An unlikely alliance of environmental groups and an underground coal miner has formed to promote tourism to protect the beautiful rock formations of the Gardens of Stone near Lithgow.

The plan, dubbed "Destination Pagoda" for the spectacular rock pinnacles and gorges in the region, brings together conservationists and their longtime opponents, Centennial Coal, the biggest mine in the Lithgow area.

Keith Muir, director of the Colong Foundation for Wilderness, is trying to build support for a new conservation area on the western edge of the Blue Mountains National Park. "Katoomba has three sisters, the Gardens of Stone has 3000," he said.

An unusual alliance of environmentalists and a coal mining company hopes to open up tourism to the Gardens of Stone near Lithgow. Credit:Henry Gold

Katie Brassil, of Centennial Coal, said the initiative "is something we can support" and that the company would "like Lithgow to be a gateway" for a range of activities, including tourism. "We believe it is a vision we can share with the Colong Foundation," she said.