40 minutes. 8.5km from Lidsdale is Wolgan Gap. This is now closed and the only access down into the valley is via the gated ‘Donkey Steps’. The last 9km of Wolgan Road is gravel road through National Park. At Newnes is a location sign and you can't miss the historic Newnes Hotel.