iMag Regions

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

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

 
Our Towns
Content Menu
Our towns
Penrith Valley
Springwood
Hazelbrook
Wentworth Falls
Leura
Katoomba
Blackheath
Lithgow
Portland
Wallerawang
Oberon
All Pages

Towns and villages in the Blue Mountains & Central West of NSW

Penrith Valley

Gone are the days when Penrith was considered a large country town, these days it’s a bustling city with something for everyone.

The Penrith Valley including Warragamba, Penrith, Emu Plains and Mulgoa is a great destination for both tourists and for those looking to relocate or “Tree Change”. Make sure you take the time to have a look around, you’ll be quite surprised at what wonderful things there are to do here. The Nepean River has always been popular for water sports and now so is Penrith Lakes at Castlereagh. Picnicking, fishing, white water rafting and canoeing, you name it, it’s available.

For keen shoppers, you can’t go past Penrith Westfields, found in the city centre, but don’t forget there are many businesses in the streets surrounding it, which are also well worth visiting. River Road, Emu Plains offers the wonderful Penrith Regional Gallery and The Lewers Bequest, with beautiful grounds and fabulous exhibitions all year round. The tourism centre is found in the carpark at Penrith Panthers, (look for the log cabin), the staff there are always willing to help with any questions you might have.

Places to visit include -

Art Galleries, Penrith Lakes, Westfield Shopping Centre, Markets and the Nepean River


The Penrith Valley Heritage Drive

The Penrith Valley Heritage Drive is an opportunity to take a drive through and visit the historic Penrith Valley. Discover the history of the area and walk in the footsteps of our pioneering settlers. The Penrith Valley Heritage Drive covers both urban and rural areas and includes heritage sites from St Marys, Penrith, Castlereagh, Emu Plains and Mulgoa.

The sites are numbered consecutively from 1 to 27 starting with Mamre Homestead near St Marys. However, you can join the route at any point and follow the numbers to complete the Drive.An informative brochure on the Heritage Drive, containing a map of the route can be obtained at the Civic Centre, Penrith City Library, St Marys Library, Mamre Homestead or the Visitors Information Centre in Panthers Carpark.

By following this Heritage Drive you will experience the urban and industrial areas of Penrith, St Marys and Emu Plains as well as the rural regions of Castlereagh and Mulgoa, with impressive vistas across the Nepean River to the Blue Mountains.

Where properties are open to the public, information about opening times and contact details can be found in the brochure. Please note other properties on the drive are operating businesses or schools and are not able to accommodate visitors. (Therefore please respect the needs of these premises and do not enter them.)

If you find there is too much to explore in one day, then why not stay for a night or two – or return another time and experience again the River, Mountains, Lakes of Penrith Valley.

Information for this article sourced from Penrith Valley Tourism -
www.penrithvalley.com.au




 

Springwood (371m)

Named by Governor Lachlan Macquarie when he camped here on his outward journey over Cox’s new road in April 1815.

He wrote in his journal:“We then haulted at three o’clock in a very pretty wooded plain near a spring of very good fresh water, and pitched our tent near the side of the road. The place being very pretty I have named it SpringWood.”

During the period of the military stockade and Boland’s Inn, Springwood was a popular stopping place for travellers along the Western Road and, particularly during the gold rush which began in the early 1850s, became at times a huge encampment of tents etc. Following the construction of the railway, Springwood became popular with the wealthy citizens of Sydney as a place to build their country homes.




 

Hazelbrook (674m)

In the 1870s a private residence, Hazelbrook House (no longer in existence), was built by Edward Higgs on the south side of the railway line. When a railway station was opened opposite it in 1884 the name Hazelbrook was adopted. There is a popular view, unsubstantiated by other than oral evidence, that Hazelbrook House took its name from a "Hazel Brook" flowing in the area that in turn got its name from "hazel-like trees" growing nearby.




 

Wentworth Falls (867m)

In May 1815 William Cox, while building a road over the Blue Mountains, erected a "weatherboard hut" as a supply depot here. Subsequently, the locality became popularly known as The Weatherboard and that name was adopted by the inn which opened here in the mid-1820s (though its official name appears to have been The Bathurst Traveller until at least the mid- 1840s).

A mounted police station was also located here from the early 1830s until 1855. A railway station was opened as Weatherboard in 1867 and, along with the township that gradually grew around it, was given the name of Wentworth Falls in 1879 in honour of William Charles Wentworth, the explorer.




 

Leura (985m)

It is said that William Eyre, who subdivided this area at the end of the 1880s, intended to call the township Lurline after his daughter. However, when the railway station was opened in 1891 it was given the name of Leura. At the end of 1892 the prestigious Leura Coffee Palace (later to become The Ritz) opened for business. It has also been suggested that "leura" is an Aboriginal word which describes the "volcanic" geology of the area.




 


Katoomba (1017m)

Early names given to this location include William’s Chimney and Collett’s Swamp, their origins unknown. From the mid-1830s there was also The Shepherd & His Flock Inn near Pulpit Hill to the west of present day Katoomba, where Louisa Meredith spent "a tolerable night’s rest" on her way to Bathurst in 1839. With the arrival of the railway a platform was opened here in 1874 as The Crushers, the name referring to a nearby quarry operating to supply ballast for the railway line. Goods trains also made The Crushers a regular stop in order to adjust their loads before the run down to Penrith.

The name Katoomba replaced The Crushers in 1877, just prior to the opening of the Katoomba Coal Mine. Katoomba is said to be Aboriginal in origin, deriving from a Gundungurra word meaning "falling waters" which was probably applied by the indigenous people to all the waterfalls in the Katoomba/Wentworth Falls area that drained into the Jamison and Kedumba Valleys. Katoomba achieved municipality status in 1889, becoming the first local government area in the Blue Mountains.




 

Blackheath (1065m)

The location of Blackheath was named by Governor Macquarie while returning from the west in 1815. On his way out he had given it the name Hounslow, after Hounslow Heath in England, but reconsidering, he wrote in his journal: "This place having a black wild appearance I have this day named it Black-Heath."

In the early 1830s Andrew Gardiner opened The Scotch Thistle Inn and in the 1840s a convict stockade was established here. A railway platform was opened in 1869. Blackheath was proclaimed a village in 1885 and achieved municipal status in 1919.




 


Lithgow

With tranquil vista’s and serene landscapes the environment that surrounds the Lithgow Valley is abundant in wildlife and picturesque mountain panorama’s. Enjoy a visit to the many other areas of interest both cultural, natural and historical within the area.


State Mine Heritage Park

See the lives of those who worked below the ground to recover the black diamond. Established in 1916, State Mine was one of the biggest coal suppliers in NSW. After severe floods in 1964, the mine was deemed dangerous and ceased operations. Today the site is a museum to the history of coal mining in Lithgow. State Mine is open weekends from 10am to 4pm


Blackfellows Hands Reserve

Three Aboriginal tribes were the original occupants of the Lithgow region, Wiradjuri to the west, Dhurag to the east and Gundungurra to the south. The region was a passageway for these tribes. Within Lithgow there are many Aboriginal sites including rock shelters, burial grounds, carved trees and rock.

Blackfellows Hands Cave was a meeting place for the Aboriginal tribes of the area. The rock overhang features a number of hands and weapons painted onto the cave. The area is a reserve under the control of National Parks and Wildlife.

Eskbank House

Come and be swept up by the nostalgia that is Eskbank House & Museum. Constructed in 1842 the museum gives an insight into the life and times of the Houses early residents. On display is the Nationally significant Lithgow Pottery Collection including jelly moulds, teapots, bowls andplatters. Lithgow pottery is highly sought after by collectors and galleries. Eskbank House Museum is open from Wed to Sat from 10am to 4pm.

Lithgow Small Arms Museum

In 1912, the Government built the Small Arms Factory in Lithgow to manufacture weapons and small arms. These days on display in the museum is a collection of military weapons and small arms, plus other displays include sewing machines, golf irons and handcuffs that were manufactured on the site. The Small Arms Factory Museum is open from10am to 4pm, weekends and 10am to 2pm Tues, Thurs.

Lithgow Visitor Information Centre Great Western Highway, Lithgow

The visitors centre features “The Big Miners Lamp”. The lamp draws on Lithgow’s history of our mining heritage.

Call into the Visitors Centre for further information on the Lithgow and Blue Mountains region.




 

Portland

Just over the Blue Mountains, and only 20mins on from Lithgow you will find the historic village of Portland.

Here you will find the ‘Signs of Yesteryear’, these beautifully painted signs have featured in Australian Geographic and really are something to see. So come and have a wander around and then have a cuppa at the bakery or stay for lunch at the Coronation Hotel (delicious meals), then check out our newly revamped RSL.




 


Wallerawang

“Wang” as locals like to call it has a fabulous butcher, a great bakery and the most beautiful lake scheme around the town.

On Sundays there is sailing, or you can go any time for a picnic, a ride on your bike, there is a great childrens playground and an off leash area for your dog. There are ducks to feed and you can also camp here. Some weekends there are groups with model planes flying around over the lake. It’s very much a family place and the facilities are second to none.

The people here are always friendly and this is where you will find Black Gold Cabins.
A great place to visit or stay!




 


Oberon

Oberon was aptly named after the King of Shadows and Fairies in Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It was proclaimed a village in 1863 and, at 1,113 metres above sea level, is the highest Blue Mountains township. The shire is home to Jenolan caves, Abercrombie River National Park and Kanangra Boyd National Park, with some of Australia's most spectacular scenery and includes many delightful small villages. With its own good shopping and services, friendly locals and so many comforts at hand, Oberon is a great place to stop, recharge and reflect on the bounties of nature.

The Oberon area is probably best known for one of the finest cave systems in the world, Jenolan Caves where guided tours and adventure caving experiences are available along with scenic bush walks. But Oberon is also close to Wombeyan and Abercrombie Caves which are also fine examples of Karst cave systems.

Five kilometres west of Jenolan Caves a 26km road heads south along the Boyd Plateau into the spectacular Kanangra Boyd National Park. From the Kanangra Walls car park a short easy wheelchair-friendly walk leads you to the lookout with excellent views to the Blue Mountains beyond.

Mushrooming in the State Forests is a popular activity from January – May each year and a pamphlet is available at the Visitors Centre. Lake Oberon is noted for its brown and rainbow trout which can be fished all year round and there are also picnic and barbecue facilities.

A 23km trip north west of Oberon along the Bathurst Road brings you to the village of O’Connell an historic village classified by the National Trust. Tarana situated in a picturesque valley, 21km north of Oberon is a popular spot to stop for a bite to eat at the Tarana Hotel.

Ask at the award winning Oberon Visitor Information Centre for more information. You will be surprised at the range of information these helpful people are able to tell you about this area, places to visit and things to do.

Mushrooming in the State forests’ Pine Plantations

The huge area of State Forests pine plantations provides an ideal environment for exotic wood mushrooms - prized in Europe and coveted by top Sydney restaurants.

Between late January and early May, Saffron Milk Cap (Lactarius deliciosus) and Bolete (Boletus portentosus) emerge to be picked. (State Forests ask visitors to keep clear of areas being tree-felled, park cars right on the edge of the road and remove your rubbish.)There are many colourful mushrooms and other fungi in the forest, wonderful photographic subjects but should not be eaten.It cannot be emphasised strongly enough that you must correctly identify your mushrooms. Some mushrooms contain toxins and will make you extremely sick. So be very careful – if there is any doubt about the identity of the fungi you have collected, don’t eat them, just admire them for their beauty.
A leaflet and advice is available from the Oberon Visitor Centre.

Mushrooming tips
• When it comes to mushrooms: If in doubt, throw it out!
Some mushrooms contain toxins and will make you extremely sick. Correct identification is very important!n Careful not to get lost, have a mushrooming buddy with you.

• The best time to collect mushrooms from the  pine plantations is in autumn after rain.

• Ensure you park well to the side of the road to avoid timber trucks.

• The better areas for mushrooms are where pines are reasonably mature (more than 10 years old), which has allowed good mushroom growing needle matter to build up.

• While mushrooming, please note that any timber in the area cannot be taken out of the plantations without a permit. Removal of bush rock from State forests is not permitted. You can buy Forests NSW’ Central West Forest Map from Oberon Visitor’s Centre.

If you are having trouble identifying a mushroom, let the staff at the Oberon Visitor’s Centre help you out.
 
 
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