Newnes () located in the Wolgan Valley, New South Wales, Australia, and partly surrounded by the Wollemi National Park,[1] is an abandoned oil shale mining site that was operational in the early 20th centuries. It was originally built by the Commonwealth Oil Corporation.
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A major oil shale mine with two headings was started on the north side of the Wolgan River, opposite the works. It was intended to tunnel through the mountain to meet up with some earlier workings in the Capertee Valley as mining conditions in the Capertee were regarded as being much better than in the Wolgan. However, mining difficulties and the generally low quality of the shale in this area meant that mining became concentrated on the No. 2 mine and work on the No. 1 mine was eventually abandoned. Although construction of a tunnel linking the Wolgan Valley with the Capertee was proposed on numerous subsequent occasions, it was to remain an elusive dream.
The No. 2 mine was established on the southern side of the river, east of the works. This mine was to provide most of the oil shale for the working life of Newnes.
The main works site was established in a sweeping bend on the south bank of the Wolgan River and extending up the adjacent talus hillside. These works consisted of retorts, various distillation areas, oil storage tanks and washers, plant for the refining of the various finished products, a power station, workshops, etc., with provision for future expansion. They were built in a substantial manner, as attested by the extensive ruins that stand to this day. Although construction commenced in 1906, it was not until 1911 that the initial stage was completed and the retorts charged for the first time.
A town, named after Sir George Newnes, the chairman of the Commonwealth Oil Corporation at the time, was established close to the mining leases. The company built the 50 km Newnes railway line from the main government railway south of Newnes to their works through very difficult country, particularly where the line descended into the Wolgan Valley from the plateau above. This railway is no longer in use and the rails have been removed. A tunnel on the railway has survived as the Newnes glow worm tunnel, which has become something of a tourist attraction.
Camping is available on both sides of the Wolgan River; only pit toilets are provided. Most of the camping is in the National Park, at no charge, so pets are not permitted. Wood should not be collected for wood fires.
As of 2011 there was wood available from the Newnes Hotel.[2]
There is a very small amount of private land remaining in Newnes, where camping is available for a fee and pets are permitted. Information available from the former Newnes Hotel, which is open as a kiosk on most weekends.
There are several great walks in the Newnes area excluding walking through the ruins. Many of the more famous walks include:
A variety of native wildlife can be observed in the vicinity of the Newnes campground. The amount of wildlife observed depends significantly upon whether someone has recently brought their dog into the campground, which is illegal. Examples are