Newnes Ruins Walking Tour

Newnes Ruins Walking Tour

Explore the historic ruins of one of Australia’s largest shale oil production schemes – the Newnes Shale Oil Refinery.

This fully guided walking tour explores the fascinating history of the once thriving Blue Mountains shale oil industry taking in the Newnes shale oil refinery ruins, the incredible beehive-shaped coking kilns, the remote township of Newnes and the beautiful Wolgan River.

This tour is well suited to history buffs and nature lovers alike.

At Wolgan Valley Eco Tours we believe that walking is a great way to explore the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Our small group sizes, personalised service and experienced local guide offers guests a greater opportunity to experience and learn more about the history, ecology, flora and fauna, climate and geology that make this landscape unique.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Newnes Industrial Ruins walk, Newnes New South Wales Australia Newnes Rd, Australia Plains, New South Wales 2790 Australia

Built in 1906, the refinery was an ambitious undertaking by the British based Commonwealth Oil Corporation to exploit the Wolgan Valley’s vast shale reserves. The use of 19th century technology and the importation of lower priced crude oil into Australia finally closed the works in 1932.

All that remains of this once prosperous industry and thriving community are the industrial ruins and building foundations dispersed across the historically significant landscape.

Join cultural historian and local guide Kristie Kearney on this half day walking tour exploring the fascinating history of

this once thriving shale oil industry. The walking tour takes in the shale oil refinery ruins, the iconic beehive-shaped coking kilns, the remote township of Newnes and the beautiful Wolgan River.

The Newnes Ruins Walking Tour includes a delicious morning tea of locally baked goods, bottled water, park fees and local guide.

Duration: 4 hours