Blackheath
The Blue Mountains National Park Blue Mountains National Park, one of the most well known parks in Australia, is part of the Greater BlueMountainsWorldHeritageArea;listedforitsremarkablegeographic,botanicandculturalvalues, including protecting sites of Aboriginal cultural significance.
Originally named Hounslow, this Upper Blue Mountains village was renamed by Governor Macquarie in 1815, in reference to the colour and texture of the native shrubbery in the area. Thought to be a summer corroboree meeting place for peoples of the Darug, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri tribes, Blackheath developed into a fully fledged town after the Main Western railway line was built in 1869.
Thishugeparkboastshundredsofkilometresoftrailsandwalkingtracksandtherearegreatplacesto gocamping,includingEurokaorBlueGumForestwhereyoucanpitchyourtentbeneaththeshadeof a majestic eucalypt. Explore the park’s heritage tracks and lookouts, many of which were created for Victorian-era honeymoonersandday-trippers.Imaginewalkingdownsomeofthesteepstaircasesandnarrowtracks in a full suit or a dress with a bustle. Try the historic National Pass or take the cliff top bushwalk at GovettsLeap;agreatwalkforgettingasenseofthelandandspectacularviewsallthewaydownthe GroseValley.Therearealsogreatopportunitiesforadventuresports;challengingrockclimbingspots, great canyons and horse riding.
Located between Medlow Bath and Mount Victoria, the village sits at an altitude of 1065 metres and is close to the highest point in the region. The air here is crisp and it sometimes snows in winter and spring. There’s plenty of colonial history to experience, starting with a walk along Govetts Leap Road.
Theviewsfromthepark’slookoutsaremagnificent;you’lllookoutoverhazyblueforests,waterfallsand interestingrockformations.EchoPointatKatoombaisapopularspot,offeringfullviewsoftheiconic Three Sisters, and at Sublime Point in Leura, you’ll be able to see 29km away on a clear day. Take a picnic lunch or thermos so you can stop for a while to admire the views.
The first building to appear in Blackheath was The Scotch Thistle Inn, built by Andrew Gardner in 1831 and famously visited by Charles Darwin in 1836. The oldest licensed hotel in the Blue Mountains, it is now known as the Gardners Inn Hotel and is a popular spot for a great pub feed and game of pool.
Thisparkprotectsanunusuallydiverserangeofvegetationcommunities.Therearerareandancient plantsandisolatedanimalpopulationstuckedawayinitsdeepgorges.TheGreaterBlueMountainsDrive linksavastandspectacularWorldHeritagelandscapeandanumberofnationalparkstothesurrounding regions.
Another notable site is the Victory Theatre, a 1915 Art Deco building that has been converted from a cinema into a fabulous antiques centre. It’s set over two levels and has a café in the original foyer area. Next door is an arcade which houses a number of good shops including Colliers Crystals where you can view or buy all manner of rock samples, gems, jewellery, salt lamps and many other . interesting items
Bushwalks There are a number of excellent bushwalking guide books widely available at stores across the mountains. Our favourite is Blue Mountains Best Bushwalks byVeechi Stuart.The National Parks ShopatGovettsLeapRdBlackheathalsohasawealthofbushwalkinginformation,paraphenaliaand souvenirs.Hereisashortlistbytownofentrytosomeofthemostrewardingbushwalks.Beforeentering the bush please consider some basic issues: 1. Weather in the mountains can change very quickly and losing one’s way occurs far too frequently, so also carry warm and wet weather clothing; 2. Take plenty of water for each walker. Local streams may be contaminated. 3. Take a good map and compass. 4. Always stay on the track where you can see what you’re walking on and to not damage the landscape or it’s flora and fauna. 5. This area is considered of world significance so please take out everything you bring in. 6. It is always advisable to register your walking intentions with National Parks or where you are staying so assistance can be given should you get into trouble. 7. Check the National Park website for further warnings, alerts or information.
A Selection of Bushwalks
Take a wander around the village’s retail strip and you’ll discover a well-curated mix of shops, cafés and galleries set within beautiful old buildings. If you happen to be visiting on the second Sunday of the month, don’t miss the buzzy Blackheath Growers Market said to be the best growers’ market in the region – it’s where regional providores, producers and plant sellers gather, and it’s a great indication that the local food scene is thriving. It’s held adjacent to the community centre in Memorial Park on the highway opposite the railway station. One of the village’s most colourful residents is the artist and fashion designer Jenny Kee, a passionate fan of the Australian bush. Jenny has taken the waratah as her personal emblem and is responsible for designing the fabulous mural on the outside of the Victory Theatre, which was painted in 1985 by members of the local community. In the carpark beside the Victory Theatre is a public toilet
(from Blue Mountains Best Bushwalks by Veechi Stuart) Mount Victoria Looking out from Mount York Forest at Fairy Bower Bushrangers on the Zig Zag Track Solitude at Asgard Swamp Historic Mountain Passes Swimming at Victoria Falls Overnight in the Blue Gum Forest Blackheath Lonely Lookouts at Pulpit Rock Family fun on the Fairfax Track Aboriginal heritage at Walls Cave Cliff top track to Govetts Leap Cliff top track to Evans Lookout Cliff top track (Pulpit Rock to Evans Lookout) The Grand Canyon circuit Mystery Tour of Porters Pass Birdlife at Popes Glen Cliff descent down Govetts Leap Discovering the Grose Valley
Wentworth Falls View from Princes Rock Ancient perspectives from Kings Table Charles Darwin Trail Wentworth Falls and Rocket Point Secluded pools on the Nature Track Cliff top circuit Creeks and cliffs to the Conservation Hut The National Pass Ladders and forests of Wentworth Pass Hidden secrets of Roberts Pass Wentworth, Hippocrene and Vera Falls Lawson to Springwood Picnics at Waterfall Circuit Dreamy beauty of Terrace Falls Martins Lookout to Lost World Bellbirds at Sassafras Gully Creek circuit on Wiggins Track Swimming holes on Glenbrook Creek Blue Gum Swamp
Katoomba A short walk for young children Katoomba by night Picnics and play at Minnehaha Falls Walking the cliffs from Scenic World Along the cliffs from the Three Sisters Prince Henry Cliff Walk Descending the Three Sisters Narrow canyon of Devils Hole Historic Federal Pass
Warrimoo to Glenbrook Bird’s-eye view from Nepean Lookout Kangaroos at Euroka Rockhopping at Jellybean Pool Yabbies and picnics at Crayfish Pool Winter sun on Jack Evans Track Rock art at Red Hands Cave Camp Fire Creek to Red Hands Cave Secrets of Florabella Pass Offtrack adventure along Glenbrook Creek
Leura A sublime lookout Creeks and pools at Lyrebird Dell Rainforest, cascades and lookouts An easy walk to Moya Point The wild landscape of Fortress Rock Grand cliff top track to Wentworth Falls Wildflowers and wind at Lockley Pylon Cool rainforest at Fairy Bower Picnics and train rides on the Federal Pass
Exploring Further Afield Glowworms, canyons and railways (Newnes) Canyons at Wollangambie (Mount Wilson) Natural wonders of Jenolan Caves
Discover the Blue Mountains
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