Sydney & Blue Mountains iMag - February 2014 by iMag Publications Pty Ltd

FEBRUARY 2014

Sydney, Blue Mountains and Central West Inside:

Roaring 20'2 Festival

Safe adventure tourism options! - Page 23

New Koala sightings in upper Blue Mountains areas - Page 3

Roaring 20s Festival assistant director Angela Corkeron. ÂŠ David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

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Stay awhile with us - Plenty of great deals right now!

Welcome to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Cultural Launch Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism launched its Greater Blue Mountains Aboriginal Cultural Experience Guide in October 2012. Embracing cultural information from the six Aboriginal language groups of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, this draft document brings together the Darkinjung, Darug, Dharawal, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri and Wonnarua language groups to explore opportunities to share their authentic experiences with locals and visitors.

Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition “Into the Blue” Located in the heart of Katoomba, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre presents the World Heritage Exhibition Into the Blue, a fantastic world-class visitor experience that creates a unique and powerful introduction to the wonderland that is the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. In 2000 the Greater Blue Mountains area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of the exceptional diversity and integrity of its eucalypt forest communities – this exhibition celebrates and explores this, and so much more! When you experience the Into the Blue exhibition, you’ll be taken on an interactive journey that will inspire you to discover a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich environmental, historical and cultural significance that the entire region holds. The design of the exhibition drew inspiration from the area’s unique features; scale, vistas, colour, voices and time to create an experience like no other. The moment that you step into the exhibition space, you’re immersed in blue, connecting you with Eucalyptus species and its distinctive blue haze. A Welcome To Country greets you in a range of languages as well as the botanical illustrations of over 100 Eucalyptus fruits that create

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the diversity and unique ecology of the Blue Mountains region. Stepping into the main exhibition space is like stepping into another world. Your imagination will be captured instantly by the surround high-definition projector screens that create a unique film that will take you on a journey to some of the most beautiful and remote locations of the Greater Blue Mountains Area. Explore amazing and beautifully diverse locations such as the Hanging Swamps of Hat Hill, Grand Canyon, Kanangra Walls and Plateau, Dunns Swamp, Gardens of Stone, Pearson’s Lookout at Capertee Valley and many more. On its own, this film and the surrounds provide a setting for reflection, similar to being in the bush itself. The floor is a large-scale satellite photograph that you can walk on top of and explore the World Heritage Area’s scale and geographical relationship to Sydney. The lecterns within the main exhibition space provide cultural stories which explore how the environment has affected people and culture of the Blue Mountains over time. Two interactive touch-screen tables contain stories, videos and animation – a hit with children (and adults!). The Voices Experience presents eight

contemporary audio stories that explore specific themes and reveal a glimpse of the life, experience, history and memory of people today. This creates a rich and evocative dialogue of personal connections with the Blue Mountains. There is so much more to this experience to discover for yourself and is a must for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Entry is only $5 for adults, $3 for concession and children under 18 are free. Blue Mountains Cultural Centre 30 Parke Street, Katoomba www.bmculturalcentre.com.au

Found by Fire: Koalas seen for the first time in decades. A koala was recently seen crossing the Great Western Highway near Wentworth Falls, the first record of koalas in the upper Mountains since the 1940’s. If you asked a local this time last year they might have told you there were no longer any koalas in the Blue Mountains. However during the recent bushfires koalas have appeared on the edges of urban areas, including three koalas coming out of the bush to sit in buckets of water near the Springwood fire. Dr Kellie Leigh from Science for Wildlife Inc, and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, is working on mapping koalas in and around the Blue Mountains. “The fires would have forced koalas to move out of their normal home ranges and habitats, and this movement is taking them into developed areas where they are being seen by people. Unfortunately koalas are vulnerable to both fire and heat so the bushfires and extreme weather are likely to have had an impact on them. However, the exciting thing is that we were not sure that koalas still existed in many of these areas.” Although koalas are not normally seen on the high altitude ridgelines in the Blue Mountains, they used to be abundant in the valleys either side. There are historical records advertising koala hunting opportunities in the Megalong Valley, back in the days of the koala fur trade. Since then koala numbers have dropped dramatically. Leigh says it’s critical to find what is left of our koalas after such a massive drop in numbers. “Many Sydneysiders don’t realise we still have koala populations

around, in areas like Campbelltown, and west right through to Bathurst. Even more people are not aware that koalas in NSW are now federally listed as vulnerable to extinction. Koalas are picky eaters and adapt to their local habitats, so if we’re going to hang on to this iconic species we need to find and conserve all

to train up a koala wildlife detection dog, to help follow up in areas where communities report rare koala sightings. The information being collected is part of a larger national scale koala study led by the University of Sydney together with researchers from James Cook University and San Diego Zoo Global. The project is

the surviving koala populations.” The recent Great Koala Count run by the National Parks Association of NSW has shown the power of citizen science for finding koalas, with 900 koalas reported throughout NSW and beyond. However assessing low density populations in rugged terrain is more challenging so Science for Wildlife is making plans

using new technology whole-genome DNA to prioritise koala populations for conservation management, right across the species range. Koalas in the Blue Mountains are thought to be particularly important for conservation of the species due high levels of genetic diversity, and the large World Heritage Area might be an important habitat refuge for other populations under pressure from climate change. There is also a need to understand more about the impacts of bushfires on koalas in different habitats, which is even more urgent since the Blue Mountains bushfires. If you know of any recent koala sightings in the Sydney basin or Blue Mountains please report the information to www.scienceforwildlife.org . For further information contact: Dr Kellie Leigh Executive Director, Science for Wildlife Inc. Ph: 0430 476 562 Email: kellie@scienceforwildlife.org

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Lake Lyell © Margaret Edwards

From the Editor February Are you over summer yet? As I write I look forward to more rain. We celebrate another Bicentenary event of the Crossing of the Blue Mountains this month. I wonder what they thought of this place where everything was so different. Isn’t that what tourism is all about? On pages 2 to 3 I often reflect on our changing heritage. In this issue we celebrate heritage ancient and within memory, encouraging you to explore and delve into our regions, making discoveries and comparisons. Jenolan is one of our ancient areas and this month offers many awesome treats. We have country shows in a number of our areas as well as Slow Food in Orange, Banjo Patterson Festival, Australia’s longest motorsport endurance race, almost a month of Roaring 20’s over the sprawling Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon regions, balls enough to dance yourself to exhaustion – and not content with breaking the Charleston Guinness record last year we want to break it again this year! We have picnics and romance to suit whatever your style of Valentine’s Day – from high tea venues to the long lunch and markets

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Contents

galore! You can stay in ultimate luxury with pampering or camp in wilderness areas… There are so many food wine music and art festivals we challenge you to keep up with them… These may be enjoyed on so many levels and indeed most of them benefit charities. Even if you take your pick of adventures, you are in this ancient land with its world heritage listed areas and unique ecosystems… look around you and drink it in… stay a while with us… consider what is most precious to you and enjoy it. Do have a wonderful time. We have plenty to offer to enable you to do this. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and check out our web for more information. Drive safely, take care, live and love well! Always make every day count…and good luck in finding your answers – whatever the questions!

Kevin

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 10,000 copies printed monthly, distributed and recirculated 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 Compiled by Nicole Collis, Tang Print Media Production Subscription to magazine $30 per year.

Greater Blue Mountains WH Hills & Hawkesbury Parramatta Penrith Valley Lower Blue Mountains Farm Trails Wentworth Falls Leura Village Katoomba Main Map Blackheath to Mt Victoria Wallerawang & Portland Hartley & Surrou nds Lithgow Mount Tomah Taste the Blue Mountains Coffee Oberon Bathurst to Mudgee Orange Molong What’s on Markets

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Accor stars at NSW Tourism Awards Held in the Grand Ballroom of Royal Randwick on 28 November 2013, the NSW Tourism Awards set a benchmark for best practice within the tourism industry and publicly recognises the state’s finest tourism operators. Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, an MGallery hotel was awarded Best Business Tourism and Best Deluxe Accommodation capping off a milestone year for the resort as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. After

completing a $12 million dollar renovation in 2012 which saw all guestrooms, public areas and facilities upgraded, and with further expansion plans in place which include the building of a state-of-the-art day spa, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains continues to go from strength to strength. General Manager for the resort, Bernie Boller, said winning the awards was a testament to the staff and hotel owners in bringing first-class

ERIENCE SUBLIME HIGH AT FAIRMONT RESORT’S LIME LOUNGE & BAR…

service and authentic experiences to guests. Accor’s revered Homebush hotels, Novotel Sydney Olympic Park and Pullman Sydney Olympic Park took home three awards, with Novotel taking out Silver Best Deluxe Accommodation and Pullman Sydney Olympic Park winning the Silver Business Tourism and Silver Luxury Accommodation awards. Since opening in 2008, Pullman Sydney Olympic Park has set a benchmark for luxury accommodation in Greater Western Sydney and along with Novotel, continues to be a key player in supporting major events to the Olympic Park precinct.

NEW Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains DEVONSHIRE TEA is offering attractive accommodation packages for those visiting any Roaring $12 per person 20’s Festival or other local events. For more information visit Mon-Fri 10-5pm. www.fairmontresort.com.au or ask the helpful staff for assistance.

2 DIVINE freshly baked scones accomp Reservations team 02 4785 0000 with strawberry jam & cream. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism Includes coffee and tea. Fairmont EXPERIENCE SUBLIME HIGH NEW

TEA AT FAIRMONT RESORT’S SUBLIME LOUNGE & BAR…

DEVONSHIRE TEA SUBLIME HIGH $12 per person $45 per person, Mon-Fri 10-5pm.

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or $50 per person w sparkling wine. 2 glass DIVINE of freshly baked scones accompanied with strawberry jam & cream. Sat-Sun, 12-3pm Includes coffee and tea.

A refined petite cake and sandwich sele SUBLIME HIGHorTEA includes coffee tea.

$45 per person, or $50 per person with a glass of sparkling wine. Bookings are essential for high tea service, Sat-Sun, 12-3pm contact Fairmont Reservations on 4785 000 Ato refined petite cake and sandwich selection, make your booking. includes coffee or tea.

Bookings are essential for high tea service, 1 Sublime Point Road, on Leura contact Fairmont Reservations 4785NSW 0000 2780 toCall make4785 your booking. 0000 for more information

reservations@fairmontresort.com.au 1 Sublime Point Road, Leura NSW 2780 Call 4785 0000 for more information reservations@fairmontresort.com.au

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Howe House, Hawkesbury Regional Museum, Windsor © Tourism NSW

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 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 throughout the Hills Hawkesbury area 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.

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There is so much to see and do in the Hawkesbury – beautiful scenery, national parks, majestic rivers, quiet secret places, historic townships and heritage buildings. It is an easy drive one hour north-west of Sydney, making it an ideal Sydney day trip or weekend getaway. As a longer stay destination, make sure you take time to relax and experience what the Hawkesbury has to offer, including opportunities to visit galleries and artist studios or enjoy the rural atmosphere and buy seasonal produce direct from the grower. To help you explore the Hawkesbury at your leisure we can offer you directions for self drive tours which highlight what the area has to offer. Your journey begins at Windsor or Clarendon. Phone or email us for a free information pack:

Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre

Ham Common, Hawkesbury Valley Way, Clarendon (opposite RAAF base) Ph: 02 4578 0233 or 1300 362 874 Email: hawkesburytourism@pacific.net.au Web: www.hawkesburytourism.com.au Spatial Images Photography 2010 ©

What to See & Do Macquarie Arms Hotel 1815 Windsor Court House 1821 The Toll House built in 1835 St Monicas Church opened in 1859 Richmond Court House 1877 Macquarie Schoolhouse 1819 Ebenezer Church built – Australia’s oldest church 1809 Check out Berowra Waters Go horse riding close to home Stay in a romantic B&B and get away from it all Walk the Great North Road, built by convicts in chain gangs Check out the local art scene Fish in the Hawkesbury River Ride across the river on the Webbs Creek Ferry Visit Wisemans Ferry Anglican Church Self guided tour of Wisemans Ferry, history and sites Bushwalk through Dharug National Park – remember comfy shoes! Drive across the Wisemans Ferry

Walk along the Wisemans jetty and spot the fish Visit the award-winning regional museum and Visit Hawkesbury Regional Gallery DURAL VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE The Pines and Roughley House 656a Old Northern Road, Dural Phone (02) 9651 4411 www.hhart.com.au info@hhart.com.au

...will take you there!

Off the beaten track Opening on 14 February at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery in Windsor is Off the beaten track, which brings together a group of young artists who, according to curator Tia McIntyre, ‘ instinctively knew there was another way and set out to find it’. It is part of The Boondocks Experiment: 2014, a festival for young people in the Hawkesbury and beyond. Says Tia, ‘the beaten track is to a much travelled path. Choosing this path usually results in security, predictability, planning, knowing where you are headed and how you are going to get there. This notion is comforting for some but a terrifying direct road to boredom for others. This exhibition is a celebration of fearless explorations and journeys that take you off the beaten track. The featured artists have reinterpreted their built and natural environment, redefined its usefulness and “conquered the world” in the process. The work on show is a record of how the artists traversed land, city or mindscapes. In doing so they have gone on to carve a livelihood from their arts practice; some have gone on to have stellar careers. The exhibition runs 14 February –13 April. In the meantime, you might be lucky enough to catch Goya: Los Caprichos

and Contemporary illustrations and cartoons from the Fairfax news room, closing on 9 February. Though living and working centuries apart, the artists in both exhibitions use their talent, insight and skill to expose and ridicule the vices and follies of their time.

Francisco Goya (1746-1828) Sopla (Blow), Los Caprichos (plate 69) 1797-1798 etching & aquatint 5th edition, published c.1881 AlburyCity Collection

Francisco Goya (1746-1828) Aquellos polbos (That dust), Los Caprichos (plate 23) 1797-1798 etching & aquatint 5th edition, published c.1881 AlburyCity Collection

Andrew Dyson "Dogs of War"

Garry Trinh Parramatta Road 2009. Digital C-Type print www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

“All things design” – Innovative Food, inspired art and floral design • Delight to the senses - Entering through the florist your senses will be alight with the perfume from the flowers that fill the space and your sight. Walking through to the restaurant, the aroma from the culinary delights will have your mouth watering. While waiting for your meal or making your decision, your sights will be filled with the inspired art works from local artists featured each month. • Modern Australian food – At Sassafras Creek Food and Design we pride ourselves on quality produce and where possible, local produce. Our team of prestigious chefs are constantly seeking to create innovative

cuisine to delight the palate, with an emphasis on harmony with texture, flavour and visual balance. • Local produce – As a proud member of Hawkesbury Harvest we enjoy the opportunity to use local produce extensively in the menus. • Transforms day to night – By day, Sassafras Creek food and design is bright & light, spacious with picturesque views. By evening the restaurant transforms into an intimate & rich space. Day or night, be it a romantic dinner, celebratory feast, coffee catch up or tea for one, Sassafras Creek Food & Design provides an inviting space to tantalise your senses

• Inspired art – Adorning the walls and space of Sassafras Creek Food and Design is the works of local leading and emerging artist and crafts people. New and inspired works are displayed in month long exhibitions. See Advert on page 37

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You've been looking to go somewhere different this year but the prices are all the same - all more expensive because it's 'Holiday Season'. Well it doesn't work that way at Dreamwood Estate Bed and Breakfast. You can enjoy every season of the year at the same reasonable price - no Holiday Ripoff! Do you love Border Collies? You'll really enjoy holidays with our Border family because every day is meant to be fun – just ask Brig and Gaibrial. Give us a ring now to make a booking Murphy (our red boy) will make you feel most welcome. 21 Griffins Rd Tennyson NSW (02) 4576 5711 bookings.dreamwoodinternational.com

Dreamwood Estate Bed and Breakfast

Simple things made special...

21 Griffins Road, Tennyson 02 4576 5711

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Banksia Yarns

Located in the Magnolia Mall arcade in Richmond, Banksia Yarns offers an array of fine knitting yarns from lace-weight to chunky in a kaleidoscope of colours. From commercially produced to hand spun / hand dyed yarns, there is enough here to tantalise the tastebuds of any knitter / crocheter. Learn to knit / crochet classes start mid-February. Timetable available by the end of January. Book online or instore. In store, we have: • Australian & imported: wools / mohair / alpaca / cotton yarns. • Knitting & crochet: hooks / needles / patterns etc. • Knitting/crocheting classes & workshops (Phone for bookings). • Gift vouchers. • Tours & groups welcome (by appointment). Mon - Fri: 9:30 - 5pm Sat: 9:30 -1pm (Closed Mondays in January) Ph 0401 279853 crochet amigurumi' starts Tuesday 18 February, at 10 am. Class is for 2 hours x 4 weeks. Also, a social / charity knitting group starts Thursday 20 February at 10 am, for 2 hours. Phone for Details

"Variety is the spice of life" exhibition of works by Maja Meinhardt 1st February to 13th March 214 Opening Saturday 1st February. Drinks with the artist 3-5pm ARTIST BIOGRAPHY Maja Meinhardt was born in Germany and began her career as a technical draftswoman. This soon expanded to include commercial art and fabric design. Since arriving in Australia, Maja has travelled extensively, opened her own business and designed her own collection of fashion wear. She began studying watercolour and other mediums in 1989. She loves to work with colour, texture and pattern

and often starts her paintings without sketching, developing them with visual impressions and imagination. Maja’s paintings reflect a love for nature and animals in a slightly dreamlike or magic world. She does not explain the meaning of her works, preferring people to find their own meaning. Her studies have taken her all over the world. In 2006, Maja settled in the Blue Mountains where she continues her work in varied mediums. Maja has had several solo and group exhibitions and her work is represented in galleries in Sydney and News South Wales as well as in private collections throughout Australia and overseas.

Banksia Yarns • Australian & imported: wools / mohair / alpaca / cotton yarns. • Knitting & crochet: hooks / needles / patterns etc. • Knitting & crocheting classes & workshops (contact us for details & bookings). • Gift vouchers. • Tours & groups welcome (by appointment). Learn to knit / crochet classes start mid-February. Timetable available by the end of January. Book online or instore. Hours:

Mon – Fri: 9:30 – 5pm Sat: 9:30 – 1pm (Closed Mondays in January)

shop 7, Magnolia Mall, 285 Windsor St, Richmond NSW

Phone 0401 279 853 shop@banksiayarns.com.au - www.banksiayarns.com.au

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Parramatta 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,

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au 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

Looking for family connections? The Parramatta and District Historical Society Family History Group will meet in the Hambledon Cottage Coach House at 1.30pm on Saturday 1st February. Guest speaker Pauline Weeks will explain aspects of New Zealand research. Entry is by gold coin and afternoon tea provided. You may undertake further research every Tuesday from 11am when a team of members pursue requested items. Wednesday 19th February is General Meeting night at Burnside Public School Hall, Masons Drive North Parramatta. Commencing at 7.30 pm with Ada Colley free entry, the Guest Speaker is Susan Parker talking about the Macquarie Dictionary. Ample parking and supper is provided. The Parramatta and District Historical Society invites you to its meetings and to consider joining the society. We have an interesting programme of speakers each month, a newsletter and beautiful Hambledon Cottage house museum in the two acre Hambledon Cottage reserve on the corner of Hassall Street and Gregory Place, Parramatta. The cottage is open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4pm and every day of the week to groups by appointment. Telephone 02 9635 6924 , 9871-4155 (Ken)

www.parramattahistorical.org.au also visitnsw.com and sydney.com, under Hambledon.

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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 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

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

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National Apology Day What to See & Do 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. 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!

National Apology Day - Thursday 13th February 2014. Muru Mittigar, in partnership with Family Worker Training + Development Programme Inc. will be hosting a National Apology Day event designed to help communities heal and move forward together. The free event is open to all members of the community and will feature information stalls, guest speakers, lunch and ceremonies designed to support healing. For further information call Muru Mittigar on (02) 4730 04300 or visit www.murumittigar.com.au

Visit the award winning Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre for a range of authentic experiences 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 Attend a performance at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre Penrith RSL have an amazing range of performers Check out Model Park Open Day for model trains, planes, boats & cars in action Cruise on the Nepean River aboard either the Nepean Belle or Penrith Platypus Visit the Sydney International Regatta Centre 2000 Sydney Olympics’ venue Follow either the Farmgate or the Heritage Trails around Penrith Valley Enjoy one of the many cafes and restaurants in Penrith Valley Sport of all kinds may be enjoyed in Penrith in all seasons Muru Mittigar means ‘Pathway to Friends’ in the Darug language (the Traditional Aboriginal custodians of our area). Muru Mittigar enables you to participate and interact with members of the local Aboriginal community through a range of exciting educational and enriching cultural activities on offer, including boomerang throwing, bush tucker walks, traditional art and cultural talks. Prices start at $26 per adult and $15 per child.

Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre Gate 1, 89-151 Old Castlereagh Rd, Penrith

www.murumittigar.com.au

TO MAKE A BOOKING For further information on Muru Mittigar’s Aboriginal Cultural Education Workshops, or to make a booking, please call us on (02) 4729 2377 or email bookings@murumittigar.com.au

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Lower Blue Mountains Across the Nepean River through Emu Plains, Leonay and Lapstone, travel west along the Great Western Highway to Glenbrook to reach the Blue Mountains Tourist Information Centre on the left of the highway. The start of the Blue Mountains includes the lovely villages of Lapstone, Glenbrook, Blaxland, Springwood and Lawson. This area features impressive waterfalls, swimming holes, national park walks and art & craft galleries. Blaxland, named after explorer Gregory Blaxland (1771-1852) provides the opportunity to examine Lennox Bridge. Built in 1883, it formed part of the Great Western Highway until 1926.

Springwood follows Warrimoo and Valley Heights and was the first town named in the Blue Mountains, second only in size to Katoomba. Faulconbridge follows, famous home of Norman Lindsay and the burial site of Sir Henry Parkes, the “Father of Federation”. Continuing higher are Linden, the smallest mountain community, Woodford of the Woodford Academy and the Bulls Camp, now a pleasant picnic spot and leash free area, then Hazelbrook home to Selwood Science. We then reach Lawson, named after explorer William Lawson (1774-1850). VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook Open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5pm and 8.30am - 4.30pm Weekends and Public Holidays Ph: 1300 653 408

SPRINGWOOD

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*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

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When the fires were threatening Norman Lindsay’s Gallery & Museum in Faulconbridge end October 2013, there were a lot of irreplaceable precious objects under threat. It was decided to pack these and move them to safety. These actions led to the opportunity to reorganise the Gallery before reopening 2 November. Lindsay’s Café looked after firefighters and other workers throughout the emergency. The various businesses that look after the heritage and promote art and culture from this site are striving to continue their various missions and are very grateful to all who have helped in so many ways. I am amazed at how many wonderful events are proceeding from this site! Editor.

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

What to See & Do

Start at the Glenbrook Visitor Centre 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 has been recently relandscaped and is a great resting place for the family. Don’t miss the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, Ride the Valley Heights Tram. Selwood Science is a must visit for all ages for fun fascination and information. Spend some time at the Norman Lindsay Gallery Museum garden and café for food for the soul and body.

The Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum A magnificent collection of paintings, sculpture and ship models displayed in the artist’s former home. • Landscaped Grounds • Cafe • Specialist Print and Book Shop • Home of ‘The Magic Pudding’

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

National Trust

14 Norman Lindsay Cres. Faulconbridge

Farm Trails... Looking for something to do … someplace to eat … somewhere to stay… in the Blue Mountains ? Scan this QR Code with your smartphone July 2013 June 2014

you … s e k ta it re e h See w

getinnow

.com.au

YOUR GUIDE TO THE HAWKESBURY’S FINEST WORKSHOPS, STUDIOS & GALLERIES

Unique 170 year old abattoir on-site and working. Both local and 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

THANK SEBEL IT’S

FRIDAY!

Cafe trading hours Tuesday to Friday 10am - 2.30pm Saturday and Sunday 9am - 4pm February 13 Pop Up Cafe - Valentine's Theme February 14 Valentine's Day February 23 Grow it, Pick it, Eat it February 24 Mamre Puppetry & Performance Group Farm Tours and Conservation walks by appointment 02 96705321

refurbished Barracks Bar for:

Mamre is the perfect venue for bringing your family and the community together at events large and small

LIVE MUSIC from 4pm

See our Website for more information

Join us every Friday in our

HAPPY HOUR $5 DRINKS 4-7pm www.sebelhawkesbury.com.au 61 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Windsor

Open every day except Monday. 181 MAMRE RD ORCHARD HILLS Tel: 02 9670 6178 www.mamre.com.au www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Wentworth Falls

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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

Must Visit...

operators have made Bygone Beautys an official stop for all their passengers. Don’t forget your camera! This place is such a wonderful experience you won’t want to miss recording your enjoyment. Bygone Beautys is open 7 days a week (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, New Year's Day); open 10.00 am - 5.30 pm; last orders 5.00 pm, 4.30 pm for Traditional High Teas. Please book for Traditional High Teas. I adore their High Teas which are really something special and not just at weekends either. Bygone Beautys also serves great coffee, light lunches or snacks. Located in the picturesque Blue Mountains at 20–22 Grose Street in the village of Leura, the original c.1917 building presents beautifully, especially the extensively landscaped grounds facing the street. Visitors can purchase the estate jewellery

(gold, silver and diamonds), antiques, collectables and contemporary quality gifts scattered throughout the emporium. The proprietor of Bygone Beautys is Mr Maurice Cooper OAM, often referred to as "The Teapot Man", easily identified by his bowtie. The teapot collection was begun in 1974 and ninety percent of all items in the collection were acquired within Australia. The collection has now grown to more than 4,000 teapots, with 3,000 on display – and still growing! www.bygonebeautys.com.au

You must visit Bygone Beautys. If you are driving up, turn left off the Great Western Highway just after Wentworth Falls at the big leafy sign to Leura for a bit of a scenic wander. So great is the appeal of Bygone Beautys that both major local tourist bus

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With the numerous spectacular walks and views within Wentworth Falls, allow at least a day to enjoy the area at leisure. The Charles Darwin Walk is well sign posted leading from the Great Western Highway, and along Falls Road. It’s a superb full day walk from Whispering Pines to what the Gundungurra people call The Seven Sisters at Echo Point. Falls Gallery and Gardens - on Falls Road, two minutes from the Falls and lookouts

On the other side... Along the Great Western Highway at the first set of traffic lights travelling west towards Katoomba, on the left hand side you will see the historic Grandview Hotel. Here you can turn right at the lights into the main street of Wentworth Falls. Along Station Street you will find fine coffee shops and a thriving community atmosphere. Continue over the railway bridge into Blaxland Road and turn left into Sinclair Crescent which will lead you through a corridor of trees to the beautiful, ‘must see’ Wentworth Falls Lake. The lake offers something for everyone including picnic and BBQ facilities, safe swimming, shelter and a children’s playground. Be sure to look out for the friendly geese and ducks. Further North along Blaxland Road the golf enthusiast will find the 18 hole golf course of Wentworth Falls Country Club where you can experience a round of golf in the fresh clean air of Wentworth Falls.

The Falls Mountain Retreat The Falls Mountain Retreat is the Blue Mountains newest luxury hideaway. Hidden away in four acres of peaceful and secluded gardens on the edge of the National Park in Wentworth Falls, famous walking trails, waterfalls and breathtaking views are just a 200 metre stroll away. The style is warm, welcoming, and refreshing – the service friendly and informal. The Falls is Australian accommodation for the 21st century.

the falls

mountain retreat The Falls is an award winning contemporary hideaway, nestled amongst acres of peaceful and secluded gardens on the edge of the National Park in Wentworth Falls. If you want to escape the crowds and are seeking something modern instead of yet another olde world option we are the getaway for you. Our location offers a sense of absolute seclusion and tranquility, with direct access to some of the best walks, waterfalls and views the Blue Mountains has to offer. We have a variety of stylish architect designed self catering studios and suites, all of which have a queen or king size bed, 2 person hydrotherapy spa bath, quiet airconditioning to keep you cool, open fireplace if you need to get toasty, 32”- 42” HDTV to keep you in the loop and much else besides. Swing past our website to make an enquiry or booking. Mention this ad when booking and we’ll throw in a complimentary late checkout on the house. Hope to see you soon!

Call 02 4757 8801 or visit www.fallsmountainretreat.com.au

Self Catering

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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.

THE SHIRT LADY Leura Country Casuals Aspect Arcade, Shop 2-3/166, The Mall, Leura Ph/fax: (02) 4784 1389 Email: shirtladyshop@bigpond.com 'The Shirt Lady'. Exclusive Australian and imported shirts and knitwear for men and women. Assorted knitwear (alpaca, possum and merino, lambswool, angora, cashmere, fine merino cotton) as well as scarves, gloves, coats, jackets and vests. Long sleeve, short sleeve and three quarter sleeve shirts. Widely considered to be the best shirt shop in Australia. Worth a visit! You will not be disappointed.

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au 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. Renomee is the delightful cottage in the Leura carpark also accessible from 152 Megalong Street. They sell quality new and recycled unique clothing, specialising in contemporary recycle and one-off. 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. I have found stunning new designer outfits here as well as some old favourites at very affordable prices. 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 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 Along Cliff Drive, bush walks can lead you to the Pool of Siloam and Lyrebird Dell while the famous Prince Henry Cliff Walk will take you to the spectacular Katoomba Falls.

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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Before Leura Village was born, Leura House the grand old lady of Leura was built as the first and finest home in the area. An expansive Victorian Italianate mansion at the top of Leura Mall she stands on Leura’s highest point with views as far as Sydney.

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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!

P OINT

INT PO

WILLOU G HB Y RD

ME BLI

Romantic Historic Retreat Circa 1880 SUMMER SPECIALS

Spacious rooms, private en-suites, balconies, baths, verandas and views. Built on Leura’s highest point and surrounded by English gardens, Leura House is located at the top of Leura Village close to all the famous tourist attractions. A 3 bedroom cottage is also available.

Weddings, Parties, Conferences.

Ph: (02) 4784 2035 7 Britain Street, Leura

w w w. l e u r a h o u s e . c o m www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

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 ancient natural beauty. The Seven Sisters Of the Gundungurra people commonly referred to as 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.

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What to See & Do Visit Echo Point Visitor Information Centre for information and views. Make time to absorb the wonders of the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre with its City Art Gallery, amazing interactive World Heritage Exhibition, Katoomba Library and the ever changing vistas from the viewing platform. An amazing range of programs, exhibitions and events as well as the Cultural Centre Shop and Café. Stay with us to enjoy our award winning area Visit Trolley Tours to book a great tour of your choice maybe including Jenolan Caves or even a horse ride.

Enjoy the art and culture walk. 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. Visit the renovated Scenic World VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Echo Point Rd, Katoomba Open 9am - 5pm daily (Closed Christmas day) Phone: 1300 653 408 www.bluemountainscitytourism.com.au

...will take you there!

Lost Bear Gallery A fearsome predator or simply lost… A larger-than-life sized polar bear is the proud guardian at the appropriately named Lost Bear Gallery. Is he searching for a colder climate? Has global warming taken its toll? What inspired acclaimed artist Ian Swift to create this arresting

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sculpture? Regardless, waiting inside is a gallery experience where the inherent beauty of the building’s architecture is matched only by the high calibre of works on display. This gallery oozes with the charm of a bygone era. Polished kauri floorboards, art nouveau leadlight windows, ten foot ceilings, wide architraves and old fireplaces are just some of the architectural features you’ll discover. Twelve unique exhibition spaces, together with an outdoor sculpture garden are home to an extensive art collection. But perhaps of most surprise is the way an eclectic mix of quality modern and decorative fine art has been seamlessly curated within this elegantly refurbished property. Pictured here are fresh new works with a summer theme by James Willebrant and Ian Swift. Come and discover Lost Bear Gallery, a leading destination for contemporary art in the Blue Mountains. Open daily from 10-5 at 98 Lurline Street, Katoomba. The gallery can be contacted on 4782 1220 or visit www.lostbeargallery.com.au

Beyond The Reef 92cm x 202cm reclaimed rubber thongs by Ian Swift

Lap Swimmers 101cm x 175cm mixed media & found objects by Ian Swift

Our friends to the north 80cm x 104cm acrylic on canvas by James Willebrant

BLUE MOUNTAINS CULTURAL CENTRE Located in the heart of Katoomba, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre encompasses the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, World Heritage Exhibition and a viewing platform that takes in the stunning vistas of cm. Andrew Merry Valley of the Grose 2011, archivalpanoramic pigment print, 56 x 84 Katoomba and the Jamison Valley.

UNTAINS GALLERY

BLUE MOUNTAINS ADMISSION BLUE MOUNTAINS BLUE MO WORLD HERITAGE Entry to the Cultural Centre Shop, CITY ART GALLERY WORLD H INTERPRETIVE CENTRE Andrew Merry Valleyplatform of the Grose 2011, archival pigment print, 56 Café, and viewing is FREE. INTERPRE

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Entry to the CulturalAndrew Centre S Mer Café, and viewing platform is

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bmculturalcentre.com.au

holidays • 30 and Parke Margaret Preston Brett Street, Whiteley. Katoomba

Margaret Preston and Brett Whiteley.

Open 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday, 10am –

10am – 5pm Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm Sat&&Sun Sun nOpen 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm Sat Open 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday, 4pm Sat• &30Sun Closed10am public–holidays Parke Street, Kato Open 10am –holidays 5pm Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm Sat & Sun Closed public • 30 Parke Street, Katoomba bmculturalcentre.com.au PublicKatoomba Holidays – 10am-2pm Closed public holidays • 30 Parke Street, sed public holidays • 30 Parke Street, Katoomba bmculturalcentre.com.au Closed public holidays • 30 Parke Street, Katoomba bmculturalcentre.com.au (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)

CAVES DOWN UNDER TOURS

Jenolan Caves

TROLLEY TOURS

Experience one of the World’s ﬁnest cave systems with underground rivers and spectacular limestone formations. Coach tour departs Katoomba 9.45am. Daily (return to Katoomba daily by 5.00pm). Coach tour includes informative commentary. (Coach does not operate Christmas Day).

RETURN COACH TRAVEL TO JENOLAN CAVES (Does not include caves tour)

Concession $48

Child $36

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + ADMISSION TO LUCAS CAVE Concession $71

Child $63

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + ADMISSION TO ORIENT CAVE Concession $75

Child $67

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + ADMISSION TO LUCAS & ORIENT CAVES Concession $98

Child $90

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + PLUG HOLE ADVENTURE CAVING Concession $135

53 82 88 119 140 $

AT BOOK ONLINE COM.AU LEYTOURS. WWW.TROL

2 DAY

Per Adult

Adult All Day Trolley Tours Ride plus unlimited rides on Scenic Railway / Cableway and Skyway at Scenic World. (Valid 1 day only). Concession $126 /

Per Adult

ONE WAY COACH TRAVEL TO CAVES

Child $92

$35 CONCESSION / $25 CHILD

Per Adult

(overnight accommodation also available see www.trolleytours.com.au for details)

Bookings are essentialat and can be made online au www.trolleytours.com.

OPEN 7 DAYS

76 MAIN STREET KATOOMBA

(Opposite Pedestrian Crossing at Katoomba Railway Station)

PH: 02 4782 7999 info@trolleytours.com.au

Per Adult

OTHER CAVE INSPECTION OPTIONS AVAILABLE. (Pre-booking required. Tour cancellation conditions are applicable)

Plus Coach Tour to Jenolan Caves and Guided Tour of Lucas Cave.

Cost is $40 ADULT

Per Adult

142

ULTIMATE $ DISCOVERY PACKAGE

Book Online: www.trolleytours.com.au Cost effective 1st April

LICENSED WITH NPWS – LICENCE: 13/4 TRANSPORT NSW ACCREDITATION No: 9215

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Roaring 20s Festival set to make a flap Celebrate the opulent era when Australia’s first tourist destination kicked up its heels for a decade-long party. The Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz will be held throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region from February 1 to 23, beginning with the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge in Leura Mall. The challenge on Saturday, February 1, aims to set a new Guinness World Record for the greatest number of costumed people to dance the Charleston (we set the record with 276 in 2013 – let’s make it 300 in 2014). After dancing their way into history, revellers can retire to the white linencovered tables under a marquee to indulge in a picnic hamper of locally made and sourced fare during the Long Lunch in Leura. The first day of the festival will culminate in the oh-so-posh Art Deco Ball at the Carrington Hotel at Katoomba, herself kicking up her heels to commemorate her 130th birthday year. The celebration of decadence, architecture and jazz music will continue with a dizzying round of costumed balls and high teas, historical walks, fashion parades, dancing and jazz music. There will be 1920s-themed transport rallies such as the Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair at Oberon and Trains, Trams & Model Ts at Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum; film nights; garden tours; murder mysteries; radio plays; vintage sports and more. Jenolan Caves will commemorate the 1927 royal visit by the Duke and Duchess of York with an historic Chifley Cave tour, a Roaring 20s Glamour & Gowns Ball at Lithgow and a Boom and Bust Museum Tour and Garden Party at Eskbank House at Lithgow. Festival producer Sandy Luxford said: ``I love the fashion of the 1920s: women were given the freedom to get rid

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of the corsets from their wardrobe, flatten down their breasts and wear comfortable straight dresses. "I also love the vintage cars with their stunning brass details, wonderful wooden bows which hold the roof up and their great sense of style.’’ The festival has become such a roaring success that it now has an assistant producer, Angela Corkeron. "I love the outrageousness of the Charleston, the sensuous Tango and the cheeky Black Bottom dance,’"she said. "The 1920s was a time to celebrate – the drudgery of World War I was gone, people were happy and kicked up their heels to show it." "Everything was almost a dare: the fashion, the makeup, the short hair, shorter skirt lengths and of course the dancing and music.’’ As well as ambassador Charlotte Smith of the Darnell Collection of International Vintage Couture, popular TV presenter Claudia Chan Shaw is the patron for the 2014 Roaring 20s Festival. "This was the era where people dressed up and wore fabulous clothes," she said. "It didn’t matter what shape you were or if you were beautiful, it was all about style. Everyone had immaculate hair and the clothing was angular and almost shapeless but accessorised by fabulous and frivolous headpieces and jewellery." Ms Chan Shaw said she related well to the era because 1920s fashion mirrored much of her own wardrobe. In fact, some of Claudia’s favourite pieces are from the 1920s-inspired range designed by her mother, well known fashion designer Vivien Chan Shaw, in the 1980s. Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism chairman Randall Walker urged festival goers to "spoil yourself with a short stay and become fully immersed in the halcyon era of extravagance’’. "The 1920s was when the Blue

Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region really came into its own and revelled in its glory as the nation’s premier tourist destination. "Some of Australia’s finest mansions and grand hotels like The Carrington, the Mountain Heritage, Palais Royale and Caves House at Jenolan Caves were well established and others like The Paragon, Australia’s oldest cafe, were opening in such fabulous style that the area was renowned as a decadent playground for the super rich. 'You can still catch a glimpse of that indulgent world today in many of the buildings, and we certainly hope to recapture some of that post-war magic through this wonderful festival.’’ Registrations are now open for the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge and bookings are welcome at other events. Go to www.roaring20s.com.au for a full program of Roaring 20’s Festival and all that Jazz! events, to register for the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge and for information about accommodation packages and special offers available. BMLOT Ellen Hill and David Hill.

Glamour & Gowns Ball Lithgow City Council will be hosting a Ball as part of the Roaring 20s and all that Jazz Festival. Put on your pearls, don your feather boa, wear that fedora with panache and come to the Roaring 20s Glamour and Gowns Ball. A night of excitement, glamour, gorgeous gowns, debonair suits and fun awaits you. Ticket price of $80 includes champagne and canapés on arrival a two course dinner plus live music from the Fabulous Shapelles to dance the night away. Tickets available from Lithgow Visitor Information Centre. Cost: $80 - Time: from 6.30pm Location: Lithgow Civic Ballroom, George Coates Avenue Lithgow. Contact: 1300 760 276 Boom & Bust Museum TOUR & Garden Party Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th February Explore the fascinating museums surrounding Lithgow, including State Mine Heritage Park, Eskbank House & Museum, Hartley Historic Site and Rydal Village. A 1920’s Garden Party at Eskbank House on Sunday 16th February is included in this weekend Museum Pass. Time: 10.00am-4.00pm both days & 1.00pm on Sunday 16th February, Garden Party @ Eskbank House Venue: Eskbank House and Museum, Bennett Street, Lithgow Hartley Historic Site Rydal Village Historical Tour State Mine Heritage Park Cost: $20 per car includes Garden Party & access to four museums Time: 10:00 am -4:00pm Museum Garden Party 1.00pm Sunday 16 Feb Location: Eskbank House and Museum, Bennett Street, Lithgow Contact: 1300 760 276 Valentines Glamour Stars Film Festival Friday 14th to Sunday 16th February The greatest line-up of classic movies featuring some of the most unforgettable actresses of the Studio Era. Showboat – The King and I Breakfast at Tiffany's – Band Wagon – High Society

Calamity Jane Come along and have a great time and enjoy great classic movies in a friendly atmosphere. Proudly supported by Lithgow City Council Location: Lithgow Valley Community Cinema 16 Main Street, Lithgow NSW Contact: 02 6353 1897 For more information visit facebook. com/ValentinesGlamourStarsFilmFesti val2014

Costume Drama, The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba Thursday 6th February - The Great Gatsby Night of Fun, The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba Sunday 7th February - Prohibition Jazz with Passion, Hotel Blue, Katoomba Saturday 8th February - Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair, Oberon Fairground, Oberon Saturday 8th February - Murder Mystery High Tea at Hotel Blue, Katoomba Saturday 8th February - Cabaret! The Paragon Cafe, Katoomba Saturday 8th February, Roaring 20s & All that Jazz at Katoomba RSL, Katoomba Saturday 8th February - Sunday 9th February - The Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival, The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba Sunday 9th February - Mallet Sports on the Lawn, Blue Mountains Croquet Club, Blackheath Sunday 9th February - The Paragon Grand Afternoon Tea & Historic Tour, The Paragon Cafe, Katoomba Friday 14th February - Prohibition Blues, Hotel Blue, Katoomba Friday 14th February - Valentine's Day Dinner at the Palais Royale, Katoomba Saturday 15th February - Croquet on the Lawn at Manor House, Mt Victoria Saturday 15th February - Retro 2014 Cocktails & Canapes, Everglades Historic House & Gardens, Leura

Festival Calendar Saturday 1st February - The Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge, Leura Mall, Leura Saturday 1st February - Long Lunch in Leura, Leura Mall, Leura

Saturday 15th February - Tango - The Paragon goes Buenos Aires! The Paragon Cafe, Katoomba Saturday 15th February - Gatsby Soiree at Restaurant Nineteen 23, Silvermere Guesthouse, Wentworth Falls

Saturday 1st February - History Tours of the Carrington Hotel, Katoomba

Saturday 15th February - Roaring 20s Glamour & Gowns Ball, Civic Ballroom, Lithgow

Saturday 1st February - The Great Art Deco Ball at The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba

Saturday 15th February - Murder Mystery Evening at Manor House, Mt Victoria

Saturday 1st - Sunday 2nd February - Trains, Trams & Model T's in the 1920s, Valley Heights Locomotive Museum, Valley Heights

Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th February Boom & Bust: Lithgow in the 20s, Museum Pass & Garden Party, Lithgow Region

Saturday 1st February - Murder Mystery Dinner at Hotel Blue, Katoomba Saturday 1st - Sunday 16th February - Birds, Bees & Backyards in the 1920s, Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens, Mt Tomah Saturday 1st - 22nd February - 1920s Cinema at Hotel Blue Katoomba Saturday 1st - Sunday 23rd February - 1920s High Tea, Bygone Beautys, Leura

Sunday 16th February - Historic Chifley Cave Tour & High Tea, Jenolan Caves Friday 21st February - Roaring 20s Cabaret, New Ivanhoe Hotel, Blackheath Saturday 22nd February - 1920s Jazz in the Garden, Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum, Faulconbridge Sunday 23rd February - 1920s Radio Plays at Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat, Katoomba

Sunday 2nd February - Roaring into a 1920s

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Rydal Village Heritage Walk Take a fascinating walking tour around the historic village of Rydal. During the 1920s Rydal was much larger a town where railway workers were based. Rydal Agricultural Show began in the 1920s turning Rydal from a railway town into a farming community as well. Eskbank House and Museum Discover the story of Lithgow through the eyes of Eskbank House the first house inside the Lithgow Valley. Eskbank House was the hub of the Hoskins steelworks empire in the 1920s, an administration centre as well as entertainment venue for the more important members of the town. Eskbank House was one of the few green places left in Lithgow where all the trees had been removed for use in the mines. The Eskbank House Garden remains a beautiful parkland and are the venue for the 1920’s Garden Party on Sunday 16 January 2014.

Hartley Historic Site Visit an excellent example of an early 19th century village and one of the earliest Courts of Petty Session in Australia. Tourism was already well underway at Hartley in the 1920 with people visiting the Courthouse and the heading out to Jenolan Caves. Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park Explore the stories of Lithgow's industries and working people on the site of one of the district's largest coal mines. The 1920s was the time of discontent in the coal industry and some coal mines had become recruiting and training grounds for young communists

current members is $10 per movie. Subscriptions for non-members is $12 per movie which includes a three month membership to the Lithgow Community Cinema. Last years we had over 200 people attend. We hope to see the same if not more this year.

Following on from the success of last year's film festival, the Lithgow Valley Community Cinema are proud to present the Valentines Glamour Stars Film Festival for 2014. The festival will be held over the weekend February 14, 15 and 16. Lithgow will be a hive of activity that weekend as there also be many events over that weekend as part of the Roaring 20s Festival. Featuring movies are list on the attached. Bookings are now being taken for the film festival. Subscriptions for

Boom and Bust: Lithgow in the 20s. You are invited to join the Lithgow Museums for a weekend of history and mystery from the 1920s. Purchasing a passport per car for $20 from the Lithgow Visitors Information Centre (Great Western Highway, Lithgow) will gain everyone in the car access to four museums in the area and the 1920’s Garden party at Eskbank House and Museum on Sunday 16 February 2014 from 1-3pm. Answer the questions from each museum tour on your passport and place it in the barrel at the Garden Party to win prizes from local businesses.

Saturday and Sunday 15/16 February 2014 Museums open 10am—4pm Lithgow Visitors Information Centre open 9am—5pm

Includes: State Mine Heritage Park Eskbank House and Museum Hartley Historic Site Rydal Village Historical Tour Photo: Blue Mountains City Library

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Go to new heights with Trees Adventure Grose River Park The whole family can enjoy the new Trees Adventure park at Grose River Park, Yarramundi with courses for all ages and abilities (from 4 years old). Trees Adventure is Australia’s premier eco-adventure experience. Their parks feature exciting and challenging courses high in the tree canopy that will have you swinging, leaping, climbing and flying through the forest. Trees Adventure is the creation of French climber Nico Dansin and his business partner Marc Flaster. The duo adapted a popular European concept for Australia’s unique landscape, allowing thrill seekers and nature enthusiasts to experience the trees like never before. Flying foxes – the longest more than 100m – zip between the trees at frightening speeds, while cargo nets, rope bridges and wooden obstacles offer physical challenges high above the ground. There’s even an airborne skateboard!

The courses become increasingly difficult as you climb higher into the canopy, which means that you can find the right level to suit you. For the most adventurous (over 13) you can find yourself up 25 meters above the ground. Trees Adventure's Grose River Park is located at the confluence of the Nepean and Grose Rivers in Yarramundi and is the biggest in Australia. All of the platforms are built on more

than 70 Sydney Blue Gums which border both sides of the river. It consists of 10 courses, 110 challenges, and 21 Flying foxes. Fully harnessed with state of the art equipment, this exciting yet safe experience will see you perched high above the spectacular scenery. Take the opportunity these school holidays to try this new and exhilarating experience. You can book your 2-hour trees adventure online at www.treesadventure.com.au

NEW!

New in New South Wales!

Grose River Park Sydney YARRAMUNDI

Biggest park of its kind ever built in Australia! More than 110 challenges and 10 courses. Guaranteed 2 hours in the trees for everyone in the family from 4 years old to 80+. Cruise in the air from tree to tree (from 2 to 25 meters). Fully harnessed with state of the art equipment.

200 Springwood Rd, Yarramundi Open: Wed-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

Book your adventure online now: www.treesadventure.com.au www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

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The Cedars Gift and Rock Shop Gemstones • Minerals Crystals • Jewellery

Budget Accommodation

The Cedars Gift and Rock Shop is a fabulous place for gift ideas for everyone. 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.

Self contained Cabins & Cottages from $70 per night

63 Prince Edward St., Blackheath 2785 Telephone 02 4787 8534

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

Glamour & Gowns Ball

Gosford

Saturday 15 February 2014 Lithgow City Council will be hosting a Ball as part of the Roaring 20s and all that Jazz Festival. Put on your pearls, don your feather boa, wear that fedora with panache and come to the Roaring 20s Glamour and Gowns Ball. A night of excitement, glamour, gorgeous gowns, debonair suits and fun awaits you. Ticket price of $80

includes champagne and canapés on arrival a two course dinner plus live music from the Fabulous Shapelles to dance the night away. Tickets available from Lithgow Visitor Information Centre. Cost: $80 Time: from 6.30pm Location: Lithgow Civic Ballroom, George Coates Avenue Lithgow. Contact: 1300 760 276

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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 bric-abrac 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.

Mt Victoria Museum

‘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

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

Open weekends school holidays and public holidays

(except Good Friday and Christmas Day)

from 12noon to 3pm

Contact Jean Winston 02 4782 7866 26 www.monthlyimag.com.au

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

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

The Victory Theatre, a site of great importance. The Victory Theatre Antique Centre is not only a haven of great food and hidden treasure but a site of historic and cultural significance. Located in Blackheath, west of Sydney, the centre was built by architects Hassel and Stockham in 1915. Its original use was as a cinema for local residents, acting as a source of recreation and entertainment for 45 years. In the 1900’s cinemas were erected in any space that could fit numerous amounts of chairs and people. As movie projectors and screens were transportable, cinemas began to pop up throughout numerous country towns. During this period in Australia, the majority of cinemas were built in a highly decorative manner. Classic examples of this can be seen in the exteriors of Melbourne cinemas with their elaborate facades, such as the Britannia and Majestic of Melbourne. Sydney cinemas in country regions were very simplistic and built only for their purpose, as is evident in the shed-like appearance of the Victory Theatre. In the 1960’s The Victory Theatre closed down due to declining attendance. In 1977 it was leased out as a junk yard, later transforming into the Victory Theatre Antique Centre, which still operates successfully today. The Victory Theatre stands out from its neighboring shops due to its sheer size as well as the exterior mural, which was painted by renowned local artist Jenny Kee in the 90’s. It is one of three original historic buildings in the town, built alongside the Gardener’s Inn and the Ivanhoe Hotel. When entering the building, two large doors open to the front cafe. Past the cafe lays the fabulous antique centre which houses 51 dealers who source a great assortment of antique furniture, fine jewellery, porcelain and china, Australiana, silver and vintage clothing. The Victory Theatre is commended as a place of “Aesthetic, historic and

social value for past, present and future generations”. When travelling up to the Blue Mountains, stop by to have a coffee or lunch, browse through the amazing space and visit the Victory’s eclectic mix of dealers and a large assortment of goods. You must put it on your list of things to see when next travelling through the Blue Mountains. Jana Byrne The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance 1999.

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

Victory Theatre Antique Centre 17-19 Govetts Leap Road Blackheath Ph: (02) 4787 6002 Email: victorytheatre@bigpond.com

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

The Imperial Hotel Mt Vic Excellent brasserie meals, Live music every Friday, Saturday night & Sunday afternoon, short stays, weekend and mid week packages are available to suit all budgets. Enquire about functions at the Imperial Hotel 1 Station Street, Mount Victoria. Ph: 02 4787 1878

w w w. ho tel imp er i a l . c om . au

Winner

"One Schooner Award"

in Sydney Morning Herald Good Pub Food Guide Awards 2012

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Wallerawang/Portland

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What to see & Do In 1863 Thomas Murray selected land that would later become the site of Portland and he established the first lime kiln on the corner of Lime and Villiers Streets. Both Portland and Wallerawang are blessed with two

"Ambleside" VIEWS - PEACEFUL - AFFORDABLE

- Beautiful 3 bedroom home. - Spacious formal lounge plus central heating & wood fire. - Country kitchen complete with double sink, electric cooking & dishwasher. - Open plan lounge/dining room boasting a beautiful outlook towards the north/west plus capturing the warm sun in the winter. - Large entertaining deck that wraps around the rear of the home. - 1000 sqm block, rear lane access, timber & tool sheds. - 4 bay lock-up garage complete with concrete floor, separate toilet, access door & two roller doors.

Offers over $330,000 Considered

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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historic public houses, schools, fascinating historic buildings, lakes and fishing streams, delightful little stores and friendly people. Portland is famous as the Town that built Sydney due to its Cement works and Wallerawang is famous for its Black Gold (coal) associations with Delta electricity. Portland’s Crystal Theatre hosts cinema as well as art shows and is famous for its street fairs. Portland’s big swimming pool has celebrated 50 years and Wallerawang’s historic old station’s heritage redevelopment has led to a florist, lolly shop, café and art gallery. With the art, lakes, history, fine dining and comfortable accommodation, it’s worth taking your time to explore these two villages. Visit Chris Woolcock at The Village Toymakers to watch him at work or arrange to join one of his classes.

The Visitor Information Centres have heaps of information on the range of local activities and accommodation - you may want to stay or come back again! Enjoy refreshments or a meal while you are here – plenty to choose from Visit Portland’s Bottle Kilns Marvel at the size of the old Cement Works of Portland Picnic by Lake Wallace which submerged where Darwin stayed Go sailing or rowing on Lake Wallace where no power boats are allowed Go bird watching at Lake Wallace and around Portland Investigate the Lake Wallace wildlife The Portland area is now well known to riders wanting to experience numerous exciting trails in State Forest areas within close proximity to Portland. Explore Wallerawang’s historic old church and school Collect antiques, art or local produce

Wallerawang Wallerawang was first surveyed 1823. In 1824 James Walker was granted a large tract of land that was called "Wallerowang" by the local aboriginal people. Charles Darwin stayed at "Wallerowang House" (later to become Barton Park) in 1836, and in the book "Voyage of the Beagle" he describes the area at the time and the wildlife that included a number of platypus. There was a huge increase in population in 1851 after gold was discovered in the area. The National School opened 1860. Shale oil mining began in 1867 and the railway arrived in 1870 with coal hot on its

heels in 1873. St John the Evangelist Church opened in 1881 as a memorial to the Walker/Barton family.

Hartley & Surrounds The Hartley area provides a great insight into NSW settlement and early Australian History with some wonderful fully restored and operational historic buildings – in addition to the beautifully preserved buildings in Hartley historic village. Some of the historic buildings have been turned into elegant accommodation and licensed restaurant facilities and there are other new hide-away rural retreats. Old stores have become new stores and more new stores have been built offering a range of services from rural supplies and local produce to cafes, wine bars, restaurants and take-aways, B&B’s, lolly shops, real estate agents who come and go, as well as some art and craft galleries and antique stores Hartley is situated at the bottom of Victoria Pass, on the Great Western Highway in the valley between Mount Victoria and Lithgow.

opened for visitors in Hartley Valley, Blue Mountains, bringing visitors a unique view of Hartley Village. The new walking track has been constructed from the rear of the former Post Office to the granite tor overlooking the village. Visitors will be able to see Mount Blaxland as well as tour the nineteenth and twentieth-century cottage gardens and sandstone buildings.

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au The Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Gallery has been established in the former Farmers Inn and is a joint venture between NPWS, Arts Out West and the Heritage Division of the Office of Environment and Heritage. The gallery will promote the commercial sale of art by Aboriginal artists living in the central west of NSW. For more information on Hartley Village, visit the national parks website.

A step back in Time in Hartley

Step back in time within the Historic Village of Hartley, set into the western edge of the beautiful Blue Mountains. Set among pastures, orchards, native plants and nineteenth and twentiethcentury cottage gardens, the village’s lovely sandstone buildings preserve an important piece of history: the settlement of inland Australia. This Village is situated just after Little Hartley and just before the turn-off to Jenolan Caves. Seventeen buildings tell the story of the village, from the 1837 Greek Revival courthouse to Corneys Garage, built in 1945 of timber and iron. Explore the artefacts and family histories, find out about the region’s past at the visitor centre, or enjoy a picnic in the absolute serenity of historic Hartley. A new gallery and walking track have

A family travelling in front of Little Hartley Court House around time of 1920’s when this would have been considered a great family adventure.

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. www.bluemountainsimag.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

Surprisingly diverse

For a free copy of the

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 feb2014.indd 1

9/01/14 9:17 AM

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Lithgow Lithgow is renowned as a learning City offering two Universities; a glorious valley set amidst mountain splendour. Lithgow is also rich in tradition and culture with diverse ecosystems. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal tradition, step back in time to an era where steam dominated transport and when industry

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au was our backbone Discover Lithgow’s accessible wilderness. With tranquil vistas and serene landscapes, the environment is abundant in wildlife and picturesque mountain panoramas. Great for camping! The Lithgow region is nature’s playground. Canyoning and rock climbing, in areas ten times older than the Grand Canyon, are

The Great Outdoors Lithgow regional area has so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors, especially with the aid of the appropriate camping gear…we have award winning Visitor Information Centres to provide advice on activities and places to suit and challenge your abilities budgets and tastes while R&K Gas Supplies in Lithgow have a great range of

What to See & Do

www.lithgowsafmuseum.org.au lithgowsafmuseum@ozemail.com.au Location: At the front of the old Factory complex, Methven Street, Lithgow Open: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:30am to 2pm Weekends, public and school holidays 10am to 4pm - Adults $10 Concession $7 Children $5 Family $20

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

products, complete with friendly qualified staff, to provide what you may need to complete the experience. They have clothing, a comprehensive range of safety and camping gear, can refill your gas bottles and have so many options for having fun that you really should check them out. They often have specials too. At the

moment the weather is so pleasant for a range of activities. In this area we are surrounded by lakes, forests, walking tracks, wildlife… you may even observe the area where our platypus inspired Charles Darwin at Wallerawang and go kayaking on the beautiful lake there to observe the plentiful birds. What are you waiting for?

Small Arms Factory Museum Our archives form a collection of national significance, being the almost complete record of the Lithgow SAF from its inception. The collections and archives give a unique insight into both Australia’s industrial history, and the factory’s glorious past as a first class manufacturing facility. Phone: 6351 4452

experiences never to be forgotten. There are also magnificent 4WD tracks to explore walks and bike tracks galore. The choice of adventure is up to you.

R&K Gas Supplies Camping Gear - Specials! Swags - Gas Refills 6351 3174

Chifley Road Lithgow 32 www.monthlyimag.com.au

Lithgow Free-range Meats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Your Local Farmers Market About Us Australia produces the best beef in the world, thanks to the hard work of local producers committed to raising the highest quality breeds. From this we are able to source the best quality and specification of beef as well as a wide selection of high quality pasture fed and hormone-free beef products. We also pride ourselves on growing our own range of Kanimbla Valley's best Wagyu and Wagyu cross under the Shogun Wagyu trademark. Through Lithgow Free Range Meats' long standing involvement with the local beef industry, we are able to discern the subtle differences between farming regions and beef breeds. To reach its maximum eating quality Lithgow Free Range Meats uses the wet ageing process on our beef to enhance the flavour. Our Beef Grass Fed v Grass Fed Beef Grain Fed Beef Grain fed cattle must be sourced from a feed lot accredited under the national feedlot accreditation scheme. Due to

months to reach that same weight; our fullblood Wagyu cattle take a lot longer than that. Our Breeds On our farm we use Straight Bred Angus sourced from local producers and raised by us, and our Japanese Wagyu Herd have been bred on farm from Tajima and Kedaka bloodlines. We use our Wagyu bull over our Angus cattle to get our first cross or F1. In the Blue Mountains we are on many menus including St Mounts Blackheath, Zest and Loaves and Dishes in Leura. We will be at the new Niagra Cafe in Katoomba. The owner chef is from Quay Restaurant in Sydney. For more details refer to our website or Facebook

the uniformity of the feed there is a consistency in the product. Grain fed cattle will yield a more consistent meat colour and can have high levels of marbling. Grain finishing or feedlotting, changes the omega 6 and 3 ratio from an ideal 3:1 to an unhealthy range of 24:1. Grass Fed Beef Are animals raised and fattened on grass. Grass fed beef tends to be favoured by Australians as it is healthy and low in fat. Cattle grazed on pasture absorbs carotene (a pigment in the grass) which can result in a yellow coloured fat. Feedlot cattle can grow up to 2kg per day and sometimes more. 200-220kg steers take only 100 days to reach 450kg. Our grass fed cattle by comparison will take a steer at least 9

Find us in more restaurants and markets every month!

Lit gow

Free-range Meats

Our beef and lamb are 100% pasture fed, We use prime Wagyu over our Angus cattle. Our full-blood Wagyu bulls are based on the three main Japanese bloodlines of Tajima, Fujiyoshi and Kedaka. All our full-blood Wagyu are registered with the Australian Wagyu Association.

Plan and order for your parties with us now!

O pe n:

M o n d ay - F r id ay 7 a m -5 . 3 0 p m S a t urd ay 7 a m -1 . 3 0 p m

Shop 1/147 Mor t Street, Lithgow, 2790. Phone (02) 6351 4008 Fax (02) 6351 4009

www.l i thgowfree ran geme at s. c om www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Birds, Bees and Backyards at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden February flowering plants Late summer is a rush of flowers… it seems like every plant wants to make the most of the rapidly shortening daylight. The last of the Liliums are flowering with showy and often highly scented blooms. Look out for Lilium auratum and Lilium speciosum with large luminous flowers that smell strongly like jasmine. The tiger lilies are ablaze in golden yellow and burnt orange too. Waterlilies can be seen floating on the surface of the various pools and ponds throughout the northern section of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. Bees abound in the Garden in late summer….. they are often the first indicators of some of the most remarkable trees flowering in February. The sound of intense buzzing draws the attention to one of the most unusual trees flowering… Kalopanax septemlobus. This tree has beautiful almost tropical foliage and interesting spines on its stems. It flowers prolifically

and the flowers, although quite small, are on such a mass to look almost like a purple haze above the foliage. Vying for the bees attention are the leatherwoods, Eucryphia moorei. These beautiful white flowered trees are the source of the delicious leatherwood honey. The petals often surround the trees in a shallow pool of white. As the weather cools, bulbs begin to emerge from their long summer dormancy. Often the first signs are the beautiful ‘Naked Ladies’, Ammarylis belladonna. We are fortunate to have some of the colour forms here. Bright lipstick pink predominates but the lovely pure white form can also be found. Other bulbs that perform in February are Zephyrathes and Habranthus sp. They can come in white, pink and coppery colours, often appearing straight after rain. They are often called rain lilies. The very first of the nerines also flower in late summer. They are bright colours in reds and hot pink, with the cooler colours to follow. The berries are also beginning to colour as the weather cools. The first of the Sorbus sp, or rowans, are showing brightly coloured jewels of red and yellow. But be quick to see them before the parrots devour them all! The first of the autumn windflowers are starting to flutter their pink or pure white blooms in the breeze… Anemone hupehensis and A’x hybrida can be found in sheltered areas of the garden.

Tomah Gardens Restaurant The Garden welcomes Sean Moran from Sean’s Panorama at Bondi. Sean has created the beautifully rustic Tomah Gardens Restaurant at the Garden, much in fitting with the stunning rural surrounds of Mount Tomah and nearby Bilpin. Sean’s philosophy is to use local produce and high quality ingredients, creating healthy meals, as well as sourcing locally made furniture and design elements: ‘I really want to use as much local produce as possible. We’ve sourced local goat’s curd, rabbits, yabbies and even Murray cod and I’m really excited at the prospect of establishing a kitchen garden to embellish the menu,’ says Sean. With local craftsman Roland Kindler creating hand made tables, potter Steven Sheridan throwing plates, wood turners Paul Trebel and Vincent Dobson turning pepper mills and macrocarpa pod salt dishes, Sean is transforming both the venue and the food into a soulful work of art. Bookings highly recommended on 0421 552 746 or tomahgardensrestaurant@gmail.com

coME iNTo ThE Garden ThE BLuE MounTAinS BoTAnic GArdEn, MounT ToMAh Enjoy beautiful flowering plants • exhibition centre • inspiring art • guided tours • Adventure Quests • Jungle Lodge accommodation • wedding venues • restaurant with views • Garden Shop www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

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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

The Portland Art Exhibition an annual celebration of skill and imagination The Portland Art Exhibition has been a major event on Portland’s calendar for the last 37 years. This year the exhibition will be held on Saturday and Sunday 1st and 2nd March 2014 with opening night commencing at 6:30pm 28th February. The not for profit Portland Art Purchase Society works hard to ensure the exhibition showcases the work of many talented artists from within the local region. The exhibition also provides the community with an important and unique opportunity to come together and celebrate creativity and excellence in a friendly, welcoming environment. Since 1976, due to its continuing success, the Art Exhibition has grown in size and importance within Portland and the surrounding regions' local art communities. All works exhibited will be for sale. In prior years, any money raised from art sales has been distributed back into the local community. The Society takes great pride in the fact that a large number of local schools and organisations have benefited from the Art Exhibition over the years. Typically, the Portland Art Exhibition includes the work of over 100 local and well known Australian artists who submit more than 400 works of art. In recent years, the exhibition has featured artists such as Eris Fleming, Greg Hyde, Warwick Fuller, Suzanne Sommer, Peter Fennell, Garry Pettit and Ramon Ward-Thompson. The works are displayed in the Crystal Theatre, itself a historical and highly valued icon in a town widely known as a hidden gem in the Central Tablelands. Portland is famous for its recreated historic signage gracing the many period buildings in Wolgan Street and surrounds. The "Signs of Yesteryear" faithfully reproduce advertising signs from the period 1895 to 1945 and offer the visitor a happy trip down memory lane. So great has the success of the Portland Art Exhibition been that over 37 years it has received many awards including: • The Lithgow City Council’s Event of the Year Award • Finalist in the Lithgow Business Awards • Lithgow Tourist Awards

• The Century of Federation Award • The Arts Council Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Community • Australia Day Awards • The Delta Electricity Lithgow and District Art Awards for Outstanding Promotion of the Arts In 2014 the Portland Art Show will feature local artist Wanda Driscoll. Wanda paints traditional and contemporary artworks in oils, watercolours, acrylics and mixed medias. The Portland Art Exhibition creates a

space where an audience can ‘meet’ works of immense technical skill and imagination which are designed to be shared by others. Each year, you never know what you’ll see or who you will meet and this keeps visitors coming back year after year from many parts of the state to support the Art Exhibition, the town of Portland and the many talented artists who reside in the district. The Portland Art Society welcomes artists and visitors to a weekend of enjoyment and appreciation of all that is good in the artistic community.

PURCHASE SOCIETY

Art Exhibition 28th February to 2nd March All exhibited works are for sale Friday 28th Feb 6:30pm - 10:00pm

$10 Adults $5 Concession Wine and light supper

10:00am - 5:00pm

Feature Artist Wanda Driscoll

10:00am - 4:00pm

Portland Environs

Admission $5 adults $3 conc. & children

New themed section Cash prize of $200

Saturday 1st March Sunday 2nd March

CWA Cafe Open

Crystal Theatre, Wolgan Street, Portland Find out more online at www.portlandart.com.au

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Taste the Blue Mountains Vegetarian Lasagne

using ‘Italian Ingenuity’ (Mediterranean seasoning)

‘We believe everyone has the right to access good, clean and fair food’ Slow Food is an international nonprofit 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 smallscale 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

Serves 4 Ingredients: Vegetables: 1 brown onion (medium finely diced) 1 clove garlic (finely diced) 1 eggplant (large sliced lengthways into 1cm slices and rubbed with juice from a cut lemon) 4 zucchini (medium sliced lengthways into 0.5cm slices) 2 red capsicum (large sliced into 3 cm long slices) 1 bunch English spinach (stalks removed, roughly chopped) Other ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil (good quality) 2 tbsp Italian Ingenuity (Mediterranean blend) 1 can tomatoes (crushed) 1 packet ready made (dried) lasagne sheets White sauce: 30g butter 2 tbsp plain flour 2 cups milk (low fat) 2 cups mozzarella cheese (low fat) Method: Place olive oil, onion and garlic in a saucepan (medium heat) and cook until onion softens, ensuring you stir regularly so garlic doesn’t burn. Add can of tomatoes and Italian Ingenuity to the saucepan. Cook for a further 10 mins (stirring occasionally) until the tomatoes reduce slightly. Meanwhile, add butter to a saucepan and heat until melted. Add flour and quickly whisk in to ensure lumps do not form. Slowly add the milk, continue whisking for 3-4 mins until the flour has incorporated into the milk and butter. Then repeat with the cheese for 3-4 mins. In a medium sized square baking tray, grease slightly with olive oil, then add a layer of lasagne sheets, eggplant, then zucchini, capsicum, spinach. Pour over a quantity of the tomato sauce so the layer is covered. Repeat until all the lasagne sheets, vegetables and tomato sauce are added. Pour the cheese sauce over the final layer, ensuring the whole top of the lasagne is covered. Place in a pre-heated oven (180 degrees) for 30 mins, then remove from oven and cool slightly. Serve with a garden salad and fresh crusty bread rolls.

Carrington Cellars wine match: Red: Melini (Tuscany) 2011 Pian del Masso Chianti White: Melini (Tuscany) 2011 Orvieto

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

Mamre House Café

Sassafras Creek

Visit the café now the rennovations are complete!

Our restaurant will be closed for renovations until late January 2014. Our function rooms are still available for hire.

Mamre House 181 Mamre Rd Orchard Hills

Phone: 9670 6178

The Grand Dining Room Carrington Hotel, Katoomba The Grand Dining Room is one of the last Victorian dining rooms operating in Australia. Sunday afternoons for Grand High Tea An age-old tradition, our Grand High Tea features a fine selection of finger sandwiches, mouthwatering cakes, scones with jam & cream, tea and coffee. Relax to the soothing sounds of our pianist and make it a memorable occasion. Every Sunday afternoon from 2:30pm - 5:00pm $32.00 per person

All things design Inspired art Floral design Events

83 Old Bells Line `of Road, Kurrajong Village p. (02) 4573 0988 e. bookings@sassafrascreek.com.au Follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/SassafrasCreek

Country Organic Coffee, Lithgow

Reservations are essential.

Enjoy a relaxing Barista made Wood Roasted Coffee with Country style home cooked MEALS & Great Pies in spacious and comfortable surroundings while travelling. Open 7 days 7am to 7pm

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

1038 Great Western Highway, Lithgow (Beside KFC) Phone: 6351 3933

$15.00 per child (under 12) $37.50 per person for Regal High Tea (includes a glass of Jansz Sparkling Wine)

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Coffee from the Central West Blue Mountains to The Hawksbury

We serve Morgans Handcrafted Coffee and a range of Tease Teas Breakfast is served until 11.30 and lunch from 11.30 – 2.30. Enjoy our Devonshire tea and famous Mamre scones at anytime Bookings Recommended phone 9670 6178 Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 2.30 pm Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 4.00 pm Closed Mondays and Public Holidays

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Oberon

The Green Fox fishing antiques firearms hunting

Be sure to call in to the Visitor Info Centre for information on all the wonderful things to see and do now e.g. weather, accommodation, activities, etc. The VIC has the extensive list of splendid gardens open during all seasons The VIC has 4 Cycling maps of the area with more being prepared, also info on Cycling Events Go trout fishing in Lake Oberon all year round. See the VIC for info on Fishing Season and licenses Try your luck sapphire fossicking Try mushroom picking, taking care to eat only edible varieties – the VIC has advice on these Go horse riding through the magically beautiful landscape Explore the wild places by 4WD Evans Crown Nature Reserve and Kanangra Walls offer both relaxing and challenging walks

pi n e h

ill

camping

What to See & Do

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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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Jenolan Cabins

vintage jewellery

Open

Days

furniture clothing toys

You MUST make time for multiaward winning Jenolan Caves, the most spectacular limestone caves in Australia, maybe stay there - the beauty above and below ground is inspirational. Get the app!

Summer Fairyland Summer in Oberon is for the Fairies for sure! Come and join them for a truly great range of magical experiences to suit any taste. There is accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes in the area and surrounds. There are activities from the most thorough unwinding and romantic to extreme challenge, with award winning visitor centre staff to assist you with your choices. The gardens and fresh produce are at their best, the fish are biting, mushrooms and gems are waiting to be found… This summer is Fairyland at its best so come on up!

OBERON simple pleasures Showcasing the majestic Jenolan Caves and world heritage National Parks, enchanting forest and farming country and village life

more...

come and browse

(02) 6336 0202

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

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

www.jenolancabins.com.au

Oberon Visitor Information Centre Cnr Ross Street and Edith Road Oberon NSW 2787

02 63298210 oberonaustralia.com

Jenolan and Oberon events Friday 14 February Assemble in Grand Arch no later than 7:30pm The Valentine’s Day Cathedral Concert Experience the acoustic delight, the power and the seduction of opera, as the Underground Opera Company presents a selection of popular pieces. Wear something warm. Arrive before 7.15pm to give yourself time to park and collect tickets. Tickets $110. Brave the 300 stairs to the Cathedral Chamber, Lucas Cave. Space limited. Bookings required. www.jenolancaves. org.au Saturday 15 February Opera in the Caves - Grand Arch Valentine Concert Experience the acoustic delight, the power and the seduction of opera, as the Underground Opera Company presents a selection of popular pieces. Wear something warm. Arrive before 7.15pm to give yourself time to park and collect tickets. The road through the Grand Arch closes at 7.30pm on Saturday 15 February. After 7:30pm, you will not be able to drive through to park your car. Adults: $77, Pensioner: $66, Child: $44 (Grand Arch, seating is provided) Bookings required. www. jenolancaves.org.au Sunday 16 February As part of the Festival Calendar for 'The Roaring 20's & all That Jazz' in the Blue Mountains region, Jenolan Caves will be hosting a Historic Chifley Cave Tour & High Tea Jenolan Caves Phone: 1300 76 33 11 Opera in the Caves 14 Feb to 15 Feb 2014 Experience the power and seduction of opera, as the Underground Opera Company presents all the most well known works. You don't have to be an opera 'buff' to love Opera in the Caves. Experience an acoustic delight, as Underground Opera performs a selection of popular pieces, from a variety of your favourite operas and musicals. This will be the sixth year that Underground Opera has performed at Jenolan Caves, and it is always extremely popular!

The Valentines Day Cathedral Concert Friday,14 February, 2014 Brave the 300 stairs, and journey deep into the magical Lucas Cave to The Cathedral Chamber. What a perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day. Prepare for a magical concert of romance, drama and exhilaration as Opera in the Caves - The Valentine’s Day Cathedral Concert resonates into life. Journey deep into the magical Lucas Cave to the breathtaking Cathedral. This magnificent venue, with an almost perfect acoustic, will resonate with the extraordinary voices of The Underground Opera Co. Indulge in this intimate concert of Opera greats that will delight all. • Temperatures in the caves are around 16 degrees Celcius, so bring a warm jacket! • Assemble in Grand Arch no later than 7:30pm • Seats are very limited! • $110 per person • Arrive at Jenolan by 7:15pm, to give yourself time to park, pick up tickets (or present your Ticketmaster tickets) and get to the assembly point in the Grand Arch. • For Ticketmaster patrons, your tickets will be available from a member of the Underground Opera staff outside the Jenolan Caves Guides Office, from 5pm. • For your safety, a trained cave guide will accompany all concert-goers into the Lucas Cave, in a single group, at 7:30pm sharp, escorting you to the Cathedral Chamber, where you will be seated. After 7:30pm, you will be unable to enter the cave. • To protect the delicate cave environment, do not bring any food or beverages (except water) into this concert. The Grand Arch Valentine Concert 8pm, Saturday, 15 February, 2014 The magnificent gateway to the Jenolan Caves comes alive with the sound of Opera! Experience a magnificent concert of Opera’s finest moments performed by some of Australia’s finest performers. “Opera

in the Caves” is a collaboration of popular pieces from opera and light opera’s most famous productions. These include Carmen, Pagliacci, The Magic Flute, Phantom, and, of course, the immortal Nessun Dorma from Turandot. Audience commented “I have experienced concerts all over the world and Australia and this is certainly one of the best”. Opera in the Caves will elate the most ardent Opera aficionado or those experiencing it for the first time. Make this Valentine’s truly special! Don’t miss this romantic weekend of Opera in one of the most picturesque parts of the world! *Minimal crossover of material between the two concerts may occur. The Grand Arch Concert is amplified. • Wear something warm! • $77 per adult - $66 per pensioner • $44 per child • You do NOT need to bring your own folding chair or cushion. Seating is provided. • Arrive at Jenolan by 7:15pm, to give yourself time to park, pick up tickets (or present your Ticketmaster tickets) and get settled in the Grand Arch. The road through the Grand Arch will close at 7:30. After 7:30pm, you will not be able to drive through to park your car. • For Ticketmaster patrons, your tickets will be available from a member of the Underground Opera staff outside the Jenolan Caves Guides Office, from 5pm. • You must have your ticket before you enter the Grand Arch. Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair Sat 08 Feb 2014 Rally Ground, Oberon Rugby League Club, Lowes Mount Road, Oberon Contact: Jim Hawkes on 0263 361934 114th Oberon Show Daily (Sat 15 Feb - Sun 16 Feb 2014) Oberon Show Grounds, Ross Street, OBERON Contact: Lynne Butterfield on 0263 358217 www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Bathurst Region Bathurst = Family fun Get away from it all in the Bathurst region. Experience life at a different pace where you can visit historic villages and limestone caves, enjoy a break by the water, take a walk in the bush or simply explore the natural surroundings. Bathurst has a wide variety of family friendly accommodation ranging from hotels and motels to selfcatering and farmstay. Rates vary and so do locations. Feeding everyone is no problem either with great venues offering good hearty food at reasonable price. An added bonus in some establishments is a children’s playground to keep the little ones entertained while the grownups relax. There’s entertainment for all at the cinema complex, ten pin bowl, tennis centre, aquatic centre and adventure playground. Parks and gardens throughout the city and surrounds provide great spots for picnics and barbecues so it’s easy to

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find somewhere to go and enjoy the outdoors. Bathurst Visitor Information Centre can provide you with great ideas on how to fill your days when visiting, places to stay or eat and what’s happening. Ideally located on the Sydney side of Bathurst at 1 Kendall Avenue where there’s plenty of parking, room to run around, a café and public toilets. Call in and see the friendly staff who will be happy to help you get the most out of your stay. Give them a call and ask for a copy of the school holiday brochure packed with interesting things to do. Bathurst Visitor Information Centre

What to See & Do Revel in the delights of Bathurst’s wonderful adventure playground Meet T-rex at the Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum View wonderful artworks at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery Visit one or all three of our diverse historic homes – Abercrombie House Chifley Home or Miss Traill’s House & Garden Drive the renowned Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit and on the second lap don’t forget to enjoy the view from the top Discover the history of motor racing at the National Motor Racing Museum Splash up a storm at our aquatic centre Listen to the Carillon bells while enjoying fabulous, locally made icecream Visit a village and soak up the rich history Explore the underground secrets at Abercrombie and Jenolan Caves

Barcoo’s Barn Farmstay We would love to welcome you to Barcoo’s Barn Farmstay with your family. A visit to Barcoo’s is all about interaction and activities with our animals & general farm life. Not so many years ago nearly every city family had country cousins that they would visit and get to experience some fun farm life – Ken and I grew up on farms and this was certainly true for us, always city cousins coming up for holidays!! – Come and be our city cousins, have lots of fun and explore The Central West/Bathurst region (we are 10 munites from Bathurst CBD on a sealed road). Whilst you are here, drive Mt Panorama, visit Abercrombie Caves, bring your fishing rod and catch a fish at Ben Chiefley Dam, enjoy our local wineries and lots more. We are half way between Sydney and Dubbo Zoo and lots of travellers break the trip with a stay here on their way or heading back home. School holidays are our most popular times to visit with many repeat guests having their favourite time to return, depending on farm activities at the time.

These repeat guests become just like our city cousins from years ago, special friends. We were very honoured recently to share Chinese NYE celebrations. Wow! WARDELL FARMHOUSE AT BARCOOS. Wardell Farmhouse has been available for guests from 15th October 2013. We have just had it painted throughout there have been some interesting finishing touches to make it a unique place for families and groups to enjoy. One group has made a table with photos of their stays while another left a memento of their stay at the recent V8 event… we have some lovely visitors. There are 5 bedrooms and it sleeps up to 10, so is ideal for perhaps 2 families or a group of friends to have a fun break. Minimum 2 nights stays. Tariffs are the same as for the units until 20th of December 2013, with a minimum 4 person occupancy.

Wardell Farmhouse is steeped in history, being built in the 1880's and lived in by Farmer Ken's family forever!! The farm is called “Wardell”, in honour of Dr Wardell to whom it was granted by Governor Darling in 1824.. Dr Wardell was a Doctor of Law. He was the first free barrister to operate in the NSW Supreme Court. One man whom he prosecuted was sufficiently angered to murder him, in the bush at Petersham and he never got to take possession of Wardell. The Hamer Family had squatted here in the meantime and when Dr Wardell's estate was settled they bought the parcel of land that remains in the family to this day. Do your children love animals but because you live in the city they do not have the opportunity to interact with them? Bring them up here, for the time of their lives!

Get away from it all in the Bathurst region this summer For a free copy of the summer activities brochure contact Bathurst Visitor Information Centre Ph: 1800 68 1000 W: visitbathurst.com.au

INGS es! BOOK ays - Good tim

School Holid sbarn.com.au info@barcoo

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Barcoo's Barn Farm Stay has 2 self contained units plus caravan, motorhome and camping Facilities. Our units are great for families or groups sleeping from six to nine people in 2 bedroom units, each with their own outdoor dining areas and barbeque. We have a fun, farm themed onsite caravan that sleeps 4 (queen bed and 2 single beds). A visit to Barcoos is all about experiences & fun on a farm in a safe, friendly environment.

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Orange

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What to See & Do 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 60 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!

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… VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Orange Visitor Information Centre 8.15am to 5pm Mon to Fri Corner Byng St & Lords Pl Orange NSW Phone: 02 6393 8000 - 1800 069 466 E: council@orange.nsw.gov.au www.visitorange.com.au

...will take you there!

Beading workshops regularly Vigorella! Fab New Clothes for all sizes. 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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Adventures in Warrendine Street! Fippa's World

A world world of of fun, fun, adventure adventure A and learning for kids! and learning for kids! Fipa loves loves life! life! Fipa He is is aa fitness ﬁtness fanatic fanatic and and loves loves He living a healthy lifestyle. living a healthy lifestyle. He especially especially loves loves riding riding He the tandem bike at Bissys Cafe Cafe the tandem bike at Bissys and going on picnics. and going on picnics. Bissy’s Fipa mayCafé be aOrange frog but he likes to make Bissy’s Café Orange oﬀers sure everyone can read allaabout his range of tantalizing and adventures. Follow Fipa's facebook specialised wholesome andhe's nutritious page to keep track of what up to home cooked cuisine, combined with a today. large range of hot and cold beverages www.fipasworld.com.au

Events in Orange Tuesday 30 July to Sunday 4 August Frost Fest’13 Orange & Cabonne District Gymbaroo Taste Orange 02 6360 1990 Gymbaroo is a neuro education www.tasteorange.com.au

to accompany your meal selection or Bissy’s Café Orange to simply have on their own. Bissy’s Café Orange offers a range of Gymbaroo tantalizing and specialised wholesome and nutritious cuisine, Gymbaroo is a home neuro cooked education combined a largefrom range of hotto program forwith children 6 weeks and coldold beverages accompany 5 years (and theirtoparents!), taught your meal selection or successfully to simply have by teachers who have on their own. completed at least a 3 year tertiary qualiﬁhave cation and undergone extensive They also been extending andgardens ongoingtoGymbaROO professional the give not only more development. wonderful fresh produce to eat in the Café, but also a more pleasant place to www.ﬁpasworld.com.au interact with each other while dining www.bissyscafe.com.au and enjoying our various activities. www.gymbarooorange.com.au www.bissyscafe.com.au

program fortochildren Saturday 6 July Sunday 18from August6 weeks to 5Contemporary years old (and their parents!), taught Australian Drawing: 20 Years of the by teachers who have successfully Dobell Prize for Drawing completed at least a 3Byng yearStreet, tertiary Orange Regional Gallery, Orange Enquiries: 6393and 8136undergone extensive qualification www.org.nsw.gov.au and ongoing GymbaROO professional Tuesday 30 July to Sunday 4 August development. Orange Frost Festhas Art Exhibition Our progam been running in Launch: 6pm Thursday, Australia for 30 years. Over 10,000 10am-4pm daily. Orange Function Centre, children attend Gymbaroo every week Eyles Street Enquiries: 6360 1990 in Australia. Tuesday 30 July to Sunday 4 August www.gymbarooorange.com.au Art Exhibition & Studio Tour at Colour City Creatives 10am-4pm The Barracks, 2b Peisley Street, Orange Enquiries 0428 565 124

Cafe Throw your Business card in our glass jar to go into the draw for a $20 platter!

https://www.facebook.com/Bissys

www.facebook.com/Gymbarooorange

www.facebook.com/FipasWorld

f & Lolly Shop Café of lo llies e g a n r g in z Ama K, all over U A , S U m o fr e ll as the world as w u ites , vo r Aus tralia n fa choic e! u nbea table

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.

Hearty meals with fresh ingredients for travellers!

Mitchell Highway Lucknow - Phone: 6365 5001 www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Molong The meaning of the word Molong is “Place of Many Rocks” but Molong has many more attractions than rocks! Molong is a comfortable 4 hour scenic drive from Sydney and is the starting point for the now well known “Animals on Bikes” trail on the alternate route from Molong via Cumnock & Yeoval to the Dubbo Zoo. Charles Henry Packham (1842-1909) was a pioneer settler of Clifton Molong, who developed the Packham Pear. The Packham Pear is one of the world’s most popular varieties and is exported all over the world. The main street, Bank Street is Heritage Listed as are the Railway Station, Court House and many other beautiful buildings throughout the town. Settlement of Molong started with a stockade in the mid 1820’s, the rail arrived in 1886 and until 1893 was the terminus for all trade further west.

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au Fairbridge Farm opened in 1937 as an agricultural school to assist children affected by poverty and neglect, closing in 1973. Today it is private property however as a tribute to former ‘Fairbridgians’ you will pass through the Fairbridge Remembrance Drive on the eastern entrance to town. The Molong RSL Club is home to a unique collection of commemorative artworks, The Servicemen and Servicewomen’s Portrait Gallery by Anne Marie Ingham depicting local identities in a tribute to their contribution in times of conflict. Yuranigh’s Grave is a unique landmark located off the Mitchell Highway 2km east of Molong. A short drive down Yuranigh Road leads you to the burial site of Yuranigh, an aboriginal guide who accompanied Sir Thomas Mitchell on his 1846 expedition into Central Australia.

What to See & Do Visit the Yarn Market & Coach House Play a round of golf and experience our unique sand greens. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque walkway beside Molong Creek where you may even see a Platypus Check out the action at the skate park Visit Local galleries like Jayes Visit Yuranigh’s Aboriginal grave Browse antiques and collectables for items of interest at local business houses View the Portrait Gallery at the RSL Stay 2 nights at the caravan park and the 3rd night is free! Try some local wines Take a drive through Cumnock & Yeoval and spot the “Animals on Bikes” paddock sculptures Don’t miss the Museum

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Molong Visitor Information Centre 79 Bank Street Molong Phone: 6366 8260

Room For the Pony or Two - $443,000 17 acres divided into 6 paddocks and plenty of water Residence has been fully refurbished inside and out Open lounge/dining and uninterrupted views of Mt Canobolas from the enclosed verandah Just 15 minutes to Orange, quality inclusions and landscaped gardens Perfect for the horse lover with tack room and round yard, sheds and workshop

Call Kerry Connelly on 0427 668 800

42 Bank Street, Molong 2866 To view this property and more visit www.mccarrons.com.au 44 www.monthlyimag.com.au

...will take you there!

February Events When

What

Where

Every Friday

Dinner @ The Borenore Store Phone: 6365 2261

The Borenore Store 595 Borenore Road, Borenore

Saturday 1st

Music, Wine & Dinner Be booglarized by one of Australia`s finest artists, Pugsley Buzzard. He has performed all over the world from Berlin to New Orleans to the Himalayan Blues Festival in Kathmandu. Starts 7pm Cost $70 PP

Taste Canowindra 42 Ferguson Street, Canowindra Wine tasting 3 course meal & show $70 Booking essential online or via phone with credit card details 02 6344 2332 www.tastecanowindra.com.au

Tuesday 4th

Canowindra Historical Society & Museum New members welcome - Starts 10am Enquiries 63441747

Canowindra Historical Society & Museum Inc Historical Museum Memorial Park, Gaskill St Canowindra

Saturday 8th

Orange Region Farmer’s Market Berries are back, new season vegies, apples, olive oils, great chocolates, fudge, plants, dressings, jams, cheeses, nuts, wines, spirits and more. www.orangefarmersmarket.org.au

Northcourt Cnr Byng & Peisley Street, Orange 8:30am to 12:30pm www.orangefarmersmarket.org.au

Sunday 9th

‘Old Man’ Yabbi Fishing Competition By the billabong under the Coolabah tree. This event is part of 2014 Slow Summer Celebrating Banjo Paterson 150 Years Start 10am

Twisted River Wines 6056 Henry Parkes Way Manildra Cost: $25 includes lunch & wine tasting Bookings essential: 6364 5447

Friday 14th

Central West Short Play Festival Brand new Australian plays Taste Canowindra 42 Ferguson Street, Canowindra from the Central West NSW Starts 7pm Enquiries Nerida Cubby M: 0429 048 603 Cost: $60 Ticket Event duration 4 hours also include wine tasting, 3 course meal

Saturday 15th

Pasta, Plonk & Poetry Dinner Come and enjoy the fun with cool climate wines as part of the Banjo Paterson Festival, a sumptuous 3 course dinner by Leslie Russell and recital of poetry from Banjo Paterson

Mayfield Vineyard The School House Start;7.00PM Cost: $75 PP - Bookings essential: Sally 6362 8898

Monday 17th

Banjo Paterson Museum Official Opening of the Banjo Paterson more than a poet museum exhibition by the Honourable Tim Fisher with live entertainment by Wallis & Matilda Starts 10am

Banjo Paterson Museum 43 Forbes St Yeoval Visit Clancy Cafe for Devonshire teas, coffee & fresh country scones Open Daily 9.00am to 3.00pm

Sunday 23th

Molong & District Servicemen & Service Women Portrait Gallery A unique collection by artist Anne Marie Ingham From 12.30pm – 3pm

Molong RSL 22-24 Riddell St, Molong Phone Helen Haynes on 6360 4114

Sunday 23th

Molong Museum Open Day Molong Museum 20 Riddell Street, Molong See the Molong Room, the Fairbridge Farm exhibit and the Geology collection. 12 noon to 3.00pm. $5 entry

29th to 2nd March

Norman Lindsay Exhibition Official Opening 6.30pm 31st January Opened by Director Aarwun Gallery in Canberra Robert Stephens

Be Tempted at Barnsys! That couldn’t be more true! They make fresh food from fresh ingredients here for the hungry traveller. After a long drive I always enjoy my fish cooked to perfection with a delicious salad where I have my own home grown for comparison. They make their own cakes and many of the other menu items. They can also tempt me with ice cream now the weather is hotter. Service is with a smile and efficient. The clothing and gifts are not only good labels but also regularly on sale and you can check them out on Facebook. They have heaps of gifts at the moment! There is much to be tempted by here and plenty to see and do in the area while you are about it.

Jayes Gallery 31 – 33 Gidley Street, Molong Phone 6366 9093

empte T e d

EAT IN

at B Barnsy's

Cafe Open Mon to Sat 9-7 Sun 9-5

TAKE AWAY

Snacks & Home Cooked Meals

Giftshop 10-4 Mon to Friday Sat 10-2

Somerset Lane clothing, Giftware & Clothing Accessories for all ages

26 Bank street, Molong, NSW 2866 Phone: 02 6366 8284

Find us on Facebook

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

What's On February Hawkesbury Regional Gallery To 9 February Goya: Los Caprichos (etchings) Ph 4560 4441 www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au Deerubbin Cntr, 300 George St, Windsor

Hawkesbury Regional Gallery

Rowing NSW Small Boats Regatta 1 February 8am - 5pm. Ph 4730 6789 Sydney International Regatta Centre, Cranebrook Horse Whispering at Mamre House Every Thurs, Fri until 14 February. 9-11am A 'natural horsemanship' program for youth ages 13+ to learn the basic techniques in handling horses gently and effectively. Ph 0422 109 969 Mamre House, 181 Mamre Road, Orchard Hills

Blue Mountains Clutural Centre

Sassafras Creek Food and Design Every Saturday. The 14 yr old song bird, Katie Panucci live 6.30-9.30pm. Every Sunday. Latin jazz with Chiera. 83 Bells Line of Rd, Kurrajong The Roaring 20í & All that Jazz Festival All February. The Blue Mountains will kick up its heels with a host of events taking on a 1920s theme. These include costumed balls, high teas, jazz performances, vintage couture fashion parades, vintage car picnic, Charleston Challenge, Ukulele Festival and the Highlands Steam Festival and lots more fun. www.roaring20s.com.au Jazz in the Gardens - Norman Lindsay Gallery 22 February Part of the Roaring 20s Festival, this popular live jazz concert celebrates the birthday of Norman Lindsay. Showcasing the talents of Galapagos Duck and Willie Qua in the Gallery Gardens. Bookings essential. Ph 4751 1067 www.normanlindsay.com.au

Charleston challenge - Roaring 20's and all that Jazz Festival

Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival

Glamour & Gowns Ball

Opening of the Roaring 20's And All That Jazz Festival in Leura Mall - 1 February Be part of the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge (download the dance routine from the website, anyone can learn!), then retire to the Marquee for the Inaugural Long Lunch In Leura! Soak up the entertainment from Fabulous Flappers, Cookiní With Gas and the Blue MUGs. Order your Hamper and Register for the Charleston Challenge now from the website. www.roaring20s.com.au Retro 2014 Cocktail Party & Dinner Dance 15 February Everglades Historic House & Gardens and Leura Golf Club. Don your 20s gear and join the party! With Cocktails & Canapes at Everglades at 5.30pm and Dinner & Dancing at Leura Golf Club at 7pm, a fabulous 20s style dance band and prizes for the best dressed woman and best dressed man, this will be night to remember! Bookings essential. Ph 4782 5011 The Great Art Deco Ball 1 February Part of the Roaring 20s Festival, dress up for this lavish 1920's Grand Ball. Be transported back in time and enjoy a wonderful night of entertainment held in the Grand Dining Room. Prizes for the Best Dressed. Bookings essential. Ph 4782 1111 www.thecarrington.com.au The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba

46 www.monthlyimag.com.au

2014 Roaring into a 20s Costume Drama 2 February Join Charlotte Smith, owner of The Darnell Collection for a revealing look at 1920s design. 2ñ4pm with High Tea with Charlotte in the Grand Dining Room. Ph 4782 1111 www.thecarrington.com.au The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba Blue Mountains Cultural Centre To 9 March. Appnosis: Paula Garrard - reflects on the visual dialogue presented to us through exposure to electronic media. To 9 March. Ranamok Glass Prize Winners Collection - features finalists from 2013 and an exhibition of the 20 winners since 1995. All February. Into the Blue - World Heritage Interpretive Exhibition - interactive introduction to the wonders of the Blue Mtns World Heritage area. www.bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au 39 Parke St, Katoomba. Ph 4780 5410 Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival 7-9 February Opens Friday night with a dinner show at The Carrington Hotel. Saturday will include performances from Australiaís best musicians throughout Katoomba venues. Workshops will be available offering a FREE chance to introduce you to song writing and open Mic sessions. Ph 0412 228 326 www.bluemugs.com.au Mount Tomah Botanic Garden Every Friday. Aboriginal Heritage Tour. A 1.5hr botanic tour through the Garden. 8 February. The Buzz on Native Bees ñ Australian native bees of the Sydney, Blue Mountains and Illawarra Regions. Bookings essential. 16 February. Birds of a Feather - an exploration into the world of feathers. Bookings essential. To 16 February. Birds, Bees and Backyards - Gardening in the 1920's. To 28 February. Blue Mountains Garden Safari - a selfguided adventure trail - kids up to 12 years. Ph 4567 3000 www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au Lithgow Landscapes Exhibition To 2 February Looks at the urban, industrial and natural landscape of Lithgow through the eyes of artists. 10am-4pm Wednesday - Sunday. Ph 6352 2132 Eskbank House, Cnr Inch and Bennett Sts Glamour & Gowns Ball Saturday 15 February 2014 Put on your pearls, don your feather boa, wear that fedora with panache and come to the Roaring 20s Glamour and Gowns Ball as part of the Roaring 20s and all that Jazz Festival.. Tickets available from Lithgow Visitor Information Centre. Cost: $80 Time: from 6.30pm Location: Lithgow Civic Ballroom, George Coates Avenue Lithgow. Contact: 1300 760 276 2014 Rydal Show 1 February Known as ëthe biggest little show in the westí, there is something for everyone with yard dog trials, wood chopping, prize winning arts and horticulture. Ph 6355 6223 www.tourism.lithgow.com Market Street, Rydal

Highlands Steam and Vintage Fair, Oberon 8 February Featuring historic machinery, vintage and classic car display, steam traction engines, steam portables & stationary engines, vintage trucks & lots of tractors. Ph 6336 1934 www.highlandssteam.org.au Oberon Rugby Leagues Club, Lowes Mount Rd Oberon & Villages Simple Pleasures Summer Festival 10 February The lifestyle and treasures of village life are often not apparent to outsiders and need a local to help you discover them. Ph 6329 8210 www.oberonfestivals.com.au The 114th Oberon Show 15-16 February A showcase of country life including cattle judging, equestrian events, flowers and produce, arts and crafts, fireworks, sideshow alley, animal nursery and more. Ph 6335 8217 www.oberonfestivals.com.au Oberon Showground Opera in the Caves The Underground Opera Company presents a selection of popular pieces. Wear something warm. Arrive before

7.15pm to give yourself time to park and collect tickets. 14 February. The Valentineís Day Cathedral Concert. 15 February. The Grand Arch Valentine Concert. Bookings essential. www.jenolancaves.org.au Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour 7-9 February The longest motorsport endurance race in Australia, held at the country's most demanding circuit. Tickets available at Ticketek on 13 28 49. Mount Panorama, Bathurst Flix in the Stix - Gooree Park Wines 15 February A unique outdoor touring production combining award winning short films, comedy and live music under the stars. Ph 6372 1020 Castlereagh Highway, Mudgee

Slow Summer in Orange

Slow Summer in Orange 7-17 February A 10 day community festival celebrating the life of Banjo Paterson with a program of community family events, tours, recreational activities, dinners, lunches and much more. Taste Orange Ph 6360 1990

Monthly Markets Guide ROUSE HILL Organic Food and Farmers Market Rouse Hill Town Centre every Saturday 8am - 2pm in Market Square. HILLS HAWKESBURY Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers & Fine Food Market Castle Hill Showground. 2nd & 4th Saturdays 8am - 12pm Bilpin Markets District Hall, Bells Line of Road. Every Saturday 9am-3pm Windsor Mall Craft Markets Between Baker and Fitzgerald Sts. Every Sunday 8.30am - 4.00pm PENRITH Showground Markets Station Street. Every Wed 8.30am-1.30pm Penrith Farmers and Fine Food Market 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 Vineyard Craft Markets Northern Road, Luddenham. 2nd Sunday 9.30am-4pm Ropes Crossing Rotary Market Forrester Rd, St Marys. Last Sunday 9am-2pm Kingswood Food & Craft Market Kingswood High School, Bringelly Rd. 1st Sunday 9am-2pm Glenmore Park Monthly Market Community Cntr, Cnr Luttrell St & Town Terrace. Last Sunday. Nepean Seasonal Market Panthers carpark, 123 Mulgoa Rd. 2nd Saturday 9am-2pm BLUE MOUNTAINS Farmers & Fine Food Markets Glenbrook Infants School, Ross St. 1st Saturday 8am - 12pm

Glenbrook Rotary Markets Glenbrook Infants School, Ross St. 3rd Saturday 9am - 2pm 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 Grand View Markets Grand View Hotel, Wentworth Falls 2nd Sunday 9am - 2pm Leura Markets Leura Public School, Great Western Hwy. 1st Sunday 9am - 2pm Leura Blue Mountains Market CWA Hall Megalong Street Leura Every Friday & 1st & 3rd Saturdays 9am - 4.30pm Katoomba Craft Market St Canice's Hall, 158 Katoomba Street. 2nd Sunday 10am - 2pm Blackheath Growers Markets Community Hall, Great Western Hwy. 2nd Sunday 8am - 12pm Blackheath Craft Markets Community Hall, Great Western Hwy. 3rd Sunday 10am - 2pm Blackheath Community Market Blackheath Public School Hall. 1st Sunday 9am - 1pm Blackheath Markets RSL Hall 4th Sunday 10am - 2pm LITHGOW New Village Market Tony Luchetti Showground. 4th Sunday 9am till 1pm Capertee Markets Castlereagh Hwy. 3rd Sunday Portland Masonic Hall Markets Wolgan Street, 2nd Sunday 9am-2pm

Markets

Portland Tidy Town Markets Williewa St. 1st Sunday 9am-2pm OBERON Tablelands Way Farmers Markets St Barnabas Park, Oberon Street. 1st Saturday 8am-1pm BATHURST Farmers Markets Showground. 4th Saturday 8am-12am Family Markets Showground. 2nd Sunday 9am-1pm Macquarie Lions Flea Markets Berry Park. 1st Saturday 8.30am-1.30pm ORANGE Orange Region Farmers Market Showground, Leeds Pde. 2nd Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm Rotary Sunday Markets Robertson Park, Lords Place. Sun 8am-12am James Sheahan Catholic High School Market Day 23rd February, 2014 Norton Park Oval Anson Street Orange 2800

Entry by gold coin donation

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 Gulgong Markets Coronation Park. 4th Sat from 8.30am Artisan & Produce Markets Memorial Hall, Louee St Rylstone 2nd Saturday 9am -1.30 pm

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Gulls

Herons, Egrets & Bitterns Australian Little Bittern R Nankeen Night Heron R Cattle Egret R White-necked Heron U Great Egret R Intermediate Egret R

Stilts, Plovers, Waders, etc. Black-winged Stilt R Banded Lapwing R Masked Lapwing C Red-kneed Dotterel R Black-fronted Dotterel C Australian Painted Snipe R Latham’s Snipe R Common Greenshank R Sharp-tailed Sandpiper R

Frogmouths & Nightjars Tawny Frogmouth U White-throated Nightjar U Owls Sooty Owl R Australian Masked Owl R Eastern Barn Owl U Powerful Owl R Barking Owl U Southern Boobook C

Pardalotes Honeyeaters Yellow-faced Honeyeater C Singing Honeyeater R White-eared Honeyeater U Yellow-tufted Honeyeater C Fuscous Honeyeater C White-plumed Honeyeater C Lewin’s Honeyeater R Bell Miner U Noisy Miner C Blue-faced Honeyeater R Black-chinned Honeyeater U Brown-headed Honeyeater U White-naped Honeyeater C Little Friarbird R Noisy Friarbird C Striped Honeyeater U Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater U Red Wattlebird C Regent Honeyeater U Painted Honeyeater U Crescent Honeyeater R New Holland Honeyeater U White-cheeked Honeyeater R Eastern Spinebill U Black Honeyeater R Scarlet Honeyeater U Crimson Chat R

Sparrows & Finches House Sparrow U I Beautiful Firetail R Diamond Firetail C Red-browed Finch C Plum-headed Finch U Zebra Finch C

Fantails & Monarchs Willie Wagtail C Orioles Olive-backed Oriole C

Capertee Valley

Grebes Australasian Grebe C Hoary-headed Grebe R

Rails, Crakes & Water-hens Buff-banded Rail U Baillon’s Crake R Spotless Crake R Purple Swamphen U Dusky Moorhen C Black-tailed Native-hen R Eurasian Coot U

Ducks, Geese & Swans Black Swan R Australian Shelduck R Pink-eared Duck R Australian Wood Duck C Pacific Black Duck C Australasian Shoveler R Grey Teal U Chestnut Teal R Hardhead U Blue-billed Duck R Musk Duck R

Falcons Nankeen Kestrel C Australian Hobby U Brown Falcon C Black Falcon R Peregrine Falcon U

Quails Stubble Quail U Brown Quail C

Kites, Hawks & Eagles Square-tailed Kite R Black-shouldered Kite C Black Kite R Whistling Kite R White-bellied Sea-Eagle R Swamp Harrier R Spotted Harrier U Grey Goshawk R Brown Goshawk U Collared Sparrowhawk U Wedge-tailed Eagle C Little Eagle U

KEY: C = common in the valley; U = uncommon; R = rare in the valley; I = introduced

Cuckoos Eastern Koel U Channel-billed Cuckoo U Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo C Black-eared Cuckoo R Shining Bronze-Cuckoo C Pallid Cuckoo C Fan-tailed Cuckoo C Brush Cuckoo U Parrots & Lorikeets Rainbow Lorikeet R Musk Lorikeet U Little Lorikeet C Crimson Rosella U Eastern Rosella C Red-rumped Parrot C Turquoise Parrot U Swift Parrot R Budgerigar R Australian King-Parrot U Red-winged Parrot R

Cockatoos Glossy Black-Cockatoo U Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo U Gang-gang Cockatoo U Galah C Long-billed Corella R I Little Corella C Sulphur-crested Cockatoo C

Birds you may see in the Capertee Valley

Great Cormorant U Australasian Darter R

Crested Pigeon C Wonga Pigeon U Diamond Dove R Peaceful Dove C Bar-shouldered Dove U

Treecreepers White-throated Treecreeper U Red-browed Treecreeper R Brown Treecreeper C Bowerbirds Satin Bowerbird U Lyrebirds Superb Lyrebird U Sacred Kingfisher U Red-backed Kingfisher R Azure Kingfisher U Rainbow Bee-eater C

Acknowledgments and information Bird site: www.caperteebirder.com

Approximately 242 bird species have been recorded in the Capertee Valley. Many of the birds on this list are nomadic or migratory; they may be in the valley for only a few months each year.

Fairy-wrens Variegated Fairy-wren U Superb Fairy-wren C

Reporting bird sightings Regent Honeyeater hotline: phone 1800 621 056 Swift Parrot hotline: phone 1800 665 766

Flowerpeckers Mistletoebird C

Thrushes Bassian Thrush R Common Blackbird R I

Sittellas Varied Sittella U

Cuckoo-shrikes & Trillers Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike C White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike U Cicadabird U White-winged Triller U

Woodswallows White-breasted Woodswallow R Masked Woodswallow U White-browed Woodswallow C Dusky Woodswallow C Butcherbirds & allies Grey Butcherbird U Pied Butcherbird U Australian Magpie C Pied Currawong U Grey Currawong R Babblers, Whipbirds, etc. Grey-crowned Babbler U White-browed Babbler C Eastern Whipbird U Spotted Quail-thrush U Weebill C Brown Gerygone R Western Gerygone U White-throated Gerygone C Brown Thornbill U Buff-rumped Thornbill U Yellow-rumped Thornbill C Yellow Thornbill C Striated Thornbill U Southern Whiteface U

Starlings & Mynas Common Myna R I Common Starling C I

Swallows & Martins White-backed Swallow U Welcome Swallow C Fairy Martin C Tree Martin C White-eyes Silvereye C Larks, Cisticolas, Reed-Warblers, etc. Horsfield’s Bushlark U Golden-headed Cisticola U Australian Reed-Warbler U Tawny Grassbird R Little Grassbird R Rufous Songlark C Brown Songlark U Australian Robins Eastern Yellow Robin C Hooded Robin U Jacky Winter C Rose Robin U Flame Robin U Scarlet Robin U Red-capped Robin U Australian Mudnesters White-winged Chough C Ravens & Crows Little Raven U Australian Raven C

Capertee Valley is wider and longer than the USA’s Grand Canyon. The valley is Bird tours and information: www.bmbirding.com.au recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and one of the 50 top Birdlife Australia: www.birdlife.org.au/projects/ woodland-birds-for-biodiversity birdwatching places in the world. Bicentennial National Trail: www.nationaltrail.com.au This scenic valley encompasses the hamlets of Glen Davis, This scenic valley encompasses of GlenCapertee Davis, Glen Alice, Bogee and is Glen Alice and Bogee and is surrounded the by thehamlets Wollemi, Valley information: www.caperteevalleyway.com.au Capertee and Gardens of Stone national parks and the surrounded by the Wollemi, Capertee and Gardens of Stone national parks and the Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area. A diversity Download a PDF of this brochure: of habitats has resulted in a proliferation of bird species caperteevalleyalliance.blogspot.com.au Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area. A diversity of habitats has resulted in a finding refuge here. Surrounded on all sides by spectacular Capertee Valley photos: sandstone of cliffs, the valley is in a transition zone where the caperteevalleyphotos.blogspot.com.au proliferation bird species finding refuge here. Surrounded on all sides by spectacular forests of the Blue Mountains give way to the woodlands Fiona Lumsden wildlife artist: www.fionalumsden.com sandstone cliffs, theslopes. valley is in varies a transition of the NSW western Vegetation from semi- zone where the forests of the Blue Mountains Cover images: Dean Ingwersen & Chris Tzaros rainforest to open forest, grassy woodlands and farmland give way to theNotwoodlands the other NSW vegetation varies from semiAccommodation grasslands. as heavily clearedof as many ruralWestern slopes, www.caperteevalleyway.com.au areas, the valley retains large areas of the critically rainforest to open forest grassy woodlands and farmland grasslands. Not as heavily www.rylstone.com endangered White Box–Yellow Box–Blakely’s Red Gum www.tourism.lithgow.com Woodland and Derived Native Grassland. Many clearedGrassy as many other rural area, the valley retains large areas of the critically endangered woodland bird species, whose populations have fallen Contact us with suggestions Whitealarmingly Box-Yellow Box Blakely’ Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native elsewhere, remain relativelyscommon and Any suggestions or information that might improve this brochure would be appreciated. Please email easily seen here. Grassland. Many woodland bird species, whose populations have fallen alarmingly caperteevalleyallinc@ipstarmail.com.au Regent Honeyeater tree planting elsewhere, remain relatively common and easily seen here. In recent years a prime conservation You have more chance of seeing a Regent been extending the habitat Beforefocus youhasset off... Part of the Valley’ s incharm is its comparative isolation. There are no Honeyeater the of the highly endangered Regent Capertee Valley than Honeyeater. Working with landholders cafes, no petrol stations, and depending on your service provider and service location, anywhere else in the and volunteers, the Capertee Valley world. Illustration: there may no mobile Regentbe Honeyeater Recovery phone Program coverage. Fiona Lumsden. has planted over 100,000 trees in the valley, on private property. A 2008 survey on the Bird Trail map are easily accessible. A small All 19 bird-watching sites shown found 86 species of birds in these planted sectionareas, of the route isbeing unsealed with six of these rare and/ but suitable for 2WD vehicle to visit Site 8. or endangered. Tree-planting weekends are held each spring and autumn and new volunteer tree-planters are always welcome; no experience necessary. For more information about volunteer tree-plantings in the Capertee Valley contact Birdlife Australia (Sydney office) on 02 9647 1033.

Button-quails Painted Button-quail C Red-chested Button-quail R Little Button-quail R

Whistlers & allies Crested Shrike-tit U Gilbert’s Whistler R Golden Whistler U Rufous Whistler C Grey Shrike-thrush C

Welcome to the Capertee Valley A nature based destination like no other Capertee Valley is within the traditional country of the Wiradjuri people. Located on the western edge of the Blue Mountains and only three hours travel from Sydney, it is the widest enclosed valley in the world – wider and longer than the USA’s Grand Canyon. The valley is recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and one of the 50 top birdwatching places in the world.

Ibises & Spoonbills Australian White Ibis U Straw-necked Ibis U Glossy Ibis R Royal Spoonbill U Yellow-billed Spoonbill U

Map & Guide to Birdwatching To Hunter Valley & Newcastle via Bylong

To Mudgee

Rylstone Kandos To Bathurst Bogee

Ilford

Glen Alice

Capertee Valley

Glen Davis

Capertee

Castlereagh Highway

Lithgow To Canberra via Oberon

Bells Line of Road

To Sydney Katoomba

Great Western Highway

To find out more about your national parks visit the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre,

of Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath, 2780. Open 7 days (except Christmas day) See the link end 9.00am to 4.30pm; T (02) 4787 8877; www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/4974639/caperteebirds-webnov2012-pdf-963k?da=y for the bird brochure, ((c) Capertee Valley Alliance.) CAPERTEE VALLEY

capertee valley

helicopters

ALLIANCE INC.

C M Y K

100 0 0 0

C M Y K

0 44 100 0

C M Y K

42 0 100 8

Experience the thrill... 4675 Castlereagh Highway

Information & Bookings Ph: 02 6359 0157 A 48 www.monthlyimag.com.au

GREAT GIFT!

THE CUBBY HOUSE

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

where to stay