Blue Mountains Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

Height above Sea Level: 1065 metres.

Blackheath is a vibrant village- about a 15 minute drive from Katoomba. There's a range of unique shops and the Victory Theatre is always abuzz and full to the brim with the Blue Mountains' largest variety of antiques and collectables.

A short drive from the village is Govetts Leap, a lookout with spectacular views of the Grose Valley and nearby waterfalls including the tallest single drop waterfall in the region, Bridal Veil Falls.

If you're keen to stretch your legs, try the Grand Canyon track which takes walkers along the path of a canyon; the majestic Blue Gum Forest or the Fairfax Track, a walk suitable for all ages and abilities. Another colourful highlight of the village is the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens. Every November these gardens are abloom and the whole town celebrates with a month long festival all in honour of the 'Rhodo'.

The township of Blaxland is named after Gregory Blaxland, one of the three European explorers who found a way to cross the Blue Mountains.
Visit Lennox Bridge, the oldest bridge on the Australian mainland and admire the stone masonry skills of the early convicts. Construction began in 1832 with the stone quarried only 500 metres up the gully.
A great experience for families is to take a picnic lunch and visit Wascoe Siding Miniature Railway for a ride, or two or more, on one of the miniature trains. Wascoe Siding is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month (except January) and all train riders must wear fully enclosed footwear.

The World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains have become one of the most consistently popular holiday regions of Australia. Numerous visitors return year after year to enjoy the wide range of sporting facilities and outdoor activities in the healthy, invigorating climate. The breathtaking scenic beauty, nostalgic appeal and opportunity for relaxation attract more than a million visitors each year.

The Blue Mountains are easily reached by road and rail from Sydney in less than 2 hours, while one day round trip coach services run daily from Sydney to Katoomba. The wide diversity of accommodation and great range of activities available makes it an ideal destination for a stay of longer duration.

Evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the Blue Mountains dates back at least 14 000 years ago. Many camp sites, art sites, axe grinding grooves, rock engravings and stone tools and flakes exist throughout the Blue Mountains.

Surrounded by the wonders of World Heritage listed wilderness, the Capertee Valley is the world's second largest canyon.

Sandstone cliffs dominate the escarpment, drawing down into a deep chasm carved into the environment over millions of years. With tranquil vistas and serene mountain landscapes, the Capertee Valley is abundant in flora and fauna, providing the perfect opportunity to encounter nature in a natural environment. Under the sandstone layer stretches an enormous layer of coal and oil shale.

Rising majestically out of the valley floor is a monolith in size and spectacle. The impressive peak, Pantoney's Crown, beckons the keen walker to climb its summit. From the top a 360 degree panorama of the dramatic and breathtaking valley.

Echo Point is located in Katoomba within the World Heritage National Park, and home to the renowned Three Sisters, surrounded by numerous bushwalks leading to various popular locations. For the serious thrill seeker you can hike out to the Ruined Castle and if it’s the overnight experience your after then camp out at Mount Solitary and return back to Katoomba the next morning.

For those seeking a more cultured experience head into the Echo Point Visitor Information Centre and pick up the information needed to undertake the Katoomba Heritage and Art Trail featuring dominant and historical buildings dating back to the coal mining times of Katoomba and galleries featuring the works of local Blue Mountains artists.

Echo Point is the main lookout area for viewing the Three Sisters.

Height above Sea Level: 447 metres.

One of this village's earliest residents was Sir Henry Parkes, an Australian Prime Minister and regarded as the Nation's Father of Federation. Sir Henry's estate was titled Faulconbridge, after his mother's maiden name.

Visit the Corridor of Oaks where a tree has been planted for each Australian Prime Minister; there are currently 25 mature oaks to admire.

Home to another famous Australian - the artist Norman Lindsay. Author of the popular children's story The Magic Pudding; you can visit his former home which now operates as the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum to view some of the book's sketches along with many other works by Lindsay in various mediums including oils, watercolour and etchings.

The Gallery also hosts Jazz in the Gardens each February where you can take your picnic hamper and relax in the lovely grounds as the mellow sounds of jazz play.

Height above Sea Level: 163 metres.

Glenbrook, 67 kilometres west of Sydney, is the Eastern gateway to the Blue Mountains and the entry point to Glenbrook National Park (entry fee - $7). Go for a bushwalk, pack the mountain bikes in the car or picnic at Euroka Clearing.

There's a variety of walking tracks too - leading to waterholes on Glenbrook Creek (Blue Pool and Jellybean Pool), lookouts (Tunnel View or Mount Portal), or further afield, Red Hands Cave.

To learn more about Glenbrook's attractions, untouched landscapes and spectacular lookouts why not pull over from the Great Western Highway into the Glenbrook Visitor Information Centre?

There's plenty of parking, the staff are friendly and can suggest some great spots and you can even pick up a souvenir or postcard.

When Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth crossed the Blue Mountains in 1813 they found the grazing land they sought in what is now known as the Hartley Valley. Governor Macquarie named this fertile valley the 'Vale of Clwyd' after a valley of the same name in Wales. The Hartley Valley remains basically a picturesque rural area, narrowly missed by the Great Western Highway. Many lovely grand houses have been restored and you can view the local history displays and listen to the audio visual presentations in many of the open houses. These include the post office (1846), Bernard's Church (1842), the local court house (1837) and Shamrock Inn Cottage (1841). Contact the Visitors Centre for details.

Height above Sea Level: 674 metres.

This town was named after Hazelbrook House, a home that was built in the 1870s.

Hazelbrook features many smaller scale waterfalls, only accessible by walking, including Terrace Falls, Victor Falls, Oakland Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Burgess Falls.

On your journey up from Sydney, to the north of the Great Western Highway at Hazelbrook, is the Old Baths which is believed to be one of the actual campsites of the three Explorers, Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson back.

For some mind expansion - visit Selwood Science and Puzzles - where adults and children alike can unleash their imagination and be creative with a hands-on approach to all things scientific, mind bending and fun!

Around 450 million years ago when Australia's eastern coastline was further inland, coral atolls developed around a series of partially submerged volcanoes. The coral became compressed and developed into Australia's most spectacular limestone caves.

About 1840, James and Charles Whalan discovered the caves. The government appointed Jeremiah Wilson as guide and caretaker of the caves in 1867. The name was changed to Jenolan, Aboriginal for 'high mountain' in 1884.

Improvements were made to the caves with cement floors and handrails added, and electric lighting in 1887. In the late 1880s the road from Mount Victoria and Hartley was built allowing carriages to drive all the way.

In 1884 the 'six foot track' was built. Many more caves were discovered, the last being the River Cave in 1903.

Jenolan Caves are world famous limestone caves containing amazing rock formations. Guided tours of caves take about two hours and contain many steps.

Height above Sea Level: 1017 metres.

Originally called 'Godoomba' - aboriginal meaning 'shiny falling waters' - the name was transposed to Katoomba.

As you walk up and down Katoomba's main street - you're bound to find something of appeal. The main street is a consortium of coffee shops and cafes, collectibles and curios.

To explore the history behind the streetscape pick up our Katoomba Heritage and Art Trail guide.

Scenic World, with the world's steepest incline railway is in Katoomba and many bushwalks originate here. If you're a serious walker take a hike out to the Ruined Castle and for an overnight experience camp out at Mt Solitary and return back to Katoomba the next morning.

Winter is a festive time in Katoomba and in honour of the Winter Solstice the town celebrates Winter Magic. It's a day when the main street is handed over to the community to p-a-r-t-y!

Height above Sea Level: 106 metres.

The name Lapstone Hill was first given in 1832 to the slope of the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains because of the number of water worn stones that resembled the stones Cobblers held between their knees to beat the leather against.

Venture off the Great Western Highway and take the Lapstone Bridge Zig Zag Walk. This walk is more about history than the bush and explores a small section of the old Lapstone Zig Zag railway. You will walk where the train tracks once stood, through sandstone cuttings and past an old train station, to the famous Knapsack Viaduct (bridge).

For great views over the Glenbrook Gorge take the Bluff Lookout Circuit walk. The lookout is actually situated over the railway tunnel located between Glenbrook and Lapstone stations.

Height above Sea Level: 732 metres.

Lawson has been a village of many names. It was initially called Twenty Four Mile Hollow due to its location 24 miles from Emu Ford on the Nepean River. The name later changed to Christmas Swamp and then to Blue Mountain.

The name Blue Mountain was misleading so Lawson became the new township name, adapted from the surname of one of the three European explorers, who crossed the Blue Mountains.

Lawson has two spectacular walks including the Waterfall Circuit where you will see four different waterfalls in a short 1.5 hour walk and the Terrace Falls track which is a longer trail for experienced walkers.

Height above Sea Level: 985 metres.

Both the township of Leura and the nearby picturesque Leura Falls were named after a pastoral property in Central Queensland, of the same name.

At the heart of the village is The Mall. Few can resist the lure of walking up and down The Mall and indulging in some retail therapy at one of the many beautifully presented boutique stores or spending some time in a coffee shop or cafe watching the people promenade past.

Leura - is known as the Garden Village. It is the home of the historic Everglades Gardens, 12 and half acres of European style and native bush and every October many locals open up their splendid private gardens for the public to view.

Surrounded by the wonders of World Heritage listed wilderness, Lithgow is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Discover their fascinating history from the original inhabitants and the heritage of more recent arrivals. Lithgow is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. On the far reaches of the Blue Mountains, Lithgow provides the gateway to the wonders of World Heritage listed National Parks. Nature reigns supreme in Lithgow.

The Aboriginal meaning of Megalong is 'Valley under the Rock' an accurate descriptor for this picturesque valley encircled by golden coloured escarpments.

Megalong Valley is a popular horse riding spot and there's a diverse range of trails where you canter through the bushland.

One of the great bushwalks is the Six Foot Track. Originally created as a bridle track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, there are now self-guided and guided walks along it. Some people even run it in the annual Six Foot Track Marathon event!

The Megalong is fast developing a food culture with olive groves, vineyards and cattle farms all flourishing in this valley.

Hugging the northern side of the Blue Mountains National Park, Mount Tomah offers views over both the Wollemi National Park and the Blue Mountains National Park.

Mount Tomah is home to the Blue Mountains Botanical Gardens Mount Tomah. The botanical garden rests upon a basalt cap and this combined with sandstone woodlands and gullies, makes it possible to grow cool climate plants from all around the world here.

Entry is free to the gardens and if you want to learn more about Blue Mountains' World Heritage status, Mount Tomah features the World Heritage Exhibition Centre, where you can engage in a virtual journey through the canyons and ridges of 1,000,000 hectares of wilderness.

Height above Sea Level: 1111 metres.

Mount Victoria is in the westernmost township of the Blue Mountains and is the highest above sea level.

Many of the village's buildings are heritage listed, with the village retaining much of its nineteenth century charm. Some of these historic buildings are now refined accommodation properties, perfect for a weekend stay.

Mount Vic, as the locals call it, offers a variety of bushwalking and rock climbing opportunities, including the historic early roads down the escarpment from Mount York.

The village has a strong railway history and was once the location of a Railway Refreshment Room where travellers could gulp down some hot food before continuing their journey.

In honour of its railway heritage the village holds The Great Train Weekend every May and it's all aboard for all things train and rail.

As part of the World Heritage Listed Greater Blue Mountains Region, and with a unique combination of national parks, state forests and rolling hills, Oberon is a popular area for trout fishing, sapphire fossicking, mushroom picking, horse riding, four wheel driving and bushwalking. Lake Oberon and the rivers and creeks in the area are a must for the keen angler, while places like Evans Crown Nature Reserve and Kanangra Walls offer both relaxing and challenging walks for all to enjoy.

Oberon is perhaps best known for the Jenolan Caves, the most spectacular limestone caves in Australia. Local folklore has it that a bushranger named James McKeown roamed the Oberon-Tarana district in the 1830s, stealing from farmers and travellers, and then withdrawing to his hideout in Jenolan.

This location was named by Governor Macquarie in 1815, while he and his wife were travelling over the mountains to Bathurst, it was so called because of '...a very pretty wooded plain near a spring of very good fresh water..."

Springwood is well known for its craft and antique shops, galleries, and general shopping.

Warrimoo is primarily a residential area. Development of the area dates originally from the 1880s when the area was subdivided, however growth was delayed until 1918 when the railway station was built. Significant development occurred in the post war years. The population and dwelling stock have been relatively stable since the early 1990s.

Warrimoo is bounded generally by Fitzgerald Creek in the north and the National Park and the suburb of Valley Heights in the west. Warrimoo is named from an Aboriginal word meaning "eagle".

The Lower Blue Mountains bush walk from Warrimoo to Blaxland along the Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass track is a popular trek for locals and visitors to the region.

Wentworth Falls was named in 1878 after William Charles Wentworth, one of the three explorers who crossed the mountains.

Wentworth Falls boasts the biggest waterfall within the Blue Mountains with the first drop being 110 metres and the second 48 metres.

Visit the quaint village or take a stroll along the shore of Wentworth Falls Lake, which was originally created to provide water for steam trains.

Numerous bushwalks originate around Wentworth Falls varying from 30 minute walks to full day hikes. The National Pass walk offers fantastic views of the Jamison Valley and the surrounding cliffs. After completing the walks refresh yourself at the Conservation Hut which was originally a meeting place for the local conservation movement but is now a cafe.

Culturally Kings Tableland is recognised as a gathering place for the Darug, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri people and evidence of aboriginal engravings and axe grinding grooves can be found.

Known in the early days as "20 Mile Hollow", the area boasted a popular Coaching Inn - the Woodman’s Inn - built in 1834. It was sold to Michael Hogan in 1836 who rebuilt the inn and renamed it 'Kings Arms Hotel'. When William Buss became the proprietor in 1856 both the inn and locality became known as Buss's. A railway platform opened in 1869, also took that name. When the inn closed, it became a private residence and was called by its owner Woodford House. By 1871, the locality had also become known as Woodford. The house later became the well-known Woodford Academy, a school for boys.