Sydney and Blue Mountains iMag March 2016 by iMag Publications Pty Ltd

Sydney, Blue Mountains and Central West

March 2016

Adventure or tranq uillity? You choose

Make the most of your Easter!

g venues r weddin u o re lo Exp

Inside • • •

Regional Maps Where to eat, stay and What to do Win award winning zoo passes • Win dinner and show tickets to Hydro Majestic

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Stay with us fo unique exper r a ience!

Cover Photo by David W Noble

Taste the Blue Mountains

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

Carrington Cellars and Deli have different offerings each week with seasonal features tastings and demonstrations including recipes. They are part of the local social scene. We look forward to sharing their regular seasonal news with you in the magazine and online.

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 ONPARKE PARKESTREET STREET(AT (ATREAR REAROF OFTHE THECARRINGTON CARRINGTONHOTEL) HOTEL) The Hotel15-47 15-47katoomba KatoombaSt,St,Katoomba Katoomba 2780 The Carrington Carrington Hotel 2780 www.thecarrington.com.au T +61 2 4782 1111 www.thecarrington.com.au T +61 2 4782 0999

Catering for all occasions!

Savoury Pies • Gourmet Pies • Dessert Pies Take-away or eat in Coffee and cold drinks Hot cross buns for Easter coming up Open: Tuesday - Friday 6am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday 8am - 4pm

Clarendon VIC opposite Richmond NSW RAAF

piesonthego19@gmail.com

Phone 0449 523 499 or 0438 534 324

Explore the Galleries Visit the Studios Meet the Artists & Artisans Check the website for venues & details

HAPPY EASTER

RED OAK

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 62 King Road, Wilberforce Unbeatable prices. Mon-Fri 7.00-6.00 Sat 7.00-2.00

02 4575 1233

Café and Function Centre at Turners Vineyard

Arrange to meet your friends, enjoy coffee, drinks or a meal while enjoying the panoramic views. Check out our extensive function capability for weddings, reunions, birthdays – any celebration… Adjacent to Turners Vineyard and Motel. What a splendid location! Caravans and coaches welcome - ample parking Themed Functions up to 400 arranged Accommodation available at Turners Motel Hours Wed - Fri: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sat: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Breakfast, Lunch or just Coffee! Catering Outdoor Seating

4929 Mitchell Highway Lucknow - Phone 0499 150 065 Find us on Facebook!

Mamre house - History & Community combined The grounds of Samuel Marsden's hobby farm from 1820 are open to the public. Today Mamre is a part of Catholic Care Social Services and operates to support people with a disability, refugees and migrants as well as youth. The homestead is currently having internal restoration. We look forward to opening the café with a Gallery space upstairs early 2016. Follow us on Instagram - @mamrehouseevents

www.mamre.com.au Open every day except Monday.

181181 MAMRE HILLS MAMRERD RDORCHARD ORCHARD HILLS Tel: 02 9670 6178 Tel: 02 9670 6178 www.mamre.com.au

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From the Editor March This month’s waterfall cover welcomes you to the magic of autumn with its glowing colours. Enjoy Easter’s renewal and holidays at March end. Following Valentine’s Day in this leap year, investigate our unique wedding venues. Check out where to stay from places that will pamper you to camping and RV Friendly options. Your pets can even stay along the way. Take advantage by exploring widely in our peak Show season. NSW has once again shone as home to some of Australia’s best tourism products and experiences, winning in 12 categories at the Australian Tourism Awards on 5 February, including four Gold Awards and three Silver Awards. Enjoy a Gold experience at Dubbo Zoo’s Zoofari Lodge. In the year to September 2015, the tourism industry contributed more than $24 billion in international and domestic overnight visitor expenditure to NSW’s economy, up 7.8 per cent from a year ago. So many happy visitors must be on to a great thing! We have great food for your body soul and all your senses; history and modern slants on old favourites; options for adventure or relaxation – come and enJoy! Pamper and reward yourself with Aromatherapy, great dining and tea experiences. See how much some of our first settled areas have changed as you explore our contrasting regions. The Zoo and iMag offer 2-day

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Contents

family passes for all holidays and there’s a new winner in our Facebook competition to win Live@ the Hydro packages for couples to dinner and a show. Enjoy from the Mountains to the sea, along our waterways, above and below ground. There are extra markets, new activities, really fresh produce, and many roads less travelled… Explore by car, cycle, on foot, on horseback or by public transport’; sample our different restaurants and stay in different areas… really have a great time! Enjoy our improved and newly opened roads! As daylight hours shorten, 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 plan to enjoy it to the utmost. 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!

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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Hills & Hawkesbury

Mount Tomah

Wisemans Ferry

Parramatta - Penrith

Lower Blue Mountains

Mid Mountains

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Wentworth Falls

Main Map

Leura Village

Katoomba 20 Medlow Bath to Mt Victoria

Hartley & surrounds

Wallerawang/Portland 25 Lithgow 26 Oberon/Bathurt/Mudgee 28 Orange & Districts

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.

Kevin

Taste sensations

FREE Information Guide

Download

the latest from our new website

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Easter Weekend at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains

Escape to Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains this Easter weekend and experience the joy of family fun with:

 Family Buffet Dinner in Jamison’s Restaurant 5:30pm - 9:30pm Children Under 5 Eat FREE Good Friday Buffet Dinner Adult $65 / Child (12 – 16) $34 / Child

Stay from $309

(5 – 11)

$19

Saturday Seafood Buffet Dinner Adults $79 / Child

per night

(12 - 16)

$39 / Child (5 - 11) $19

Sunday Buffet Dinner Adults $65 / Child

(12 - 16)

$34 / Child

(5 - 11)

$19

 Exciting Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday  Book your stay early to take advantage of our FREE BREAKFAST offer^

BOOK NOW: 02 4785 0000 ^Terms & Conditions apply.

Share your memorable moments #fairmontresortleura

Jenolan Caves

1 Sublime Point Rd, Leura font.desk@fairmontresort.com.au www.fairmontresort.com.au www.mgallery.com

TROLLEY TOURS

Experience one of the World’s ﬁnest cave systems with underground rivers and spectacular limestone formations. Coach tour departs Katoomba 10.35am. 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 $50

Child $38

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + ADMISSION CHIFLEY CAVE OR LUCAS CAVE Concession $73

Child $65

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + ADMISSION TO ORIENT CAVE Concession $77

Child $69

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + ADMISSION TO CHIFLEY & LUCAS CAVES Concession $92

Child $85

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + PLUG HOLE ADVENTURE CAVING Concession $137

55 84 90 109 142 $

E AT BOOK ONLIN OM.AU LEYTOURS.C WWW.TROL

2 DAY

Per Adult

Bookings are essential e at and can be made onlinm.au .co rs ou www.trolleyt

144

ULTIMATE $ DISCOVERY PACKAGE

All Day Trolley Tours Ride plus unlimited Adult rides on Scenic Railway / Cableway and Skyway at Scenic World. (Valid 1 day only). Concession $128 / Plus Coach Tour to Jenolan Caves and Guided Tour of Chifley or Lucas Cave.

Child $94

Per Adult

H TRAVEL ONE WAY COAC ADULT CONCESSION 0 $4 / ULT AD 5 $4 ilable dation also ava (overnight accommo ) s.com.au for details see www.trolleytour

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)

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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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

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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.

What to See & Do Friday 13th & Saturday 14th May 9am-4pm Sunday 15th May 9am-3pm

Beautiful displays put on by the local orchid societies Hawkesbury Race Course, Clarendon (opposite Richmond RAAF Base Admission: $5.00. Buses: $4.00 - Plenty of free parking 0408 264 040 - Email: orchidsocietynsw@hotmail.com Web: http://www.orchidsocietynsw.com.au/OOW2016.htm

See us at the Stitches & Craft Show 3 - 6 March 2016, Rose Hill.

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 HAWKESBURY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Ham Common, Hawkesbury Valley Way, Clarendon (Opposite Richmond RAAF Base) Phone 1300 362 874 hawkesburytourism@pacific.net.au www. hawkesburytourism.com.au

gift ideas & gift cards Mon- Fri 9.30am - 5.00pm Sat 9.30am - 1.00pm w w w.banksiayarns.com.au

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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!

Awesome Achievers: Stories from Australians of the Year. In 2015, the National Portrait Gallery will be launch its first major exhibition designed specifically for regional touring – Awesome Achievers: Stories from Australians of the Year. This exhibition focuses upon portraits of a representative selection of recipients of the Australian of the Year awards over the past 55 years. Featuring around 50 works across a range of media, supplemented with

audio-visual material from other national institutions and collections, the exhibition will showcase 28 recipients. Eight thematic groupings allow for deeper exploration of the

Bill McAuley, Cathy Freeman 1994 (detail), type C photograph, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra, purchased 2010

Kerrie Lester, Fred Hollows 1993 (detail), oil on hand-stitched canvas, National Portrait Gallery Canberra, Gift of the artist 1999, donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

challenges and triumphs of each life story, fleshing out the full person behind the well-known face. Revealing sometimes unexpected and surprising links gives the exhibition a dynamism beyond a mere chronological listing, and combining portraits with snippets of oral histories and other audio visual materials gives voice to the portraits. On show at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, 300 George Street Windsor 12 February - 27 March. Mon, Wed-Fri 10am – 4pm Closed Tuesdays and public holidays Weekends 10am – 3pm FREE ENTRY

Ian Jennings, Lee Kernanghan near Broken Hill 2005, digital print, National Portrait Gallery Canberra, purchased 2008

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Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah Explore Australia’s premier cool-climate botanic garden and learn about the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Set over 252 hectares on the summit of a basalt-capped peak 1000m above sea level, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is the highest botanic garden in Australia. Visitors can explore more than 48,000 native, exotic and rare plant species at the property as well as enjoy sweeping vistas over the mountains. Plants at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden are grouped by geographical origin so visitors can spot the similarities

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and differences between plants of each region, giving a kind of ‘snapshot’ of their evolution on different continents. The Garden contains some rare and unusual plants including the threatened Berberidopsis coralline red flowering vine from South America, many fascinating proteas and the famous ‘dinosaur tree’, Australia’s very own Wollemi pine, one of the greatest botanic discoveries of our time. As well as wandering through the garden, visitors can explore The Jungle, an easily accessible 33ha patch of ancient Blue Mountains rainforest. What’s on: March- Innate - an exhibition by Melanie Duncan Artist Melanie Duncan explores our natural world, responding to nature’s cycles and deep layers of geological time. She draws inspiration by immersing herself in the environment; living near the ocean, spending time in Central Australia, and for this particular exhibition – the Australian bush. Collective memories and feelings associated with a place, alongside observations at the

micro level, are interwoven throughout her work. Key elements in these abstracted interpretations include mark making and the art making process. Artworks available for purchase. Date and time: Sat 12 March - Sun 24 April; Daily 9:30am to 4:30pm Price: Free entry Blue Mountains Botanic Garden also offers popular plant themed events and festivals; guided tours; weddings, functions and conference facilities; Tomah Gardens Restaurant (one Hat) as well as accommodation in the Jungle Lodge which sleeps up to 10 people.

Peace. Quiet. Country. Dreamwood Estate. Escape to Dreamwood Estate B&B, a special place you can call your own. Camping... Air conditioned rooms with individual settings. A 12m mineral pool with spa-jets, warmed by the sun. Home baked afternoon tea to delight your arrival. Fresh ground coffee imported and roasted by The Coffee Warehouse, Kurmond. Tempting choice of teas. Weber-Q BBQ on the veranda. WiFi. So not camping! Border Collies. Our family. Well the children have all left. There's nothing like a Border welcome to know you're at home. No matter the time of year - the feeling will be the same. The price doesn't change with the

season. No holiday peak. Book direct to save OTA fees. Explore. Drive. Pick orchard fruit. Stroll through display gardens. Horse ride. Swing through the trees. Step back through time - visit Windsor Museum and historical cemeteries. The Hawkesbury region is an ancient place. Alpacas. Always happy to see you - with a bowl of feed. Photogenic. Handmade Australian alpaca accessories and raw fleece for the spinner. The Giftware Shop has Bocchetta plush Border Collies for guests who can't resist. Download the Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail app for more details on Dreamwood Estate B&B. Chat soon - Peter & Donna - 4576 5711 0411 253 386.

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Parramatta - Penrith

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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.

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!

Now Parramatta is a city within Sydney’s metropolitan area. It lies along the 15-mile or 24-km Parramatta River, which enters

Parramatta has many historic buildings, including Elizabeth Farm (Built in 1793, it is the nation’s oldest surviving European

WHY TWO GOVERNMENT HOUSES ?

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 extra accommodation for family and friends. 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

For the first 59 years, there were two governor’s residences in the colony of New South Wales, one in Sydney and the other in Parramatta. The first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip, resided in a building made of timber and canvas brought out from England with the First Fleet but a more substantial government house was Government House Parramatta Try the ferry. A beautiful way to get completed in 1789 on the corner of Bridge and Phillip around a lot of places. Streets, Sydney. It was built of English bricks, which Check out Riverside theatres and were hand made by convicts, and local stone. The restaurant. Take a walk along the river Museum of Sydney now stands on the site where the while you’re there. excavated foundations may be viewed in the foyer. Following Governors extended and repaired the Visit Experiment Farm, Elizabeth building but it was always in poor condition and was Farm and Hambledon Cottage. demolished in 1846. Government House Sydney Olympic Park is an experience in itself, In 1816 Governor Lachlan Macquarie commissioned Stables – Conservatorium of Music close to Parramatta, on the ferry. Francis Greenway to design a new Government House Parramatta Farmers’ Markets, produce, and Stables. In 1832 Governor Richard Bourke reviewed the design by Edward Blore arts, crafts and more. of a mock castle Revival Style house that matched the Stables built in Macquarie’s time. Construction began in 1836 and was completed in 1845 at a cost of £46,000. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE The garden surrounding the building has been densely planted with Norfolk Island 346A Church St, Parramatta pines, forest red gums, blueberry ash, black bean, lilly pilly and Moreton Bay fig. Ph: (02) 8839 3311 Fax: (02) 8839 3301 The building was the official residence and office of the Governor of New South Email: discoverparramatta@ Wales until 1996 when it ceased to be the residence and became the reception area for parracity.nsw.gov.au Vice Regal purposes only. Parramatta and District Historical Society invites you to its history meetings held ...will take you there! monthly on third Wednesday in Burnside Public School Hall, Masons Drive, North Parramatta at 7.30pm. Guest speakers give insights into local history. Free entry and HAMBLEDON COTTAGE CLOSED everyone welcome.

What to See & Do

Telephone (02) 9635- 6924 (Hambledon) www.parramattahistorical.org.au email:parramattahist@tpg.com.au

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MARCH and first week of APRIL for Important heritage refurbishment to the cottage.

Penrith - The adventure capital

great outdoors. Relax on a cruise along the Nepean River or step things up with a bushwalk to ‘The Rock’ lookout. Visit www.visitpenrith.com.au for more info or call 1300 736 836 (weekdays only).

Penrith Regional Gallery & Lewers Bequest

86 River Road, Emu Plains Ph: 4735 1100 Penrith is the ideal place to have your next Sun Masamune Sake Brewery adventure; there is so much to see, explore 29 Cassola Place, Penrith Ph: 4732 2833 and discover and its proximity to Sydney The Union Restaurant means visitors can come for the day or stay Union Lane, Penrith Ph: 4721 4501 for a couple of days to escape the hustle FOR AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: and bustle of city life. Aqua Golf Thrill-seekers can pay a visit to iFly FOR AN ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE: Panthers World of Entertainment Downunder, Australia’s only indoor 737 Jet Flight Simulator Experience Mulgoa Road, Penrith Ph: 4721 7240 skydiving facility and the southern Unit 1 /9-11 Abel Street, Penrith Bushwalking, Fairlight Road, Mulgoa hemisphere’s best white-water facility, Ph: 4722 5747 Kayaking & Canoeing Penrith Whitewater Stadium. There is Cables Wake Park Horizon Line (Kayak/Canoe hire) also Jetpack Adventures at the Sydney Behind Panthers Complex, Mulgoa 69 Great Western Highway, Emu Plains International Regatta Centre, Luddenham Road, Penrith Ph: 4722 2537 Ph: 02 4735 2120 Raceway, Cables Wake Park and a 737 Ifly Downunder JetFlight Simulator. 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith Ph: 1300 366 364 Visitors wanting to keep their feet on the VISITOR INFORMATION Jetpack Adventures ground can take in one of the world-class Tourism Information for Penrith is now Jetpack Lake, Gate D, Old Castlereagh concerts and performances at The Joan MERCURE PENRITH IS AT THE Road, Cranebrook Ph: 0474 538 722 available at: Sutherland Performing Centre, see an www.penrithishere.com.au GATEWAy TOArts WESTERN SyDNEy Luddenham Raceway exhibition at the Penrith Regional Gallery, Telephone: 1300 736 836 (Monday to 821 - 849 Luddenham Road, go onisaone tourofatsydney’s the Go-Shu Friday 9am – 4.30pm) penrith best Sake inlandFactory aquaticor playgrounds. have Luddenham Ph: 9834 2366 The information wall at Penrith Civic about history of firefighting at the funlearn riding the the rapids at penrith whitewater stadium, visit the Penrith Whitewater Stadium Centre is available Monday to Friday sydney International Museum of Fire. regatta centre, paddle on the nepean McCarthy’s Lane, Cranebrook 8.30am – 4pm. gorge in a canoe or relax with a picnic by the nepean river. We even have award winning Indigenous Ph:lakes, 4730 4333 penrith valley, with its beautiful rivers, national parks and The information wallROOMS at Penrith City LiMERCURE PENRITH IS AT THE 223 ACCOMMODATION experiences at Muru Mittigar LAID BACK ADVENTURE: is just a 55-minute drive from the centre of sydney.FOR It’s aAgreat brary is available Monday to Friday 9am GATEWAy TO WESTERN SyDNEy Surrounded by mountains, sweeping escape for the whole family with plenty of things to see and do. of Fire Museum 8pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm standard–rooms valleys and lakes, and with the stunning 1 Museum Drive, Penrith Ph: 4731 3000 superIor vIew and rooms Sunday 10am – 5pm. penrith is one of sydney’s best inlandthere aquatic playgrounds. have Blue Mountains in the backdrop, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre executIve courtyard KIng ...will take you there! fun riding thebetter rapidsplace at penrith whitewater stadium, visit the really is no to explore the KIng spa suIte 597 High Street, Penrith Ph: 4723 7600 sydney International regatta centre, paddle on the nepean mercure portseaPENRITH golf club and resort

What to See & Do

gorge in a canoe or relax with a picnic by the nepean river. penrith valley, with its beautiful rivers, national parks and lakes, LOCATED IN PENRITH VALLEy AT THE is just a 55-minute drive from the centre of sydney. It’s a great FOOTHILLS THE escape for the wholeOF family with bLUE plenty ofMOUNTAINS things to see and do.

explore pockets of unspoiled bush land, national parks, as well as the many treasured historic landmarks scattered throughout the region. experience the area’s lively arts scene on display at local museums and art galleries. enjoy the beauty of the nepean gorge from the deck of the nepeanVALLEy belle paddlewheeler LOCATED IN PENRITH AT THE or explore on foot. whether you’re staying for business or pleasure, THE MOUNTAINS forFOOTHILLS a night or a week,OF penrith will bLUE exceed your expectations. explore pockets of unspoiled bush land, national parks, as well as the many treasured historic landmarks scattered throughout 223 ACCOMMODATION ROOMS the region. experience the area’s lively arts scene on display at local museums and art galleries. enjoy therooms beauty of the nepean standard gorge from the deck ofsuperIor the nepean belle paddlewheeler or vIew rooms MAJESTIC PLAyGROUND explore on A foot. whether you’re staying for business or pleasure, executIve courtyard KIng THE yOUNG ATyour HEART for a nightFOR or a week, penrith will exceed expectations. KIng spa suIte

FACILITES 223CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATION ROOMS penrIth panthers your world of entertaInment standard rooms caterIng for upvIew to 800 delegates superIor rooms hIgh speed broadband Internet executIve courtyard KIng state of the art audIo vIsual equIpment KIng spa suIte

LEISURE CONFERENCE FACILITES penrIth panthers your world of entertaInment penrIth panthers your world of entertaInment offerIng 9 dInIng optIons, 6 bars, aqua golf, caterIng for up to 800 delegates cables waKe parK, Ifly and travel shop hIgh speed broadband Internet state of the art audIo vIsual equIpment

LOCATED NEARby LEISURE penrIth whItewater stadIum

InternatIonal regattaof centre penrIth panthers your world entertaInment nepean gorge rIver offerIng 9 dInIng optIons, 6 bars, aqua golf, nepean cables waKebelle parK, paddlewheeler Ifly and travel shop penrIth panthers your world of entertaInment the evan theatre LOCATED NEARby cables waKe parK Ifly penrIth whItewater stadIum aqua regatta golf InternatIonal centre

next door is penrith panthers your world of entertainment CONFERENCE FACILITES with 9 dining options, 6 bars, aqua golf, cables wake park, ifly and a travel shop. panthers also offers a state of art convention penrIth panthers your world of entertaInment centre, with seven architecturally designed formal and informal caterIng fordelegate up to 800 delegates functions rooms, boasting an 800 purpose build seminar A MAJESTIC PLAyGROUND speed broadband Internet and entertainment hIgh theatre with state of the art audio visual. also FOR THE yOUNG ATvIsual HEART sportIngbet stadIum PANTHERS FOOTBALL STADIUM state of the artof audIo equIpment nepean gorge rIver at penrith panthers your world entertainment is the evan nepean belle paddlewheeler theatre a first-class, purpose built entertainment venue. the next has door is penrith panthers your world of entertainment evan been host to an array of leading entertainers including penrIth panthers your world of entertaInment LEISURE CNR MULGOA with 9farnham, dining options, bars,the aqua golf, cables wake park, &iflyJAMISON ROADS, PENRITH NSW 2750 John boys II 6men, wiggles and david strassman. the evan theatre T (02)Mornington 4721 7700 I Peninsula F (02) 4732with 2928sPectacular views located the scenic and a travel shop. panthers also offers a state of art convention penrIth panthers your world of entertaInment adjacent to penrith panthers your world ofon entertainment and cables waKe parK E-mail :formal reservations@mercurepenrith.com.au I www.mercurepenrith.com.au across Portsea Port PhilliP Bay. VALLEy AT THE FOOTHILLS OF centre, with seven architecturally designed and informal LOCATED IN PENRITH the mercure penrith is 9a dInIng 1500 seat exhibition marquee, onegolf, of golf course and offerIng optIons, 6 bars, aqua Ifly functions rooms, boasting an 800 delegate purpose build seminar THE bLUE MOUNTAINS AND ADJACENT TO PENRITH sydney’s largest marquees. sportingbet home shop of the cables waKe parK, Iflystadium, and travel aqua golf and entertainment with of the art audio visual. also penrith panthers, istheatre opposite thestate mercure penrith. PANTHERS WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT. sportIngbet stadIum at penrith panthers your world of entertainment is the evan www.bluemountainsimag.com.au theatre a first-class, purpose built entertainment LOCATED NEARbyvenue. the evan has been host to an array of leading entertainers including

mercure portseaPENRITH golf club and resort

Lower Blue Mountains

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Continuing higher are Linden, the Across the Nepean River through Emu smallest mountain community, Plains, Leonay and Lapstone, travel west along the Great Western Highway Woodford of the Woodford Academy and the Bulls Camp, now a pleasant to Glenbrook to reach the Blue picnic spot and leash free area, then Mountains Tourist Information Centre we then reach Lawson, named after on the left of the highway. explorer William Lawson (1774-1850). The start of the Blue Mountains includes the lovely villages of Lapstone, Glenbrook, Blaxland, Springwood and Lawson. This area features impressive Start at the Glenbrook Visitor Centre waterfalls, swimming holes, national The walking track from John park walks and art & craft galleries. Whitton Memorial Place leads you Blaxland, named after explorer Gregory to the Knapsack Viaduct. (Lapstone) Blaxland (1771-1852) provides the Bluff Lookout overlooks the opportunity to examine Lennox Bridge. Glenbrook Gorge and Glenbrook Built in 1883, it formed part of the Creek. Great Western Highway until 1926. Adjacent to Warrimoo Station is Springwood follows Warrimoo and Ardill Park, a great resting place. ValleyExperience Heights and was theoffirst town one the World’s ﬁnest cave systems with VISITORlimestone INFORMATION CENTRE named in the Blue Mountains, second underground rivers and spectacular formations. Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook only inCoach size to Katoomba. tour departs Katoomba 10.35am. Daily (return to Katoomba daily by 5.00pm). Open Mon-Sat 8.30am to 4pm and Coach tour includes commentary. (Coach does not operate Christmas Day). Faulconbridge follows,informative famous home 8.30am - 3.00pm Sun. closed Christof Norman Lindsay and the burial mas Day Ph: 1300 653 408 $ “Father of www.bluemountainscitytourism.com.au siteRETURN of Sir COACH HenryTRAVEL Parkes, the TO JENOLAN CAVES ...will take you there! (Does not include caves tour) Federation”.

What to See & Do

Jenolan Caves Child $38

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + ADMISSION CHIFLEY CAVE OR LUCAS CAVE

Concession $73

Child $65

Per Adult

RETURN COACH TRAVEL + $ of paintings, A magnificent collection ADMISSION sculpture and ship models displayed in TO ORIENT CAVE the artist’s former home. Per Adult Concession $77 Child $69 • Landscaped Grounds • Cafe RETURN COACH TRAVEL + $ • Specialist ADMISSION TOPrint CHIFLEYand Book Shop • Home of CAVES ‘The Magic Pudding’ & LUCAS

Concession $92

Child $85

OPEN DAILY RETURN COACH TRAVEL + $ PLUG HOLE 10am to 4pm ADVENTURE CAVING (02) 4751 1067 Concession $137

Per Adult

National Trust

Faulconbridge

www.normanlindsay.com.au 12 www.monthlyimag.com.au

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2 DAY

144

ULTIMATE $

All Day Trolley Tours Ride plus unlimited Adult at the Norman Lindsay Gallery rides on Scenic Railway / Cableway and ings are essential ok Bo $128 / Skyway at Scenic World. (Valid 1 day only). Concession 12 Norman Lindsay Crt, Faulconbridge 4751-9611 at www.lindsayscafe.com.au e lin Child $94 Plus Coach Tour to Jenolan Caves and and can be made on .au Guided multi-award Tour of Chifley or Lucas Cave. Local winning Cafe www.trolleytours.com

H TRAVEL ONE WAY COAC ADULT CONCESSION $45 ADULT / $40 le dation also availab (overnight accommo om.au for details) rs.c tou ley rol w.t see ww

Per Adult

OTHER CAVE INSPECTION OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Closed Christmas Day (Pre-booking required. Tour cancellation 14 Norman Lindsay Cres. conditions are applicable)

TROLLEY TOURS

(02) 4751 9611 Lindsay’s Café DISCOVERY PACKAGE

Per Adult

Blue Mountains Trolley Tours operates an hourly hop on and hop off service 7 days a week that takes you to 29 GREAT ATTRACTIONS located in KATOOMBA and LEURA, allowing you to experience the best of what this fabulous world heritage area has to offer in a fun and informative way. You can purchase your $25 Hop On and Hop Off All Day Pass from the Trolley Shoppe located at 76 Main Street, Katoomba, Opposite the Pedestrian Crossing at Katoomba Railway Station, or directly from the Trolley Driver at any stop. You can book a Day Tour from Sydney, save when you book your tickets online, book bushwalks through us, even like us on Facebook at Trolley Tours, Katoomba.

Cost effective 1st April

set in the tranquillity of a bush setting with alfresco dining offering a wide selection for a la carte dining and daily specials. We have a fantastic breakfast menu available 7 days. We offer freshly ground coffee served by OPEN 7 DAYS 76 MAINBaristas STREET KATOOMBA passionate and have a (Opposite Pedestrian Crossing at Katoomba Railway Station) selection of 15 leaf and herbal PH: 02 4782 7999 teas. Weinfo@trolleytours.com.au also cater for weddings, business functions and parties. Book Online: www.trolleytours.com.au Open 7 days

9-4 weekdays 8:30-5 weekends

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

Evenings by appointment.

1782574

55 The Norman Lindsay 84 Gallery & Museum 90 109 142 Concession $50

Blue Mountains Trolley Tours

Mid Mountains The Mid Mountains is a photographer’s paradise. With ferns in the gullies and rock formations hidden in forests, you will find many opportunities to practise your photography skills. Take the time to look at ground level for tiny orchids, ants and anthills. Look up into the trees to catch the birdlife, sky and branches. The tree trunks provide some stunning textures, colours and creatures. See the most accessible Aboriginal Rock Art just off the Great Western Highway at Lawson. A kangaroo is carved into a flat rock on aptly named Kangaroo Street. There is a plaque onsite to explain its significance. Follow the Great Western Highway to Queens Road, Lawson. Turn into Queens Road then first left into Kangaroo St. About 50m along on the left is a small reserve, with car parking spaces and tourist information. Hazelbrook’s Gloria Park has a cricket

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pitch, athletics oval, tennis courts and Hazelbrook Bowling Club. Spend some time getting physical at Gloria Park. There is a child’s playground, tables and seats for a picnic and lots of green grass to fly a kite, throw a frisbee, have a running race along the running track or just enjoy the sunshine. Visit Woodford’s Bull’s Camp picnic area. Revamped following roadworks, the area now offers free sites for camping and RVs. Bull’s Camp was used as a reserve during the building of the original road and again in the building of the railway. There are also interpretive signs outlining the local history. Explore the large waterhole with lilies in the clearing. This man made waterhole was used as a quarry for stone blocks to build the old railway overbridge nearby. On Saturday 26 March enjoy Blue Gum Rotary Markets. You’ll find a range of craft, plants, food and coffee stalls with lots for your home and garden. The market is held on the fourth Saturday of each month at the Faulconbridge Public School, corner of the Great Western Highway and Grose Road, Faulconbridge from 9am to 2pm. The Mid Mountains Netball Club (MMNC)

is a small, friendly, community club that has been built on the commitment of players and their families and supporters. MMNC competes in the Blue Mountains Netball Association (BMNA) winter and summer twilight competitions at the Lapstone netball courts. Training is held at Gloria Park, Hazelbrook. More information about the club can be found at www.midmountainsnetball.com.au. Late enrolments for the MMNC are being taken in March. Details online.

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What to See & Do

Transit Espresso Cafe, Woodford Braemar Art Gallery, Springwood Minnatonka Falls in Red Gum Park,

Bullaburra Terence Falls, Hazelbrook

ant

714 Great Western Highway Faulconbridge

0424 638 876

Lawson Friendly Grocer 7 Honour Avenue LAWSON 4759 1711 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm Saturday 8am – 7pm Sunday 8am – 6pm

antique, retro, vintage industrial, reclaimed, upcycled, heritage

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Coffee and Chocolate Partnership Megan, Hannah & Joe from the Rust and Timber Chocolate Bar in Lawson, are passionate about Lawson’s community spirit. Moved by the meagre funding available to community organisations, they started up their Community Coffee Program to benefit three Lawson community groups. They donate $0.10 of your individual coffee purchases to the local community organisations. Their coffee is roasted in-house daily to ensure you drink only the freshest coffee. Rust and Timber Chocolate Bar’s creative coffee blend perfectly complements their exceptional handmade chocolate. Situated in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Rust & Timber Chocolate Bar offers a family friendly environment with an experience for any age, from the aroma of freshly

roasted coffee to taking in crisp mountain air from our terrace looking over the beautiful valleys of Lawson. Their great coffee roasted daily on the premises is 100% Arabica, high grown from distinguished plantations in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Sumatra and Ethiopia. Rust and Timber Chocolate Bar are open seven days a week and are located on the highway level of the new Lawson Shopping Complex.

Botanical Art Wedding Flower Specialist

Visit an Artist's Studio

Botanical Art is the Blue Mountains’ newest florist, located in Lawson’s new shopping village. They have spent the past year establishing a reputation as a one-stop shop for fresh flowers, living plants and small gifts. The shop is located on the lower level of the complex, with a variety of unique floral arrangements to compliment your wedding. www.botanical-art.com.au.

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Patricia Smart is a very talented artist in Bullaburra. She has a mural business, Becsmart, and has painted hundreds of murals in private homes, businesses, schools and hospitals throughout Australia. Patricia also participates in the Blue Mountains Arts Trail. www.artstrail.org.au She has featured in magazines, television and won awards and scholarships including from the Art Gallery of NSW. Most recently she has been selected to compete in the Sheffield international Mural Fest in Tasmania 2016 where she has previously won the Peoples and Visitors Choice Awards and Highly Commended. Patricia runs classes and workshops from her studio in printmaking, drawing and painting. Her work is inspired by nature and science and ranges from the purely scientific to the whimsical. Website www.becsmart.com.au

Let the colouring in begin Autumn is on its way and Nature’s colouring pencils will soon colour Mt Wilson a stunning palate of red, orange, yellow and burgundy. Be sure to bring your camera with an empty memory card, full battery and tripod. There is no public transport to Mt Wilson, so if you don’t have a car you won’t be able to participate in one of the biggest events on the Mt Wilson calendar. The Mount Wilson Autumn Festival is being held on Saturday, April 16 from 9.00am to 4.30pm. Treat your soul and your senses on this beautiful garden tour where artistic flair meets master gardening. There are many gardens to choose from and some have never been opened to the public before. Three gardens and an hour and half browsing the Festival Headquarters, where you can look around the many stalls, mostly focusing on art and gardening, are included in the price of $105 pp. Also included is lunch at the Festival headquarters and entry fees to three gardens, pickup at Katoomba Railway Station or your accommodation, shuttle bus around the gardens and returned to your pick up point. Places are limited and bookings are essential. With only ten seats on this popular tour, it will book out quickly. You can book and pay online at www.tcpdaytours.com.au or ring 0424 188 779 for more details. Nyla is a knowledgeable and friendly guide who offers a truly personalised and flexible service. Within a few minutes of meeting Nyla, you feel like you've known her for years and be perfectly comfortable sharing your preferences for the day. She'll then adjust the tour accordingly so as to give you the best possible experience. The tour is a wonderfully leisurely, relaxing experience that somehow contrives to leave one utterly exhausted.

Wentworth Falls

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Yester Grange Estate Wentworth Falls, one of the most beautiful Blue Mountains towns, offers possibly the most spectacular bushwalks and views. At the top of Boddington hill, turn left into Tableland Road then left into Queen Elizabeth Drive. Take the left hand fork at the end for a 10 km drive to one of the most remote and beautiful picnic grounds in the Blue Mountains, Ingar Picnic Ground. 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!

What to See & Do

Enjoy the fabulous sunsets with views Allow at least a day to enjoy the area. From Falls Road start the Charles Darwin Walk, well sign posted. Explore Wentworth Falls Village with its shops, golf course and Lake on the northern side of the Highway.

Walking on the Wild Side Congratulations to Taronga Western Plains Zoo which has won GOLD for Unique Accommodation February's Australian Tourism Awards in Melbourne! We're absolutely thrilled! Congratulations to sister Zoo Taronga Zoo Sydney for collecting Bronze for Best Major Attraction. Both won gold awards in NSW Tourism awards end 2015.

Book your Zoofari Lodge experience, stay between 1 February until 3 March 2016 (Sunday to Thursday nights only) to SAVE $90 per adult and $30 per child! Ring the reservations team today to book the ultimate Zoofari adventure! (02) 6881 1488 https://goo.gl/JBAOAw

Win Free Passes to either Taronga or Taronga Western Plains Zoo! Your iMag magazine has free passes to give away to both Taronga or Western Plains Zoo. For your chance to win one of these passes, simply send us an envelope with your name phone number and address on the back addressed to: “IMAG ZOO COMPETITION” PO BOX 602, LITHGOW NSW 2790

Yester Grange is the Blue Mountains premier venue for couples seeking a truly unique wedding and special events venue. Nestled in 10 acres of totally private parkland and garden at the top of Wentworth Falls waterfall. The rolling expanse of green lawn reaches from the magnificent Victorian mansion, to touch the thousands of hectares of World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains Wilderness that lies beyond. The views are breathtaking and the atmosphere will leave your guests spellbound! Yester Grange is a truly unique property and no amount of words or photographs can ever do it justice. It is a venue which simply must be inspected to be believed. Inspections strictly by appointment only. Please phone to arrange a convenient time for us to show you around the property and to discuss menu selection and arrangements for your very special day. Ph: 4757 1110 events@yestergrange.com.au www.yestergrange.com.au

IMAG ZOO COMPETITI

ON WINNER!

Congratulations!!! The 2 day family zoo pass to Dubbo Zoo was wo n by L Thomas, Stanhope Gardens NSW

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

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Leonay

A venue above the rest... The Mountain Heritage has been lovingly restored over the years to create a venue which is warm, welcoming and grand - offering an atmosphere of absolute romance for your special day.

Gosford

02 4757 1110 Yester Rd Wentworth Falls | www.yestergrange.com.au

Mountain Heritage Lovingly restored to create a venue which is warm, welcoming and grand, offering an atmosphere of absolute romance for your special day, with several beautiful banquet rooms to select from; for a formal wedding reception, high tea option, cocktail party style or something more casual. Complemented by superb gardens and outdoor areas including balconies, terraces and of course those wonderful views. Photo opportunities include the sweeping grand staircase and relaxing lounge areas (with roaring open fires during the cooler months). We have a range of packages to help you and your party look and feel fabulous as you unwind, indulge or enjoy pre-wedding treatments at our award winning Spa Sublime. Enjoy special accommodation packages with breakfast, lunch or dinner, so much more convenient and relaxing. Call our friendly wedding co-ordinators and

come in for a chat with Rose or Kiara over a coffee to see how we can personally tailor a package to suit your individual requirements. PH: 47822155 E: events@mountainheritage.com.au www.mountainheritage.com.au

Contact Mountain Heritage for more Package deals

Yester Grange Estate Yester grange is the Blue Mountains premier venue for couples seeking a truly unique wedding reception, nestled in 10 acres of totally private parkland and garden at the top of Wentworth Falls waterfall. See page 15 for details.

ountains Accommodation and Tourism Association © ‘Keith Gillard, Fairmont Resort MGallery sement for iMAG Visitor Guide

Leura Village

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You’ve reached what is now referred to as the Upper Blue Mountains, where cool climate plants are the focus of many a garden. The natural wonders of Leura can be discovered via the many walks. A great place to start is Sublime Point Road. Here you will find one of the world’s most spectacular golf courses as well as the popular Fairmont Resort. Many events are held here. Trolley Tours can tell you about the walks.

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au 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. You must not miss a visit to the multi-awardwinning Josophan’s Chocolates – see if you are able to organise a tasting. They also have a shop down in Sydney. Megalong Books has the most amazing

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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. 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. 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.

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Lost Bear Gallery is proud to present WEST ERN RA an exhibition of new paintings by IL WA Y internationally acclaimed wildlife artist Paul Margocsy. Known for his accurate PD E yet playful depictions of birds and QUEENS AV other wildlife, Margocsy captures not MEGALO NG only the anatomy of his subjects, but also their individual personalities. A CRAIGE ND sensorial approach to painting allows him to be biologically faithful whilst also compositionally adventurous, utilising his sense of humour as much as his artistic skill. MALVERN RD Margocsy's paintings are recognisable by their unique airbrushed backgrounds, developed after painstaking experimentation. These lend a muted yet D GORDO evocative backdrop to his avian subjects. N RD A photographic memory permits him Bridalto Veil View OL Y Lookout MP IAN capture each bird in his memory bank, drawing on it at will, and transforming it r y Cliff Wa lk into an inspired composition, adjusting in his mind “the turn of a head here, the angle of a body there…to complete and complement the painting’s dramatic FF visual and emotional narrative”. In this new collection of works, Margocsy has continued to experiment with background and composition, resulting in dramatic works such as ‘Australian CLIFF Boobook Owl’, in which he has quite literally “branched out” of the pictorial frame provided by his own airbrushed background. Margocsy's paintings demonstrate the potential of wildlife art to be more than

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Romantic Historic Retreat Circa 1880 AUTUMN 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

www.leurahouse.com

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! www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Katoomba

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What to See & Do 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.

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.

Blue Mountains Cultural Centre In 2000 the Greater Blue Mountains area was added to the World Heritage List in recognition of the exceptional diversity and integrity of its eucalypt forest communities. The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre features Into the Blue, the Blue Mountains World Heritage Interpretive exhibition. Into the Blue is

a fun and interactive exhibition which explores the landscape and history of this unique area. Audiences are invited to navigate their way through these stories through an immersive exhibition experience, introducing them to the richness and wonders of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

BLUE MOUNTAINS CULTURAL CENTRE City Art Gallery I Café I World Heritage Exhibition I Shop

BLUE MOUNTAINS CULTURAL CENTRE

02 4780 5410 I 30 Parke St Katoomba NSW 2780 Open 10am – 5pm Mon – Fri, 10am – 4pm Sat & Sun

10am – 2pm public holidays (closed Good Friday & Xmas Day)

www.bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au

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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!

Continued from page19... a slavish reproduction of a photograph or a lifeless taxidermy, but to be creative, innovative and above all, full of life. Lost Bear Gallery is a leading destination for contemporary art in the Blue Mountains. Paul Margocsy's exhibition can be viewed daily from 10-5 at 98 Lurline Street, Katoomba. Also visit lostbeargallery.com.au

CLIFF

Australian Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos watercolour & gouache 2016

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS ‐ MARCH Debra KENNEHAN CHAMPIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS

1st – 6th MARCH Tara LILBURNE 14th – 20th MARCH Peter PORTEOUS DISSONANCE

14th – 20th MARCH David Robert HILL + Phillip RUSSELL 22nd MARCH – 3rd APRIL

Gallery Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm

188 Katoomba Street Katoomba NSW 2780 phone: +61 2 4782 1900 Exhibition Space | Workshops Studio Spaces | Life Drawing e: info@galleryONE88FineArts.com w: http://www.galleryone88finearts.com

www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Hydro Majestic looks west

Medlow Bath to Mt Victoria Recent developments in these areas establish this as a centre with attractions to rival those that have made Leura to Katoomba so renowned. Reopening of the Hydro Majestic in November 2014 following upgrades, redevelopment of Redleaf Resort, the opening of Parklands and many other accommodation improvements in the area are attracting new visitors. Combined with more places to eat, galleries and a wide variety of new businesses, we now have a newly evolving centre, drawing locals and visitors into a thriving new cosmopolitan area to spend time; to return to, seeking new experiences. Blackheath 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.

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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. Mt Victoria 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.

Mt Victoria Museum

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 22 www.monthlyimag.com.au

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

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 Lookouts, 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-a-brac The walking track that will take you to Victoria Falls. Mount Victoria Historical Museum located in the old refreshment rooms at the Railway Station. First release films at Mount Vic Flicks. Visit the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, for an interactive display of how the mountains were made, a theatrette and gallery. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

BLUE MOUNTAINS HERITAGE CENTRE End of Govetts leap Road, Blackheath

Open 9am - 4.30pm daily (Closed Christmas day) Phone: (02) 4780 5410. bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au

...will take you there!

Win Entertainment at the Hydro Majestic!

The Hydro Majestic and Blue Mountains iMag are still giving away, in a Facebook competition, 2 free tickets for Live @ the Hydro performances to the entries giving the best reason in 25 words or less why they should win. Like Blue Mountains iMag page then enter. Win Dinner & Show ticket for 2 people to our LIVE@TheHydro entertainment program which consists of a 3 course gourmet dinner in the Wintergarden followed by a show of your choice. More details of our LIVE@TheHydro entertainment program along with the upcoming shows can be found on our website http://www.hydromajestic. com.au/hydro-entertainment Recapturing the essence of the golden years, Hydro Entertainment will bring live entertainment back to the Blue Mountains with shows featured in the Majestic Ballroom or the Wintergarden. If you are coming to the Hydro Majestic to watch a show, then why not make a night of it and treat yourself with a dinner and show package or stay the night in our recently refurbished art deco inspired accommodation at the

Hydro Majestic with views overlooking the spectacular Megalong Valley. For more information on our accommodation, rates and specials, visit www.hydromajestic.com.au Let us entertain you with our exciting line-up of special events! From shows to live music – there’s always something to do at the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains. Saturday, 05 March Steve Clisby Saturday, 2 April Wendy Matthews Saturday, 28 May Australian Burlesque Festival 2016 Presents “Shake-O-Rama!" Saturday, 02 July Simon & Garfunkel “The Concert” Tribute Saturday, 23 July Van The Man “Van Morrison Tribute" Great new shows are coming in 2016 so keep up to date online or in next month’s magazine. Congratulations to Johan Nilsson from Hartley who wants to reward his wife with their winning package after they have had a challenging year of achievements both personally and in their business.

Offering a range of specialised shoes to help problem feet feel comfortable Stocking: NAOT - Ecco Florsheim - Waldlaufer Merrell - Semler - Gabriele Josef Seibel - Peter Kaiser Sandler - Rieker - Beautifeel open seven days 4 govetts leap rd blackheath (02) 4787 8263

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Hartley & Surrounds

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What to See & Do

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. Hartley is found situated at the bottom of Victoria Pass, on the Great Western Highway in the valley between Mount Victoria and Lithgow. Hartley areas disperse widely on both sides of the Highway.

Visit the area’s renowned Buildings such as the Comet Inn (now a Guest House, B & B with restaurant) and Collit's Inn in Hartley Vale, Rosedale in Little Hartley (now Hartley Valley Holiday Farm) and the old Harp of Erin, Williams Store and Little Hartley Post Office, classified in the National Trust Register and on the National Heritage Commission data base. Many wonderful walks including Lockyers Road Walking Track, one of

the most historic walking tracks in the Blue Mountains. The track is one of the original 'roads' used to descend into Hartley Vale. Hand built by convicts. Take the first turn left after Mt Vic Pass to head for a scenic drive down to the Cox’s River, Kanimbla Valley and many awesome picnic spots. Hartley Vet & Animal Centre for all pets and livestock and pet boarding so your pets have a holiday too!

Hartley Store Exclusive Country Store & Saddlery – so much larger and better! Situated two hours from Sydney on the Great Western Highway, Hartley Store is an exclusive Country Store & Saddlery that also stocks local wines and serves a great coffee (soon from 6.30 am). The store is located in a heritage building dating back to the 1860's and is definitely worth a stop. They stock lovely country clothing, boots, hats and accessories along with equestrian supplies.

WINE TASTING THIS SUMMER

The wines are sourced locally from the Megalong to Bathurst, so, you are pretty much entering wines of the west at their location. Open 7 days Monday - Friday 9.30am-5.30pm Saturday & Sunday 9.30am-3.30pm. For further information, visit their website2464 www.hartleystore.com.au Great Western Hwy, or phone 02 63552165. Hartley 2790 Follow Hartley Store & Saddlery on thehartleysaddlery.com.au Facebook.

Ph: 6355 2165

FASHION BOOTS WALLETS WHIPS OILSKINS GIFTS HATS GLOVES HORSE SUPPLIES & MUCH MORE Check our website for for news, tradingspecials hours & our details See our website weekly andGrand up toOpening date news

www.thehartleysaddlery.com.au our facebook page/thehartleysaddlery www.hartleystore.com.au or ourorfacebook page Hartley Store & Saddlery

HARTLEY STORE

Exclusive country store and saddlery. Local wines available to taste, for groups 24 hrs notice Open time Monday - Friday 930am-530pm Saturday & Sunday 930am-330pm

Ph: 6355 2165 www.hartleystore.com.au

2464 Great Western Highway, Hartley NSW 2790 24 www.monthlyimag.com.au

LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Opening soon! Great Western Highway, Hartley NSW 2790

phone 6355 2002

Wallerawang/Portland 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 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.

The signs of Yesteryear

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With the art, lakes, history, fine dining and comfortable accommodation, it’s worth taking your time to explore these two villages.

What to see & Do

Picnic by Lake Wallace which submerged where Darwin stayed Go sailing or rowing on Lake Wallace where no power boats are allowed Go bird & Wildlife watching at Lake Wallace and around Portland 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 & Portland are RV Friendly!

BUYING, SELLING or LEASING?

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

at First National Bowyer & Livermore

you first. GNwe ILput LES N population in 1851 afterU gold IY Wallerawang ?GN increase,inG B was discovered in the area. The National ISAEL r erowas Wallerawang first surveyed 1823. In m reviL o & reySchool opened 1860. Shale oil mining

wo 1824 James Walker was granted a large la o began inB 1867 andn the railway in itaarrived .ts N ts riF t tract of land that was called "Waller-rif uoy tup e 1870 with coal hot on itsw heels in 1873. owang" by the local aboriginal people. St John the Evangelist Church opened in Charles Darwin stayed at "Wallerowang 1881 as a memorial to the Walker/Barton House" (later to become Barton Park) in family. 1836, and in the book "Voyage of the Beagle" he describes the area at the time and the wildlife that included a sn osaThere number of platypus. was a huge eS sgnitee rG eht lla morf maet Properties For Sale in Portland. Commercial

Portland a small town 2.5 hours drive from Sydney offers a step back in time with its original shop fronts still displaying working businesses including Gift shops, Cafes, Clubs Pubs and even an old fashioned theatre! In 2001 a group of sign writers known as the Letterheads met in Portland to recreate vintage advertising signs Ideal to start your new business or investment. from 1895 to 1945 on the walls of local buildings throughout Portland. This has become a popular attraction to locals and visitors. ua.mo c.ldna bnf 5215 5 536 20 In 2011 to celebrate 10 years the sign erom re viL & re writers returned to add to the collection. y This has now become an annual event. On the last weekend in October you will find Signs of Yesteryear being painted on Shop walls and buildings around Portland. The advertising signs can be seen from the The Residential, Rural and Livestock street and are visible every day of the year. Specialists Servicing the Central West Ph: 02 6355 5125 This is a great opportunity for 3 Wolgan Street (PO BOX 37) Portland NSW 2847 photographers to capture the art work Email: portland@fnbandl.com.au of sign writers and muralists reproducing 02 6355 5125 fnbandl.com.au Bowyer & Livermore www.fnbandl.com.au advertising art works.

Seasons Greetings from all the team

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Lithgow

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What to See & Do 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 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 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.

Camp on the shores of Lake Lyell for

wildlife encounters and speed boating.

Visit the nationally significant Small Arms Factory Museum. Go bird watching, 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.

So Many Options at Lake Lyell Recreational Park On the outskirts of Lithgow NSW, the huge recreational park at Lake Lyell has long offered pet friendly camping, awesome fishing, heaven for artists photographers and wildlife enthusiasts and a range of water sports. Now there is also an inflatable floating water park permanently located on the huge dam. This inflatable fun park called Aqua Blitz is made by Wibit, an internationally renowned company whose products are popular in 60 countries. In Australia there are only three other Wibit products - at Airlie Beach, Darwin and the Gold Coast. The team at Lake Lyell is proud to have installed the first of these in NSW, encouraging health and fitness, while offering an enjoyable memorable experience for the whole family. Bring your pets on holiday with you to stay at this centrally located hive of activity. The whole family can enjoy their various favourite activities with access to surrounding areas and events or take some time out to unwind and relax in a spectacular environment. For information on Aqua Blitz or other features on offer phone Lake Lyell Recreation Park on (02) 6355 6347 during business hours, check out their website or connect with them on Facebook.

26 www.monthlyimag.com.au

Lake Lyell Recreation Park Camping unpowered $22 per night, powered $27 per night. Cabins from $60 - $125 per night. Day entry $5 per vehicle. Kayak hire - $15/hour $40/4hours. Kiosk hot food, ice cream, coffee, fishing equipment, bait, boating equipment and necessities. Free BBQ facilities, picnic area and play equipment. Hot showers Lot 56, Magpie Hollow Road, Lithgow, NSW, 2790 Ph: (02) 63556347 - lake.lyell@bigpond.com www.facebook.com/LakeLyellRecreationPark www.lakelyell.wix.com/home

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

www.facebook.com/LithgowTourism www.twitter.com/lithgowtourism www.instagram.com/lithgow_tourism

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Oberon - Bathurst 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. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Bathurst Visitor Information Centre 1 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst Phone: 1800 68 1000 E: visitors@bathurst.nsw.gov.au www.visitbathurst.com.au

Be sure to call in to the Visitor Info Centre for information on all the wonderful things to see and do The VIC has the extensive list of splendid gardens open during all seasons, including parts of Mayfield 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 pick only edible varieties – the Oberon Visitor Information Centre has brochures 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

JENOLAN CABINS Wide Selection of lollies new,retro & USA brands. Unique gifts for all ages. Balloons bouquets & lots more

42 Edith Rd, Jenolan Caves

2/62 George St Bathurst 2795

E: relax@jenolancabins.com.au

28 www.monthlyimag.com.au

Autumn Fairyland Autumn 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 Autumn is Fairyland at its best so come on up!

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

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

Ph: 02 6335 6239 M: 0418 619 709

www.jenolancabins.com.au

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! Visit Oberon & District Museum, Scotia Avenue, (02)63361016 Visit the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway 10-2 first Saturdays, North St.

OBERON simple pleasures

PI N E H

ILL

P OR

...will take you there!

What to See & Do

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Find us on Facebook Photo: Red Moon Creative

02 63298210 oberonaustralia.com

Autumn Colours 2016 Autumn is the best time to visit Australia’s oldest inland European settlement when the magnificent parks and tree lined streets will be ablaze with the wonderful colours of autumn. Red, gold and orange leaves hang from the trees and pile up on the ground. From the beginning of March to the end of May each year a wealth of events and activities take place in Bathurst and the surrounding region. Everything from fetes, fairs and markets to exhibitions, concerts and feasts along with specially created heritage tours give visitors and locals the opportunity to learn more about the city’s past and discover its many hidden treasures. Cemetery walks with the Family History Group, visits to historic homes, guided tours around city blocks and open days at numerous venues all add up to make this an exciting time to visit. Some of the highlights of this year’s program will be Perthville Convent Heritage Tours; Antiques Valuation Days at Kings Antiques; History Mystery Tours; and Spirits of Bathurst guided tours. You’ll find information on these events and all the other great activities taking place in Bathurst at this time in Autumn Colours 2016 compiled by Bathurst Visitor Information Centre. Contact the centre on 1800 68 1000 for a free copy of this program or take a look at the visitbathurst.com.au website to view an electronic version.

New Service available from Sydney to Central West SYDNEY - PENRITH - BLUE MOUNTAINS - BATHURST In 2015 "Sydney Cosmetic & Corrective Tattoo Clinic" was founded and established by Kaylene Brooks, offering permanent makeup as well as reconstructive and paramedical micropigmentation. Kaylene set out to change lives, by giving clients the freedom from daily makeup routines or by giving them confidence in knowing their minor flaws and scars can be

improved or camouflaged. Up to date training in micropigmentation and health & hygiene standards offers peace of mind, assuring that you will be in good hands every step of the way. Our philosophy is not to seek perfection, but to create beautiful faces and features that compliment the beautiful people within. We are creators of truly lasting impressions...

The perfect time to explore the history & heritage of Australia’s oldest inland European settlement. Living breathing history Activities & events Tours & walks You’ll find them all in

Autumn Colours 2016 For a free copy of the program contact

Bathurst Visitor Information Centre Ph: 1800 68 1000 E: visitors@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

visitbathurst.com.au www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Orange and Districts 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. Orange is surrounded by areas rich in diversity including Blayney and Molong in Cabonne country on the way to Dubbo. There is so much to explore and enjoy in these regions!

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.

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What to See & Do

Take a vignerons tour around the 30+ cellar doors. Ascend majestic Mt. Canobolas, walk to the spectacular Federal Falls then try out your canoe at Lake Canobolas below. Pleasure your palate with the wonderful fresh food and produce that abounds in Orange and its districts. Take a trip into the eerie limestone world of Tunnel Cave at Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve – take a torch. Visit the Orange Regional Gallery for an collection of unique art, photography and culture. Shopping choices abound in the City and surrounding shires to suit all tastes and budgets in fashion, antiques, homewares, arts, tools, jewellery, books, gardening and agriculture… the list is endless… Orange Visitor Information Centre 9 - 5 everyday except Christmas Day Corner Byng St & Lords Pl Orange NSW Art Gallery space Phone: 02 6393 8226 - 1800 069 466 E: tourism@orange.nsw.gov.au www.visitorange.com.au

...will take you there!

Autumn has arrived at the 2 fat ladies The warmer hues of orange and red, something more neutral along with the cooler tones of green and blue, will keep you feeling comfortable whatever the season brings, here at the 2 fat ladies. We are a wonderful destination for the whole family with Molly’s Lollies, our Café and Fashion in one stop. Petite sizes up to 24. Plus we run workshops and events – ask in store, call 6365 5437 or like us on Facebook to find out more.

www.2fatladies.com.au Mitchell Highway, Lucknow 2800 Ph: 6365 5437 30 www.monthlyimag.com.au

What's on @ 2 Fat Ladies February & March 2016 Sale 30 -50 % off Clothes and Shoes Scone and Scarf workshop: Saturday 20th February 1.30pm- $18 Tired of wearing your scarves the same way? Andre is always updating her fabulous techniques, there are so many ways to wear this versatile accessory. Come along to our scarf and scone workshop to learn the many ways to tie a scarf while enjoying a cuppa and a scone Bookings Essential – ph. 6365 5437 Head Scarf Tying class: Saturday 27th February 1.30pm- Free If you are experiencing hair loss or want to venture out with a funky head

scarf, these classes are for you. Come and learn a number of different scarf styles and ways to wrap them, this versatile skill is an asset. Rejuvenate those tired scarves in your wardrobe, in new and exciting wearable ways. Booking Essential – ph. 6365 5437 FASHION WEEK COMES TO LUCKNOW FASHION PD Saturday and Sunday 19th 20th 1.30pm March2016 Bookings Essential - Goodie Bags for the first 40 booked both days

2 Fat Ladies

Cafe

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

https://www.facebook.com/Bissys

Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Every month, on the first Saturday of the month, the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway opens its doors at the heritage listed Oberon station, in North St Oberon. From 10am until 2pm there is a fine collection of historic photos relating to the Oberon Branch Line on display, together with numerous items of railway memorabilia. Small souvenirs of various kinds are also available for purchase. The restoration of the branch line to become an operating tourist heritage railway is progressing well. Come

along and hear about it from those who are involved and learn about the fascinating history of rail operations to Oberon from 1923 to 1979. For more information see www.othr.com.au

www.facebook.com/Gymbarooorange

Jayes Gallery, Sculpture Garden and Gift shop features a wide range of contemporary art; it’s a must see destination in the region. Enjoy monthly exhibitions showcasing works from established and emerging artists choose a wonderful gift or that unique piece. Exhibition "Wine Women and Song" opens 20 March 2pm - artist Maggie Rosso Coffee and cake on the side in the gallery or garden. Wheelchair friendly. 31-33 Gidley Street, Molong Open Thu – Sun 10 – 4pm www.jayes.com.au or find us on facebook.

www.facebook.com/FipasWorld

88 Warrendine St Orange www.bluemountainsimag.com.au

Visit Balanced Essentials Aromatherapy Shop in Glenorie Balanced Essentials supports a balanced approach to health and lifestyle as the key for a successful and happy existence. Balanced Essentials offers an extensive range of therapeutic, natural healing products, derived from aromatherapy essential oils. Experience our extensive range of natural pain-relieving products (as seen on A Current Affair), soaps, award-winning hand cream and deodorant and many others and learn how you can use them in your everyday life. Enjoy tea or coffee provided whilst you enjoy the tranquil bush setting, just 10 minutes from Dural following the Old Northern Road. Tour buses welcome by appointment.

Click image above to view advertisment

3050 Old Northern Road, Glenorie NSW 2157 (Enter via Cockatoo Place)

Ph 9652 0555 www.aroma.com.au be@aroma.com.au

Hartley and Oberon Veterinary & Animal Centre

Animal Centre

PH: 6355 2272 5 Baaners Lane Little Hartley www.hartleyvetcentre.com.au

Animal Centre

PH: 6336 1596 94 OberonStreet, Oberon www.oberonvetcentre.com.au

Our dedicated team is always here for your pets & livestock Our Veterinary Hospital provides modern, professional and affordable health care for your pets. We aim to make your pet feel at ease in our clinic with a caring and gentle approach to treatment and consultations. Our dedicated staff and leading veterinarians are all passionate about pets and are avid animal lovers. At our Veterinary Hospital, you’ll be fully supported with sound advice first and foremost. We know that helping our clients starts with providing a good understanding of health care issues and treatment options. With good advice and professional recommendations, you’ll be well equipped to make the best ongoing health care decisions for your pet. With fully equipped examination rooms, diagnostic machines and pharmaceutical stores we provide on-the-spot assistance for nearly all pet health and medical needs. Take a moment to meet our team and our own pets. We look forward to seeing you and your pet at the next scheduled visit.

A big part of our local community Our Veterinary Hospital is a sister clinic to Oberon Veterinary & Animal centre. Oberon Hospital has been an integral part of our local community for years. In that time, we’ve helped thousands of our clients’ cats & dogs, rabbits, pigs, birds, horses, cattle, alpaca and even a few rats. Being so strongly integrated with our local community is important to us and our clients. Our customers know by experience that they can rely on us for sound advice and treatment options and that their pet is in the very best hands with our team. We stock Royal Canin Dog & Cat food along with Advance and Hills Science range. The clinic also has a new range of Ezydog accessories including leads, collars, harnesses and safety devices for vehicle travel. Contact us regarding the following: Grooming • Dog Boarding • Cat Boarding Equine Clinics • Puppy Pre-school

Christmas gifts & holiday planning options Mon– Fri 9am – 6pm Sat 9am-12pm