Blue Mountains Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

Adrian Gilbert, a professional artist living and working in the Blue Mountains, displays his original paintings and drawings in a gallery attached to his Leura studio.

His images are diverse in origin but cumulatively add up to a body of work with distinctive style. His technical virtuosity allows him to explore a wide range of graphic possibilities and personal idiosyncrasies with originality, boldness and courage – and often with great subtlety and beauty as well.

The Gallery is open on weekends and public holidays, or by appointment.

Aitkens Australia in the Round is the Blue Mountains most recent attraction. A unique and exciting gallery, display and museum all in one with a spectacular painted panorama of famous Australian destinations.

The harbour-dominated beauty of Australia's Emerald City, Sydney along with the rugged mystery of the Blue Mountains; the toughness and brilliant colours of Australia's outback; and the natural beauty of beaches scattered along endless stretches of coastline. Add the fertile riches of Australia's rural heartland and the character and excitement of Queensland's fabulous Gold Coast and you have a fascinating collage of life in modern Australia - all captured within the 213 square metres of wall space, along with hundreds of flora and fauna samples from all around Australia.

Located 100 metres from beautiful Leura Village and Leura Railway Station, the Alexandra Hotel (locally known as the Alex) is a vibrant part of the local scene. Perched atop of a hill, wonderful views of the rugged cliff faces and deep gorges of the Jamison Valley are accessible from the outdoor recreation areas and gardens, or even from the large balconies surrounding the hotel.

The spacious and gracious Queen Anne design of the Alexandra Hotel has a 26-metre front balcony offering excellent views, with 22 bedrooms, a large dining room, smoking room, recreation room, drawing room, fine interior arches and an admirable staircase made of Kauri pine. Today The Alex stands elegantly with the original features, the only licensed hotel in Leura.

The Alexandra Hotel has a choice of a fine dining and bar menu with daily blackboard specials.

Ambermere Rose offer a seasonal menu that features fresh locally sourced ingredients, handcrafted coffee and tea blends by Morgan’s and a fine selection of cakes, tarts and sweet delights made by in-house chefs.

Relax in the wine bar by the fire or unwind in the courtyard overlooking the spectacular escarpments of the Blue Mountains. This elegant Georgian sandstone inn is set on six acres of beautiful parkland with both indoor and outdoor dining options.

The Inn was first licensed in 1845 and operated as a public house and a Cobb and Co staging post until 1873. A private residence for over a century, Ambermere Rose went through meticulous restorations before re-opening to the public in 2010.

Anderson Fire Trail runs from Bedford Creek near Woodford to Kings Tableland at Wentworth Falls and is suitable for mountain biking and walking.

The Trail also provides access to Murphys Glen and Ingar Picnic Area which is a popular campsite and picnic area. Access to Ingar Picnic Area is from Kings Tableland Road.

Located at the end of Hat Hill Road in the Grose Valley, this weathered sandstone rock formation offers magnificent views over the Grose Valley to Mount Banks and Mount Hay.

The Lookout gets it's name from an anvil that was placed on the lookout in 1940. A wind eroded cave is just 400 metres to the west. Dirt road access for two kilometres. It is a ten minute walk from the carpark and Hat Hill Road has approximately eight kilometres of dirt access - the view is worth it.

Ashcrofts Restaurant is situated in the heart of the Blackheath central business district is now a firm favourite for locals and a premium dining destination for visitors to the region.

The food style is Australian/Eurasian and the menu offers a wide range of choices with an accent on seasonal fresh seafood and premium cuts of meat, game and poultry sourced from local suppliers. Vegetarian and Vegan dishes are a constant on our menu and any special dietary needs are happily catered for.

Ashcrofts offers specials every night and often run"requested specials" dishes which patrons have adopted as one of their favourite ashcrofts dining experiences.

The Restaurant is fully licensed with bring you own for bottled wine only.

Ben Roberts Cafe and Gallery is an exciting venue in Lawson.

The original cottage was built by Ben Robert in 1893 and was occupied by tradesmen such as the local boot-maker and coal merchant. Now fully renovated with a modern cafe decorated with owner's artworks with seating for 50 inside and out.

The attached gallery exhibitions change every three weeks with various featured artists. During the opening of exhibitions various mountains musicians and poets are featured.

The cafe is open daily plus Friday and Saturday evenings with tasty hotpots, garden fresh salads, soups, gourmet sandwiches, delicious cakes and Devonshire teas and Danes coffee. A breakfast menu is also available.

The evening menu includes entrees, various mains including vegetarian, desserts and various teas and coffee. Yulefest menu in July on Fridays and Saturday nights and is bring your own (BYO) alcohol.

Blackheath Golf Club is the top course at the top of the mountains (1045 metres). Enjoy playing on a course in the middle of a National Park.

The challenging Par 69 layout is in an idyllic setting with hundreds of colourful trees, azaleas, rhododendrons and shrubs lining the fairways. Wildlife abounds with many native birds and ducks about the course.

After the game relax in the clubhouse and enjoy the mountain hospitality. The clubhouse has a brassiere, bar, member’s lounge, billiard room and barbecue facilities on the veranda overlooking the course.

Visitors and social players are always welcome and we will take care of all arrangements for corporate golf days.

Stay in any of the famous guesthouses and resorts in the upper mountains. Visit the gardens and the spectacular lookouts into the Gross and Megalong Valleys.

Don’t just play golf, take a break!

Six different ways in and out - all of them strenuous - lead to this fabled forest deep in the Grose Valley. The area was set aside for conservation some 20 years before the Blue Mountains National Park was created.

The walk however is well worth the effort for the more experienced walker and you should take some time to rest and gaze up at the massive trees, set among a grass and fern understorey.

As it is a five hours walk each way you may chose to camp at nearby overnight Acacia Flat (about 500 metres to the right). Camping is not permitted in Blue Gum Forest.

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah is the spectacular cool climate garden of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. Located in the Blue Mountains, just 90 minutes from Sydney, the garden features thousands of plants from the southern hemisphere and around the world.

At 1,000 metres above sea level, the Mount Tomah garden overlooks the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and boasts stunning panoramic views. A walk around this 28 hectare estate is a botanic journey with many formal gardens and 'The Jungle' to explore.

Find out about this stunning world heritage listed region at Mount Tomah's Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition Centre. Visitors can wander through this interpretive centre and learn why the the Greater Blue Mountains region was made a World Heritage Area.

Facilities include: visitor centre, garden shop, exhibitions, restaurant, kiosk, conference/venue hire, weddings, accommodation, picnic areas, guided tours, community workshops and education.

From chocolate making demonstrations, a café serving real hot chocolate and delicious homemade cakes, the best toffee and fudge in the world, hand made ice cream, a kids playground and over 50 different exquisite, handmade chocolates, we provide the perfect opportunity for everyone to experience chocolate at it’s best.

Situated at 176 Lurline Street, Katoomba, make sure you stop and experience the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company. Only 200 metres walk from Echo Point, come and see our European chocolatiers demonstrate the fine art of chocolate making and learn about the history of chocolate from our interactive dvd and displays, whilst sampling what we believe is the best chocolate to be found in Australia.

Blue Mountains National Park (BMNP) is located just 60 kilometres west of Sydney. The park conserves more than 247,000 hectares of an area unique in it's history, its wildlife and world famous scenery. The landscape is part of the traditional country of Aboriginal people including Daruk, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri and Dharwal.

Blue Mountains National Park contains the Grose Wilderness, dedicated for its wild unspoilt natural beauty. The eastern area embraces Glenbrook, known as the Blue Labyrinth, 45 minutes from Sydney City and includes camping areas, scenic picnic areas, Aboriginal cultural sites and swimming holes. There are 140 kilometres of heritage walking tracks and hundreds of lookouts, most within easy reach of train stations.

This park is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, an internationally recognised precinct that was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000 for its outstanding and universal values of significance for all people.

This classic walk in the world heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park was first established in 1907, taking walkers along the path of a canyon. In places, it avoids deeper and more dangerous sections of the canyon by following a path cut halfway up the cliff - a feat that today offers spectacular views of the valley.

Type of forest Dry eucalypt forest
Walking distance: 5.4 kilometre
Time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
How to get there: The Blue Mountains is a 90 minute drive from Sydney. The walk begins from the intersection of Grand Canyon Loop car park and Neates Glen Track.

National Pass celebrated its 100th anniversary a couple of years back, and it's still one of the best. This walk offers fantastic views of the Jamison Valley and surrounding cliffs, not to mention stunning waterfalls at both ends of the walk. Highlights would be the paths cut halfway up the cliff face leading toward a crossing of the incredible Wentworth Falls, right next to the aptly named Giant Staircase.

Type of forest: Dry eucalypt forest
Walking distance: 4.4 kilometre
Time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy, with some sections - such as the Giant Staircase - requiring reasonable fitness.
How to get there: Wentworth Falls is also a suburb of the Blue Mountains, a 90-minute drive from Sydney. National Pass is a loop walk, accessible via Conservation Hut.

Genuine Australian sheepskin and cowskin products available at their Blue Mountains retail outlet.

Large range of products includes Ugg boots in a variety of different designs. Also available are mats, hats, mats, gloves, toys, kangaroo items, car seat covers and other car accessories.

Local honey is also on display for sale.

Enjoy the beauty of the Blue Mountains by taking a walk through the forests. Discover the diversity of the area as you travel through natural landscapes and those that exhibit the shaping hand of human occupation. There is a walk to tempt everyone - from a gentle stroll to the Blue Pool, a more difficult climb to see the Aboriginal hand paintings or the challenging Wentworth Falls track. The Blue Mountains are waiting to be explored by you.

Bon Ton is a wonderfully unique Café-Restaurant situated in the heart of Leura Village in the beautiful World Heritage Blue Mountains.

Its features include cosy log fires, a private room for up to 30 people and a leafy al fresco garden courtyard for fine days and balmy summer nights. They serve European influenced modern Australian food, locally roasted coffee and great value imported and local wines all day long.

Daily specials and a children’s menu is also available if required.

Barbara Stephenson from BS Glass Art, has been working with glass for over fifteen years and continues to create stunning hand made pieces in her studio in Springwood

Over the last five years, kiln formed glass art has been the main focus of Barbara’s works including pieces based on natural themes such as Marine Platters, Rockpool Bowls, Wave Platters and Whirlpool Bowls. Her work is popular with overseas tourists and are now scattered all over the world.

Barbara work now includes Dichroic Glass, with her creating beautiful and unique jewellery using this ever evolving medium.

An Antique Emporium and Tearoom at Leura, housing the world's largest private collection of teapots spanning three centuries. With over 3,500 individual teapots on display. You can organise a "Treasured teapot Talk" for a larger group of 20 or more.

Enjoy a fine afternoon tea or a light lunch. Bygone Beautys serves one of the best Devonshire Teas in the Blue Mountains, or why not indulge in one of our Traditional Morning or Afternoon teas.

Browse amongst beautiful pieces from bygone days where you may find a treasure from past days, a souvenir to take home with you, or that perfect gift for someone special. We have estate jewellery as well as new jewellery, furniture, lamps, giftware and much more on display.

Café Cee is located in the heart of Glenbrook Village.

It’s a modern, fully air-conditioned café providing an extensive range of breakfasts and lunches together with the best of coffee, teas, cakes and fresh juices.

Café Cee do their very best to provide customers with a pleasant, comfortable environment in which you can enjoy the quality foods, cakes, fresh juices, coffee, teas and service.

They can accommodate up to 45 guests inside and 12 alfresco. View the website for menus and offsite catering that can be arranged to suit your personal function.

Canton Palace is a large fully licensed Chinese Restaurant located in the middle of Katoomba.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, the menu selection is large and varied and group orders are available. Take Away menu is available all day.

Ample parking; coaches and groups are always welcome.

Canton Palace located in the Blue Mountains village of Wentworth Falls, has a reputation for fine Asian cuisine.

Since they open in 1990 they have been successful in receiving various restaurant awards throughout the region.

The menu selection is large and varied and group orders are available. Take away, gift vouchers, lunch-time special family packs and banquets meal also available.

Just one kilometre west of Blackheath Centennial Glen is a cool Glen with small waterfalls, ferns and impressive sandstone overhangs and has excellent views of Kanimbla Valley. This is also a popular site for rock climbers. The Centennial Glen/Porters Pass circuit walk takes about three hours, and has some steep sections and can be damp underfoot so care should be taken.

Charles Darwin Walk is named after Charles Darwin, famous for his theory on evolution, as he visited Wentworth Falls (then called Weatherboard) in 1836.

Darwin's Walk follows Jamison Creek to the Weeping Rock Track just above Wentworth Falls and many special vegetation communities can be found along the Track. And at the end of the walk - in Darwin's own words 'there is a view exceedingly well worth visiting.

It is an easy walk from Wentworth Falls Railway station or there is parking at the start of the walk in Wilson Park, Falls Road in Wentworth Falls.

Darley's Restaurant is set in the heritage listed original homestead of Frederick Darley, the sixth Chief Justice of New South Wales.

Modern Australian cuisine is served by the head chef Sam Aisbett and team, in a romantic space that features beautiful stained glassed windows, original ornate fire places, and crystal chandeliers and offers guests a breathtaking view of the surrounding gardens and the Jamison Valley.

Adjoining the main dining room, there are two individually decorated private dining rooms which capture an intimate sense of privacy - perfect for a special event or celebration.

The extensive wine list offers vintage wine sourced locally from Mudgee and Orange as well as wines from other top Australian wineries and a selection of international wines.

Call for a reservation.

Perched on the edge of the escarpment the Echo Point provides panoramic views of the southern Blue Mountains, Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness and the
Three Sisters rock formation. In the area of Echo Point there are many lookouts and walks including a path to the Three Sisters Walk and the Giant
Stairway. Interpretive plaques explain the cultural and natural journeys through this area. Echo Point is part of The Prince Henry Cliff Walk. There is an
accredited Visitor Information Centre at Echo Point.

Eskbank House Museum in Lithgow is a historic home, with splendid furniture, display of Lithgow Pottery and other period pieces, blacksmiths forge and a coach-house.

Built in 1842 by Thomas Brown, Eskbank House is a sandstone building in the Georgian style. The four front rooms have been preserved much as they were in Thomas Brown's day, and contain some beautiful regency and early Victorian furniture.

The museum has an extensive collection of Lithgow Pottery, memorabilia and photographs of early Lithgow as well as static steam engine display. The gardens contain a stone stable and coach house and an unusual stone hexagon garden shed and picnic area available to use.

Euroka Clearing is a popular camping and picnicking spot just south of Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains National Park (permits required for camping).

Visitors get to share the grassy clearings and picturesque streams with the area's population of eastern grey kangaroos.

The area holds special significance to the local Daruk community. Blue Gums, Forest Red Gums and Rough Barked Apple are all found in the area along with access to several bushwalks.

Evans Lookout is located at the top of the escarpment at the end of Evans Lookout Road

This is the beginning of a number of tracks in and out of the Gorge including the Grand Canyon walk and the Cliff Top Track to Govetts Leap.

From this point you have magnificent views of the Grose Valley and Govetts Gorge.

The National Trust brings Australia's heritage alive at Everglades Gardens. Drawing from the great traditions of European landscape design as well as the unique Blue Mountains bushland, Everglades will charm with its grace and beauty.

Constructed in the 1930s by Danish-born landscape gardener Paul Sorensen in conjunction with owner Henri van de Velde, Everglades Gardens is Australia's most spectacular inter-war period garden and has received acclaim from garden lovers worldwide.

A stroll along formal European-style terraces and winding paths will reveal the many moods of Everglades from the tranquil Reflection Pool amongst towering trees from all over the world, through rose-lined walks down to the subtle charms of the lookout and contemplative Grotto Pool.

Everglades is the perfect venue for garden tours and picnics, wedding ceremonies, photo shoots and small events.

Visit the tearooms and enjoy the view, gift shop and art gallery run by the Society of Mountain Artists.

Established in 1989 this gallery provides changing exhibitions of works on paper and ceramics by emerging and well established artists.

This beautifully restored turn of the century weatherboard cottage is set in a large well established garden along a leafy mountains road. On the property is also a studio and pottery workshop.

Works include etchings by Arthur Boyd, Charles Blackman and others, plus works from Wendy Sharpe and Garry Shead acclaimed recipients of the Archibald prize for portraiture.

View ceramics by Ian and Anne Smith along with a large collection on Anne's works.

Good food, great coffee and a warm country welcome await visitors to The Farmhouse Cafe and the Lolly Bug, situated at the foot of the Victoria Pass just 15 minutes west of Katoomba.

Enjoy hearty farmhouse breakfasts, light tasty lunches, home style dinners and delicious morning and afternoon teas in the unique historic building.

Browse the lolly and gift store with its countless nooks of delicious Australian and imported confectionary as well as local crafts, homemade jams and interesting knick knacks.

Easily accessed from the Great Western Highway with abundant parking.

The Gardens of Stone National park conserves almost 12000 hectares of varied
terrain from limestone outcrops to sandstone escarpments. The pagoda rock
formations are a prominent feature. They occur near sandstone escarpment
edges where erosion has sculptured bee hive domes and curious arrays of
other shapes.

The park has no facilities apart from a few fire trails which provide short
walking opportunities and picnic areas without facilities. Experienced
walkers have plenty of scope for off track exploration. The nearest car
based camping areas are at Newnes and Glen Davis.

Capertee Valley, The northern boundary is adjacent to the Capertee Glen Davis
Road.

Ben Bullen, This section of the park is accessible via 4WD trail that extends
from the Mudgee Road at Ben Bullen to the Wolgan Road, it provides access to
Baal Bone Gap.

Since 1969, The Glenbrook Native Plant Reserve and Nursery has been maintained by volunteers from the Australian Plants Society, Blue Mountains Group. Over 2,000 hours of volunteer work per annum preserves a valuable remnant of Lower Blue Mountains flora.

A wide range of native plants for sale in the Nursery. Children enjoy exploring the many tracks inside the Reserve too, bring a picnic lunch.

Govetts Leap Lookout is a popular spot to stop and view the spectacular panorama before descending into the Grose Valley for one of the regions more physical walks where you can view the towering cliffs leading back up to Perry Lookdown and Evans Lookout.

At the top of the escarpment is a picnic ground, toilets and access to cliff top walks plus the Fairfax Heritage Track which is suitable for wheelchairs and prams.

This Greater Blue Mountains Drive Discovery Trail explores five routes radiating out like the spokes of a wheel, each an out-and-back drive and can be done in any order from the charming mountain village of Blackheath.

This Discovery Trail offers a journey across plateau and valley environments and includes a wide selection of lookouts, picnic sites and walks.

Highlights of the Trail include Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap, Evans Lookout, all with unsurpassed yet different views of the Grose Valley, home of the Blue Gum Forest; the rural Megalong Valley and Shipley Plateau.

Starting and returning to Blackheath this 92 kilometre trail will take two to three hours to drive plus stops. It includes suburban streets, narrow sealed and sometimes windy and unsealed roads. Stop at the National Parks Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and learn more about the area through interactive displays and free film screenings in the theatrette.

Entering the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area at Glenbrook the first Discovery Trail you will encounter is the Glenbrook Discovery Trail exploring the sandstone 'Blue Labyrinth' beyond Glenbrook Creek gorge. There are many lookouts and walking tracks to reveal the twisted woodlands and tall forests, the weather beaten cliffs and creeks winding through narrow gorges.

Trail highlights include exploring Euroka - a delight for picnickers, campers, kangaroos and birds alike; Glenbrook Creek, Tunnel View, Mount Portal and Nepean Lookouts and viewing Darug Aboriginal art at Red Hands Cave.

Starting and ending in Glenbrook village, is 47 kilometres return, takes about three hours and involves narrow sealed and unsealed roads plus stops. National Park entry fees apply. Take a break at the Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centre at Glenbrook where local staff can help you plan your visit and advise on local road conditions, especially after heavy or prolonged rain.

This 'edge-of-the-world' drive around the cliff tops between Katoomba and Wentworth Falls this Blue Mountains Discovery Trail, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, is packed full of lookouts, picnic areas and walking tracks located alongside galleries, cafes, museums, antiques and accommodation in the villages of Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls.

Trail highlights include Echo Point and the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Scenic World, Sublime Point, and Wentworth Falls Lake. The Wentworth Falls Picnic area and The Valley of the Waters, are linked by a network of walking tracks at three different levels on the escarpment.

This Trail is best started west of Katoomba at the intersection of Valley Road and Bathurst Road, is 36 kilometres one way to Wentworth Falls and takes about one hour plus stops, all on sealed suburban roads. Staff at the Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centre at Echo Point can assist with information.

The best kept restaurant secret in Leura is Hana Japanese Restaurant, hidden away at the top of The Mall near the Great Western Highway intersection.

Owner and chef, Shabata Takeshi oversees the small kitchen staff and they serve up traditional Japanese food you won't want to miss.

Ample seating areas, attentive staff and great prices are additional benefits. Hana is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

A pleasant drive to the western end of Shipley Plateau passing local apple orchards will bring you to Hargraves Lookout and provide magnificent views over the rural Megalong Valley.

At the very end of Shipley Plateau is Mount Blackheath, a popular hang-gliding site from a purpose built ram near the lookout at 1076 metres. If the conditions are right gliders soar over the Kanimbla Valley and sometimes can reach Bathurst.

The need for a police centre in the Hartley Valley led to the construction of the Hartley Court House in 1837. Over the next 50 years a bustling village
grew around the court house. The area was the judicial and administrative centre, with churches and accommodation, a post office and staging facilities.
It served both travellers and settlers west of the Blue Mountains.

In 1887 the village was surpassed by the Great Western Railway, resulting in stagnation and decline. In 1972 the site was declared as an historic site under the Management of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Today, the village comprises 17 buildings of historical significance. The village remains a fine example of a 19th century settlement.

Hartley Valley is a Teahouse, Gallery and Nursery all on the same property with established gardens, a fruit orchards and beautiful rural views.

The Teahouse is set in a quaint two-storey cedar cottage with wide verandas. They are open for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea and specialise in Devonshire teas. Available daily are light meals, loose-leaf teas, Belorama coffee and home-made cakes served in a warm relaxed and friendly environment.

Stroll from the Teahouse to the Gallery to view exquisite pieces of glassware, metal and bronze sculptures, paintings, jewellery, woodwork and other. Also on display are eccentric Teapots from Wensleydale, England that are fully functional, handmade and hand-painted.

The Nursery specialises in rare and unusual cold climate trees and shrubs, beautiful conifers and maples as well as seasonal water plants and unusual garden ornaments.

The Hat Hill Gallery is a commercial fine art gallery located in an original 1920s printing factory in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, 120 kilometres west of Sydney.

Presenting fine contemporary art created by artists of the Blue Mountains region and beyond. Artists include Jenny Kee, Cate Dudley, Andrew Ireland and Viken Minassian.

The Hillcrest Coachman is a multi-award winning restaurant set in one of the Blue Mountains' most beautiful historic estates surrounded by superb gardens at the very entrance to Leura. It is the ideal setting for weddings and functions and that special night out in every season of the year. The dining rooms are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday lunch.

Baroness Christine Pirquet von Cesenatico and her husband, Wolfgang Moeller, restored the estate to its original splendour. Built at the beginning of the century by the Scottish shipping agent, Scott Fell, the rooms are clad with wood panelling reflecting that sense of yesteryear with bay windows looking out onto the garden create a perfect romantic setting.

iKOU is based in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, Australia. iKOU hand-make 100 per cent natural bath and body products, natural botanical skin-care, natural wax candles and herbal teas.

iKOU’s philosophy is to live the real life... using pure, natural ingredients that are ethically sourced; being true to ourselves and others; treading lightly on our environment; creating a range that encourages its users to take the time to rest and relax and maintain equilibrium.

Meals are always a memorable experience at The Mountain Heritage. The Jamison Views Restaurant provides an ever-changing menu of fine cuisine designed to tempt the most discerning palate.

Relax to the soothing sounds of their resident pianist, Alan Johnson, who plays a gentle blend of popular, light classical and romantic melodies every Saturday evening, or just take in the spectacular views from the balcony whilst sipping on a cocktail.

The Restaurant is fully licensed and the wine list offers a comprehensive selection of quality Australian wines.

Be a world away from the hectic city life at the Japanese Bath House in the Blue Mountains. Just a two hour’s drive from Sydney, situated in front of Lake Lyell on 300 hectares of farmland.

Designed to calm and relax your body and soul, with the grounds framed by a picturesque rose garden and an exquisite Japanese Zen Garden, this unique bathhouse is indeed 'heaven on earth'.

Blue Mountains Sparadise is the only Japanese onsen (hot spring) in New South Wales where you can experience the Japanese spa culture. The bathing ritual has great health benefits - it stimulates your circulation, warming your body in winter and removing grime and toxins from your body in summer. A hot spring, or onsen, also has medicinal benefits due to the high mineral content in the spring water.

Also available is a range of Cabin style or Tudor House accommodation.

'Fun', 'spectacular' and 'unbelievable' are the words you will use to describe Jenolan Caves.

Open every day of the year, award-winning Jenolan Caves is regarded as Australia's most outstanding cave system. With 11 spectacular show caves, underground rivers and awe-inspiring formations, Jenolan is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world.

Explore on fantastic guided cave tours. Reveal your wild side on Adventure Caving. Survive intriguing ghost tours and night tours. Experience live music underground. Try the self-guided Nettle Cave tour (11 languages, including Klingon).

Above-ground, stroll through the glorious Aussie bush. Marvel at the impossibly Blue Lake. In the early morning or at dusk, glimpse native wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies and platypus.

Enjoy lunch in the Bistro. Dine at Chisholm's, the award-winning restaurant, featuring superb modern Australian cuisine. Stay overnight in iconic Caves House. Choose from a range of accommodation for all budgets.

Josophan's - Fine Chocolates, handcraft extraordinary multi-award winning fine chocolates, using Fair Trade Certified Belgian couverture chocolate, and fresh flavour infusions. Fresh ingredients like mint leaves, basil leaves, vanilla bean, lime and chilli are infused into fresh cream, mixed with couverture chocolate, to create ganache fillings with unadulterated, pure flavour sensations, without the use of preservatives or artificial flavours.

Josophan's Leura facility comprises the retail boutique, and also houses the chocolate Laboratory where their products are manufactured, seen through the viewing window and where hands-on chocolate and dessert workshops are held. Josophan's also has a large conference/tasting room, where Chocolate Appreciation Workshops are held ... check the website for upcoming workshop dates, or book a private group experience.

Josophan's beautiful chocolates, hot chocolate and cakes are also available at her sister business, Cafe Madeleine, 187a Leura Mall, open daily for breakfast, lunch and all-day desserts.

Kanangra-Boyd National Park offers visitors a rare insight into Australia's unspoilt natural environment. Away from the buzz of the more commercialised tourist spots, here visitors can enjoy vehicle based camping at the Boyd River. Experience bushwallking, swimming, fishing, spectacular lookouts with views which stretch back to Sydney in the east and Canberra in the west.

Camping facilities include pit toilets. It is essential that visitors provide their own drinking water and wood.

While there are a number of 'easy' and 'medium' bushwalks for the beginner, for those experienced bushwalkers, there are wilderness walks which can take up to three days. Anybody attempting these walks should advise National Parks and Wildlife of their intention to do so and be completely self-reliant and skilled. Personal Life Beacons for bushwalking are available from National Parks.

Domestic pets and firearms are not permitted. For further information contact Oberon National Parks and Wildlife office.

Katoomba Hotel has a varied history. Built in 1918, it has undergone various changes, until 2005 when the Blackburn family took over the business and embarked on a complete refurbishment of the hotel.

They are committed to restoring this grand old establishment to it's prominence as a traditional Australian hotel in the heart of the world famous heritage listed Blue Mountains, while providing friendly service and a great atmosphere.

The Bistro is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. As well as the best steaks in town and great value meals, they also offer a childrens menu and old fashioned friendly service.

Their fully licensed dining room has a separate entrance and is available for functions with full catering services available.

Popular entertainment, plus activities are regular at Katoomba Hotel. View their website for program details.

Welcome to Katoomba Fine Art, a long established commercial gallery on a grand scale. Here you can discover paintings, sculpture and objects by leading Australian artists. Quality and originality is assured.

There is a large exhibition space, sculpture garden, plus 10 rooms dedicated to showcasing gallery artists set in a beautifully fully restored historical mountains house.

The business comprises two galleries, Katoomba Fine Art, established in 2001 while feature exhibitions are held at Lost Bear Gallery in Leura.

Katoomba Golf Club provides a magnificent golf course and function facility in the heart of the Blue Mountains. The club is nestled above the picturesque Jamison Valley on Acacia Street and enjoys sensational views of the mountains landscape beyond. With a spacious verandah overlooking the course and a modern lounge and dining area, the club house provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the best the mountains has to offer.

The club boasts an 18-hole golf course which has the flexibility to challenge the most experienced golfer or can be modified to suit the beginner. Tee times are available on most days and visitors are welcome. Bookings can be made by phoning.

For those special functions and celebrations, we invite you to come by and view our beautiful Jamison Room and to discuss all the options and services available. The club has packages to suit all types of occasions and is fast becoming the most sought after venue in the Blue Mountains.

Jamison’s Licensed Restaurant at Katoomba Golf Club offers a dining experience for all occasions. With an “Australian” menu offering a vast range of dining options, Jamison’s provides something for everybody from a hamburger on the deck, a group celebration or an intimate dinner for two. The venue is perfect for weddings and is definitely worth a visit.

Katoomba Returned Services League (RSL) Club has something for everyone, whether it is food and beverage or a night of fun and entertainment.

Open seven days, Golden Dragon Restaurant offers Chinese, Australian and seafood meals. The restaurant features a conveniently located RSL bar, a flowing water fountain and a kidZZone room to entertain children.

All you can eat seafood buffet Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a dinner carvery on Wednesday nights. Musical Midday Meals are every Thursday with special reduced rates for pensioners and senior citizens.

Saturday night is time to kick up your heels and enjoy some live music. Bingo is on every Wednesday morning and Thursday evening. Poker is on every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday night. Free trivia nights run on Wednesday. Meat raffles are available on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.

Other facilities include a bottle shop, Keno, TAB and a free courtesy bus.

"Warimi, Welcome to Koomurri Aboriginal Centre" is the cheerful greeting from the colourfully painted Aboriginal Koomurri Dancer leading his group on stage in front of visitors from all over the world. The dancers take their place for the corroborree. The music and singing permeates the room as the dancers begin their playful Kangaroo Dance.

The Koomurri Aboriginal Centre is a landmark tourist destination covering all areas of Australian Aboriginal life and culture.

Koomurri provides visitors to the world heritage Blue Mountains an experience of Australia's wonderful Aboriginal culture up close. The dance show is performed every hour from 10am until 4pm daily, followed by a Didgeridoo show. The dancers, artists and performers come from many Aboriginal nations enabling the team to showcase different dance, music and vocal styles.

Koomurri also offers authentic artwork and crafts from many Aboriginal nations for purchase.

Lake Lyell provides cooling water for both Wallerawang and Mt Piper Power Stations. The Lake is connected to Wallerawang Lake by pipeline and hence to
Wallerawang and Mt Piper Stations. Water for cooling is pumped from Lake Lyell Dam on the Cox's River, about 20 kilometres from the power station to
the Thompsons Creek Dam, close to Mt Piper, which provides an additional 27,000 mega litres of cooling water.

Facilities: The Lake is also used for recreational purposes such as powerboats, picnicking, fishing, skiing etc. Facilities include camping area, boat launching
ramp, access roads, amenities block, defined picnic and walking areas.

Hire equipment is available from the caretaker: No boat licence required, fishing licences are required to fish Lake Lyell. Shower and barbecue facilities available.

Lennox Bridge on Mitchells Pass at Glenbrook is the oldest stone arch bridge on the Australian mainland. This elegant single span stone arch bridge was built in local stone and completed in 1833 by David Lennox using unskilled convict labour, it took one year to complete. The sandstone was quarried nearby and the bridge carried all the traffic to western New South Wales until 1926.

Have you been searching for your favourite, hard to find lollies?

If so, come to the old time Leura Candy Store and relive your childhood.

Surrounded by a tremendous range of nostalgic products, you can select that special gift from over 2,000 unique and unusual candies, chocolates, fudges, nougats, novelties and toffees gathered from all over the world.

Come and see the imported ranges of chocolates from, America, Belgium, England, Germany, New Zealand and Switzerland. These include Peanut Butter Cups, Seashells, Frys UK cream bars, Ritter brand, Chocolate Fish and Villars.

There is also an extensive range of candies imported worldwide and locally manufactured products. Drop in and new the vast array of candies today.

Leura Cascades is a popular picnic area set amidst tall eucalypts. Nearby you can take a walk beside the rapids on Leura Falls Creek down to Bridal Veil Falls and Leura Falls.

Be prepared and plan your walks as several walks can be accessed from here and can either take you along the cliff tops to Echo Point or down through the Leura Forest and via the Federal or Dardanelles Passes to Katoomba. Leura Cascades is the start, or end, of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The picnic area is approximately 2.2 kilometres from Leura Railway Station.

Leura Garage is an exciting new cafe style restaurant experience to Leura.

Set in the original Leura Garage with modern trendy decor, reflecting on the past history of the building with indoor and outside seating available. Now a quality wine bar and tapas bar open for lunch and dinner serving delicious meals with an interesting changing menu. Robust coffee and an array of teas are available all day plus a large selection of regional wines.

Great food and very friendly staff round off a most pleasurable meal.

Leura Golf Course challenges the golfing skills of the better player as well as providing a course playable for the beginner. Beautiful scenery and the world famous 14th Hole are only some of the assets to the course. Beautifully manicured greens and lush fairways add to the enjoyment of the round.

The Club Cafe offers an assortment of snacks and light meals as well as a delicious variety of dishes.

Catering is proving to be popular for private functions especially wedding receptions, not only because of the great food, value for money and friendly service, but because the 14th green has magnificent views over the Jamison Valley, making it a wonderful setting for the perfect bridal party photographs.

In 1906 the Australian Government decided that Australia could no longer rely upon Britain for her defence needs, and decided to build a factory for the manufacture of arms.

The museum, situated in the grounds of the Small Arms Factory, celebrates the rich history of Australia's first high precision mass production facility and its people.

Over its years of operation Lithgow SAF accumulated military small arms for technical appraisal. As a result the museum contains a most comprehensive firearms collection.

In an attempt to keep skilled labour during the recession following World War I, SAF entered the commercial marketplace. Numerous commercial products were manufactured between wars.

The Factory saved the floundering Australian wool Industry during the 1930s by manufacturing parts for shearing handsets, replacing expensive English equipment.

In 2007 collector Ron Hayes donated a magnificent handgun collection. This collection, containing some very rare pieces, is shown in the upstairs gallery.

A larger-than-life polar bear, created from steel and recycled plastic by acclaimed local artist Ian Swift, stands proudly as the star attraction at Leura’s appropriately named ‘Lost Bear Gallery’.

Located in the historic Leura Post Office building, this fine art gallery is home to a superb collection of paintings, sculpture and other collectable objects of art by a select group of Australian artists.

Lost Bear Gallery is part of the Katoomba Fine Art business and provides visitors to the mountains a wonderful opportunity to see some of the very best art in the mountains, when visiting the beautiful township of Leura.

The McKanes Falls Bridge in Lithgow was completed in 1893 and is one of the seven McDonald timber truss road bridges remaining in New South Wales.

The bridge consists of two 90' (27.43m) truss spans supported at each end by sandstone masonry abutments. The centre pier was built as stone but replaced with a reinforced concrete pier in the 1980s following flood damage. There is no footway.

Bridges are not just functional, they can also be scenic and engineering attractions. Spare a few minutes to admire McKanes Falls Bridge.

.

Discover the lifestyle of the Australian Jackaroo. See the stockmen ride a horse, muster the cattle, work with the sheep and cattle and crack a stockwhip!

The Megalong Australian Heritage Centre is part of a unique Pioneering Homestead set in the heart of the magnificent Blue Mountains. It reflects the lifestyles of the pioneers from the past through to today, together with shows and demonstrations for pre booked groups.

The Farm Tour includes visiting the old pioneers bush farm and the rustic Outback Woolshed 'Country Pub', a Wildlife Walk with a chance of seeing native flora and fauna and farming animals, try boomerang throwing and whip cracking, view the pioneer barn museum and homestead.

Traditional Lunch and Stockman's Drovers Campsite includes a traditional Aussie barbecue lunch with rural displays and entertainment with Billy Tea and Damper around the camp fire.

This historic lookout and rest area was named after Sir Thomas Mitchell who supervised the building of the Pass by convict labour in 1832. An obelisk at the lookout commemorates the opening of Victoria Pass in 1832 - this Pass is one of the oldest and most significant engineered works in Australia still in use today. From the western end of the lookout there is a good view of the convict hewn and built sandstone rampart across the Pass.

Opened in early May 2012, the Monkey Creek Cafe is the latest outstanding building design by owner/proprietor Mark O'Carrigan. Inspired by the natural curved roof of the Hat Cave, Monkey Creek Cafe comfortably seats 40 in the nastiest of weather making it an ideal venue to watch the spectacular Blue Mountains climatic changes.

Monte's Pizzeria is a locally famed Italian Restaurant situated in the picturesque Blue Mountains. Known as somewhat of an institution, Monte's has a strong loyal following from local diners and travellers are also discovery their mouth-watering Italian home-made meals, delicately prepared and deep aromatic flavours.

Monte’s boasts a fantastic year round alfresco dining area which is always brimming with happy diners, enjoying easy-breezy outside dining.
All meals are freshly made from scratch, showcasing delicately prepared, deep aromatic flavours, fresh seasonal salads, and delectable homemade desserts. Monte's Pizzeria obviously showcases a plethora of lip-smacking pizza concoctions.

The creative pizza recipes change seasonally as do the salads with the desserts changing almost daily as they are homemade. Ingredients are sources from local suppliers. Monte's also serves a range of gluten free and vegetarian pizzas and pastas on the menu.
If travelling through the mountains Monte's provides delicious homemade, take-away pizzas.

Travelling along Shipley Plateau through a mix of bush (spot the waratahs in Spring), small farms and orchards at the end you will reach Mount Blackheath Lookout with views to the north and west to the Great Dividing Range over the Kanimbla Valley.

At 1076 metres it is the perfect place to relax and watch the sun go down after a strenuous bike ride or when the weather is right you might be fortunate to see colourful hang gliders and parasails riding the thermals after launching from this popular site. There are dirt sections along Shipley Plateau.

Mount Hay at 933 metres north of Leura is a distinctive rounded basalt peak that can be seen as you travel the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road. It is one of a number of basalt capped mountains in the area. Along Mount Hay Road is Lockley Pylon which provides excellent views of Mount Hay. From Lockley Pylon experienced and well prepared walkers can choose to descend into the Grose Valley and the Blue Gum Forest.

At 1094 metres Mount Piddington is the tallest peak in the Blue Mountains and is a popular area for traditional style rock climbing. If you are tempted to give it a try there are local tour operators who can assist with expert guides as tutors. Or perhaps you might just prefer to sit and watch the experts whilst enjoying the views and a picnic. A walking track extends southwards into Fairy Bower Reserve.

Mount Portal Lookout is six kilometres from the eastern entry gate of the Blue Mountains National Park. Situated on the edge of the escarpment the viewing platform offers excellent views of the Glenbrook Gorge and Nepean River and interpretation at the site tells the story of the distinct landform features of the Cumberland Plain on the eastern side of the river and around Penrith.

This is the only formal abseiling site in the lower Blue Mountains and in this part of the National Park.

Mount Solitary an isolated plateau and at 919 metres it dominates the landscape of the Jamison Valley and can be seen from all vantage points along the eastern escarpment. Rising 165 metres above the valley floor and about four kilometres long, it is a prominent landmark for walkers and sightseers. Experienced walkers can venture out to Mount Solitary but please be well prepared and plan your walk in advance.

The Mount Victoria and District Historical Society Inc Museum has an amazing collection of Australiana, spanning from the early explorers and convict times to more recent social history, as well as memorabilia, photographs and historic records.

There are examples of early farming tools and dairy utensils, natural history including animal and bird life, laundry and kitchenware, the local mining industry and a collection of early photographic equipment. Also on display is the Railway Refreshment Room tableware, as well as a schoolroom and clothing from the early 1900s.

Local history publications and souvenirs are available for purchase. The grand, old, sandstone railway station, in which the collection is housed, is in itself a worthwhile visit, as a reminder of the days of steam train travel.

There is something of interest for everyone. Open weekends, public and school holidays only. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine are basalt-capped mountains lying between the Wollangambe River and Bowens Creek. Most famous for their private gardens and fabulous trees, Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine also experience high rainfall, combined with rich volcanic soils and you have a perfect formula for cool-climate gardens.

Walks and picnic grounds are also very special in Mount Wilson. A beautiful location for a picnic is opposite 'The Cathedral of Ferns' - not to be missed. Back towards Bells Line of Road you will discover Bowens Creek Picnic Ground. Other places of interest include Wynne's Rock Lookout, Du Faurs Rock and Pheasants Cave.

Mount York is situated at the end of Mount York Road at 1061 metres this point was the start of the steep descent of Cox's Road to Hartley Vale. An
obelisk and monument to explorers Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth and road builder William Cox can be found at the site along with a 'Footsteps in Time'
marker to commemorate the survey of the road across the mountains by George Evans. The area is a popular site for abseiling and further along Mount
York Road is Bardens Lookout and access to Berghoffers Pass, Lawsons Long Alley and Lockyers Road.

Mountain High Pies in Wentworth Falls continues to grow in popularity for its large variety of pies and its reputation for baking the best pies in the Blue Mountains.

All take-away and dine in pies can be served with creamy mashed potato, mashed pumpkin, mushy peas and rich gravy.

A selection of sweet pies and tarts are also available to purchase, plus tea or freshly roasted coffee.

Nana's Teddies & Toys is Australia's largest Speciality Teddy Bear Mega Store with over 14,000 Teddy Bears, Dolls, collectable Figurines and Plush Animals in stock including collectables & limited editions.

We provide a relaxed no pressure atmosphere for you to enjoy browsing through most leading brands from around the world displayed in a modern purpose built cottage with plenty of room for prams or wheelchairs.

Approximately 1 hour from Sydney CBD with parking at the door. Approximately 1km to trains, local bus service at door.

You are invited to visit and spend some quality relaxation time meeting over 14,000 cuddly friendly teddys and Nana's Teddies owners who whilst not as cute or cuddly as most of the bears are still very friendly and informative about teddy bear history and collecting.

Our huge range includes Collectable bears, porcelain dolls, rocking horses, plush animals, pedal cars, doll and bear furniture and accessories, dogs, cats, farmyard animals and jungle creatures, gift ideas for all occasions.

Major brand include Steiff, Deans, Hermann, Ganz, Grizzly, Boyds, Bearington, Korimco, Russ, Cherished Teddies, Boyles, Chester, Teddy Love, Gund, Tomfoolery, Me to You, Tatty Teddy, Hibernation, Disney, Forever Friends, Balmoral, Paddington plus a large selection of local and international Hand Made Artist Bears.

We are a family run business of friendly long time bear collectors and artists’ who love to have a chat and enjoy sharing our knowledge with others.
Our cottage is fully air conditioned for your comfort with clean modern toilets and there is a good selection of coffee shops and eateries nearby, in fact all you need to make a great day out or a convenient stop off on your way through our beautiful Blue Mountains.

Tour Groups, Mini Buses and Coaches are most welcome.
We will gladly organise short "teddy talks" and special surprises for tour groups or clubs.

Please phone or book ahead if possible to ensure we have enough staff on hand to give your group excellent and expedient service.
We do not charge any entry fees.
For bookings please call 02 4739 0677 or Email: bears@teddys.com.au

How To Find Nana's Teddies;
UBD map 161 - H12.
Gregory's map 233 - H12

Be Warned ..Serious Teddy Bear lovers may never want to go home again!!!!

Narrow Neck Lookout as the name implies has views over the Narrow Neck Peninsula, a plateau which divides the Jamison and Megalong Valleys. There is a lookout on Cliff Drive down over Narrow Neck and the two valleys or you can continue along Cliff Drive to Glen Raphael Drive, a gravel road leading two kilometres along Narrow Neck to a locked gate. The next seven kilometres is for walkers and mountain bike riders only and offers spectacular views into the surrounding valleys. Narrow Neck is well known as a 'must do' mountain bike ride.

The National Pass is one of Australia's finest bushwalking trails, just 100 kilometres from Sydney and easily accessible by car or train.

The walking trail follows six kilometres of majestic wild scenery and waterfalls in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

The trail was built with picks, shovels, crowbars and dynamite between 1906 and 1907. It involved cutting a zigzag staircase into a cliff face and became a very popular walking trail.

After 95 years service, the National Pass was tired and fraying badly in places and it was closed in 2002 to start a restoration project.

After several years of painstaking reconstruction, the trail re-opened and won major heritage conservation awards.

There is a wide choice of excellent accommodation within a short distance of either end of the trail.

The Newnes Kiosk is within the bar of the now de-licensed Newnes Hotel, the last surviving building from the days of oil-shale mining at Newnes. The kiosk is open weekends and supplies information on the local Newnes area. Soft drinks, ice creams and a limited range of camper supplies are also stocked. Cabin accommodation is also now available.

Newnes is surrounded by Wollemi National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The kiosk is adjacent to camping (free within the National Park) and close to the (open access) ruins of the Newnes oil-shale works. A bushwalk (nine kilometre round trip) to the Glow-worm tunnel starts on the Wolgan Road, 6.5 kilometres before Newnes.

Newnes State Forest is located on Newnes Plateau and contains Pine Plantation of Radiator Pine, Natural Forest and Sandstone Escarpments. Provides access to Glow Worm Tunnels and Wollemi National Park. Bungleboorie Picnic Area provides a peaceful rest stop in Newnes State Forest. (The town of Newnes is located in the Wolgan Valley but there is no vehicular access from the Glow Worm Tunnel area).

The shale seam in the Wolgan Valley was discovered about 1868 and was opened by Campbell Mitchell in 1873. Commercial mining did not begin until 1903, with the shale being brought out by road. In 1905 the Commonwealth Oil Corporation took over the operation, the township being named after Sir George
Newnes, one of the company's directors. Access to Newnes township from Newnes Plateau is by 4WD via the Black Fellows Hands fire trail or by bush walking only via the Glow Worm Tunnel.

For a circular day walk, go through the Glow Worm Tunnel, then walk along the Wolgan Valley railway only as far as the old coach road and return via this and the Pagoda Track, a total distance of 7.5 kilometres.

At the end of Wolgan Valley lies a reminder of the shale oil industry. The township and shale oil mining complex was established in 1906. The Newnes Oil Shale Mine produced low grade oil. Set within beautiful mountain scenery, a collection of shanties, huts and buildings for the mining process were built. Today the ruins of the site are all that remains Operational costs and the availability of lower priced crude oil finally
closed the works in 1932. The former hotel (now Newnes Kiosk) is the only reminder of a thriving community.

To gain access to Newnes, turn right off the Mudgee Road at Lidsdale and continue past Angus Place Colliery. A brief stop at the top of the Wolgan Gap affords excellent views of Wolgan Valley and the spectacular sandstone escarpments. Follow the road for a further 24 kilometres through to the floor of the
Valley, where there are many natural picnic areas alongside the Wolgan River.

To reach the ruins of the works, cross the river at the ford by foot or 4WD downstream from the hotel and follow the well-defined path which was the original route of the railway line.

This is one of Australia's most famous gardens featuring world famous wisteria, plus rhododendrons, azaleas and maples. There are a wide range of wisteria for sale.

Nooroo was built in 1880 by William Cox and many of the old trees found in the garden were planted then. It was however the Valder family which owned the property from 1917 to 1987 who largely developed the garden. The garden today now covers two hectares.

Daffodils, camellias, rhododendrons bloom in profusion from September and in autumn. Nooroo is especially famous for its wisteria which is at its peak in late October.

Many of the photos featured in Dr. Peter Valder's book 'Wisteria' were taken at Nooroo. The Wisteria collection at Nooroo is unique to Australia and attracts visitors from around the world.

The name Nooroo is an Aboriginal word meaning 'Shady Place'.

The Norman Lindsay Gallery is the former home of the illustrious artist and author, Norman Lindsay (1879-1969).

Now open as a gallery run by the National Trust (NSW), it displays the artist's oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, ship models, sculptures plus characters from his classic children’s book, The Magic Pudding.

Gift shop, landscaped grounds and cafe. Open seven days. Child rate available

From Wilson Park in North Lawson, approximately 500 metres past the Lawson Swimming Pool is the start of a walking circuit that takes in Dantes Glen, Empire Pass and Frederica Falls... depending on how far you want to walk.

Waterfalls, shady rainforest ravines, fern-lined pools and creeks and lush vegetation make it a pleasant walk for all seasons. There are some steep sections and a map or guide book is recommended. Dantes Glen is a warm temperate rainforest dominated by Coachwood and Sassafras trees. A popular walk for bird watchers.

Discover a unique collection of fabulous children's toys and trains. Explore a grand Mountains home and glorious gardens. Thousands of delighted families and collectors can't be wrong: it's a must for the kid in all of us.

Families and serious collectors alike can explore pre and post war toys including dolls, teddy bears, lead figures, comics and books, tinplate trains, aeroplanes, automobiles and working model-railway layouts. It features New South Wales Railway trackside and station memorabilia including lights, trolleys, seats, signals and signs.

The property is set in five hectares of beautiful cool-climate gardens, laid out at the turn of the century. This includes the spectacular amphitheatre - a popular location for photo shoots and wedding ceremonies. Its weathered sandstone and Bathurst slate mirror the changing character of the great sandstone cliffs and blue vistas of the Jamison Valley, over which it gives extensive views.

Camping is allowed at Old Ford Reserve, a picturesque camping and picnic area alongside Megalong Creek in the Megalong Valley. The Reserve is accessible by road, the Megalong Valley is mostly granite country and the Valley has bird species that are not found on the cliff tops. Old Ford Reserve is 8.3 kilometres along the Six Foot Track from Katoomba.

The historic Paragon Restaurant has been home of exclusive hand-made confectionery since 1916, and continues to use only the finest ingredients in its products. Specialities include hand-dipped chocolate centres, French nougat, fudges, marzipan fruits, maple brazils, and many other tempting sweets.

The restaurant with cosy wood panelled booths is an ideal rendezvous for late breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas and lunches. Devonshire teas and crispy waffles are some of the specialities. The cocktail bar is one of the finest examples of Art Deco in Australia and along with the other rooms has been classified by the National Trust as being essential to Australia's Heritage.

Perrys Lookdown offers grandeur views from the top of the escarpment into World Heritage National Park and the Grose Valley.

This is the shortest but steepest descent to the Blue Gum Forest and offers a small camping area and car park.

The lookout is accessible at all times and can be found at the end of Hat Hill Road.

Situated off the Bells Line of Road just past Mount Banks there is a turnoff to Pierces Pass. The left hand track goes to Walls' Lookout car park and it is a
30 minute walk to the lookout of the Grose Gorge and Walls. The road to the right goes to another car park where there is a choice of two walks, one to
Rigby hill and the other to Pierces Pass and the Blue Gum Forest.

Rick Rutherford's Country - is open daily and located within the heritage precinct of Lawson, on the Badgery Crescent side of Lawson.

As the founding author of "Australian Country Collections" magazine, Rick purchased and restored a graceful Blue Mountains Lawson property five years ago, creating a unique country gallery in the process which is open to the public to inspect firsthand. Since then Rick has also open a second Country store in the village of Leura.

Within its many rooms, Rick Rutherford's Country is a world of country looks spanning the many traditions and interpretations of what country is all about. Each room has its own individual theme, creating a feeling of stepping into another time and place.

The Rooster restaurant is situated in Jamison Guesthouse which was built early last century on the escarpment above the Jamison Valley.

It has become something of an institution in the Blue Mountains with locals who dine regularly and visitors from all over who make the trip up the hill especially for the experience. A taste of France in the mountains with glorious views over the Jamison Valley, with excellent French-inspired food, this is mountains' dining at its best.

Dinner in The Rooster Restaurant is served every night of the week from 6pm to 10pm. Lunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 3pm.

Select an array of delicious, freshly-cooked dishes from a seasonal à la carte menu with accompanying wines from an extensive cellar of Australian, New Zealand, French and German wines and liqueur.

An elegant, private dining room is available for special occasions and functions

Scenic World Blue Mountains is suitable for visitors of all ages; it is located near the Three Sisters at Katoomba, about two hours by rail or road from Sydney. Did you know that the Scenic Skyway with its world first Electro-SceniGlass floor completes the trip over to the other side of the valley to a viewing platform? This amazing ride takes in all of the iconic views of the Blue Mountains including the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, The Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls.

The Cableway descends smoothly into the ancient rainforest of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. The Scenic Railway is the world's steepest incline railway, descending 415 metres down the escarpment at a maximum grade of 52 degrees. This thrilling and unique ride passes through an 80 metre tunnel and a sunlit tree clad gorge, before resting at the bottom station in the valley.

Hands-on fun for all the family. There are many puzzles to try and solve with lots of displays that will entertain the whole family. There is a hologram display with over 60 holograms and the Selwood room will surprise you with its talking mirror and lots more. You may even see water that looks like it is running uphill. There are science kits and puzzles available to purchase and a bookshop specialising in science and puzzle books generally has over 300 titles in stock. There are even workshops during the school holidays suitable for children aged five to 13 years.

This all available in Selwood House, classified by the National Trust as built in 1865. Selwood Science and Puzzles, over the bridge at Hazelbrook Station, is fun for everyone.

Free admission to all areas and free off street parking next to Selwood House. - Keep and eye out for exciting new changes at Selwood soon.

Seven Licensed Restaurant is located in the Blue Mountains village of Wentworth Falls.

They offer modern elegant atmosphere and superb cuisine using fresh, local produce and stock a selection of local and imported wines.

It is a perfect for weddings and functions with its' modern elegant interior or for an intimate quiet fine dining meal.

Seven is a fully licensed restaurant, provides disabled access and is close to public transport.

South Lawson Waterfall Circuit is three kilometres long and traverses South Lawson Park passing four very different waterfalls: Adelina Falls, sand lined Federal Falls, Cataract Falls and Junction Falls - an amphitheatre of cascading water.

This historic walking circuit is popular with locals and is just over one kilometre from the Lawson Railway Station.

The newly built Springwood Aquatic and Fitness Centre has an indoor 25 metre swimming pool, a leisure pool and a children's pool with a whirlpool and waterslide that operates daily at set times.

The centre also contains a fully equipped fitness centre, sauna, spa and steam room and full-catered cafeteria.

Blue Mountains residents and visitors are fortunate to have five high standard swim and leisure centres spread throughout the Blue Mountains including Glenbrook, Lawson, Katoomba and Blackheath Pool.

All of the pools have school holiday fun programs with large inflatable obstacle course at all the centres plus a waterslide operating at certain times at Springwood Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

Centres are open daily and run intensive Learn to Swim programs.

Call each centre to confirm session days and times and to check which special programs are running.

Springwood Sports Club is located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, just 15 minutes from Penrith and 30 minutes from Katoomba.

Newly rebuilt with a brand new contemporary design, the club features lounge areas for members and guests, indoor and alfresco dining areas, an outdoor terrace, sports lounge, bowlers lounge, gaming lounge, multiple function rooms and wo bowling green’s which cater for local and visiting bowlers.

Other activities include bingo, darts and raffles, free live-entertainment, dinner shows, TAB, Keno and badge draws.

Their Brasserie is open for dining seven days a week for lunch and dinner and always provides great tasting fresh meals.