Sydney & Blue Mountains - May by iMag Publications Pty Ltd

May 2012

Sydney, Blue Mountains & Central West Inside:

Lithgow the Two Campus Learning City

Enjoy Mothers Day Page 35

National Alpaca Week Page 45

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John Olsen Collection at Falls Gallery Page 15 www.bluemountainsimag.com.au 1

Welcome to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Our Way, Our Story and Your Journey Origin of Muggadah: Gedumbah is the name of the valley at Echo Point. Also known as Kedumba, Godoomba and Katoomba. The basin bounded by Echo Point and Sublime Point east of the Sisters is Gundungurra women’s country. Further east from Kings Tablelands to Nepean River is called Muggadah. Who we are: Muggadah Indigenous Tour is Aboriginal owned and operated by Gundungurra people. Our strong traditional knowledge, coupled with a remarkable understanding of contemporary Aboriginal issues; place us in a unique position to provide the ultimate Aboriginal cultural experience that highlights the true authenticity of our culture, heritage, spirituality and connection to country. Our culturally significant walks are conducted at an enjoyable pace and you will have the opportunity to view Gundungurra cultural sites along the way. We will also identify native plants

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and animals and explain our relationship to them. Our ancient Country is an identification of our physical and spiritual relationship with the land. This landscape reflects the spirit of Gundungurra. Gundungurra traditional lands are made up of a number of clan groups and kinship lines and our lands are a part of the World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park. Tours: We visit the world famous “Three Sisters” known to Gundungurra women as the “Seven Sisters” – Gunar. Leura cascades through the eyes of the Traditional caretakers of the Gundungurra lands. How Nadgyung – water was used and what its purpose was. Gunyanlung – our dreaming and creation. You will have the time of your life with fantastic views of our lands and the opportunity to experience at first hand the uniqueness and the real deal of Gundungurra people by participating in our guided walks. Muggadah Aboriginal Tours are expanding into the Oberon/Lithgow Region. We are developing the ultimate ‘Aboriginal cultural experience’ that highlights the preservation of Gundungurra 14 clan groups cultural, heritage, spirituality and connection to these lands including developing a new

website and new apps. Stage 1 is Mapping Country while Stage 2 is Development and implementation of an Aboriginal cultural tour that is Gundungurra specific for the Lithgow and Oberon Region including Jenolan Caves. This process was chosen as a framework to continue in developing and increasing Gundungurra people’s involvement as an important feature in the life of the Community. We are now providing appropriate dances at the Six Foot Track Eco Lodge the first Sunday of the month for Life’s an Adventure Tour groups. We will also continue to provide Cultural and Educational Camps.

Bookings

Monday – Sunday. Cost: $30.00 per adult, $40 per adult on weekend $15.00 child/student/concession bookings are essential on Muggadah Tours – 0247 822 413 or 0448 786 010 email: Kathleen@muggadahtours.com.au www.muggadahtours.com.au

The Jenolan Caves Mural Jenolan are not resting on their laurels after their wonderful wins at the local State and National Tourism awards. They are right into working on more innovations. After our detailed mapping of country we are proud to announce our plans with Jenolan Caves to provide a huge mural to depict our creation story of the area.

Thomas Brown has also made an animation telling the story of the mural and hopes to further develop that to huge screen size. Thomas plans to use it as a back drop to the dance troupe and the band that is playing the music behind the dancers. He has big aspirations for the performance side of the dreaming stories as well as the visual side. Our first Gig will be the 27th of May at The Winter Ball at The Fairmont.

This artwork depicts a Dreamtime Story of The Creation of The Jenolan Caves and the surrounding Landscape of The Blue Mountains Mirragan ① chased Garangatch ② across the land. They had many great battles ③ along the way ④ and had created a new landscape as they did so. Garangatch made rivers with high sides and Mirragan’s feet made holes/caves in the sides of them with every step as he chased after Garangatch. At the end of this journey Garangatch sought help from his friends and relatives ⑤ at their waterhole ⑥ He dove down as deep as he could making their waterhole bigger. After hearing his story they quickly began to cover him all over with mud to hide him from Mirragan. Mirragan could not reach Garangatch so he went to find some of his friends. Gundhareen the black duck ⑦, Billagoola the shag ⑧ and Goonarring the wood duck ⑨ who were

all great divers returned with Mirragan to the waterhole. Goonaring was the first to dive into the water but failed to get close. Gundhareen was next to dive in. Although he was a great diver he also could not get close to Garangatch. It was then Billagoola’s turn. He was the greatest diver of them all. He dived down very deep into the water and was able to see Garangatch but ran out of breath and had to surface. He told Mirragan that he had seen Garangatch wedged tightly into the rocks at the bottom of the waterhole and that his relatives and friends were very busy trying to cover him all over with mud to try and hide him in the deep water. Mirragan pleaded with Billagoola to try again, explaining that the flesh from Garangatch was the

best he had ever tasted. Billagoola then flew very high up into the sky and dived into the water once again. This time he was able to go much further than before and he tore some flesh from Garangatch as he tried to pull him out of the rocks he was wedged into. When he returned to the surface Mirragan was delighted with Billagoola but was unhappy when told that Garangatch had dug himself further into the rocks and it would be impossible to bring him to the surface. So they left him there and all sat down for a huge feast on the flesh Billagoola was able to get. When they finished the feast and after a rest they all went their separate ways back home. Garangatch is still believed to be resting in the waterhole known as Joolundoo. © Thomas Brown

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Lake Lyell © Margaret Edwards

From the Editor May Right now there are so many excellent ways to really enjoy yourselves and to share enjoyment. Mothers Day is a great family conference time to agree to do something different. There are lots of options in this magazine and Mum may even have a number of surprises in store for her – why not? Have a good think what it really means and how much. This month’s front cover celebrates two universities’ blessing Lithgow the Learning City. The renowned University of Notre Dame has had a campus in Lithgow for five years with graduates, including some staying on, one who goes into our mines. Now they are to have their own purpose built building to be operational the same year that UWS opens a two storey Outreach campus in the remodelled heritage Hoskins Institute building. The possibilities and inspiration that can come from this! For those not going to Uni, we offer plenty of options to expand your minds, enrich your souls, challenge your bodies, develop your palates, even to relax and unwind. On page 2 and 3 Muggadah Tours and Jenolan Caves are further building on

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Contents

their success and have exciting new plans to add new dimensions to their cultural experiences and tours. At the Winter Ball on 27 May the final winners in our Win a Bufori will be drawn and celebrated. I am looking forward to being there. You still have a chance! Check out our online Accommodation Guide, for different ideas to tempt you all through the state. Its bookings and web pages are direct, without any fees or charges. We also have new Riverside Theatres winners announced. Good Luck! Drive safely, live and love well and make every day count…and good luck in finding your answers! Join us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and check out our web for more information.

Independently owned franchise Published by Imag Publications Editor: Margaret Edwards Phone/Fax: (02) 6359 3399 Mobile: 0411 858 140 Administration: Kevin Edwards Email: salesbmimag@bigpond.com PO Box 602, Lithgow NSW 2790

PLEASE NOTE: Deadline for Copy/Changes - 1st of the month prior to month of publication

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MONTHLY

Material in this publication is copyright and may not be published or reproduced in any form without the express permission of the publishers. Circulation, an average of 15,000 - 20,000 copies distributed monthly throughout the Region as well as major tourism information centres in Sydney, Canberra and country NSW. Information supplied by others for this magazine is published in good faith. Whilst every endeavour has been made to ensure absolute accuracy of this information, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from omissions or inadvertent errors contained herein. Printed by Spotpress, 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place, Marrickville, NSW © Imag Publications Pty Ltd 2012 Subscription to magazine $30 per year.

Kevin

Greater Blue Mountains WH 2 Hills & Hawkesbury 6 Parramatta 10 Penrith Valley 11 Lower Blue Mountains 12 Wentworth Falls 14 Leura Village 16 Katoomba 19 Blackheath to Mt Victoria 21 Main Map 24 Mount Tomah 26 Mount Wilson 27 Hartley & Surrounds 28 Lithgow 30 TWO CAMPUS City of Learning 33 Wallerawang & Portland 34 Mothers Day 35 Taste the Blue Mountains 36 Oberon 38 Bathurst to Mudgee 40 Orange & Districts 42 National Alpaca Week 45 What’s on 46 Markets 47

FREE Information Guide

Download

the latest from our new website

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Fairmont Resort MGallery: Fairmontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transformation of its 210 guest rooms, conference rooms and public spaces is complete. With warm welcoming lounge & bar areas including the newly refurbished & iconic embers fireside bar taking pride of place, Fairmont is the ideal place to enjoy fireside drinks, a cocktail or casual dinner with friends and family. Try Modern Australian in Eucalypt restaurant by executive Chef Rebecca Kaye or enjoy a decadent weekend High Tea Service in Sublime Lounge for some much needed respite from the crowds in Leura over the weekend. Fairmont in particular have been pleased about working with some local partners like Josophans Fine Chocolates in Leura as well as Local Segway Tour operators Tracks and Trails who are based at the Resort and Spa Sublime in its massage treatment room plus Golf at nearby Leura Golf Club to bring a point of difference to the area in terms of activities and experiencesâ&#x20AC;Ś.

Some upcoming events are as follows, Mothers Day Sunday 13th May Pink themed High Tea $45pp. 2 seatings 12-2pm and 2.30-4.30pm. Mothers Day High Tea in Sublime Lounge & Bar - With a Pink theme to support Pink Ribbon Breast cancer awareness with some of the proceeds going to the 'woman's breast cancer

association'. Includes a glass of sparkling wine - $45 per person. Mothers day Buffet Lunch in Jamisons Mothers day Sunday lunch buffet in Jamison's restaurant - $65 per person, $29 per child, 0-4 eat free. Includes a complimentary glass of wine. For reservations or bookings call 4785 0000 or visit Fairmont's new website www.fairmontresort.com.au

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Hills & Hawkesbury In March 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip set off to find more suitable land for agriculture and travelled up the Hawkesbury River as far as Dangar Island. He returned the following year and navigated the river to a point upstream of Windsor. Governor Phillip

Dural Visitor Information Centre 656a Old Northern Road, Dural, NSW Located in the grounds of historic Roughley House. Ph: (02) 9651 4411 e: info@hhart.com.au w: www.hhart.com.au

Rouse Hill Visitor Information Centre 16 Bellcast Road, Rouse Hill, NSW (off Windsor Rd) Located in historic Mungerie House. Ph: (02) 8814 6909 e: info@hhart.com.au w: www.hhart.com.au

For FREE information on the Hills, Hawkesbury and Riverlands region such as maps, brochures, bushwalks and more drop into one of our Visitor Information Centres. Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/HillsHawkesbury Join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/hillshawkesbury

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and his party reached this area by boat on 6th July 1789 and named it Green Hills. He was impressed with its farming potential and quickly arranged for food production to begin in order to relieve the shortages in Port Jackson. Governor Macquarie named the settlement Windsor in 1810. This was the start of the Hawkesbury Hills District, still a rich production area for food and a wonderful playground. Visit the Information Centres at Dural, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Hornsby and Clarendon for more information. Surrounded by 10 National parks an hour’s drive from Sydney, the area provides a wide range of recreational pursuits. Encircled by noteworthy national parks - Dharug to the north and east, Yengo to the north-west, Cattai to the west, and Marramarra to the south Wisemans Ferry is a rustic village on one of the country's most famous waterways. A favourite Sydneysider retreat,

both its rural charm and the hotel's famous ghost, remain intact. Typically Australian sandstone escarpments ring the village, providing a unique view of authentic country lifestyle less than 40 minutes north-west of Hornsby. The area abounds in Aboriginal and European history. The 4850ha Dharug National Park contains 16km of the convict-built Old Great North Road that once connected Sydney and Newcastle. As the third settlement in the Colony, Hawkesbury area is full of history and heritage as well as farm trails and artisan trails of great diversity. The visitor Centre staff are trained to help you find activities to suit you. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Hawkesburyvalley Way, Clarendon Phone 4578 0233 or 1300 362 874 www.hawkesburytourism.com.au hawkesburytourism@pacific. net.au Open 7 days a week

...will take you there!

What to See & Do

Visit the historic buildings: Macquarie Arms Hotel 1815, Windsor Court House 1821 and The Toll House 1835. St Monicas Church 1859 or Richmond Court House circa 1877, Macquarie Schoolhouse 1819 and Australia's oldest church Ebenezer Church built 1809 Have a meal at Hogs Breath and enjoy the amazing panoramic Views Stay in a romantic B&B and get away from it all Walk the Great North Road, built by convicts in chain gangs

2012 “Back to Back ” Wool Challenge & Apple Pie Bake-Off Fund Raiser The “Back to Back” is on again on Sunday 3rd June, @ The Turpentine Tree, 1665 Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Heights, shearing starts at 8 am. Apple Pie winners announced before noon and then you can bid on the winning pie. Tai Chi & Zumba demonstrations, craft stalls & great food, live music and “Fun with Wool” activities for kids. Wheelchair friendly. Gold coin donation and all money raised for Prostate Cancer Research, Cancer Council NSW.

Be Relieved Balanced Essentials is an Australianowned aromatherapy company devoted to health and wellbeing, using the highest quality therapeutic essential oils in its extensive range of natural products for the face and body. The results of our groundbreaking research on our pain-relief products, BE Relieved and BE Sport, were recently featured on Channel Nine's A Current Affair. BE Relieved is a topical application that is applied to the area where pain is located to help treat pain and inflammation. It is especially beneficial at night when you need a good night's sleep to help with recovery as it contains active ingredients that are sedative in nature. $59.50 inc. GST Balanced Essentials began as a vision in May 1996 to provide a balance between conventional and alternative therapy and to create, market and provide a special range of aromatherapy and essential oil products that lead the world in quality and therapeutic efficacy, enhancing the life experience of all people by introducing them to the benefits of essential oil solutions to balance health and emotions, supporting them in their quest to take charge of their own health and well-being.

Top quality resort with a country feel So many different great things to do! Perfect for all your Special Occasions Wisemans Ferry Golf Club

Charity Golf Open 2012 Proceeds to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Accommodation Packages at the Retreat from $49.50pp

Call us now: 45 66 44 22

www.wisemans.com.au For a great range of deals visit www.wisemans.com.au or call (02) 45 66 44 22 Rate valid for bookings from June - August 2011, subject to availability. * Conditions apply

BE RELIEVED - Natural Pain Relief - Arthritis - Back Pain/Sciatica - Headaches/Migraine - Cuts & Abrasions - Insect Bites & Stings As Seen On A Current Affair 3050 Old Northern Road, Glenorie www.aroma.com.au - be@aroma.com.au

Phone 9652 0555

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Magical encounters at Featherdale Visit Featherdale in the cooler months to meet some characters that are truly Masters of Disguise. The Animal Kingdom can be a dangerous place where only the fittest manage to survive. While some animals rely on their sheer size to ward off predators, others must rely on cunning and the ability to change their appearance in order to stay alive. Using skin covering as camouflage to blend in with the surrounding environment is one of the most effective ways animals are able to hide from both predator and prey. The Tawny Frogmouth is a perfect example. Whilst their appearance is very similar to that of an Owl, they are in fact part of the Nightjar family. The Bird’s mottled grey plumage forms a perfect invisibility cloak, allowing the Tawny to blend in with a tree branch while it awaits unsuspecting prey to approach. It will then swoop down, catching dinner in its beak. Not only does this camouflage assist in hunting, it also provides protection from predators during the daytime when the bird is resting. Two heads are better than one, or so it would seem when it comes to the Shingle Back Lizard. The lizard’s brownish scales give it a pinecone

appearance while its short, rounded tail is in similar proportion to its head. The Lizard’s extraordinary two-headed appearance allows it to perform a clever sleight of hand trick by confusing predators as to the whereabouts of its head. If you’re after an encounter of the Furred kind, you can’t go past the iconic Koala. A sedentary animal, the Koala sleeps for an average of 18-20

hours each day. Preferring a diet of gum leaves, the Koala spends its life high up in the safety and relative obscurity of the Eucalyptus Tree. Its grey fur and ability to remain still while sleeping, allows the Koala to blend in remarkably well with tree foliage. Featherdale is located at 217 Kildare Road Doonside. Visit www.featherdale. com.au check us out on Facebook or call 02 9622 1644 for more information.

a wildlife encounter like no other

for Cuddle up to a Koaladay FREE at anytime of encounter Enjoy a face to face bats, om with Crocodiles, W Tasmanian Devils... Open daily 9am-5pm (closed Christmas Day) eeding Br ala Ko w ne d an Br 217 Kildare Road, Doonside, Sydney NSW 2767 Habitat now open!

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Farm Trails... What's Happening at Mamre House Grow it, Pick it, Eat it

Wildlife Shows

Fine Dining Evenings

Segway Dude

Second Saturday of each Month $25 10.30am – 12 noon

2 June, 22 September, 8 December from 6.30pm

Every Sunday 11am & 1.30pm www.featheredfriends. com.au July 2011 - July 2012

www.segwaydude.com.au

NOW OPEN SATURDAYS

Mothers Day Sunday 13 May, book now

181 Mamre Road, Orchard Hills Ph 9670 5321 • www.mamre.com.au

Drop in for coffee or maybe breakfast, lunch or dinner. Dine in the gallery or take in the magnificent views to Sydney from the back verandah. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9-5pm Dinner Friday & Saturday from 6.30pm 83 Old Bells Line of Road Kurrajong Village Phone 4573 0988

www.sassafrascreek.com.au

Unique 170 year old abattoir on-site and working. Both local andTO THE HAWKESBURY’S YOUR GUIDE FINEST WORKSHOPS, STUDIOS & GALLERIES NSW beef, Lamb, Pork and Goat with occasional Seasonal prawns and a great variety of sausages. M&A Butchery Unbeatable prices. 62 King Road, Wilberforce Mon-Fri 7.00-6.00 Sat 7.00-2.00

02 4575 1233

Set in 8 ha of manicured, landscaped gardens, a perfect environment for business or pleasure, the romantic weekend escape, conference venue or special event. An array of facilities and services including the renowned Villa Thalgo Day Spa, Harvest Restaurant for a la carte dining or the Gazebo Restaurant for a light snack.

61 Richmond Rd, Windsor Phone 02 4577 4222 www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Parramatta Foundation of Parramatta Parramatta & District Historical Society Family History Group meets on the first Saturday of each month at 1.30pm in the Hambledon Coach House Gregory Place Parramatta. Ample parking and everyone welcome. Enquiries: Kerry 98963321, Jan 9683-7645 Parramatta was founded in 1788 by Governor Arthur Phillip as a western outlying farm colony of Sydney. Initially it was called Rose Hill and was renamed Parramatta, an Aboriginal word meaning “head of waters,” or “the place where eels lie down”, the year after it was proclaimed a town in 1790. It was incorporated as a municipality in 1861, became a city in 1938 and was expanded in 1948, 1959, and 1972 by the inclusion of surrounding centres. Now Parramatta is a city within Sydney’s metropolitan area. It lies along the 15-mile or 24-km Parramatta River, which enters Port Jackson harbour. The Parramatta River Cat ferry takes passengers from Parramatta to Sydney along the River. The River Cat is a scenic and relaxing way to explore the waterways . Ferries are cheap and certainly a fast and pleasant way to travel all over Sydney. There are many pleasant places to eat, shop and even go to the theatre along the Parramatta River, not to mention stroll, fish or simply relax. Parramatta is famous for a wide variety of retail and dining options! Parramatta has many historic buildings, including Elizabeth Farm (Built in 1793, it is the nation’s oldest surviving European building). Old Government House (Built in 1799, it is the oldest public building in Australia). Experiment Farm Cottage (Built in 1834 it is the site of the first land grant). Hambledon Cottage (Built in 1824 by John and Elizabeth Macarthur for Penelope Lucas, governess to the Macarthur children.The Kings School (1832). As Parramatta is once again

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www.bluemountainsimag.com.au becoming a more important city centre and larger business buildings are being built, fascinating pieces of Parramatta’s past are being literally unearthed. In the foyer of some of the new buildings you will see glass around what was discovered and in the Justice Precinct you will find the remains of the earliest convict hospitals on display. The Parramatta Visitor Information Centre can tell you more about where to find these or for more information visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au

Riverside Theatres Riverside Theatres has a dazzling series of musical performances and concerts as the first installment of their music program, BIG NOTES featuring a diverse range of sounds and rhythms, embracing pop, Broadway tunes, rock, classical & blues. This dynamic program includes a range of talented Australian and international musicians like Jon English, Christie Whelan and Peter Cousens. The exciting line up of live music will have audiences enjoying a glorious selection of pop, Broadway tunes, rock and blues. Highlights include the enigmatic Christie Whelan’s Britney Spears: The Cabaret, during which Britney’s hits are transformed into cabaret songs and intertwined into the fabric of her life story. Peter Cousens celebrates the magic of Broadway with Sunday on Broadway in June. Not to be missed this July is Rock Revolution starring Jon English, a great evening of 60’s and 70’s rock’n’roll. Bookings: Riverside Theatres Box Office on 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au Our 2012 Riverside Big Notes winners are Lynne Wiltshire who won online and Peter Gibbs of Mandurama. They will now choose the four shows they wish to attend with a guest from the subscription series. Congratulations Lynne and Peter!

WIN SUBSCRIPTIONS TO 2012 RIVERSIDE BIG NOTES

Two lucky readers can win a taste of the Riverside season, winning double tickets to the Big Notes 2012 season. One winner will come from postal entry with name, address and phone on back of envelope sent to Blue Mountains iMAG, PO Box 602, Lithgow NSW 2790. One winner will come from online entry to salesbmimag@ bigpond.com stating why this should be the winning entry. Entries will be over this month and next. Winners will be announced in iMag June edition.

What to See & Do

Try the ferry. A beautiful way to get around a lot of places. Take a walk in Parramatta park with its historic gatehouse, ponds and Old Government House, the oldest surviving government building in the country, finely furnished. Check out Riverside theatres and restaurant. Take a walk along the river while you’re there. Visit Experiment Farm and Elizabeth Farm. Olympic Park is an experience in itself, close to Parramatta, on the ferry. Parramatta Farmers’ Markets, produce, arts, crafts and more. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 346A Church St, Parramatta Ph: (02) 8839 3311 Fax: (02) 8839 3301 Email: discoverparramatta@ parracity.nsw.gov.au

...will take you there!

Penrith Valley It’s always a pleasure to welcome visitors to Penrith Valley. It’s the harmony of urban and rural lifestyles, our rivers, mountains and lakes, great shopping, educational facilities, entertainment and diverse housing choices that make Penrith Valley a great place to live, work, visit and invest. Located 55 kilometres west of Sydney, Penrith Valley is the place where two of Greater Sydney’s most spectacular features converge. One is the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains; the other is the Nepean River, one of eastern Australia’s great rivers. These natural features give Penrith Valley a relaxed, rural feeling, with the benefit of city standard facilities available in the City of Penrith. Penrith Valley has a full range of activities and events to make your stay, enjoyable, relaxing and exciting. Try whitewater rafting, cycling, boating or have a picnic by the water. For some retail therapy explore the many markets, pick up a bargain at a factory outlet or visit one of our major retail shopping centres. For a cultural experience, take in a show or spend the afternoon at our art gallery. In the evening, check out the local nightclubs, the various live entertainment venues, a woolshed dance or the cinema complex. There is something on offer to suit all ages and tastes.

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Taste and buy Japan style Sake made here in Penrith from Australian rice at the Sun Masamune Sake Brewery Visit the excellent Penrith City Library Enjoy a Family Astronomy Night at the local observatory Penrith’s riverside parks provide wonderful places for a family picnic Sailability? Try your hand at sailing at the International Regatta Centre Attend a performance at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre Panthers Leagues Club have some great entertainment Penrith RSL have an amazing range of performers

Check out Model Park Open Day for model trains, planes, boats & cars in action Visit Tench Reserve to view the magnificent Nepean River Cruise on the Nepean River aboard either the Nepean Belle or Penrith Platypus Follow the Award Winning Visitor Centre on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/penrithvalley VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Panthers Carpark, Mulgoa Road, Penrith Open 7 days 9am – 4.30pm Email: pentour@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au www.penrithvalley.com.au Ph: 1300 736 836

...will take you there!

Wildlife Show Every Sunday @ Mamre Homestead 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills 2748 Turn onto Mamre Rd from the M4 (Sydney to Blue Mountains)

See Touch & Interact with Australia's Wildlife!

What to See & Do Visit the award winning Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre for a range of experiences Visit Outback Steakhouse for excellent fresh food and celebrations

11am - 1.30pm, from March 11th 2012 - Just turn up! No bookings required! Adults $12 - Children (4-12) $8 - Kids under 3 FREE! For additional details call us on (02) 9826 1864 or visit www.featheredfriends.com.au www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Lower Blue Mountains

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What to See & Do

SPRINGWOOD

Winner of the

2009

CLUB and

ENTERTAINMENT

VENUE OF THE YEAR

Membership: 1 year $10 5 years $40 Featuring

*Indoor and Alfresco Dining Areas *Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials *Superb Function Rooms *FREE Live Entertainment Fri and Sat *Poker, Trivia, Raffles and Bingo *Gaming Lounge *2 Bowling Greens *Courtesy Bus 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood NSW 2777 Tel:( 02) 4751 1298 Fax (02) 4751 2295 Email: admin@springwoodsports.com.au www.springwoodsports.com.au

Do you know that the giant bolts in the rocks as you begin to climb the Mountains are there to stabilise the Lapstone Monocline ? The walking track from John Whitton Memorial Place leads you to the Knapsack Viaduct. (Lapstone) Bluff Lookout (on the boundary of Glenbrook and Lapstone) overlooks the Glenbrook Gorge and Glenbrook Creek. Adjacent to Warrimoo Station is Ardill Park, which recently re-landscaped - a great resting place for the family. Don’t miss the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, Ride the Valley Heights Tram VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook Centre open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5pm and 8.30am - 4.30pm Weekends and Public Holidays Ph: 1300 653 408

...will take you there!

The Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum

Selwood Science

A magnificent collection of paintings, sculpture and ship models displayed in the artist’s former home.

Hands on Fun for all the Family

• Landscaped Grounds • Cafe • Specialist Print and Book Shop • Home of ‘The Magic Pudding’

& Puzzles

OPEN 10am - 4pm Thurs - Mon.

OPEN Every Day in School Holidays except Closed Christmas, Boxing,New Years Day, Good Friday & Anzac Day

Ph 4758 6235

www.selwoodscience.com.au

Open Daily 10am to 4pm (02) 4751 1067

41 Railway Pde, Hazelbrook (turn under the railway bridge at the traffic lights at Hazelbrook then left to 41 Railway Parade)

Puzzles · Science Kits · Books · Displays

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National Trust

14 Norman Lindsay Cres. Faulconbridge

Yoga For Wellbeing Judy Holman took her initial training through the Sarasvati Yoga Society (trained by Swami Saraswati) and is now a Member Yoga Australia, Assoc Member Satyananda Yoga Teachers Association Purna Yoga 1 & 2 Yoga Therapy. She has been teaching in Blaxland for the past 11 years. Her General Yoga class is moving to Blaxland High School, 3/9 Coughlan Road Blaxland (previously taught at Sharon Burridge Hall) Wednesday evenings 6.30pm - 8pm. The new term begins on 2 May. She will be taking registrations of interest for a meditation workshop and one for Year 11 & 12 students to assist with exam stress (uni students are welcome but she would like to help school children as the priority). She is also a Reiki Master and a member of the Australian Reiki Connection and is prepared to take appointments to people's homes when the need is there.

YOGA Reduce exam stress, strengthen your body and calm your mind General Class Wed nights 6.30pm 8pm, Blaxland High School, Blaxland Bring a yoga mat and blanket. For all ages. $17.00 for 1½hr lesson.

www.hathayoga.net.au Enquiries: 0416 061 035

Who will win the Jewel in the crown?

Each month all valid entry tickets have been entered into a draw to win a special Blue Mountains Bufori number plate and a weekend stay and sightseeing package valued at $500 to personally collect their plate. THE FINAL DRAW IS AT THE END OF APRIL AT FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK. There will also be a second chance draw to include all valid tickets received. At the end of the competition, all 10 number plates will be entered into a final draw to take place at the tourism organisation’s annual winter ball on May 27. All lucky number plate holders will be invited to the ball to see which lucky plate is drawn and who becomes a proud Bufori owner. To enter the “Win a Bufori...and see where it takes you” competition simply visit a participating business and spend $50 or more for an official entry ticket. Fill in the ticket and either lodge it in a specially noted entry box at one of the five visitor information centres throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region or post to the address on the back.

Win a

Sportscar ...and see where it takes you!

Classy beauty with modern technology, the Bufori MKIII La Joya could be yours. Photo: Blue Mountains, Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

HER name means “the jewel” in Spanish, her body classically curvy and sleek. But the Bufori MKIII La Joya is a contemporary hot fuelled rev-head who can carve up the road as well as any modern peer. And she could be yours if you win the Blue Mountains, Lithgow & Oberon Tourism Win a Bufori and see where it takes you competition. Handcrafted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the MKIII La Joya is a 1930s-style modern luxury sports car looking Great Gatsby but with all the grunt of a V6 engine. The first Bufori was built in 1987 by automobile enthusiast Gerry Khouri in his Sydney garage as a hobby. While it was not copied from a specific model, Gerry designed the car along the lines of early 1930s classic cars but with state-of-the-art engineering and technology. Soon, his brothers Anthony and George joined him in building cars for motor enthusiasts. Today, Bufori boasts that its cars rival those of Ferrari and Maserati, with the La Joya the jewel in its crown. The new owner of the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Tourism MKIII La Joya will take home a masterpiece which took about four months to handcraft. Beneath the refined classic look, the Bufori La Joya discretely incorporates state-of-the-art technology. The heart of the La Joya is a 2.7 litre quad cam 172hp V6 engine mid-mounted just ahead of the rear axle. The independent double wishbone suspensions are adjustable. La Joya’s body is made from a carbon fibre and Kevlar composite material, a technology developed by Bufori. The result is a light and ultra-resistant body moulded to form crumple zones at strategic spots to absorb energy and protect passengers in case of a crash. That means only the damaged part of the body would need to be remoulded and replaced, a highly cost-effective method. Contemporary safety features include an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system. In the rare case of a flat tyre (tyres are Kevlar enforced), the Conti Kit quickly and easily inflates a punctured tyre. Only three car models worldwide feature this device.

Visit www.visitbluemountains.com.au/winabufori.php for more details www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Wentworth Falls

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Wentworth Falls, one of the most beautiful Blue Mountains towns, offers possibly the most spectacular bushwalks and views. Originally called ‘Weatherboard’ after the ‘Weatherboard Hut’ built in 1814, a year later the town was named ‘Jamison’s Valley’ by Governor Macquarie. In July 1867 the historic first railway journey in the Blue Mountains left Penrith station and travelled through to Weatherboard Station where the train terminated. It wasn’t until 1879 that the name was changed to Wentworth Falls in honour of William Charles Wentworth. The area

known as ‘Kings Tableland’ offers almost haunting views. Care must be taken within this area to preserve the ancient Aboriginal site, Kings Table. It has been calculated via carbon dating that the land was occupied some 22,000 years ago! Further west along the Great Western Highway on the north side is Pitt Park and the Wentworth Falls School of Arts. ‘The Bathurst Traveller’, later renamed ‘Weatherboard Inn’ was an inn Built in 1826 at Pitt Park. Charles Darwin, the renowned scientist was reported to have stayed here around 1836.

What to See & Do

The Conservation Hut

The ‘Hut’ was originally built in the early 1960’s by members of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society as a place for bushwalkers to visit during their walk. The original hut was destroyed by fire and replaced in the late 80’s. The current building was designed to fit in with its natural environment, part of the design was also to house two magnificent paintings by Reinis Zusters. The paintings

were donated to the people of the Blue Mountains in thanks for providing Reinis and his wife a home after WW2. It remains home to the Blue Mountains Conservation Society who hold meetings, open to everyone, here on the last Friday of every month. Whether starting or finishing a walk, our menu caters for a range of needs.

The perfect start or finish point for the many stunning bushwalks in the area, including the award-winning National Pass, The Conservation Hut cafe is located at the top of the Valley of the Waters in Wentworth Falls and has wide-ranging views over the Jamison Valley, part of the beautiful and World-heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park.

Enjoy the fabulous sunsets from the Conservation Hut. With the numerous spectacular walks and views within Wentworth Falls, visitors should allow at least a day to enjoy the area at leisure. From Falls Road start the Charles Darwin Walk. The Darwin walk is well sign posted leading from the Great Western Highway, and along Falls Road. Explore the delightful Village of Wentworth Falls with its shops and the Lake the other side of the Highway.

The Conservation Hut

Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch & light snacks Cosy log fire in winter, BYO · Ideal start and finish Bookings recommended point for many Ph 4757 3827 beautiful walks · Stunning views over the Jamison Valley · Disabled access · Family groups welcome •Weekend dinner during daylight saving months

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www.conservationhut.com.au

Located in Blue Mountains National Park

John Olsen Collection Falls Gallery, Wentworth Falls is featuring work by the artist John Olsen this month. John Olsen was awarded the OBE for his services to the arts and his work is represented in the Australian National Gallery, Canberra; State Galleries of NSW, SA, Vic, Qld, WA, Tas, The Ballarat Art Gallery; The Mertz Collection, USA; Institutional and private collections in Australia, UK, Europe and USA. John Olsen was awarded the Archibald Prize for portraiture in 2005 for his self portrait as the two headed God Janus. In the book, ‘John Olsen’, by Deborah Hart, Margaret Plant observes, ‘John Olsen is recognized nationally and internationally as one of Australia’s most significant and accomplished artists.’ ‘Few Australian artists paint and draw with such fluency and vitality as John Olsen.’ His reputation was firmly established in the early 1960’s with such works ‘You Beaut Country’ series and evocations of Sydney harbour. After painting Sydney Harbour, the Australian

bush and the city in the sixties, he journeyed into the interior. A fortuitous meeting with naturalist Vince Serventy, resulted in an invitation to join a party to remote and desolate Lake Eyre, 550 kilometers from Adelaide in South Australia. Lake Eyre, miraculously filled with water, and teeming with animal, fish and bird life, provided a whole new range of visual possibilities. In the 1970’s Olsen was commissioned by the Dobell Foundation to execute an enormous mural for the Sydney Opera House, which he based on ‘Five Bells’, a poem by Slessor, with its invocation to the sea and descriptions of the harbour. Falls Gallery has a large and extensive collection of John Olsen’s etchings spanning a period of two decades, both framed and unframed. Also on display are etchings and works in paper by Garry Shead, Arthur Boyd, Wendy Sharpe, John Olsen, Anne Smith, Andrew Sibley, Charles Blackman, Max Miller and Bernard Ollis. Together with ceramics by Ian Smith and Andrew Halford.

Lily Pond

Cormorants

Feeding the Cats

161 falls rd, wentworth falls, nsw 2782 phone / fax: 02 4757 1139 hours: 10am –5pm Wednesday to Sunday www.fallsgallery.com.au www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Leura Village You’ve reached what is now referred to as the Upper Blue Mountains, where cool climate plants are the focus of many a garden. Rivalling Katoomba as the most visited location in the Blue Mountains, Leura offers The Mall, a shoppers paradise alive with coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, galleries. Bygone Beautys has something for everyone from refreshments to die for to the most amazing range of antiques and collectables that this place is a whole experience in itself. A range of exquisite yet affordable delights await you here. Renommee is the cottage in the Leura car park that specialises in chic contemporary recycle designer and oneoff pieces for those who want to look absolutely stunning in a designer outfit at a reasonable price. Pauline also stocks a superb range of Japanese kimonos and haoris. There are designer shoes and accessories as well. With new stock arriving regularly, the shop is simply a delight and inspiration.

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au From the Cascades you can leisurely walk to several waterfalls including Leura, Linda, Lila and Bridal Veil Falls. You can also walk to Copelands Lookout and Flying Fox Lookout. Mount Hay Road takes you to the beautiful untouched Mount Hay region

Megalong Books has the most amazing range of the most amazing books on so many subjects I keep wondering how they do it! The staff are also so knowledgeable and helpful. Come to Leura just for fun or for some really serious bargains… but come you must… it is so special!

What to See & Do Toy and Railway Museum, located within Leuralla mansion. The museum features Australia’s largest collection of toys, dolls, teddy bears and model railways, located on the corner of Olympian Parade and Balmoral Road. Opposite the Toy and Railway Museum is Olympian Park featuring a natural amphitheatre with spectacular views. Gardens, Shopping, Food and Art! Awesome views from Sublime Point Leura Cascades along Cliff Drive is a peaceful setting for a family picnic or BBQ

183 The Mall, Leura (02) 4784 1302

Email: books@megalongbooks.com.au Web: www.megalongbooks.com.au General and Children’s Bookshop Blue Mountains History, Maps and Guidebooks DVDs and Classical Music CDs Orders Taken Open 7 days

The best books in the mountains!

Come and visit...

Bygone Beautys

Antiques & Tearoom and see the amazing

Treasured Teapot Collection “World’s largest Private Collection”

20 - 22 Grose St, Leura Ph: 4784 3117 Fax: 4784 3078 Open 7 Days 10am - 5.30pm

www.bygonebeautys.com.au

Come in & enjoy our famous Devonshire Tea

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Poplars Blayney 2006 Platinotype on cotton 2006 #2. 5 x 7.5 inches

Nunans Hill Platinotype on rice paper 4x5 inches

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of the Great Dividing Range, central, the photographs are rendered in silver gelatin and platinum, printing onto cotton and rice paper. The platinum photograph, resurrected in the nineteen seventies, presents a delicate intensity that seems to reveal more of the subject. The images created are dependant on the mixing and hand coating application rendering an exquisite hand made photograph. Kersey is a master platinum printer ??? School and teaches the process, along with other analogue processes, in the Fish River Valley near Oberon. Black Mountain Photographic Workshops was established in 2001. He has exhibited extensively since the mid 90ยนs, including in the USA and is in many private local and international collections. Lost Bear Gallery is open daily from 10-5 and is located within the Leura Post Office building. The gallery can be contacted on 4784 1440. To preview Bob Kersey's exhibition, visit www.lostbeargallery.com.au

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Photography Exhibition By Bob Kersey

Lost Bear Gallery presents 'Impressions of the Western Range', an exhibition by renowned photographer Bob Kersey. The works will be on display from 27th April through until 7th May. Depicting scenes and intimate glimpses

Feed Shed, the Junction Tuena 2000 Platinotype on cotton 2002 #3 7.5x9.5 inches

ME BLI

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

1719789

Traditional Modern Cuisine • New Blackboard Menu Fortnightly • Outdoor Seating 15% Discount off Take-aways Discount Available for Group Bookings 7 Days (Masala Dosa) (Closed Monday Lunch) • 11.30am - 2.30pm Lunch • 5.30pm - 9.30pm Dinner 118 - 124 Leura Mall, Leura - 4784 2043 277 Main Street, Lithgow - 6351 3007 or 6351 3008 126 William Street, Bathurst - 6332 6251 or 6332 5965

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*Terms and conditions apply. Min 3 night stay. No cancellations (refunds)/changes allowed. Weekdays only. Valid to 31/3/2012. Quote “iMag” when booking.

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A brand of the HOSPITALITY GROUP

Authentic Indian cuisine at Tamarin Great restaurants are a blend of sophisticated cooking, imaginative ideas and respect for ingredients. Tamarin Indian Tandoori Restaurant is more than this. It’s an experience that reminds you why some restaurants deserve to be revered. Set in a relaxed venue at the top of the famous Leura Mall under the clock tower and opposite Leura Railway Station, Tandoori Leura is perfect for all kinds of events, including weddings, birthdays, cocktail parties and small conferences, with available seating for 150. They offer traditional and modern Indian Tandoori cuisine cooked from their Tandoori oven. A blackboard menu changes every fortnight and all curries are made to suit the customer’s taste – mild, medium or hot. Tamarin Indian Tandoori Restaurants are now at three locations – Leura, Bathurst and also Lithgow. Our motto is “Food made with love”. We ensure our food is prepared with love and served with love so our patrons can enjoy and relish the absolute pleasure of tasty Indian dishes. Tamarin is best known for its dedicated approach and a personal challenge to help bring about a revival of Authentic Indian cuisine and its distinctive flavours, in particular the individual regional character of Indian cuisine, brightening up the world. Tamarin is the entire package, from the fresh ingredient ingenuity to flawless execution of right textures and flame, that makes it a beacon of excellence and which leads to an emotive, intense, liberating way of eating, unlike any other. Have you experienced Tamarin yet?

Katoomba Katoomba has something for everyone: entertainment, art galleries, restaurants, trendy cafes, shopping, antiques and collectables, walks and activities, not to mention its being surrounded by natural beauty. The Three Sisters may be viewed from Echo Point. Many bushwalks start from this point, including the Three Sisters Walk and Giant Stairway. In town, you’ll find an array of boutiques and all seasons clothing, as well as cosy dining experiences to suit all budgets and tastes.

Jesmyn Ward

The Sydney Writers' Festival Blue Mountains program is presented with Varuna, The Writers' House. Tickets can be booked online at varuna.com.au. Four-event pass to Friday, May 18: Children's Day $25 Monday, May 14: Main program All-day pass $60/$50 Tuesday, May 15: Main program All-day pass $60/$50 Monday and Tuesday two-day pass (no concession). Single sessions (unless indicated) $15. All events are at the Carrington Hotel, 15/47 Katoomba St, Katoomba. SR1 THE WRITERS' WALK May 13, 10am12pm. An easy bushwalk with poet Deb Westbury & local historian John Low. $30, bookings NPWS Heritage Centre 47878877. SR2 POETRY IN CATHEDRAL CAVE May 13, 3.30-5.30pm Cathedral Cave, Jenolan Caves, 4669 Jenolan Caves Road, Oberon. With five of Australia's leading poets: David Brooks, David Malouf, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Judith Beveridge and Mark Tredinnick. SR3 SPECULATIVE HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY May 14, 10-11am. Dr Martin Thomas, landscape historian and author of The Artificial Horizon: Imagining the Blue

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

What to See & Do Visit Echo Point Visitor Information Centre for information and views. Visit The Scenic World Skyway. Eat in fine-dining restaurants or have coffee and cake in Art Deco cafés. Take a guided bushwalk, a 4WD drive, or learn to abseil – all in the splendour of this majestic wilderness area. Explore the thriving local art scene. Enjoy the daily screenings at The Edge Cinema, with its six-storey screen. Mountains and the speculative biography of anthropologist R.H. Mathews, talks to former Attorney General Bob Debus. SR4 SPECULATING FUTURES AND BENDING GENRES Sebastian Barry May 14,11.30am12.30pm Varuna alumni Steven Amsterdam, Claire Corbett and Kim Westwood are creatively reimagining our futures and challenging traditional literary genres. SR5 MEMOIR: PUBLIC ISSUES AND PRIVATE LIVES May 14,1.30-2.30pm. Teachers of creative non-fiction and memoir, Patti Miller and Robin Hemley, about their new books. SR6 EVERYONE'S A CRITIC: FOOD AND CULTURE IN A DIGITAL AGE May 14, 3-4pm In the new digital age, suddenly everyone's a critic. Charlotte Wood and Elizabeth Meryment talk to Geordie Williamson. SR7 BRANDL & SCHLESINGER BOOK LAUNCHES AND POETRY READINGS May 14,4.30-5.30pm. Margaret West (Leaf and Stone), Rhyll McMaster (Late Night Shopping) and SK Kelen (Island Earth - New and Selected Poems) read from their collections. Hosted by Susan Hayes. SR8 THE HUMAN ARK May 15, 10-11am. Charlotte Wood, author of Animal People, and Carrie Tiffany, author of Mateship with Birds, talk to Tegan Bennett Daylight talk to Carol

View “The Edge” movie at Katoomba Christian Convention Conference Centre next to Scenic World for guest groups staying at the centre and other prebooked groups. Details and bookings: 4782 5588 or katoomba@kcc.org.au Explore The Carrington Hotel, built in 1882, an elegant reminder of a bygone era, with its many events, one of only two superb Heritage Dining experiences in Australia (see pages 36 and 37). Enjoy the art and culture walk. Check out whats on at Varuna. Major about their new books. SR9 BUILDING EMPATHY IN AN AGE OF TERRORISM AND ASYLUM SEEKING May 15,11.30am-12.30pm. As society polarises around issues of terrorism and asylum seekers, how can writers help to build empathy and ' understanding for our common human condition? Chris McCourt and Ghassan Nakhoul discuss their different approaches. SR10 A BEAUTIFUL BROGUE May 15, 1.30-2.30pm. Irish novelist Sebastian Barry's latest work, On Canaan's Side, is a rich historical novel about Lilly Bere, forced by events in Ireland to flee to America. SR11 JESMYN WARD May 15, 3-4pm. Jesmyn Ward's heartbreaking novel, Salvage the Bones, won the 2011 National Book Award for Fiction. SR12 LAUNCH INTO POETRY May 15, 4.30-5.30pm. Join us for an entertaining hour of poetry to launch new collections by Mark O'Flynn (Untested Cures), John Watson (Four Refrains and Occam's Aftershave) and David Musgrave (Concrete Tuesday). SR13 VARUNA CHILDREN'S DAY May 18, 10.30am-2pm. Blackheath Community Hall Cnr Great Western Highway and Gardiner Crescent, Blackheath. A day of events for children aged 8-plus, featuring puppeteer Asphyxia; authors Ursula Dubosarsky, James Roy and Stephen Measday; publisher Margaret Hamilton; and interactive storyteller Katherine McLeod.

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

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Along with our Hikenbiker product the Otto+Spike woolies from Melbourne are also selling well this time of year. They come from a small family owned RODOV A STfactory using specialist machinery (some of which dates back to the 1890's). They use surplus NZ lambswool (from small quantities discarded from large scale producers) and many of the scarves are designed by artists in and around Brunswick so they are quite unique. GORDO

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Tallawalla Lookout Carrington Lookout

Trolley Tours See the best the Blue Mountains has to offer…

Take a Discovery Trolley Tour

Discovery Trolley tours run hourly. Purchase an All Day Pass so you can hop on and hop off at any of the 29 great local attractions in Katoomba and Leura. Plus you can shuttle between Echo Point, Scenic World and Katoomba every 30 minutes.

76 MAIN STREET KATOOMBA

FREECALL: 1800 801 577

www.trolleytours.com.au

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JENOLAN CAVES 2 DAY MID WEEK TOUR

DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY Coach departs Katoomba 9.45am. Tour starts with a breathtaking stop at Govetts Leap Lookout, Blackheath then onto Jenolan Caves for… Country Luncheon (2 course), Lucas Cave Tour, 3 Course Dinner with Guide, Mysteries Legends and Ghost Tour, Overnight stay in either a Classic Room or Mountain Lodge Studio Unit. DAY 2 - THURSDAY Full Country Buffet Breakfast, Orient Cave Tour, Nettle Self Guided Tour. Coach returns to Katoomba at 5.00pm.

299

ALL FOR ONLY

Per Person Twin Share. Single supplement $45 extra. (Adventure Caving option instead of Lucas Cave tour extra $56). Subject to availability. Conditions Apply.

Is bushwalking one of your favourite activites? The Blue Mountains National Park has long been renowned as one of the finest bushwalking areas in the World. Cascading waterfalls, breath-taking panoramas, fern filled gullies, hanging swamps, rainforests, an abundance of bird life and magnificent flowers await your discovery. You can access these magnificent bushwalks by means of the hourly Hop On Hop Off “Trolley Tour” starting from Katoomba daily at 9-45am. The trolley bus offers the opportunity to alight at the start of a bushwalk, and rejoin at the next stop, without retracing your steps. A good example would be the Gordon Falls bushwalk to Leura Cascades which is graded medium and takes one hour.

Blackheath/Mt Victoria Blackheath at 1065m abve sea level is 114 km from Sydney and most famous for its November Rhododendron Festival. The Blackheath Rhododendron Gardens are in Baccante Street. The town’s shopping centre has a delightfully relaxed village atmosphere. Blackheath is filled with natural beauty and there are many breathtaking views and bush walks to experience. Blackheath is full of colonial history. The first building in Blackheath was "The Scotch Thistle Inn" erected by Andrew Gardner in 1831. The Inn was visited by the renowned scientist Charles Darwin in 1836. The site for "The Scotch Thistle Inn" was located slightly south of the present Gardners Inn Hotel. On the outside of the famous Victory Theatre antique centre is one of the town’s proudest displays, a colourful mural designed by local artist Jenny Kee and painted in 1985 by members of the local community on behalf of the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre. It has been recently refurbished by this proud community.

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Mt Victoria Fast Facts Mount Victoria is the most westerly Blue Mountains township - 120 kilometres from Sydney and 1043 metres above sea-level. It is a small very charming historic village originally named 'One Tree Hill' on a map from 1834 - the name changed in 1876 when the first Post Office was built. There is a large number of historic buildings, including the Imperial Hotel -1878, St Peter's Church of England -1874, Closeburn House-1885, The Manor House, built by John Fairfax in 1876 and the Toll Keepers Cottage -1849. In Mount Victoria and close by you have Victoria Falls, Victoria Pass, Mt York, Bede's, Sunset Rock & Mitchell's Ridge Look-outs, beautiful Bushwalks and the Mount Victoria Historical Museum. Some of the Historic buildings are now beautiful 1st class accommodation facilities and combined with their

fine food and other restaurants, make staying in Mount Victoria another must for your 'Top of the Mountains Adventure’

What to See & Do

The Kanimbla Valley Walking Tracks, which take in Pulpit Rock, Bede’s Lookout, Reinitz Pass and Ross Cave. The array of buildings and boutique shops selling antiques, craft and brica-brac The walking track that will take you to Victoria Falls. Mount Victoria Historical Museum located in the old refreshment rooms at the Railway Station. First release films at Mount Vic Flicks. Visit the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, at the end of Govetts leap Road, Blackheath. There is an interactive display of how the mountains were made, a theatrette and gallery. Open everydayexcept Christmas Day, from 9.00am to 4.30pm.

‘dare to be different’

Blue Mountains Heritage Centre

At the end of Govetts leap Road, Blackheath Open everyday except Christmas Day 9.00am to 4.30pm.

Phone: 4787 8877

• Skincare products • Locally made and imported jewellery and clothing • Games, puzzles and cards • Handbags, shawls and drapes • Candles • Exclusive gift lines

~Largest Antique store west of Sydney with the greatest variety in the Blue Mountains~ Open 7 Days 10am - 5pm

Phone (02) 4787 5573 22A Govetts Leap Rd, BLACKHEATH

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

The Witch’s Curse at Closeburn House After a year away last year Mountain Opera Chorus are again bringing their Queen Victoria’s Birthday Concert back to Closeburn House in Mount Victoria. On the musical menu this year will

be a selection of traditional English songs followed by Act 2 of “Ruddigore” or “The Witch’s Curse” by Gilbert and Sullivan. Closeburn is under new management and the Chef has promised a real “bang-up English meal” for the occasion. This will include roast beef with horseradish sauce and a selection

of delectable desserts, as well as entrees including soup with Yorkshire pudding. Closeburn is the traditional home of the Queen Victoria’s Birthday Concert, the highlight of which is the Gilbert & Sullivan selection. This year the Chorus is undertaking

Closeburn House 2 Closeburn Drive, Mount Victoria Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 9pm each day. Closeburn House offers a superb venue for weddings & functions for up to 90 guests, with customised menu to suit your function. Closeburn House provides nine spacious private well appointed ensuite guest rooms upstairs, each with its own character, delightful views of the extensive grounds and gardens, TV, tea and coffee making facilities. Downstairs facilities include the café, art gallery throughout the whole ground floor including halls, lounge and library areas. Find us on Facebook !

www.closeburnhouse.com closeburnhouse@gmail.com Ph: 02 4787 1555 - Fax: 02 4787 1318 22 www.monthlyimag.com.au

a new challenge with the production of Act 2 of “Ruddigore”. In “Ruddigore” Gilbert gleefully attacked the tradition of the Victorian melodrama with its virtuous heroine and malevolent villain, adding a touch of the Gothic with a witch’s curse, which demands that the Baronets of Ruddigore commit a crime every day, or die. In Act 2, mild-mannered Robin Oakapple has had his promised wife stolen from him by the revelation that he is actually the rightful Bad Baronet of Ruddigore. He is now installed in Ruddigore Castle, and standing in the portrait gallery of his ancestors, he is oppressed by the fear that they would not approve of his poor efforts to fulfil the witch’s curse. What follows demonstrates that his fears are well justified!

During the first production of Ruddigore, the critic of the Illustrated London News praised the work and both Gilbert and, especially Sullivan: “Sir Arthur Sullivan has eminently succeeded alike in the expression of refined sentiment and comic humour. In the former respect, the charm of graceful melody prevails; while, in the latter, the music of the most grotesque situations is redolent of fun.” Enjoy this unusual production, with its more than usual collection of Sullivan’s lovely melodies (including some strikingly dramatic music that Gilbert thought too serious for a comic opera!) and one of Gilbert’s finest “patter” songs, together with

a delicious luncheon, at Closeburn House in Mt. Victoria on Sunday 27th May. Starting time for lunch is 12.30pm and the price is $60 for lunch and the show, with full wine list available. Take full advantage of this superb location by staying the night upstairs at Closeburn House. Book by ringing 4787 1555 between Thursday and Sunday.

Mt Victoria Museum

The Gallery

Huge Collection of unusual Museum Pieces, well worth a visit!

Open

2pm - 5pm Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays Located at Mt Victoria Train Station

The Imperial Hotel Located in Mount Victoria at the top of the Blue Mountains, the hotel features spacious lounges, bar, pool room, open fireplaces, elegant dining and excellent brasserie meals. Mon & Tues Enjoy Yulefest with us June, July, August The Sydney Morning Rooms vary from traditional style and heritage ensuites to the Herald Good Pub Food romantic Imperial Suite for that special occasion. Guide Awards 2012 Weekend and mid week packages are available to suit all budgets. Enquire about functions and Mt Vic Flicks meal deals at the Imperial Hotel

$12 Steak

1 Station Street, Mount Victoria. Ph: 02 4787 1878 www. hotel imp eria l.com .au

Offering a range of specialised shoes to help problem feet feel comfortable Stocking: NAOT - Ecco Florsheim Hogl - Merrell Rohde - Gabor Josef Seibel - PindiereSandler Rieker - Beautifeel open seven days 4 govetts leap rd blackheath (02) 4787 8263 www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

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Friday 25th to Sunday 27th May 2012 9am - 4pm Friday and Saturday, 9am - 3pm Sunday Hawkesbury Racecourse Racecourse Rd, Clarendon (Opp. Richmond RAAF Base)

Adults: $5.00 | Buses: $4.00 | Children under 15 yrs: Free

Orchid Displays | Plants for Sale | Free growing advice | Free parking Sausage sizzle and light refreshments available VENDORS: Royale Orchids (NSW) • Orchid Obsessions (NSW) • Dark Star Orchids (NSW) Orchid Species Plus (Vic) • Dendi Orchids (NSW) • Rosella Orchids (NSW) • Macquarie Orchids (NSW) Orchids on Newbold (Vic) • Sim's Orchids (SA) • Burbank Orchids (Qld) • Johnston's Orchids (SA) Nicky Zurcher Orchids (SA) • Woolf Orchid Culture (Qld) • The Orchid Tray Company (NSW) Tinonee Orchid Nursery (NSW) • Fong Ping Orchids (Qld) • Cedarvale Orchids (Qld) Enquiries 4731 4167 Proudly presented by The Orchid Society of New South Wales | Blacktown City Orchid Society Blue Mountains & Penrith District Orchid Society Inc. | Hawkesbury District Orchid Society Inc

Capturing the Energy & Emotion of people around the World The Human Enigma Exhibition, showcased at Ashcroft Restaurant (Blackheath) from 9 March to 9 June 2012, has captured the true essence and simplicity of people around the world. The exhibition provides a rare insight into the complexity and mystery of the human enigma while showcasing the artist’s stunning creativity across a range of mediums. Matthew’s photography focuses on capturing a single moment in the life of individuals around the world and seeks to bring out the raw energy and emotion of his subjects. “Art in any medium that lacks emotion is not a true form of self expression” says Matthew. While working for the Royal Air Force, Matthew travelled the world and developed a passion for capturing beautiful landscapes and candid images. In 2004, Matthew left the military and in 2008 he undertook an epic overland journey from London to Sydney, visiting sixteen beautiful countries including Iran, Cambodia, Turkey and many more. Throughout his travels, Matthew created an amazing portfolio of photographs that so faithfully portray the fragility and beauty of humanity and the human experience in its many forms. Matthew’s travels and passion have culminated in this truly unique

exhibition which opened on 9 March and is held at the exquisite Ashcroft Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of beautiful Blackheath, it is the perfect venue for the Human Enigma Exhibition and will be show cased until 9 June 2012. This is an experience not to be missed; one which will leave you appreciating how uniquely different we are as humans. For more information, contact Matthew Lees at info@matthewlees.com or visit his website www.matthewlees.com or find us on facebook.

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Sydney Morning Herald Autumn of the Arts at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah The Sydney Morning Herald ‘Autumn of the Arts’ enters its final month of celebrating of the connection between nature and the arts. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah continues with a full line up of special events as part of this celebration. Autumn is a superb time of year to visit as breathtaking arrays of oranges, yellows, reds and browns transform the Garden. Expect to see viburnum,

berberis, cotoneaster, holly and rowan ripe with cheerful fruits, while the russet tones of turning leaves combine to provide spectacular colour. Swathes of windflowers follow with the silverywhite protea blooms heralding the grand ‘protea performance’ which builds towards winter. Perfume from the last of the summer roses seal this reverie while the marvelous orange through to deep maroon coloring of the Japanese Maples entrances before the ‘fall’.

Deep into May, the autumn colour of deciduous trees can still be found with many of the evergreen conifers shifting colour in response to lower temperatures. Check out our Events in What's On page 46. Entry to the garden is free. Call: 02 4567 3000 Restaurant Tomah 02 4567 2060 Email: tomah@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Find us on Facebook www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au

CoME iNTo THE

Garden

THE BLuE MouNTAiNS BoTANiC GARDEN, MouNT ToMAH • Enjoy beautiful autumn colours • Discover the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition Centre • Go on an Adventure Quest • Take a guided tour • Treat yourself at the Garden Shop • Stay at the Jungle Lodge • Plan a perfect wedding • Soak up spectacular wilderness views from the restaurant. T: 4567 2060

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Your Garden Mon – Fri 9 am – 5.30 pm Weekends & public holidays 9.30 am – 5.30 pm Bells Line of Rd, Mount Tomah T: 4567 3000 FREE ENTRY For Autumn of the Arts events information go to autumnofthearts.com.au

Windyridge © M. Edwards

Mount Wilson Mount Wilson is a 124km or 2 hour drive from Sydney via Richmond with a population estimated approx. 200 and lies 1040 metres above sea level. Seventeen million years ago, volcanic activity formed a great plateau, which evolved into the Blue Mountains. Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine are two basalt capped peaks on the northern edge. With rich basalt soils, these two peaks were heavily timbered with temperate rain forests of sassafras, coachwood, lilli pilli, tree ferns and a thick understorey of ferns. The forests are teeming with wildlife and birds. About the Heritage Village Mount Wilson heritage Village is an area of superb English-style gardens and treelined avenues located east of Lithgow north of the Bells Line of Road. Secluded away from the mainstream tourist sites of the Blue Mountains. Mt Wilson includes beautiful gardens, parks, and local attractions. Other Open Gardens Bebeah, The Avenue, open 10am to 4pm spring and autumn. Merry Garth, Davies Lane. Opens 9am to 5pm every day. Beautiful rainforest, superb views with local plants for sale. Ph: 02 4756 2121 Sefton Cottage, Church Lane, Open weekends April, May, October, November, in aid of Children’s hospital Westmead, Catered Tea Rooms. Ph: 02 4576 2034 Yengo Sculpture Gardens, Queens Avenue, Open weekends April May Oct Nov, other times by appointment Phone 02 4576 2002 Windyridge, Queens Avenue, Open Daily April, May, Sept, Oct, Nov. Other times by appointment. Ph: 02 4756 2019 Nooroo, Church Lane, Open 10am-4pm Spring & Autumn, Fri, Sat & Sun. Groups by appointment. P: 02 4756 2018

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The Red Admiral An exhibition of Patrick White’s years at Mount Wilson In 2012, the Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Historical Society will celebrate the centenary of Patrick White’s 28 May 1912 birth date by holding a year-long exhibition at the Turkish Bath Museum at Mt Wilson. Patrick White spent his formative years as a young child at Mt Wilson in the 1920s and 1930s; the exhibition will highlight the impact of both the Australian natural environment and the influence of working class and wealthy society individuals and families that were to strongly shape him for the remainder of his life, as an individual and as a writer of international acclaim. The exhibition will be in the form of a series of framed A1 sized posters designed by a local professional graphics artist. The title of the exhibition is taken from the name White used as a ten-year old. His first published pieces were about Mt. Wilson. The ‘Red Admiral’ was his favourite butterfly. In association with the exhibition, the Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Historical Society is hosting an Open Gardens weekend on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April. Two beautiful gardens that are seldom open to the public - Withycombe and

Bisley - will be featured. The gardens will be open from 10am to 4pm and combined tickets ($20) will be available at any of the entrances. Withycombe was the childhood home of Patrick White. His parents, Dick and Ruth, bought the property in 1921 until 1938 when it was sold to the Church of England for ten shillings. Near the front gate of Withycombe is a tree which still carries, albeit very faintly, the initials PW carved into its trunk some ninety years ago. The Mt Wilson Turkish Bath Museum situated within the Wynstay Estate, will be open in conjunction on both days ($5.00 entrance fee additional to garden entry). Pictured below: The White family at Wynstay in 1923: (left to right) Patrick (aged 11), Victor, his father, Marianne Wynne, Ruth, his mother, and his sister Suzanne.

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Hartley & Surrounds Hartley Area After the decline in Hartley as a township from the late 1800’s, now we are seeing the redevelopment of the areas of Hartley, Hartley Vale and Little Hartley.

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Unfortunately, Hartley was by-passed by the railway and, over a period, fell into disuse. Luckily, today we are left with a remarkable remnant of a town largely unchanged since the midnineteenth century. Hartley Historical Village is a remarkable time capsule well worth visiting and there is a range of refreshments available on either side of the highway. We are also blessed with artists of various persuasions and several nurseries. You may enjoy the spectacular scenery that has inspired them. The Old Shale Railway Walk. Photo courtesy of Dept Mineral Resources

Walks Cox’s Road - built in 1815 and not used after 1824 Lawson’s Long Alley - which opened in 1824 and closed when Victoria Pass opened in 1832 Lockyer’s Pass - which was never completed because of the opening of Victoria Pass Berghofer’s Pass - A lovely short walk with great views of Hartley Valley along a pre-WWI road, built for the early motor vehicles which couldn’t negotiate the steep grades of Victoria Pass The Old Shale Railway Walk - The Old Shale Railway Walk follows the path of the railway that used to bring the shale up from Hartley Vale Hassan’s Walls - spectacular views of the Blue Mountains and Hartley Valley. Mt. Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Lookout - leads to lovely swimming holes, high cascades and a myriad of track junctions you can follow. A wonderful day’s outing for all the family as the walks are easy to medium.

Full Throttle Diner Closed on Mondays

Daily lunch specials Book your party or event now! ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠

The best burgers in town! ♠ Ample parking and safe to pull in. Good fresh home cooked food from local produce Come in and enjoy the atmosphere in a traditional friendly roadside diner. Book your birthday, anniversary, reunion, social club, special event with us. Eat in and take-away. ♠ Free Coffee for drivers Open 6 days

2430 Great Western Hig hway, Hartley. Ph : 6355 2275 28 www.monthlyimag.com.au

HARTLEY VALLEY HOLIDAY FARM Your Holiday Home in the Country Just 90 mins drive from Sydney Own a share in 370 acres of prime land in picturesque Little Hartley

There’s nothing quite like Little Hartley Farm anywhere in Australia – in fact owners will tell you it’s the best kept secret on earth!

Buying a share in Little Hartley Farm gives you shared ownership of the property and its facilities as well as unlimited free access to the Farm’s activities including horse and trail bike riding. Meet new friends and give your family the chance to experience farm life whenever you like. Your share in the farm entitles you and your immediate family to year round access to Little Hartley Farm and its facilities including: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Accommodation for 6 in your own self contained cabin (incl. kitchen and bathroom) Weekly riding lessons catering to all levels on the farm’s vibrant herd of horses and ponies Supervised trail rides through the farm’s beautiful bushland and open paddocks Friendly shetland ponies for riders under 7 years Day facilities for privately owned horses Enclosed riding arenas, round yard and jumps Regular gymkhanas, riding and horsemanship clinics with visiting instructors 26 acre competition standard dirt bike track • Regular dirt bike competitions 2 x cement tennis courts with ﬂoodlights • 20 metre swimming pool Camping area for tents and caravans • Recreation room with pool table and table tennis • BMX bike track BBQs and outdoor open ﬁres • Communal kitchen/ dining room for events and functions Some private horse agistment available Enjoy accommodation in one of 30 comfortable, self contained cabins located in

• blocks of 5 on ridges around the farm. Each block enjoys stunning views across Hartley Valley to the Mt York escarpment - the perfect setting to unwind in • Little front of an open fire at the end of another happy day at the farm. • in life at the farm, or use it as a base from which to explore the Blue • Indulge Mountains and other local attractions such as the Zig Zag Railway, the Jenolan • Caves and the restaurants and wineries of the Mountains and Central West. • Hartley Valley Holiday Farm was established in 1977 as an Owner’s Co-operative, • and ownership is strictly limited. This is not a time share, you can use the farm as • often as you like. It is an affordable way for families to enjoy farm life in a safe and relaxing environment. The farm’s on-site Manager and his team look after • the day to day running of the farm so Owners and their families are free to relax • and enjoy their time at the farm. • Owners are more than welcome to bring guests to the farm who may then • utilise the horse and bike facilities for a modest daily fee. • For more information or to arrange an inspection of Little Hartley Farm, • contact the office or log onto the farm’s website.

Hartley Valley Owners’ Company Ltd. “Rosedale” 2187 Great Western Hwy Little Hartley NSW 2790 Phone: 02 6355 2244 Fax: 02 6355 2131 Web: http://www.hartleyfarm.com.au/

Escape the pressures of city life at your own country getaway

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Lithgow

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Set amidst mountain splendour, Lithgow is a town rich in culture. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal tradition, step back in time to an era where steam dominated transport and

when industry was our backbone Discover Lithgow’s accessible wilderness. With tranquil vistas and serene landscapes, the environment is abundant in wildlife and picturesque

Werriberri Trail Rides

mountain panoramas. The Lithgow region is nature’s playground. Canyoning and rock climbing, in areas ten times older than the Grand Canyon, are experiences never to be forgotten. There are also magnificent 4WD tracks to explore. The choice of adventure is up to you.

What to See & Do

• Horses to suit all ages and abilities • Hourly, day & overnight rides • Pubstays & campouts

Camp on the shores of Lake Lyell for wildlife encounters and speed boating. Visit the nationally significant Small Arms Factory Museum.

"Come and check out our backyard!"

ph 02 4787 9171

w w w. a u s t r a l i a n b l u e h o r s e r i d e s. c o m . a u

Go bird watching, preferably with a guide. Visit the award winning wetlands to see how many different plants and animals you can identify. Take a helicopter view of this surprising area. Go on a tour with the people who have lived here for thousands of years.

Secret Creek Restaurant, Set on 1000 acre conservation reserve.

Open: Thurs, Fri, Sat from 10am until late & Sundays from 10 til 4. Drop in for morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea. Bookings essential for dinner. 35 Crane Road, Lithgow - Phone: 02 6352 1133 www.secretcreekcafe.com Email: secretcreek@hotmail.com The home of AEFI is located at Secret Creek Sanctuary. Visit our website at www.ausecosystems.org.au for information on how you can become a member and show your support for Australian wildlife

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Lithgow

Surprisingly diverse

And bring your sketchbo

t chitectural pas Explore our ar

Choose from a wide range of gorgeous accommodation

For a free copy of the new

Lithgow Visitor Guide

Lithgow Visitor Information Centre Great Western Highway, (PO Box 19 Lithgow NSW 2790) T: 1300 760 276 or (02) 6350 3230, F: (02) 6350 3239 E: tourism@lithgow.com

www.tourism.lithgow.com may 2012.indd 1

4/04/12 2:06 PM

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Helping all animals great and small Lithgow Veterinary Hospital has been providing a veterinary service to the pets of Lithgow and its vast surrounding areas for over 20 years. It is now a four vet practice with permanent vets Michelle Monaghan (owner), Alison Wardman, Kim Bensch, our large and small animal practitioners and Gemma Williams working part-time and caring for small animals, bird/exotics and wildlife. The practice covers a large area from Bathurst, Oberon, Capertee through to the Megalong Valley and the

Blue Mountains and offers a 24 hour emergency service all year round. All of our vets have special interests including horses, cattle, goats/sheep and alpacas through to cats, dogs, exotics and birds. Michelle has a special interest in alpacas and is accredited in Johnes (MAP) and Q-alpaca programs and is enrolled in a diploma of equine podiotherapy (hoof care). Lithgow Veterinary Hospital is offering a brand new service to our horse clients. Michelle and Kim are now providing routine horse dentistry after completing an intensive dentistry course earlier this year. Our clients will have the peace of mind knowing that their horse has been

Dr Michelle Monaghan BVSc (Hons) Dr Gemma Williams BVSc (Hons) MVStud MACVSc Dr Alison Wardman BVSc (Merit) BA Dr Kim Bensch BVSc (hons)

• Cat Boarding • House calls • Large Animal X-Ray Facilities • Laboratory and Pathology Facilities • Puppy Pre-School • 24 Hour Emergency Service Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6pm

Sat 8.30am - 12 noon

“Helping All Animals Great and Small” 239 Main Street Lithgow NSW 2790 Ph (02) 6351 3269 Fax (02) 6351 3068 www.localvet.com.au/lithgow

examined thoroughly by a veterinarian before sedation is administered. It also allows any other health problems to be detected early and we will also discuss routine health care such as vaccination, sheath cleaning and worming. During the dental exam, thanks to our new powerlight, we are able to see into your horse’s mouth and locate many problems in hard to reach places in your horse’s mouth and detect periodontal disease, grass packing in between loose teeth and many other problems. Our travelling horse veterinary dental specialist, Shannon Lee can visit and sort out the more complicated dental cases that your horse may have. Lithgow Veterinary Hospital is a fully equipped medical and surgical facility which has on site blood and laboratory machines, ensuring we can have results for your sick pet back within the hour. We also have on -site and portable radiography and ultrasonic equipment and now stock the easycare range of hoof boots and pads. For all your pets needs, come in and meet our friendly team today.

Our Heritage Rail Motors

will run six days a week Tuesday – Sunday until our steam train services are running again. This is for operational and maintenance requirements. Please check the website for updates: www.zigzagrailway.com.au

ENJOY ONE OF OUR RAIL MOTOR TOURS

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A TWO CAMPUS City of Learning in 2013 On 28 March a Lithgow Forum met to discuss its plans to soon become a two campus City of Learning in 2013. Notre Dame is constructing a new campus complex for its Rural Clinical School in the grounds of Lithgow Hospital while the University of Western Sydney has detailed its plans for a new outreach college in the Hoskins Institute, the former library. Both these new facilities should be ready for action late next year. The University of Notre Dame Australia’s School of Medicine Sydney announced in February that a contract had been let and construction work would soon begin on a new clinical school building in the grounds of Lithgow hospital. This project is expected to cost around $5 million. A spokesman said this will further strengthen the presence of Notre Dame in Lithgow and provide new opportunities for medical training, particularly in rural areas. Notre Dame has been operating in Lithgow for five years without its own dedicated building. At the sod turning ceremony at the construction site adjacent to the existing Three Tree Lodge aged care facility at the hospital. Mayor Neville Castle, along with local hospital managers and members of the community advisory board and community representatives, joined the Associate Dean Rural, Associate Professor Joe McGirr, to inspect the site of the building for the new clinical school. Professor McGirr said the construction of this new clinical school signals a major contribution towards fulfilling the University’s objective to train doctors in rural areas. He said this new building will provide excellent new facilities for medical students and will also be a resource for health professionals and the community more generally in Lithgow. It will include a lecture theatre, consulting rooms and training spaces as well as offices and other accommodation. Professor McGirr said the University was delighted to take another important step forward in the construction of this new clinical school building. “It will make a real difference to medical training in Lithgow and is a further demonstration of Notre Dame’s commitment to the community here. “Once built, we hope this new facility will help to make a real difference to people’s health, not only in Lithgow, but also in other rural communities as we train the next generation of Australian doctors,” he said. The construction has

Pictured: John Bonanno (the UWS capital works and facilities director); mayor Neville Castle; UWS Vice Chancellor Professor Janice Reid AM; and university CEO Dr Kerry Hudson. Photo © Lithgow Mercury

been funded through a capital works grant from the Department of Health and Ageing. NSW Health have also provided support for the project. Professor McGirr said this represents a new step towards the University’s objective to train outstanding, ethical and caring doctors while investing in the future of Australia’s rural communities. During construction the Notre Dame students have been training from temporary quarters within the Lithgow hospital and gaining practical experience under the guidance of Lithgow medical staff. The interested Forum was told Greater Lithgow was considered to be part of the University of Western Sydney’s ‘area of interest’ for tertiary programs. Speakers said that the UWS is a ‘new generation University’ offering a range of programs to more than 40,000 students across six campuses in Greater Western Sydney. These include more than 80 undergraduate and 110 postgraduate courses. The teaching activity of the University is informed by research undertaken in four research institutes, five research centres and nine research groups under the broad themes of water; urban and community development; children’s futures and cultures and communities. The forum was told the $8 million outreach Campus at Lithgow will be managed by UWS College, a wholly owned entity of the University with an established reputation for providing quality pathways to tertiary study and positive academic outcomes for its students CEO Dr Kerry Hudson said the University intends to undertake additional market research before determining the final offerings at Lithgow, but it is anticipated the initial offerings will include: University Foundation studies programs for students who require preparation for

University of Notre Dame current students visiting Angus Place Colliery

This year’s University of Notre Dame students with Associate Professor John Dearin (on the right)

formal academic study; higher education diploma programs in areas such as science, construction management, health science etc which can act as exit qualifications or enable students to proceed to the second year of study at a UWS or another University campus; associate degrees in key areas such as engineering to enable local tradesman to upgrade their qualifications and gain professional recognition; short courses which can accumulate to a postgraduate qualification in business. It is hoped to have the redevelopment of the Hoskins Institute (the former Lithgow Library) completed by the second half of next year. The forum was attended by a wide cross section of the Lithgow community including Lithgow Council representatives, Associate Professor John Dearin, Business Association and cultural groups as well as various senior staff from UWS led by Vice Chancellor Professor Janice Reid.

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Wallerawang/Portland Lovely Brick Veneer Home on 2.493 ha. (approx 6.2 acres)

Priced to Sell at $415,000 This three bedroom steel framed brick veneer home with colour bond roof is well insulated with batts in ceiling and walls, and has gas central heating. Main bedroom has ensuite and built-in. The home features large open plan kitchen / dining room, small office, laundry, separate lounge room with big windows, and an extra large tiled bathroom. There is a north facing outdoor under cover area. Garage attached to home, plus another double colour bond shed with power and a single carport. Property has good fencing and nice views, 20,000 gallon water tank and pump, envirocycle system, lovely gardens with lots of spring flowering bulbs. Property is well maintained and worth your inspection.

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Portland is only 2 1/2 hours from Sydney. It is an easy 40 minutes to Bathurst and 30 minutes from Lithgow. The town is of interest as an historic mining town and as the place of the first cement works in Australia, which was opened in 1902. Cement produced at the Portland cement works helped build the city of Sydney and the cement was shipped around Australia until the works closed in 1991. Portland is part of the gateway to the Central West and is ideally located between Oberon, Mudgee, Bathurst and Lithgow and the Blue Mountains. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has many areas for bushwalking. It is close to the Wollemi and Gardens of Stone National Parks. Portland is a mecca for people wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the surrounding Lake Wallace is fine for sailing and dragon boat racing. It has recently had a boat shed built on its shores. It also supports many species of water fowl and other birds along the shores and in the park, making it a favourite for bird watchers and twitchers. Discover Wallerawang and enjoy old fashioned hospitality and service, at the Old Wallerawang Railway Station. Built in 1870, is an excellent example of the late 19th Century railway stations. The Station building and its precinct are listed on the State Heritage Register and actually

represent the final stage of the famous Zig Zag construction. Once a major junction on the Main Western Line, and employing over 120 people, the railway station ceased operating in 1978 and fell into disrepair. Now beautifully restored the Old Station celebrates both Wallerawang's rich history and the incredible talents of its local Arts Community. It is also an accredited Visitor Information Centre, able to offer information on local attractions, happenings and events, maps, and a great selection of material for the traveller. Even locals may discover something new! The Station also houses a Florist, Old Fashioned Lolly Shop and Coffee Shop. Serving fantastic coffees, exclusive cakes and light lunches, luscious old fashioned milkshakes and traditional Aussie Spiders, “Coffee @ the Station is fast becoming the place to meet. You can dine in the Galleries, on the Platform or on the restored verandah. Bouquets By Design, is your local Interflora florist, and can offer you great floral suggestions for any occasion. Robin has a huge range of Settler Bears, hand crafted jewellery, and unique gift ideas along with a treasure trove of local & regionally produced arts and crafts. Lollipop Junction has yummy gift packs, huge lollipops Rocks and Jellies and of course their famous fine Australian Chocolates and Traditional English sweets.

Portland Real Estate

The Local Agents With Local Knowledge

Offering many years experience in local

real estate and extensive knowledge of this beautiful village not far from the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains. Ph: 02 6355 5125 Email: sales@portlandre.com.au www.portlandre.com.au

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The Old Wallerawang Railway Station is open 7days a week, with coffees from 9am -5pm. The Station is wheelchair friendly and has full toilet facilities. Phone 6355 1836 for bookings & information.

Celebrate Mothers' Day New Meerkat breeding success at Zoo Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are delighted by the arrival of yet another litter of Meerkat pups that were born on 12 February 2012.

Fabulous Gifts Ideas for Mothers Day! Gemstones • Minerals Crystals • Jewellery

The three Meerkat pups have recently started to emerge from the den under the watchful eye of mother, Umi, and father, Brock. The older pups are acting as good role models for the new-born pups helping them to develop and care for them. In 2012, Taronga Western Plains Zoo will also be developing a new Meerkat exhibit near the Midway Kiosk. “The new Meerkat exhibit will add another dimension to the midway point of the circuit, providing visitors with a great place to stop and enjoy the antics of our Meerkat troop whilst having lunch,” said General Manager, Matthew Fuller. Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s now has 12 Meerkats on exhibition.

The Cedars Gift and Rock Shop is a fabulous place for ideas for Mothers Day. They have the widest range imaginable of rocks, minerals, crystals, beautiful, valuable and useful objects that they are worth a visit at any time. Katy and Peter are helpful at answering your questions. You may well be amazed and pleasantly surprised by The Cedars.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is located in Dubbo in Central New South Wales. The Zoo is open every day from 9am - 4pm. For more information visit www.taronga.org.au or contact 6881 1400.

The Cedars Gift and Rock Shop 7 Katoomba Street Katoomba Ph: 4782 6444

FLORIST Your one stop shop for that someone special. Beautiful fresh flowers, gifts, chocolates, balloons & cards. Drop in or phone. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-12noon. 58 Main Street Lithgow Ph (02) 63521790 Deliveries local & worldwide

The Falls Gallery's famous garden studio setting filled with sculptures is a magic place to visit on Mothers Day. There are many affordable treasures there that you may not be able to resist. 161 Falls Rd, Wentworth Falls, NSW 2782 Phone / Fax: 02 4757 1139 www.fallsgallery.com.au Hours: 10am –5pm Wednesday To Sunday

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Taste the Blue Mountains Special Mothers Day

BBQ Salmon

using “Fush & Chups” Spiceshots® (Seafood Seasoning)

‘We believe everyone has the right to access good, clean and fair food’

Serves 2-4 Ingredients: One packet Fush & Chups Spiceshots 400g - 600g salmon fillets (skin on) 2 tbsp olive oil 2-3 lemons (1 juiced, 1-2 cheeks reserved)

Slow Food is an international non-profit association formed in 1989 as a response to the standardising effects of fast food and the ‘fast life’. There are now thousands of members in over 100 countries, divided into local focus groups called convivia, of which Slow Food Blue Mountains is just one. Three interconnecting principles define Slow Food: GOOD - A fresh and flavoursome seasonal diet that satisfies the senses and is part of our local culture. CLEAN - Produced in harmony with the environment and human health. FAIR - Accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for small-scale producers. To join, tap into local events or find out more about Slow Food Blue Mountains, visit www.slowfoodbluemountains.com.au or email sfbm@slowfoodaustralia.com.au

Method: In a bowl, coat salmon fillets with olive oil, Fush & Chups and juice of 1 lemon then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Remove from refrigerator, cook on a preheated BBQ (medium heat) or medium heat fry pan for approximately 4 minutes each side and then serve immediately with a wedge of lemon. Serve with: Roasted kipfler potatoes and rocket dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Note: This recipe needs to be cooked by the rest of the family while Mum relaxes on the couch, in order to make it a ‘special Mothers Day’ dinner. Recipe Inspiration: New Zealand Where to buy the ingredients: Spice retailers: visit www.spicedeluxe.com.au Snapper: Winmalee Seafood, 15/14 Whitecross Rd, Winmalee, NSW 2777 Kipfler potatoes and salad ingredients: Blackheath Vege Patch 234 Great Western Highway, Blackheath 2785 Oil: Blackheath Continental Deli, 32 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath, NSW, 2785

REGIONAL WINE SPECIALIST Purveyors of Fine Food & Wine Located in the old Katoomba power station (just off Parke Street), our cellar specialises in Regional Wines, Boutique Beers and an International Deli. Many heritage features of the power station have been incorporated into the design. The cellar is available for private tastings.

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ON PARKE STREET (AT REAR OF THE CARRINGTON HOTEL) The Carrington Hotel 15-47 Katoomba St, Katoomba 2780 www.thecarrington.com.au T +61 2 4782 1111

2 Fat Ladies Café & Lolly Shop, Lucknow

Secret Creek Café and Restaurant Lithgow

33 Crane Road, Lithgow Phone: 6352 1133 www.secretcreekcafe.com

Country Organic Coffee, Lithgow Take away, views, parking, disabled access, great range of lollies, Fish River Roasters coffee, range of teas, chai lattes, offer homemade cakes, gluten free available, hours 9am-5pm 7 days, breakfast light meals and snacks. Art for sale. Mitchell Highway Lucknow. Phone: 6365 5001

Café & Lolly Shop

Bush Bites Take Away Café Specialising in Fine Food. Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • Morning & Afternoon Teas • Coffee & Cakes • Daily Homemade Specials - Featuring Rosie's Chicken Warm, friendly service Phone Orders: 4566 4766 Shop 9, Old Northern Road Wiseman's Ferry

Barista made Wood Roasted Organic Coffee bean and selection of teas. Sit in spacious comfortable surroundings and enjoy a relaxing coffee and Home Cooked Country Cuisine while travelling. Great Pies! Open 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm, serving breakfast, morning tea and lunch at down to earth prices. 1038 Great Western Highway, Lithgow Phone 6351 3933

The Grand Dining Room, Carrington Hotel

Closeburn House, Mount Victoria

Sunday afternoons Grand High Tea: selection of finger sandwiches, cakes, scones with jam & cream, tea & coffee. Every Sunday 2.30pm - 5pm $32 pp. $15 per child (under 12) Regal High Tea: $37.50 pp. (incl. glass of Jansz Sparkling Wine) Reservations are essential.

A superb venue in beautiful surroundings. Facilities include the café and art gallery throughout the whole ground floor. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find us on Facebook !

15-47 Katoomba Street, Katoomba. Phone: 4782 1111 www.thecarrington.com.au

2 Closeburn Drive, Mount Victoria Ph: 02 4787 1555 www.closeburnhouse.com

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www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Coffee from the Central West Blue Mountains to The Hawksbury

Drop in for morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea. Bookings essential for dinner. Open: Thurs, Fri, Sat from 10am until late & Sundays from 10 til 4.

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Oberon At 1,113m, Oberon is the highest town in the Blue Mountains region. It is the perfect hub from which to explore a multitude of unique attractions, towns & villages, including Jenolan Caves and Kanangra Boyd National Park. With four distinct, idyllic seasons and the most beautiful scenery in rural NSW, a visit to the region will reward & delight. Oberon is surrounded by interesting villages and National Parks. Jenolan Caves, Kanangra Boyd National Park, Blue Mountains National Park and Abercrombie River National Park are in the shire and contain spectacular scenery. Oberon can be used as a base from which to undertake day trips to the various villages and attractions within the region. Oberon is best known as a character in Shakespeare’s play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and you’d be forgiven for thinking, as you drive into the town of Oberon at the moment, that you were entering that play.

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What to See & Do

Tourist Hotel Oberon

See if you can find some gems fossicking for Mum. ■ Now is the time to collect mushrooms and book your truffle hunt now! ■ Be sure to call into the visitor centre for your activities information. ■ It's an excellent fishing season and the streams and countryside are spectacular after great rains. ■ Go horse riding through the magically beautiful landscape. ■ Evans Crown Nature Reserve and Kanangra Walls offer both relaxing and challenging walks. ■ Be sure to inspect the fabulous gardens in this area so renowned for them. ■ You MUST see for award winning Jenolan Caves, the most spectacular limestone caves in Australia.

Kim Bell and her family have brought about amazing changes at the Tourist Hotel Oberon turning it into a warm family venue with great pub food sourced from fresh local produce and a lively safe traditional pub scene as well. A great old time country pub, with three open fires to warm you on those cold winter nights, a restaurant with good old country fare. Try the Snug and enjoy a coffee or nice glass of wine from a vast selection. 140 Oberon Street, Oberon 2787

■

camping fishing antiques firearms hunting vintage jewellery

Open

Days

furniture clothing toys more...

come and browse

(02) 6336 0202

Oberon, Cnr Ross & Oberon Sts. 38 www.monthlyimag.com.au

196 Oberon Street, Oberon Ph: 6336 1528 • Hot Meals • Open Grills • Gourmet Sandwiches • Tossed Salads • All Day Breakfasts • Morning & Afternoon Tea • Snacks & Children Meals • Homemade Desserts • Healthy Eating • Hot & Cold Drinks • Outdoor Smokers Area

EAT in or TAKEAWAY

pi n e h

ill

p or

The Green Fox

Jenolan Cabins

42 Edith Rd, Jenolan Caves Ph: 02 6335 6239 M: 0418 619 709 E: relax@jenolancabins.com.au

www.jenolancabins.com.au

The New www.oberonaustralia.com is Live. The much anticipated, new Oberon website - www.oberonaustralia.com - was launched this week at the joint 2011 Christmas function of the Oberon Plateau Tourism Association (OPTA) and the Oberon Business Association (OBA) held at Caves House, Jenolan Caves. Ben Curran from Stralia Web, the designer, unveiled the new interactive site and gave the 50 plus group a tour of the site and its new features. Mr Curran advised the previous Oberon website attracted some 52,000 plus visits over the past twelve months and forecast that the new website, with its user friendly features, evocative photography and locally written content, should grow visitor numbers to the site. Mr Curran said another exciting part of the website is the fact that when â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oberonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is entered into the search engine Google, the new website is the first link to appear on the list. The new website, is a joint venture between Stralia Web and OPTA, with valuable contributions from OPTA , OBA, local businesses, Oberon Council and the Oberon Visitor Information Centre, Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust and the Kanangra office of National Parks and Wildlife, in particular Ranger Jules Bros. The website includes magnificent photographs from local photographers, including Lynne Causer; and a majority of the content was written by another local, Julia Wythes. www.oberonaustralia.com showcases the natural beauty, unique country living and opportunities within the region and has many user friendly features including upcoming business and community events and even a display of current weather conditions and a 7 day forecast. Other smart features built into the website include an automated language translation facility, integrated Google maps, accommodation availability, photo galleries, videos, social networking and a free media release service. Easy to use navigation, aided by a powerful search feature quickly locates required information.

The site is fully content management driven with comprehensive statistics and reporting facilities and all features are accessible via current mobile devices with mobile specific websites coming in 2012. Participation on the websites is open to everyone, businesses, tourism operators, schools, churches and

community groups. Businesses wishing to be part of the new website can benefit from the various advertising services that offer a cost effective marketing opportunity to reach the local community and visitors to the region. Contact Stralia Web on 1300 550 212 for further information.

Tourist Hotel

OBERON simple pleasures

O beron

Showcasing the majestic Jenolan Caves and world heritage National Parks, enchanting forest and farming country and village life Oberon Visitor Information Centre

Ph: 02 6336 1378 Fax: 02 6336 0377 touristhoteloberon@bigpond.com.au

Cnr Ross Street and Edith Road Oberon NSW 2787

02 63298210 oberonaustralia.com www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Bathurst to Mudgee Bathurst Region – Full of life A great city to visit, a perfect place to stay. Whether you’re in Bathurst for a day or a week you’ll find plenty keep you busy. Start at the Visitor Information Centre where you’ll find a meticulously restored Cobb & Co coach from the 1860s beside a 1909 Brush car, one of the first motor vehicles to cross the Blue Mountains. The Centre stocks a wide range of information, from self-driving or walking tours to picnic spots and outdoor activities. Wander through the streets, parks and gardens soaking up the history of the oldest inland settlement in Australia. Right in the heart of the city Machattie Park provides a tranquil spot to rest and relax. Just next door is the magnificent Bathurst Court House and opposite that the magnificent War Memorial Carillon is flanked by the Evans Memorial and the Boer War Memorial. Drive to the famous Mount Panorama motor racing circuit where, outside race times, you can drive a lap of the

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circuit at a sedate 60kms per hour. Visit the National Motor Racing Museum to catch up on the history of motor racing in Bathurst. Peter Brock’s statue at the front of the museum commemorates his contribution to motor racing and his 9 wins on this circuit. Past winners of all endurance races are recorded on plaques outside the Bathurst Regional Council building in Russell Street. History buffs will love the Scottish baronial style mansion, Abercrombie House, the National Trust property Miss Traill’s House and Garden and the cottage where former Prime Minister Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth lived. These properties are all strikingly different in style and size but each is impressive in its own way. Of special interest to many visitors is the fantastic Somerville Collection housed in the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Howick Street. The collection includes thousands of fossils and minerals and the only full T.rex skeleton in Australia – a must see for everyone.

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au These are just a few of the many wonderful things to see and do in Bathurst – a great city to visit, a perfect place to stay.

What to See & Do Visit the T Rex in Fossil & Mineral Museum. Visit one of the beautiful villages in this region such as Peel and Wattle Flat on the way to Sofala, the oldest surviving gold town in Australia. Visit historic Perthville and maybe have a wagon ride. The Bathurst District Historical Museum and the Bathurst Art Gallery are full of treasures. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Bathurst Visitor Information Centre 1 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst Phone: 1800 68 1000 E: visitors@bathurst.nsw.gov.au www.visitbathurst.com.au

...will take you there!

2012 Gulgong Henry Lawson Heritage Festival Friday June 8th to Monday 11th Cutting of Henry Lawson’s birthday cake Street Parade and display of vehicles Local Food Fair at RSL Club Scottish Pipe Band Literary Awards Presentation/Dinner

Pre-Program (Note that changes may occur in final program). OPEN EVERY DAY The Henry Lawson Centre (Museum) will be open at 10 o’clock The Pioneers Museum will be open at 9 o’clock The Tourist Information Centre Cudgegong Gallery Peter Leotta Art Gallery Antique watch display Photo competition & exhibition Art Display/competition Various specialty shops and displays FRIDAY Evening - “Tales of the Swag” at Gulgong Opera House SATURDAY Central streets closed to traffic Heritage window displays Street markets and Bush Dancing Old-style childrens games Photo competition & exhibition Antique watch display Highland Dancing Pavement Art Competitiion Heritage Photos in period costume Henry’s “Big Billy Tea” Songs of Henry Lawson-audio/visual Gulgong Community Singers Performance Poetry Workshops Talks on Lawson’s works at Lawson Centre Special demonstrations in Pioneers Museum

SUNDAY Street Stalls and Poet’s Morning Tea Combined Church Service School Students Literary Awards “Just Henry” Poetry Session Photo competition & exhibition Antique watch display Gulgong Historic Walk Gulgong Race Meeting Concert in Gulgong Opera House Bush Dance at RSL Club MONDAY Writer’s Morning Tea Antique watch display Photo competition & exhibition Coach Tour of Lawson Sites For more information visit www.henrylawsongulgong.org.au Tourist Info. Centre 1800 816304 Charles Vassel 0263741209 or email smalltownsgulgong@hotmail.com

Mudgee Region Tourism - Visitor Information Mudgee Visitor Information Centre 84 Market Street MUDGEE NSW 2850 • 02 6372 1020 Gulgong Visitor Information Centre 66 Herbert Street GULGONG NSW 2852 • 02 6374 2691 Rylstone Visitor Information Centre Louee Street RYLSTONE NSW 2849 • 02 6379 0790 Kandos Visitor Information Centre 28 Angus Avenue KANDOS NSW 2848 • 02 6379 4663 info@visitmudgeeregion.com.au www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au

Ask your Visitor Information Centres for directions for travelling through Hill End, and Sofala to Mudgee www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Orange

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Orange, known as Australia’s Colour City with its four distinct seasons is located in Central NSW, 3 ½ hours from Sydney and within easy reach of the Blue Mountains. You will discover a welcoming city full of life, fruitful landscapes, historical buildings, diverse shopping, art and culture to surprise you and some of the best food and wine in Australia. Continuing to build its reputation for cool climate wines renowned for the regions flavour and quality and now

supports more than 30 cellar doors. It is Australia’s cool climate wine region where the topography ranges from Mt Canobolas at 1,395 metres down to around 600 metres. The combination of distinct seasons, rich soils, climate, sloping ground and glorious sunlight cause a slow maturation and ripening allowing a great intensity of fruit. Begin your journey into another country: Orange, the highest altitude wine region in Australia.

More to meet the eye at Lucknow Lucknow 8 klm east of Orange is a 50 klm speed zone and a great place to stop and explore off the beaten track. It is full of history and you never know what treasure you may find at 2 Fat Ladies, especially now they are so much larger! Local art is on display and for sale in the café and coffee shop area.

n Now Eve Larger!

What to See & Do

Take a vignerons tour around the 30+ cellar doors. Ascend majestic Mt. Canobolas, walk to the spectacular Federal Falls then try out your canoe at Lake Canobolas below. Pleasure your palate with the wonderful fresh food and produce that abounds in Orange and its districts. Take a trip into the eerie limestone world of Tunnel Cave at Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve – take a torch. Visit the Orange Regional Gallery for an collection of unique art, photography and culture. Shopping choices abound in the City and surrounding shires to suit all tastes and budgets in fashion, antiques, homewares, arts, tools, jewellery, books, gardening and agriculture… the list is endless…

Enjoy the café and lolly shop Beading workshops regularly Fab New Clothes for real women! Exciting new stock arriving daily! Great new handbags! New international gift lines, quality children’s lines and new season’s wear. www.2fatladies.com.au Mitchell Highway, Lucknow 2800 Ph: 6365 5437

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Exhibitions at Orange Regional Gallery May 2012 How Yesterday Remembers Tomorrow features work by six contemporary Australian artists and artist partnerships who are past recipients of the Helen Lempriere Travelling Art Scholarship for emerging artists. Presenting early works alongside more recent projects by each artist and artist partnership, the exhibition offers a unique insight into the conceptual and artistic development of early career artists, highlighting how artists’ practices develop over time through sustained research, experimentation and refinement. The exhibition encourages us to rediscover the past in order to look to the future. Featuring work by Lauren Brincat, Sean Cordeiro & Claire Healy, Todd McMillan, Ms&Mr, Tony Schwensen and Sam Smith, and ranging across photography, drawing, digital video and installation, the exhibition provides stimulating commentary on an array of current social and political issues, shedding light on the concerns of young artists today. How Yesterday Remembers Tomorrow is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW as a result of the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy. An Artspace exhibition toured by Museums & Galleries NSW.

American Visionaries 6 April to 13 May 2012 An exhibition by well know American artists in the in the field of Visionary Art. This exhibition has been curated by Damian Michaels and includes the artists Philip Kirk, Tom McKee and Keek Richardson. Wayne Viney 6 April to 13 May 2012 A highly regarded printmaker best known for his hauntingly evocative monotype prints, Wayne Viney’s recent body of work moves away from literal depictions of landscape and focuses on an abstract exploration of the combinations of colours found in nature.

American Visionaries Exhibition Philip Kirk A day lost in naming 2011 watercolour

Wayne Viney Fiery sky 2011 oil on board

Kedumba Collection at Orange Regional Gallery 22 June until 29 July 2012 Orange Regional Gallery is looking forward to presenting significant Australian drawings from the Kedumba Collection. The exhibition will highlight prize winning entries from the Kedumba Drawing Award and notable donations over a 19 year period by artists such as GW Bot, Ben Quilty, Chris O’Doherty (aka Reg Mombassa), David Fairbairn, Ian Marr, John Beard and Jenny Sages. For more information on the Kedumba Collection visit www.kedumba.org.au “The Kedumba Collection has become the most representative collection of drawings of this period in this country.” John Olsen AO OBE The Orange Regional Gallery permanent collections are well worth a visit. The collection represents a broad spectrum of Australian Art with a particular emphasis on works by major Australian Modernist painters from the twentieth century as well as many artists working today. Orange Regional Gallery Byng and Peisley Streets, Orange. Ph: 6393 8136 www.org.nsw.gov.au

Orange Regional Gallery How Yesterday Remembers Tomorrow Exhibition 23 March to 6 May 2012 Orange Regional Art Gallery: Byng and Peisley Streets Open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 12pm to 4pm. Visits outside of these hours can be made by ringing

(02) 6393 8136, fax (02)6393 8100

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range

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Alpacas were most recently brought to Australia from South America in 1988 but the story goes back much further. Early in 1803 Governor King had instructed explorer George Bass to include a number of alpacas in a proposed shipment of cattle to be imported from Chile. Alas Bass sailed out of Sydney Harbour en route to the Spanish ports of South America and was never heard of again. A second attempt to introduce alpacas here was more successful when in 1858 after a hazardous journey, adventurer and entrepreneur Charles Ledger, imported 256 alpacas and llamas into Sydney but the experiment for various reasons, lasted less than ten years. Finally in 1988 direct shipments of alpacas began to arrive from Chile and Peru and the Australian alpaca industry recommenced offering a vital and

stimulating rural opportunity with exciting potential. Our climate approximates that of their Andean homeland, resulting in greater density and fleece growth and giving them protection from internal parasites, ticks and diseases. Alpacas are easy care animals - and being browsers and grazers, they don’t destroy the pasture. Alpacas are environmentally friendly creatures with soft padded feet which don’t damage the soil while their habit of producing specific ‘dung piles’ reduces reinfection from parasites. They do not require crutching or mulesing, only annual shearing, and prosper wherever finewool Merinos flourish.

inya lu lam Alpac

Alpaca breeders from Hawkesbury/ Blue Mountains to the Hartley Valley and beyond will join with alpaca farmers across Australia who will open their farms to the public from 12th to 20th May. This event promotes the production and use of natural alpaca fibre which provides a delightful sensual experience from an environmentally responsible use of pastures. Once this region of New South Wales saw the initial push westwards of the sheep industry from the 1820s, seeking to expand and develop pastoral enterprise in a more appropriate environment and in so doing establishing the Merino sheep industry in Australia. Now another fibre industry has been drawn westward in search of the ideal conditions for the growth of the magnificent alpaca fleece.

An invitation to meet alpacas in their home paddock

Beautiful views, engaging alpacas, friendly owners

Local studs specialise in huacaya (merino style fleece) and suri (the rarer, magnificent ‘dreadlock’ fleece) alpacas, in a wide range of colours from white, through shades of fawn, brown, grey and black. Some breeders value add with on-farm shops with a range of fashion garments and handicrafts, fleece for spinning, weaving and felting and spun fibre for knitting. But this annual National Alpaca event is really about visiting local studs to see for yourself how suitable alpacas are for farming for the future. There has never been a better opportunity to purchase alpacas at a reasonable price. So come and visit as many studs as you can and learn how these professional breeders manage their animals and their farms. Above all we want you to meet these delightful animals, whether as pets, guardians for birthing ewes or does or as the producers of ‘the fibre of the gods’, Join us for ‘An Alpaca Experience’.

Open All Weekend 12th & 13th and 19th & 20th May from 10am to 4pm We have breeding stock, guardians for newborn sheep and goats, pets ... and lots of fleece for spinners and felters You'll be most welcome when you visit, we'll have the kettle on for tea and coffee

Ngullaminya Alpacas 45 Carinya Close, Little Hartley Phone Tom or Joan on (02) 63 552 393 for details www.ngullaminyaalpacas.com email: joantomkent@bigpond.com Follow the alpaca signs from the corner of Great Western Highway and Cox's River Road, Little Hartley, turn left to Ngullaminya Alpacas (we are just down the hill from Mt Victoria 10 minutes drive from the highway)

Visit Dreamwood Estate Alpacas

National Alpaca Week 2012

Open 10am - 4pm, Sat 12th May to Fri 18th May

Quality Australian Alpaca fleece for the discerning spinner. Unique Alpaca garments 100% Australian grown, spun, knitted & woven. Spinning demonstrations & Coffee Shop. Visit Dreamwood Estate Alpacas 21 Griffins Road Tennyson www.dreamwoodinternational.com Meet the Alpacas under your fleece. Phone (02) 4576 5711 for details.

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What's On May

Mamre Homestead Grow it, Pick it, Eat it Workshop

Riverside Theatres, Parramatta present Screen Cafe 14 May 7pm Screen Cafe is a series of free monthly film screenings, which brings film enthusiasts and film makers together to watch, learn, discuss and network in a candid, interactive and inclusive atmosphere. This month's screening is Mad Bastards, and the Director & Producer will open the film and speak at Q&A. Ph 8839 3399 www.riversideparramatta.com.au Parramatta & District Historical Society Hambledon Cottage, Gregory Place. Open Thurs to Sun 11am-4pm. Guest speakers throughout the month. Ph 9654 2224 Model Park Open Day 27 May 9am-5pm Run by the Sydney Society of Model Engineers, the park features model trains, planes, boats, cars in action. Ph 4736 2803. 869 Luddenham Road, Luddenham

Roaring 20's Highlights at The Edge Cinema

Mamre Homestead 12 May 10.30am Grow it, Pick it, Eat it. An adult workshop - harvest food from Mamre's farm, take it back to kitchen and create (and then eat!) a wonderful meal. Ph 9670 5321. 181 Mamre Road, Orchard Hills. Nepean Art Society - Autumn Exhibition & Sale 5-6 May All artwork for sale. Ph 9625 5175. The Cottage, 3 North Street, Penrith

Mt Wilson Autumn Gardens

2012 Bridge to Bridge Power Boat Race 6 May Taking place on the picturesque Hawkesbury River. Ph 4575 1489 www.uhpbc.net Sailability - Come n Try Day 13 May 12-4pm Sailing for people with a wide range of disabilities & experience. International Regatta Centre, Penrith. Bookings essential. Ph 0402 538 456 UIM World Circuit Powerboat Championship 19-20 May 9am Witness supercharged circuit boats reach speeds of up to 150mph over a 3 lap circuit. Ph 0408 871 454. International Regatta Centre, Penrith

TomahROMA Food and Wine Festival

Orchids Out West 25-27 May 9am-4pm Orchid show and display. Race Course Road (entry opposite Hawkesbury Show Ground), Clarendon. Ph David Burns 0418 115 217 or 4131 4167 www.orchidsocietynsw.com.au/OOW2012.htm or email davidburns_au@yahoo.com.aou Blue Mountains Concert Society 4 May 8pm Osmosis, a wind quintet from the Netherlands will play works by Danzi, Mengal, Beethoven and Reicha. Ph 1800 984 460 www.bmconcerts.com Springwood Civic Centre

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Wizards School of Magic

Winmalee Autumn Artfest 4-6 May Recognised as one of the biggest and best art exhibitions in the Blue Mountains. Hundreds of artworks in various media are displayed for sale. Winmalee High School. Ph 4754 2822

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WildEndurance 5-6 May A 100 kilometre 36 hour team trek challenge in the beautiful World Heritage wilderness of the Blue Mountains. Walk 50 kilometres or all the way... Ph 9282 9553 www.wildendurance.org.au Sydney Writers Festival in the Blue Mountains 13-18 May Poetry walks with NP&WS and at Jenolan Caves; speculating futures/bending genre, tragicomedy aboard the Human Ark and book launch at The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba. The event finishes with a Children's Day at Blackheath Community Hall on 18 May. Ph 4782 5761 The Writers Ramble 13 May Join Local historian and author John Lowe and poet Deb Westbury on an easy stroll around the cliff tops and rainforest of Katoomba Falls. Discuss how Blue Mountains history echoes the landscape through a variety of writers and genres. Bookings essential NPWS Heritage Centre 4787 8877 The Early Bird captures the Word 15 May Meet internationally renowned birding expert, Carol Probets at Echo Point. Enjoy an easy walk along a cliff top track to investigate the abundant birdlife. Bookings essential NPWS Heritage Centre 4787 8877 Roaring 20's Highlights at The Edge Cinema 5 May 1pm Blue Mountains film maker Phil Mas screens his Roaring 20s and all that Jazz documentary. Encouraged to don 20's costume, filmgoers will have a glass of bubbly and entertainment by the Greg Poppleton Bakelite Broadcasters trio. Book online: www.oztix.com.au. The North Face 100 19-20 May Highlight on the Australian ultra-running calendar set amongst the spectacular World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Ph 6230 5332 www.thenorthface.com.au Great Train Weekend, Mount Victoria 26-27 May A village fair celebrating railway history. Every year an historic train is available all weekend for rides between Mount Victoria & Katoomba. Ph 4787 1577 Mt Wilson Autumn Gardens To 31 May Mt Wilson is famous for its magnificent cool climate gardens which during Autumn are a blaze of colour. www.mtwilson.com.au Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah 5 May: TomahROMA - Food and Wine Festival Celebrate nature's bounty surrounded by the spectacular deciduous colours of the Blue Mountains highest, coolest garden. Come and enjoy all the day has to offer like; local produce, gourmet delights, wine tasting, live music, free guided walking tours through the Garden plus plants for sale including Wollemi Pines. 19 May: Wizards School of Magic. 11am & 1pm. 1Â˝ hours of magical craft and fun. Ph 4567 3019 Until 13 May: Metamorphoo - Sculptures by Tony

Lennon. Tony will be creating marble sculptures for the garden and Visitor Centre based on the concept of ‘metamorphosis’ or change. All May: Mel Jones – Artist In Residence. Mel is a local artist recognised for her natural talent with Pochoir - a French hand cut stencilling technique. All Autumn: Attack of the Carnivores - Children’s activity. Journey along this self guided family adventure to reveal the interesting, bizarre and curious facts about the carnivorous world. Ph 4567 3000. www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au Zig Zag Railway 5 May 4pm Wizards Express. Join Hagrid and friends for a magical steam train adventure. Bookings essential. Bells Line of Road, Clarence. Ph 6355 2955. www.zigzagrailway.com.au Cullen Bullen Race Meeting 27 May 10am-5pm Watch the speedway action at the Cullen Bullen Raceway. Ph 6359 0582 Concerts at Jenolan Caves 19 May 4pm: Cello concert with Georg Mertens. 26 May 4pm: Gypsy music with the Paganini Duo. Performed underground in the Cathedral Cave.

Murder Mystery - Jenolan Caves 5 May 4pm A variation on the traditional Murder Mystery. Performed by professional actors and taking place inside the caves, while you look on and try to work out 'who done it'. Underground Poetry Reading - Jenolan Caves 13 May 4pm Hear five of the finest contemporary poets reading deep underground, in the magnificent Cathedral Chamber. Ph 1300 763 311 www.jenolancaves.org.au

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Attack of the Carnivores

Autumn Colours, Bathurst To 31 May The Bathurst Region is renowned for its four distinct seasons and the Autumn months are among the most beautiful of the year. It would be difficult to find a better time to enjoy all the Region has to offer. Ph Bathurst Visitor Information Centre 6332 1444 Proclamation Day, Bathurst 6 May Celebrate Bathurst's birthday in Macquarie River Bicentennial Park. A great day is promised for all ages so come along and enjoy the atmosphere, history and entertainment. Ph 6333 6158 www.visitbathurst.com.au

Markets

Monthly Markets Guide HAWKESBURY Bilpin Markets District Hall, Bells Line of Road. Every Saturday 10am-12am Windsor Mall Craft Markets Between Baker and Fitzgerald Sts. Every Sunday 9am - 3.30pm Lions/Rotary Markets Hawkesbury Showground, 2nd Saturday PENRITH Showground Markets Station Street. Every Wed 8.30am-1.30pm Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Fine Food Penrith - adj to Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, High St. 1st Saturday 8am-1pm Luddenham Country Fair Markets Hubertus Country Club, 205 Adams Rd. Last Sunday 8.30am-2pm Vicary’s Winery Vineyard Fair Northern Road, Luddenham. 2nd Sunday 9.30am-4pm Kingswood Food & Craft Market Kingswood High School, 2nd Sunday. 9am-2pm

Western Sydney Community Indoor Market Cnr GWH & Mamre Rd, St Marys. 20 May

BLUE MOUNTAINS Glenbrook Rotary Markets Glenbrook Infants School, Ross St. 3rd Saturday 9am-2pm Springwood Community Ivy Markets Civic Centre, Macquarie Road. 2nd Saturday 9am-1pm

Faulconbridge Blue Gum Rotary Markets Public School, Great Western Hwy. 4th Saturday 9am-2pm Lawson Magpie Markets Lawson Public School, Great Western Hwy. 3rd Sunday 9am-2pm Bullaburra Craft Markets Progress Hall, Noble St and Great Western Hwy. 1st Saturday 9am-3pm Leura Markets Leura Public School, Great Western Hwy. 1st Sunday 9am-2pm Leura Blue Mountains Market CWA Hall, Megalong Street. 1st and 3rd Saturday 9am-3pm Bluebird Market Alexandra Hotel, Leura. 1st Saturday Katoomba Craft Market St Canice's Hall, 158 Katoomba Street. 2nd Sunday 9am-2pm Blackheath Craft Markets Community Hall, Great Western Hwy. 3rd Sunday 9am-2pm Blackheath Community Market Blackheath Public School Hall. 1st Sunday 9am-1pm Blackheath Growers Markets Community Centre, Great Western Hwy. 2nd Sunday 8am-12am LITHGOW Bowenfels Station Markets 1st & 3rd Saturday 8am - late Capertee Markets Castlereagh Hwy. 3rd Sunday Portland Community Markets Portland Golf Club. 3rd Saturday 9am-2pm

Portland Tidy Town Markets Williewa St. 1st Sunday 9am-2pm OBERON Tablelands Way Farmers Markets Barnabas Park, Oberon Street. 1st Saturday 8am-1pm BATHURST Farmers Markets Showground. 4th Saturday 8am-12am Family Markets Showground. 2nd Sunday 8am-4pm Macquarie Lions Flea Markets Kings Parade. 1st Saturday 8.30am-1.30pm ORANGE Milthorpe Markets Redmond Oval, Park St 1st Sunday 8.30am-4pm Orange Region Farmers Market North Court, Peisley St 2nd Saturday 8.30am-12am Rotary Sunday Markets Orange Central, Byng St. Sunday 8am-12am MUDGEE Church Markets St Johns Anglican Church, Church and Market Streets. 1st Saturday 9am-1pm Community Markets Lawson Park, cnr Church & Short Sts 2nd Saturday Farmers Markets St Marys Catholic Church, Market and Church Streets. 3rd Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm Artisan & Produce Markets Memorial Hall, Louee St Rylstone 2nd Saturday 9am -1.30 pm

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Capertee Valley

Wiradjuri Country A nature based destination like no other

The widest canyon in the world is in the Central West of New South Wales. Adjacent to The Wollemi National Park and only 3 hours from Sydney, Capertee Valley is uniquely different. Where else would you find in one area, spectacular national parks, rugged ancient escarpments, abundant birdlife, rare flowering native plants, cattle and sheep farming and diverse activities where you're not limited to a 4wd. Stay awhile so you can experience it... fly over it... and stop at Foxwood Farm Cafe when you are passing.

Capertee Valley

To Mudgee and Dubbo Rylstone Kandos

Wheely Good 4W Drives Dunville Loop

Foxwood Farm Café

real cooks, real food

Mudgee Rd, Running Stream

Ph: 02 6358 8251

www.foxwoodfarm.com.au

Lansallos B&B

Ilford

where to eat

Bogee

Foxwood Farm Café

The Cubbyhouse Farmstay

Running Stream

Capertee Valley Helicopters

AnnaBilla Farmstay Capertee

THE CUBBY HOUSE

Castlereagh Highway Cullen Bullen

FARMSTAY

For a peaceful and relaxing visit. experience farm life. Phone (02) 6358 8288 “Eagles View” 394 Vulcan Rd, Running Stream www.TheCubbyHouseFarmstay.com.au

Glen Davis

Lithgow

where to stay

Wollemi National Park

Bells Line of Road

Great Western Highway

Richmond

Katoomba

Penrith

Wheely Good 4W Drives

capertee valley

helicopters

Guided day trips in A/C vehicle Nullo Mountain, Dunns Swamp, Hill End, Capertee Valley, Newnes “Access to Private Trails”

Experience the thrill... 4675 Castlereagh Highway

Ph 6379 1709

Mobile: 0427 791 707 AH: 6379 7718 info@wheelygood.com.au - www.wheelygood.com.au

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Way to go

Information & Bookings Ph: 02 6359 0157

A GREAT GIFT!