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Blue Mountains: Home | Our Towns | Nature | Attractions | Accommodation

Blue Mountains & Central West ... download this month's edition dreamstime_11348196

 

attractions-iconAttractions in the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, and Central West regions of NSW

 

Featherdale Wildlife Park
Winner of "Major Tourist Attraction" NSW 2009, Featherdale is home to the world's largest collection of Australian native animals. Featherdale is Sydney's ultimate interactive wildlife experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of its "Aussies". Hand feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus or cuddle up to a koala at anytime of day.Featherdale is midway between Sydney and the Blue Mountains and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

217 Kildare Road, Doonside.
www.featherdale.com.au

 

Tobruk Sheep Station
Something different for the family and friends. An exciting, fun-filled day at Sydney's own Tobruk Sheep Station, just 40 mins from Castle Hill. The Outback Show every Sunday from 10.30am-2.30pm includes stockmen on horseback, sheep mustering, working dog displays, sheep shearing, whip cracking and boomerang throwing. Also included: billy tea and hamper and a hearty two course country lunch, licensed bar and gift shop. Bookings are essential. Also available are farmstay, camping, birthday parties, weddings and special events.

5050 Old Northern Road, Maroota  (02) 4566 8223
www.tobruksheepstation.com.au


Trolley Tours
Take a ride on a unique Trolley Bus and see the best of the Blue Mountains. Enjoy Katoomba and Leura World Heritage sights as you experience a travel feature of bygone days. Tour includes full commentary on the history of the Blue Mountains. A $20 all day pass allows you to hop on and hop off at any of the 29 Great Attractions (Trolley buses run hourly). The pass also entitles you to unlimited stops and travel on Blue Mountains Bus Services including Wentworth Falls, Blackheath and Govetts Leap Lookout for more great scenic bushwalks and spectacular views.

285 Main Street, Katoomba Phone Freecall 1800 801 577
www.trolleytours.com.au

 

Blue Mountains National Park
The Park, a scenically dramatic region, is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. It is a wonderland of sandstone cliffs, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests. The Blackheath NP Heritage Centre provides information on the Park and surrounding areas, an interactive educational display, video screenings and a gallery.  Open 9am-4.30pm seven days.

Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath  (02)4787 8877
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/contact/Blackheath.htm

 

World Heritage Wonder Pass
The Wonder Pass aims to promote the western area of the Blue Mountains by marketing a single entry ticket to three major attractions. The sheer brilliance of Jenolan Caves, the unmistakable beauty of Mount Tomah Botanic Garden, and the fun and excitement of the Zig Zag Railway can all be experienced on one low price ticket. The three venues are open 7 days a week and can be visited in any order. The Pass is valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Contact Lithgow Tourism  1300 76 02 76
www.tourism.lithgow.com

 

Jenolan Caves 
mammoth-caveRegarded as Australia’s most outstanding cave system – with 11 spectacular show caves, pure underground rivers and amazing formations – Jenolan Caves is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world.
 Guided show cave tours
 Thrilling adventure tours
 Cave concerts
 Fun and fascinating history tours
 Accommodation - historic Caves House, modern Mountain Lodge, self contained cottages

(02)6359 3911 or 1300 763 311
www.jenolancaves.org.au 


Scenic World
skyways-webFloat on air in the Skyway with its world first Electro-Sceni Glass Floor. Ride the steepest incline Railway in the world. Stroll along the Walkway through towering Jurassic rainforest, and refresh both your spirit and soul! Quietly glide out of the valley aboard the Cableway, taking in the breathtaking panorama of the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains National Park.

Scenic World - Cnr Violet St & Cliff Dr, Katoomba (02)4782 2699 
www.scenicworld.com.au


Selwood Science and Puzzles
selwood-webSelwood Science consists of three specialty rooms - the Puzzle Room, the Bookshop and the Science Lab. There you will find; dinosaurs to tempt the budding palaeontologist, telescopes powerful enough for viewing the moon, and star gazing, magic tricks, optical illusions and much, much more.

41 Railway Parade, Hazelbrook  (02)4758 6235
www.selwoodscience.com.au

 
Zig Zag Railway
Come and visit the Zig Zag Railway at Clarence. For all steam engine buffs and for those who aren't (they'll convert you), a thrilling experience is to be had by young and old.
Watch out for the ‘Friends of Thomas’ and ‘Wizards Express’ weekends, an opportunity to get dressed up and join in the fun.

Bells Line of Road, Clarence
www.zigzagrailway.com.au

 

Mount Tomah Botanic Garden
Embark on a botanic journey around the globe through the 28 hectares of landscaped gardens and pristine Blue Mountains cool weather rainforest. Take a guided tour and enjoy panoramic mountain views and world class facilities including a la carte restaurant, visitor centre and gift shop. Buy a Wollemi pine. Explore the recently opened 33 hectare jungle and stay in the Jungle Lodge. Check out the flora and fauna in this rich ecosystem.

Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah  (02)4567 3000
www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au

 

Hartley Historic Site
The village of Hartley,near the foot of Mount Victoria, was the "gateway to the west" after it was established in 1837, until the arrival of the railway in 1887. Its famous courthouse and a large portion of the remaining village are now maintained by the Dept of Environment and Climate Change as an historic site. An information centre is open 7 days a week, and tours of the courthouse are conducted at set times on most days. Pre-booked tours for schools and other groups can be arranged.

Great Western Highway, Hartley  (02)6255 2117



Penrith Whitewater Stadium
whitewater-webBuilt for the Sydney 2000 Games, Penrith Whitewater Stadium is a world class man-made river. It has all the rugged features of grade 3 whitewater conveniently nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains only an hours drive from Sydney. Available year round for whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking and guided tours, anyone as young as 12 can join in the fun.

Penrith Whitewater - McCarthy’s Lane, Cranebrook  (02) 4730 4333  www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
What's On

diary-web'What's On' in the Hawkesbury,Blue Mountains & Central West of NSW


 

SEPTEMBER

 

CARAVAN & CAMPING EXPO
10 - 12 September
See the latest in caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers, boating, 4WD vehicles, camping equipment, accessories, tourist attractions, holiday parks, etc. Free entry and parking.
Panthers Pavilion, Mulgoa Road, Penrith.
Phone (02) 9615 9999  www.penrith.supershow.com.au


MACQUARIE TOWNS MOTORCYCLE RESTORATION & PRESERVATION CLUB
12 September
Annual Club Showday. Thousands of dollars worth of vintage, veteran and modern motorcycles plus spectacular antique machinery on display. Free entry.  Macquarie Park, Windsor


CLARENDON CLASSIC RALLY
18 - 19 September
Two day event featuring restored tractors and stationary engines, vintage cars, trucks, bikes, antique tools. Implement demonstrations with machinery of days gone by. Entry $5 Adults, $2 Children, $14 Family.
Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon.  Phone (02) 9631 5647


LONDONDERRY RFS MONSTER HOTROD OPEN DAY
19 September
Hotrods, mean machines, drag cars,classic 1930's and 1940's gangster cars and other historic beauties will all be on show. Also a host of market stalls and kids' entertainment as well as fire fighting demonstrations. Entry $2.
Londonderry Oval.  Phone 0414 794 112


ALPACA EXPO
25 - 26 September
Shearing, spinning and felting demonstrations, alpaca garments, farm equipment and machinery for sale. Pen sales of Alpacas. Seminars for new and established breeders (bookings essential, attendance fees apply). Free entry and parking.
Hawkesbury Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Clarendon.
Phone (02)4576 5048    www.hbmalpaca.com.au


RIVERSIDE THEATRES, PARRAMATTA
3 - 6 September
Opera Australia's OzOpera
La traviata by Guiseppe Verdi
One of the world's most-loved operas, Verdi's La traviata, meaning "the fallen woman", tells the story of the courtesan Violetta, who attempts to escape the shackles of luxury with her young lover, Alfredo. This new production, directed by Rachel McDonald, is playing at Riverside for three performances only - 8pm on Fri 3, Sat 4 and Mon 6 Sept. Adults $59, Conc $54, 30 and under $46.
Cnr Church and Market Sts, Parramatta
Bookings (02)8839 3399 or www.riversidetheatres.com.au
 

SUNDAY GROOVE IN GLENBROOK PARK
19 September - 17 October
Musical entertainment and much more. Bring family and friends and enjoy an abundance of great food and music.
Phone (02) 4739 3447


CIRQUINOX CARNIVALE - 2010 CIRCUS FESTIVAL
18 September
Cirquinox'10, the Blue Mountains very own circus festival, is back and is going to be bigger than ever before. A day and night festival to be held in the iconic grounds of the Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge. There will be non-stop performances all through the day and night
Phone (02) 4782 9806  www.cirquinox.org.au


MID MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY QUILT, TEXTILE ART & CRAFT SHOW
17 - 19 September
The 11th biennial show held to raise funds for Lawson Public School. There will be a Wearable Art competition, with grand opening parade at 7pm Friday 17 Sept. Weekend hours 10am - 4pm. Entry $6, seniors $3
Community Centre, New Street, Lawson. Phone (02)4759 1823


BLUE MOUNTAINS CONCERT SOCIETY
25 September
Sydney Chamber Choir, Sydney Symphony Brass, will be performing at St Finbars Church with Graham Abbott conducting. The wonderful combination of vocal and brass sounds makes for an uplifting musical experience with immediate audience approval.
Phone 1800 984 460  www.bmconcerts.com


THE CARRINGTON HOTEL
4 September. Blue Mountains Country Jamm for Genes.
The cream of country comes to Katoomba. The gala event will feature Australia's young country music stars together with some of her finest artists to raise money for the Childrens' Medical Research Institute.
12pm - 9.30 pm    Phone (02) 4782 1111     Entry $40
11 September. Tribute to Dusty Springfield & the Swinging 60's.
Swing, jive and dive into the 60's at the Carrington. An RSPCA fundraising event with entertainment, canapes, show and auction included. Tickets are strictly limited. Doors open 6.30 pm, show 8pm.  Entry $80


SPRING HAIKU HIKING
18 September
A day of learning how to write haiku, a Japanese form of short nature poem with Diana Levy. Includes a short hike to discuss, edit and share your work.
Phone (02) 4751 3935  www.dianajumpsintohaiku.blogspot.com


ZIG ZAG RAILWAY
11 September
Experience a magical journey filled with fun, laughter, broom sticks and a truly exciting train ride that leaves from platform 9 3/4. Join the Wizard Express and be entranced and spellbound.
25 - 28 September
A Day out with Thomas. Join Thomas and his friends for a unique steam trip.There is a jumping castle, merry-go-round and face painters as well as a Thomas model railway. Bookings essential.
Phone (02) 6355 2955  www.zigzagrailway.com.au


MOUNT TOMAH BOTANIC GARDEN
11 September
Aspiring young wizards practice their magic skills , craft their own hats and join in on endless entertainment. Phone (02) 4567 2154
25 September - 10 October
Wild About Waratahs Festival. Celebrate the State floral emblem. The Festival includes a state-wide bloom competition and display, a NPWS guided walk, farm day, floral arranging demonstrations, school activities and many more. Garden entry fees apply.  10am - 4pm
Phone (02) 4567 3000  www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au


MEET THE MAKER - WINE TASTING IN THE HARTLEY VALLEY
6 September
Located 30 mins from Katoomba, you will meet the local winemaker and taste some of the finest wines the Blue Mountains region has to offer. Adam's Shed, Great Western Highway, Hartley. Phone (02) 6355 2096


UNION THEATRE, LITHGOW
26 September
Sunday at the Union. The Greater Lithgow Arts Council will present a concert - groups taking part will be the Lithgow City Brass Band, the all-female Sheilagh Show and the Lithgow Belly Dancers. Come along for a fun afternoon.  2pm  Adults $5, Children free.
Bridge Street, Lithgow. Phone (02)6351 4779


OBERON & VILLAGES SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL
24 September - 30 November
Includes the annual flower show at St Barnabus Anglican Church, open gardens - many in rural settings, Mayfield Garden, Jenolan Caves special spring program, farmers' markets. Details available from Oberon Visitor Information Centre. Phone (02) 6329 8210  www.oberonaustralia.com


JENOLAN CAVES
18 September
Cello Concert 4pm. Relax to the sound of the cello drifting through the ancient Cathedral Chamber with cellist Georg Mertens playing romantic cello music. Bring a cushion for comfort. Adults $45, children $25.
25 September
Gypsy Music 4pm. Be enchanted by fiery and dreamy gypsy music performed by the Paganini Duo underground in the Cathedral Cave. Bring something warm to wear. Adults $45, children $25.
Phone 1300 763 311  www.jenolancaves.org.au


DAFFODILS AT RYDAL
11 - 12, 18 - 19 September
Stroll through rural gardens of Karingal, Pendari, Chapel House and Bark Ridge and experience the magic of spring. Open from 10am to 4pm.
Phone (02) 6359 3237  www.rydal.com.au


CULLEN BULLEN RACEWAY
25 September
Watch the speedway action - Divisions racing super production, series, production, juniors, street stockers, compact speedcars, microsprints, dwarf cars, quarter midgets and vintage speedcars. Gates open 1.30pm, racing 4 - 10pm. Adults $12, children/pensioners $2, under 5 yrs free.
Phone (02)6359 0518 or 6359 0582


THE CAPERTEE CHALLENGE
25 - 26 September
A mountain bike challenge in the Capertee Valley, 180 kms west of Sydney, in a stunning area comprised of sandstone cliffs and abundant wildlife. This is charity event.
www.capertee-challenge.com


65TH BATHURST ANNUAL EISTEDDFOD
1 - 18 September
The Eisteddfod fosters and promotes the appreciation and enjoyment of all performing arts. It runs for three weeks, incorporating dance, speech and music, giving entrants the opportunity to showcase their talent to the community. It ends with the Grand Concert on Saturday 18 September.
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, William St.  Phone (02) 6331 5806


ALL SAINTS' COLLEGE SPRING FAIR, BATHURST
5 September 10am-3pm
Held in the grounds of the College. The fair will feature a varirty of activities, stalls and entertainment throughout the day.
All Saints' College, Eglington Rd, Bathurst.  Phone (02) 6331 3911


ASTON IN CONCERT IN BATHURST  
18 September
This highly acclaimed classical pop fusion band are touring the central west. Local girl Ella Jamieson is the keyboard player in the group alongside 2 violinists, a cellist and a timpanist/ percussion player. A concert not to be missed.  7.30pm  Adults $25, conc $20
Orchard Room, Mitchell Conservatorium, Russell St.  Phone (02)6331 6622


26th BEN CHIFLEY MEMORIAL LIGHT ON THE HILL DINNER 
18 September 
The Light on the Hill Dinner is held each year to commemorate former Prime Minister Ben Chifley. Tickets can be purchased from the office of Gerard Martin MP, Member for Bathurst, 140 William St.   
Adult $75, conc $55 (includes 3 course meal)   7pm
Bathurst Panthers. Phone (02)6331 1555


MUDGEE READERS' FESTIVAL
10 - 12 September
Official launch on Friday night. Saturday - all day book fair with second hand books, book signings and sales of author's titles. In conversation with authors incl. Caroline Jones and Wendy James. Lunch with Di Morrissey. Dinner with Tom Keneally. Sunday - public readings and launch of The Book Trail.
Contact Mudgee Visitor Information Centre. (02) 6372 1020