Mount Gibraltar Reserve

Mount Gibraltar Reserve

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Posted 2016-12-04 by Jane Wongfollow


Where is ?

is located in the Southern Highlands region, between Bowral and Mittagong in New South Wales. It is approximately 1.5 hours away by car from Sydney's CBD, and makes for a great day trip - provides great views of country New South Wales, without asking for too much time in the car in return. The township of Mittagong acts as a gateway to the Southern Highlands when coming from Sydney, with nearby Bowral having served as a rural summer retreat for Sydney's elite in a past era (similar to The Hamptons for New York's elite) - it's time to bring this rural summer retreat back in season!


What's so special about ?

In addition to being listed on the State Heritage Register by the NSW Heritage Council in December 2013 in recognition of its historical and natural significance, Mount Gibraltar, a collapsed volcanic core, is also of special importance due to it being the highest point between Sydney and Canberra. Standing tall and proud at 863m above sea level at the summit, encompasses an impressive 130 hectares of igneous rock microsyenite (known commercially as Bowral Trachyte).


What's the history surrounding that led to it being listed on the State Heritage Register, and can you give me a brief rundown on the timeline of its history?

The Bowral Trachyte that is found in abundance on was quarried for 100 years from 1886 to 1986 - it was quarried for stone to build many grand public buildings. The quarry scars commemorate a major part of the history of Mittagong and surrounding towns, with quarrying being one of its early industries. Surveyor Major Mitchell was one of the earliest white settlers in the area, who noted "a naked rocky spot called by the stock people, Gibraltar" - this was the earliest recorded mention of the name. He also noted excellent 'whinstone', an early name for Bowral Trachyte.

  • 1798 - explorer John Wilson became the first European to climb the mountain
  • 1867 - quarrying began commercially once the railway reached Bowral and could transport the heavy stone
  • 1919 - Joshua Stokes purchased 32 hectares of land on the summit, with a vision for the area to become a nature reserve
  • 1930s - During the depression of this decade, Minister Eric Spooner provided relief funds for men to construct the Scenic Loops Road, lookouts, and shelters for public enjoyment
  • 1940 - declared a Fauna and Flora Reserve
  • 2001 - listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act
  • 2008 - the NSW National Trust added the Mount Gibraltar Quarries Complex to its Industrial Heritage List
  • 2011 - listed under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
  • 2013 - listed by the NSW Heritage Council on its Significant Heritage Register
  • 2014 - registered with Land for Wildlife


  • What walking tracks are available for patrons of ?

    is composed of at least 7 different walking tracks for day users to explore - dogs are more than welcome too, provided that they are on leash at all times. There are a range of walks to suit everyone, from (very) short treks from the carpark to longer circuits with steeper tracks, caters for all its patrons equally. 'The Rim' walking track is amongst the most popular, as it is a short 25 minute walk that takes connects all the lookouts on the west side of the reserve.



    Tracks are well signposted, as are lookouts - it'll be hard getting lost in provided you stay on the provided path! Note: Please stay on the tracks and take care of the bushland - all native plants, animals, and rocks are protected.


    How many lookouts can I visit on ?

    There are 4 official lookouts on , although there are many spots from which visitors are blessed with sweeping views of rolling country hills.

    1. Bowral Lookout (view south-west)
  • Views overlooking Bowral, Wingecarribee River Valley, Moss Vale, Mount Gingenbullen, and the Cookbundoon Ranges
  • Walking tracks radiate from here
  • Picnic facilities available - toilets, tables, undercover shelter
  • It's worth noting that Bowral Lookout is wheelchair friendly, with the path allowing for disabled access






  • 2. Mount Jellore Lookout (view west to north-west)
  • Regarded as the finest view on the mountain
  • Views overlooking Mt. Alexandra Reserve, Mt Jellore, Nattai and Kanangra wilderness areas, Blue Mountains (Katoomba)





  • 3. Mittagong Lookout (view north)
  • Views overlooking the township of Mittagong, the Old Hume Highway and Railway, Mount Alexandra Reserve, Nattai wilderness, Sydney Water Catchment Area
  • On a clear day, Centrepoint and Sydney city buildings can be seen over the shoulder of Mount Alexandra (about 80km away) and Mt Keira (near Wollongong)
  • Note: this lookout is unfenced



  • 4. Oxley View Lookout (view south-west to west)
  • Views overlooking the original 'Wingecarribee' grant to John Oxley circa 1820 - the Oxley home circa 1840 is still with the family
  • Note: this lookout is unfenced


  • Are there are picnic areas on ?

    Yes, there sure are! One of the picnic areas is located at Bowral Lookout, with toilets, tables, and a shelter available for patrons to use. The picnic area is conveniently located adjacent to the carpark. Another picnic area is at the Inner Bowl area, with a table and a shelter available. Car parking is at the western entrance.


    How do I access ?

    From the township of Mittagong, is only a 10 minute drive away - simply navigate towards Oxley Drive and follow the signs you see along the way. It's very easy to find! The road leading to the lookouts is mostly paved - although it can be quite steep and narrow in sections, 4WD access is not required. The paths are beautifully flanked with lush green trees throughout, so it makes for a nice scenic country drive with great views even before you get to one of the lookouts.


    Eddy and I were very impressed with the views from the lookouts that we checked out during our visit - we were also relieved when we realised how well sign-posted the reserve was, as we did not have an exact address of any of the lookouts. Our only regret is that we did not have enough time to spend more time exploring the multiple walking trails have to offer, but at least we've saved something new to see for our next visit!



    #dog_friendly
    #free
    #lookouts
    #near_sydney
    #new_south_wales
    #outdoor
    #south
    #walks
    %wnsydney
    197399 - 2023-06-16 04:27:35

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