Discover The Blue Mountains, tourist information guide for the Blue Mountains

Discover

BLUE MOUNTAINS the

Cloud Shadows, Kanimbla oil on canvas 30cm x 45cm 2020 by Warwick Fuller. Photo: Silversalt Photography Warwick Fuller Exhibition - ‘Another Day Like Tomorrow’ at Lost Bear Gallery in Katoomba. (See editorial page 3)

FREE Spring 2020

The Essential Visitor Guide maps, features, accommodation, what’s on attractions, eating out, galleries, tours, shopping, towns, bushwalking and more

Discover the Blue Mountains Contents Accommodation in the upper mountains

23, 48

Antiques

43- 45

Blackheath

32- 33

Botanists Way

42

Cover image feature

3

Falls Gallery Food & Wine Guide

7

20-21

Hartley Region

40

Hidden Gem - winery in Megalong Valley

12

Inspirational Lookouts

24

Katoomba Town

30-3

Leura Village

28-29

Major Attractions

18-19

Major events

3

National Park & Bushwalks

16-17

Other Blue Mountains Towns

34- 35

Photography of Denys Joannes

4, 5 & 46

Regional Map

22

The Art Scene

7-15, 41, 47

The Hottest Shop in the Mountains

25

Town maps

26-27

Unique Shopping

37-39

Wentworth Falls

36

Our front cover image: Cloud Shadows, Kanimbla oil on canvas 30cm x 45cm 2020 by Warwick Fuller. Photo: Silversalt Photography.

Warwick Fuller Exhibition - ‘Another Day Like Tomorrow’ at Lost Bear Gallery in Katoomba. (See editorial page 3)

Welcome to the Blue Mountains The City of Blue Mountains is one of only two cities in the world surrounded

by World Heritage Listed National Park, protecting rare and ancient plants and isolated animal populations tucked away in its deep gorges. The Mountains provides a habitat for many unique plant species and wildlife, showcasing for example, the extraordinary story of the evolution of Australia’s eucalypt vegetation.

There’s no doubt about it, with its pristine bushland surroundings, clean air and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle, this area is not only a wonderful place to live but also to visit – so it’s little wonder that the Blue Mountains is also a unique global tourist destination.

Perched along a 100km spectacular sandstone plateau, the 27 towns and villages of the Blue Mountains enjoy sweeping views of world-renowned escarpments and gorges. We invite you to come and explore with us the many picturesque towns of the Blue Mountains and the abundance of attractions, shopping, dining, cultural and adventure experiences, they all have on offer.

Come with us and explore our towns including Blackheath, Faulconbridge, Katoomba, Leura, Megalong Valley, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Hartley, Lithgow and Oberon – all affording breathtaking views, a wide variety of restaurants, accommodation and so many fun things to do.

In this magazine you can check out the many attractions, inspirational lookouts and shopping destinations as well as one-of-a-kind experiences such as Jenolan Caves. Bushwalks abound in the region, and there are trails to suit all comfort levels. When you’ve had your fill of bush walking and hanker for a spot of shopping, you’ll find quaint gift shops featuring confectionery, Australiana, fine art, books, antiques and more.

From village festivals and flower festivals to classic car meets, musical events, sporting events and markets, there’s always something going on in the Blue Mountains – the perfect holiday destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

Whether you’re a local or visitor who wants to know more about this uniquely beautiful area, let Discover the Blue Mountains be your guide to what’s on offer in this fascinating part of NSW. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Founder & Managing editor: David Norrie 0414 842 556 david.discoverbm@gmail.com

It must be spring! This beautiful image by Denys Joannes

Feature Articles:

Ellen Hill (Deep hill Media), Paul Young

Photographer: Denys Joannes Food & Wine Editor:

Greg Bondar

Published by This Month Publications Pty Ltd ABN 84 616 617 049 © 2020 All rights reserved.

Reproduction & transmission in any form, in whole or in part, including advertisements, without written permission, is prohibited.

Information supplied by others for this magazine is published in good faith. While reasonable effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher and staff take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions on its part or inaccuracy of material supplied by others.

Printed by Spotpress Pty Ltd 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place, Marrickville Discover the Blue Mountains

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What’s on in Spring Blue Mountains and Region Markets Forthemarketenthusiast,everyweekendin theBlueMountainsoffersadifferentmarketto explore.Everythingfromorganicfoods,localart andcrafttocollectiblesandclothes,thereisa treasuretofindforeveryavidmarketexplorer.

Glenbrook Rotary Farmer’s & Gourmet Food Market - 1st & 3rd Saturday each month (Closed Jan) 8am-12noon & 9am2pm respectively. Ph: 0400 698 828 Glenbrook Infants School, Ross St www.glenbrookrotarymarkets.com.au Blaxland Markets - 2nd Saturday of the month 9am – 2pm Ph: 0404 166 748 Station Street Mall, Blaxland Springwood Growers Markets - 4th Sunday of the month (3rd Sunday of Dec) 9am – 1pm Ph: 4572 6260 Blue Mountains Theatre & Co Magpie Markets Lawson 3rd Sunday of the month (Closed Jan) 9am-2pm Ph: 0416 652 679 Lawson Public School, GW Highway Bullaburra Markets 1st Saturday each month Cnr Noble St & Great Western Highway Bullaburra Ph: 4757 2960 or 0418 408 093 Bullaburra Artisans Market 2nd Sunday each month (closed Jan) 9–2pm Cnr Noble and Great Western Highway Bullaburra Ph 0406 655 829 Grandview Markets 2nd Sunday each month (closed Jan) 9am-2pmwww.fb.com/GrandViewMarkets 174 Great Western Hwy, Wentworth Falls Leura CWA Hall Markets 1st & 3rd Friday & Saturday & 3rd Sun of the month. CWA Hall Megalong St Leura 9am4.30pm Ph: 02 4784 2152 Ph: 0401 661 855 Leura 1st Sunday Markets 9am-2pm Ph: 0432 021 863 Leura Public School, Great Western H’way www.leurafirstsundaymarkets.com Waratah Market 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Saturday each month from 10am-5pm Ph: 0431 879 116 Cnr Grose & Megalong Streets, Leura Blackheath Growers Markets 2nd Sunday each month (Closed Jan) Community Centre, Cnr Gardiner St & Great Western Highway 8am-12 noon Ph: 02 4572 6260 www.blackcastleevents.com.au Blackheath Community Market 1st Sunday each month (Closed Jan) 9am-1pm Ph: 02 4782 1181 Blackheath Public School Hall, GWHwy Lithgow Lions Club Community Markets 4th Sunday of the month (Closed Dec & Jan) 9am – 1pm Ph: 0407 620 453. Civic Ballroom, LithgowShowground,GeorgeCoatesSt,Lithgow.

Capertee Markets - 3rd Sunday of the month 8.30am – 2pm Ph: 6359 0054 Memorial Hall, Castlereagh Hwy, Capertee Tarana Community Farmers Market 4th Sunday of the month, 10am to 2pm Ph: 6337 5867 At the Fire Shed, just below the Tarana Hotel.

Oberon Community & Farmers Markets 1st Saturday each month 9am-1pm Oberon Showgrounds in Ross St, Oberon.

Ph: 0427 070 956 e: marketsoberon@gmail.com

About our front cover image

BLUE MOUNTAINS REGION Every Saturday & Sunday Mount Victoria & District Historical Society open from noon - 3pm. Opening in 1868, this heritage listed sandstone station is now a museum full to the brim with memorabilia of early history and old ways of living, farming and working in the upper mountains. Open weekends, public & school holidays.

Closed Christmas and Good Fridays.

Mount Victoria Railway Station.

Throughout spring there are exhibitions at many quality art galleries including:

Lost Bear Gallery, Katoomba,

Rex-Livingston Art &

Objects, Katoomba,

Gallery H at Dargan

Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge Please see pages 6-15 for details.

Open Daily.

The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens Bacchante St, Blackheath Car park open 9am – 4pm, walk in any time. In summer the gardens are open from 9am to 6pm.

There are wheelchair accessible paths to the Lookout over the Gardens, and to the toilets. Entry: $5 donation per person. www.rhodogarden.org.au Open Gardens - Mt Wilson gardens www.mtwilson.com.au for details of four open gardens this spring.

BM Theatre & Community Hub 104-108 Macquarie Rd, Springwood 02 4723 5050. Please see it’s website for details

Braemar House & Gallery 104

Macquarie

Road,

Springwood.

Warwick Fuller ready for painting the waning moon, from Mt Piddington at Mt Victoria. Photo: Geoff White The superb painting on our front cover is titled ‘Cloud Shadows, Kanimbla’; a small study painted from deep within the Kanimbla Valley.

Warwick Fuller’s major exhibition of new paintings for 2020 is titled ‘Another Day Like Tomorrow’ and will be showcased at Lost Bear Gallery in Katoomba, starting 26th September and running through October.

Looking at Fuller’s works is a fully immersive, sensory experience.

Waning Moon, Mt Victoria (below) is another painting that captures stunning local scenery. Anyone who has visited the Blue Mountains will know the beauty that stuns you into awestruck silence. When Fuller paints it, you experience not only this sense of the sublime in nature, but also something greater, for we not only get to worship at nature’s altar but at our own, at the magnitude of human capability.

Lost Bear Gallery is a leading destination for contemporary art in the Blue Mountains. Warwick Fuller’s exhibition can be viewed daily from 10-5 at 98 Lurline Street, Katoomba. Also visit lostbeargallery.com.au Waning Moon, Mt Victoria oil on canvas 45cm x 45cm by Warwick Fuller from his exhibition at Lost Bear Gallery, Katoomba

Please see it’s website for details.

BM Cultural Centre 30 Parke St, Katoomba Ph: 4780 5410 www.bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au

Emergency Phone Numbers

Emergency 000 Blue Mountains Hospital Katoomba 4784 6500 Police Katoomba 4782 8199 Police Springwood 4751 0299 Police Assistance Line 131 444 Ambulance (not urgent) 131 233 Poison Advice 131 126 National Security Hotline 1800 123 400 WIRES 1300 094 737 Pharmacy Leura 4784 1386 State Emergency Service (floods & storms) 132 500 NRMA Katoomba 4782 2280 NRMA Sydney 131 111 This information is intended to assist and is correct to the best of our knowledge, but the publisher takes no responsibility for its accuracy at any time. Directory assistance 1234

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(above) The spectacular escarpment bordering the Megalong Valley, with the beautiful Dryridge Estate vineyards in the

Dryridge Estate,

The Six Foot Track, Megalong Valley Nestled in the beautiful Megalong valley, surrounded by towering sandstone escarpments, Dryridge Estate is a stunning boutique vineyard 20 minutes by car from Blackheath in the upper Blue Mountains and just under two hour drive from Sydney. This vineyard is most appealing for both the weekend get-a-way or for day-trippers.

The Cellar Door offers a range of red and white wines, cheese platters and some of the best scenery in the Blue Mountains. For those looking to enjoy the scenery for longer there is the option to enjoy the peace and serenity of the 4.5 star accommodation which makes it ideal for any small corporate or social event.

Historically, Dryridge Estate was originally founded by Bob and Barbara Discover the Blue Mountains

Tyrrell in 2000 and I was one of the first visitors then at the invitation of the owners. Bob Tyrrell sold his software business and ‘retired’ buying the 52 hectare block of land in the Megalong Valley.

They built a 5 hectare vineyard comprising primarily of Riesling, as well as a block of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. For many years they struggled against drought to produce the first commercial wines in the Megalong Valley. There is a saying in the wine industry that the best wines in the world come from the most challenging growing environments and this has proven to be the case with Dryridge. Growing Riesling is difficult and was to be an inspired choice. However, the pink granite has added a unique characteristic of crisp minerality to the wines.

Tragically on the 4th of April of 2013, Bob suffered an instant, fatal heart attack whilst overseeing the harvest of the Cabernet block. Aged 75, his determination was inspiring to locals, friends and family. After 4

foreground. This panoramic photo was captured by Denys Joannes creating a triple width image through a tilt shift lens Bob passed away, the Tyrrell family decided to sell their beautiful property and business. They were hoping the vineyard would sell to enthusiastic new owners, which is exactly what they got!

Emma and Simon took over the business in July 2015 and could not be more thrilled to be in the Megalong Valley starting a new life. They moved their little family from a terrace house in Bondi to Dryridge, where George the Groodle and Charlie Cat have a vast amount of room to run ‘amok’. Simon, with a background in farming, originally hailed from Feildling in New Zealand while Emma’s background is in events and hospitality, spanning some 20 years.

pepper and spice was evident. On the palate there were hints of blackcurrant with tannins that were soft and velvety rather than harsh and gripping. Cellaring potential is always difficult to predict but give this wine some time to develop over the next six years. This wine is an ideal match for the meat lover.

2016 ‘Theodore’ Tempranillo I recently returned from Spain where I was fortunate to be the guest of some Spanish winemakers so my love and respect for Tempranillo is well founded. In this regard the ‘Theodore’ doesn’t disappoint with its typical Spanish leathery and earthy overtones, coupled with wild plums and cherries, it also has hints of vanilla on the palate. The wine comes together on the finish with fine gravelly tannins with hints of spicy oak.

2016 ‘Jack’ Shiraz The Blue Mountains offers a vast array of food options match this wine My tasting of the wines was interesting. The 2016 ‘Jack’ Shiraz was with so opt for slow cooked stews or roasted meats, or game. For those quite impressive. As with most shiraz, this wine displayed bright red colour wish -toacellar thisinwine try it again in 3-5 years. hues with overtones of chocolate and raspberry nose. The typical shiraz Sublime who moment stream Wentworth Falls.

Photo

by Denys Joannes

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Kedumba Drawing Award 2020 Spring 2020 Selected Works

Elisabeth Cummings Studio Interior mixed media Acquired by the Director from the 2004 Kedumba Drawing Award

Celebrating 31 years, the annual award exhibits fine drawings from 20 invited artists whose work if selected, becomes a part of the renowned Kedumba Collection. Some of this eclectic Collection is also on display. Works are for sale.

Jude Rose, Olga, Masha and Irina,(Après Chekhov) 2020, oil on canvas, 120 x 120cm

26th September to 4th October 11am to 3pm Due to the Covid restrictions bookings are encouraged.

Please contact 0418 414 402 anytime.

Rex-Livingston Art + Objects 182-184 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780 Open: Thurs to Mon, 10am to 5pm (closed Tues & Wed) Ph: 02 4782 9988 mob: 0414 240 664 www.rex-livingston.com

The Kedumba Gallery is in the grounds of Blue Mountains Grammar School, Wentworth Falls. Please turn left immediately after going through the main gates and follow the concrete road to the end.

NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY

The former home of artist and writer Norman Lindsay, now a National Trust property, displaying the artist’s paintings, etchings, ship models and Magic Pudding characters.

•Landscaped grounds dotted with Lindsay’s sculptures •Artist’s studios open to view •Atmospheric Café •Bushwalk •Changing exhibitions •Specialist Giftshop

NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY 14 Norman Lindsay Cres, Faulconbridge OPEN 7Thurs days- 10 4pm Sun- 10 - 4 Tel: 4751 1067 www.normanlindsay.com.au

John Forrester-Clack Born of the Spirit graphite. Acquired for the Kedumba Collection by the 2001 Judge Gary Shead Discover the Blue Mountains

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Art in the BLUE MOUNTAINS Rex-Livingston Art + Objects, located in the Arts Precinct on Katoomba St at 182-184, showcases an exciting exhibition program in the Blue Mountains during spring 2020. Having relocated from the eastern suburbs of Sydney in 2016 (after many years of exhibitions and events and the promotion of both emerging and professional career artists - as well as the resale of important investment artists) the gallery has enjoyed the support and interest from both local, interstate and international visitors and collectors over the last almost 5 years in Katoomba.

Spring 2020 Exhibitions The gallery’s Spring program incorporates the exhibition of some of Australia’s most collectable investment artists including the likes of Charles Blackman, McLean Edwards, Trevor ‘Turbo’ Brown and Ray Crooke among others. Further, we have new works by Jude Rose plus local artists Judi Moss, David McKenzie and Rebecca Verpoorten-Laws.

We actively trade in a variety of secondary market investment works rarely seen in the mountain environs. If you are thinking of investing in art or have artworks that you may wish to sell on consignment, please call or drop into the gallery to discuss your needs. We offer a friendly and discreet service to our clients and achieve good results in selling works in the secondary market.

Our ‘objects’ line includes teapots, succulent pots and major works by ceramicist Rebecca Verpoorten-Laws, pop up sculptural gift cards and artists cards, Meerkats sculptures and now Kangaroo, Drop Bear and Emu figures by Margaret Proctor, hand sculpted jewellery by Zohar - incorporating Japanese pearls and gold and silver wire, ceramics by senior potter – Russell French plus bespoke wooden easels by Andrew Bray. Rita Orsini has a selected range of art lamps including small painted light boxes and tubular low energy art tubes. Her resin bowls, bracelets and earrings are also proving popular. The line is continually growing, so keep an eye on our exhibition space and make a point of visiting Rex-Livingston Art + Objects when in Katoomba. Please note, our gallery dog - Ella, (an adopted Weimaraner) will also be here to say hi when she’s not sleeping! www.rex-livingston.com

(top) Rita Orsini, Osso Buco flat base bowl, 2020, resin (above) Judi Moss, Pink Anthem, 2020, oil and wax on canvas, 30.5 x 40.6cm (left) Install shot, Spring 2020

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BLUE MOUNTAINS - Art

Not just fine art…..art of fun as well 227 Chifley Road, Dargan…….Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm galleryh.com.au info@galleryh.com.au Enquiries any time – Merren 0401 995 983 Henryk 0413 462 068 Welcome to Gallery H! We, like many other businesses, are persevering in these very difficult times. We take this opportunity to say thank you to our many return customers and look forward to welcoming new visitors as well.

At present the gallery is open each Saturday and Sunday, however we are two minutes away and are very happy to open by appointment if you wish to visit at another time. Just give us a call. Also, check our website for any changes (hopefully longer) in opening hours.

Gallery H is not a fine art gallery, it is a place encompassing wild, urban, industrial, agricultural and more. Some works are on the serious side and some are a little left of centre. Lots of materials are recycled, very often reaching back into Australia’s farming and industrial past. Some sculptural pieces come courtesy of Lithgow Tip! (Waste Management Centre to younger generations.)

walk away. So, if you wish to extend your viewing experience, call us and then come and take a stroll.

This is not your typical art space, Henryk and Merren are attempting to create a place of diversity, fun and a bit of a visual challenge. Many pieces take inspiration from tools of the past, whilst others are rooted in the present and use sophisticated creative techniques. We are not fine art….we are finer.

Welcome to our venture, enjoy viewing Henryk’s work and the work of another dozen artists represented by us. We live and work in the wild country. Does the art reflect this…..come and see.

Other exciting things are happening. We are working hard on an addition to the gallery which is our sculpture garden located a short

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Art in the BLUE MOUNTAINS

A Painter’s Passion “Magnificent!” “Fantastic!” “Superb!” Such expressions as these are freely used by people visiting John Wilson’s Gallery at Katoomba in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Many are even more impressed when they return and further explore this natural wonderland.

John said, “Once my mind was opened I discovered, like many others that absorption in our landscape can be almost limitless. From an artist’s point of view it was necessary to gain some understanding of the whole, become a student of nature, so that the character, atmosphere and mood of each area can become part of every painting. It is then possible to isolate a mere fragment as a “subject”, and render it in a way that will convey some of the feeling and character of the whole.”

An exhibition of John’s recent works may be viewed at the “John Wilson Fine Art Gallery” 46 Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba. Open Thursday to Sunday each week and most other times. Phone 02 4782 3703 www.johnwilsongallery.com johnwilsongallery@bigpond.com

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BLUE MOUNTAINS - Art

Inspiration for the Garden

Upscale jewellery to adorn your home Incorporating semi-precious gems and opals, renowned Talisman Gallery metal artist Ron Fitzpatrick blurs the line between jewellery and sculpture by upscaling jewellery designs in a new Adorn range of forged iron sculptural pieces.

Meaning ``to decorate or add beauty to, as by ornaments’’, each piece is an embellishment for the house or environment in the way that small-scale jewellery is for the body. Each is a unique example of Ron’s experimentation with gemstones such as labradorite, moonstone, tiger’s eye and opal. Their shapes reveal the feminine balance of fine jewellery design with the masculine of metal and scale – ``the balance we’re all looking at in ourselves ‘’.

The Adorn range also shows Ron’s mastery of new skills like splitting metal to make fine features such as strands of hair, feathers or claws. Adorn can be viewed at the Gallery. Ron has recently been inspired to design his own range of womens silver jewellery. Ten unique ring designs, mounted with opal, turquoise, amythest or peridot. He is also scaling down a select number of his wrought iron and crystal sculptural works, into wearable silver pendants and earrings. Its so exciting”, says Ron, I feel like I have come full circle”.

Inspiration can come in many ways, it might come while taking a walk in nature or a swim in the ocean or seeing a piece of great art. In metal artist Ron Fitzpatrick’s case the inspiration for his garden art and other creations comes from his morning practice of meditation. “My favourite scenario is getting a great idea in the morning, arriving at the workshop, lighting the fire, getting into it and trying to bring what I saw in my mind into reality. Sometimes as I’m creating I get a few variations and it becomes a series”. Lately Ron has been experimenting with coloured glass in his pieces. “I love how the light plays through the colours”. His most recent pieces are grapevines and a series of roses, mounted on local sandstone which brings an earthy element and ties them to the ground.

Talisman Gallery is located in the Hartley Historic Village on the Gt. West.

Hwy, (300 mtrs from the turnoff to Jenolan Caves) Open 10- 4.30 Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays. Ron 0407 723 722 www.talismangallery.com.au Fb: Talisman Gallery Hartley Insta: talisman.gallery

As well as pieces for the garden the gallery displays a huge range of Ron’s metal framed art mirrors and clocks. Designs with names like the Goddess, Celtic Queen, Zodiac and Intersection of Power. There is also a whole room full of exquisite handcrafted imported silver jewellery. Rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets mounted with gemstones, pearls and amber. Come and be inspired.

tAliSmAn gAlleRY Sculpture

Express your own Creative Fire Silver Jewellery

For those of you looking for a real hands on experience Ron offers a two hour blacksmithing experience called Creative Fire. During the workshop, (no experience nessesary) Ron will guide you through the process of forging either a small wrought iron artwork or some decorative firepokers. By appointment.

Ron 0407 723 722 Cost $330 inclusive, up to 4 people. Larger groups by appt. 13 yo & up

Clocks & Mirrors O P E N W E D N E S D AY T O S U N D AY & P U B L I C H O L I D AY S 1 0 A M - 5 P M

PH: 0407 723 722

Ta l i s m a n G a l l e r y H a r t l e y

H A R T L E Y H I S T O R I C V I L L A G E , G R E AT W E S T E R N H W Y, H A R T L E Y 2 7 9 0

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BLUE MOUNTAINS - Denys Joannes, photographer A visit to the Wollemi Gems shop in Katoomba is highly recommended if you like gemstones of any kind. The owner, Denys Joannes, began working with stones about 30 years ago. At first, he learned the basic skills of the lapidary art from experienced people and has perfected his own style over the years. It was during a trip around Australia that he first saw the striking Zebra Stone in the Kimberley region and decided then that he wanted to work with it back in Sydney. This was the humble beginning of a hobby that eventually turned into a passionate career. The Indian head figure below is carved from zebra stone and just for fun Denys recently captured the adjoining double-ended/headed zebra shot at Dubbo Zoo. Travelling overseas then broadened Denys’ knowledge of stones and he was able to acquire rare and unusual materials that he could work with or that would become collectables. His preference is to work with Australian stones which he feels are often neglected by local artisans. When he started out, there were many lapidary supply shops and clubs. Unfortunately, these have mostly disappeared and nowadays very few people can claim to make a living from cutting gemstones. The competitive overseas factories make it uneconomical to produce lapidary goods in worthwhile quantities. Making stock for sale and running the shop as well keeps Denys very busy but he views it as a privilege and gets great satisfaction from selling something and explaining all about it directly to the customer.

Working with opals is a delight to him, exposing and transforming a rough piece of stone into a wearable piece of jewellery. He also works with a large number of Australian semi-precious stones, some of which remain unnamed, since new stones are discovered frequently.

Denys is also an inveterate and diverse collector. Trilobites and other perfect fossils in his extensive museum grade artefacts and minerals collection, along with ancient prehistoric stone tools and display specimens that will astound you. Feel free to enjoy this wonderful display.

Opals are a specialty at Wollemi Gems. Opal is the national gemstone of Australia. It is mined in NSW, QLD and SA in commercial quantities. Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica and contains up to 20% water. Opal owes its colours to the refraction of microscopic spheres of silica. Australia produces nearly 90% of the world’s opals although it is also mined in Mexico and Brazil in small quantities.

The various regions of Australia where opals are found produce different opal features. Lightning Ridge in NSW is the only source of the precious and prized black opal (pictured at bottom left of page 13) as well as crystal opal. Queensland is the home of the boulder and matrix opal, which occurs as veins of precious opal in ironstone boulders. Coober Pedy is a famous mine producing commercial quantities of light opal in South Australia, where opal fossils are also found.

Photography is another of his passions and numerous examples appear in this magazine. Another serious interest is horology, and through the shop Denys effects intricate repairs to antique clocks and replaces watch batteries. The 200 year old French Gothic Cathedral clock pictured (left) was recently restored by Denys and is now working perfectly.

Denys is also a keen apiarist who began keeping bees for the last sixteen years, and learned the hard way, losing all his bees to disease twice but he never gave up. He now keeps about seven hives on his property which adjoins the National Park in Wentworth Falls. He is happy to help by contributing to the pollination of the forest as well as collecting a delicious honey, extracted using traditional methods. The honey has a rich, unique taste from pollen collected mainly from angophora, stringy bark and bloodwood trees. A number of customers even travel from Sydney specially to buy it.

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Art - BLUE MOUNTAINS Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum The Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge is the home of the Magic Pudding and displays the work of artist and writer Norman Lindsay (1879-1969). Run by the National Trust, the sandstone cottage and landscaped grounds are open Thursday to Sunday and there is a specialist gift shop and cafe.

Norman Lindsay (1879-1969), artist, cartoonist, and writer, came from a family that produced five artists. Lindsay left home when he was sixteen to live with his brother in Melbourne. In 1901 he moved north to make his permanent home in the Blue Mountains, working for the Bulletin in an association that lasted almost to his death.

His first novel was published in 1913, and by the 1920s he was both proficient and prolific in pen and ink drawing, etching, woodcuts, watercolours and sculpture. Lindsay’s art depicts Bohemianism and Arcadian pantheism madly admixed in a fantasy world.

At Wollemi Gems you’ll find a great variety of QUALITY OPALS from souvenir to investment grade at realistic prices.

SPECIMENS, CRYSTALS and other AUSTRALIAN GEMSTONES also available.

From as early as 1904 his work was very controversial and in 1930 his novel Redheap was banned. The following year the police proceeded against an issue of Art and Australia that showcased his art.

Visit us @ 51 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780 M 0412 720 244 T 02 4782 3733 www.wollemigems.com.au OPEN 7 DAYS Just 2 minutes from Katoomba Station, a different and relaxed shopping experience

You will be amazed at the variety of stones, specimens and jewellery available at Wollemi Gems. Located at 51 Katoomba Street, Katoomba. www.wollemigems.com.au

There were many critics of Lindsay’s work but he remained popular with collectors, and his famous character, Albert, the loyal but cranky Magic Pudding from his classic children’s book (1918) is still just as popular with today’s younger generation.

A special exhibition titled A Private View featuring works owned by private collectors and not seen by the public for decades, is on display in the gallery until November. This will be followed in December by a wonderful exhibition for families called Springwood Cats...

Images: p.12 - (top) Large polished rhodonite stone (centre) 200 year old French Gothic Cathedral clock (bottom left) zebra stone carving of an Indian head (bottom right) a very confused zebra (or two) p.13 - (above) Black opal from Lightning Ridge, from the famed

Rainbow Collection Norman Lindsay Gallery

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BLUE MOUNTAINS Art Scene ‘There’s incredible depth to the Blue Mountains art community, which is comprised of a significant number of award-winning painters, sculptors, potters, photographers and illustrators...’

There’s incredible depth to the Blue Mountains art community, which is comprised of a significant number of award-winning painters, sculptors, potters, photographers and illustrators. An impressive number of local galleries of all shapes and sizes host ever-changing exhibitions, and the exceptionally high quality of the work attracts art aficionados from all around the globe.

Norman Lindsay Gallery, in Faulconbridge, is one of several highlights for art lovers. Once the home of the illustrious Australian artist and author Norman Lindsay (18791969), the gallery is now managed by the National Trust (NSW). It displays the artist’s oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, ship models, sculptures as well as characters from his classic children’s book, The Magic Pudding. Set in beautifully landscaped grounds, the gallery also has a gift shop and cafe. www.normanlindsay.com.au Falls Gallery, in Wentworth Falls, has been specialising in works on paper and ceramics by emerging and established artists since 1990. Relax in the serene mountain garden before browsing the gallery, which is housed in a beautifully restored weatherboard cottage. This charming art space features works by gallery directors Ian Smith (pottery) and Anne Smith (paintings and prints). You can also view etchings by Garry Shead, Arthur Boyd, Wendy Sharpe, Max Miller, Anne Smith, Bernard Ollis, Charles Blackman, John Olsen, Michael Leunig and Alan Peascod. www. fallsgallery.com.au Lost Bear Gallery, on Lurline Street in Katoomba, champions an impressive mix of contemporary artists, including local sculptors Ian Swift (who created the larger-than-life polar bear that sits at the entrance) and Michael Mandelc, who uses industrial materials to exceptional effect.

Along with a regular change of exhibitions, inside you’ll discover outstanding paintings, sculptures, ceramics and handblown glass items, all created locally. The size, scale and beauty of Lost Bear Gallery is impressive beyond expectation. With a large open exhibition space usually dedicated for monthly feature shows, the other rooms in this grand old guest house are curated with artworks by some of Australia’s leading and most exciting artists.

Open daily. www.lostbeargallery.com John Wilson, one of the country’s leading oil painters, also has a studio in Katoomba. Having grown up in the Blue Mountains, John’s work captures the more elusive aspects of the unique Australian landscape and his paintings are highly collectable. www.johnwilsongallery.com The Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, at the bottom of Govetts Leap Road in Blackheath, has a large gallery space that hosts new exhibitions each month and specialises in exquisite nature-based photography. Entry is free and the centre is open daily. 02 4787 8877 If you love the idea of seeing as many galleries and artists’ studios as possible during your visit, follow the Blue Discover the Blue Mountains

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Art Scene in the BLUE MOUNTAINS

Mountains Art Trail (http://artstrail.org.au/arts-trail.php), which lists upcoming exhibitions and art events.

Katoomba was chosen as the location for the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, one of Australia’s leading regional art galleries.

Presenting an innovative and diverse selection of cultural programs that includes concerts, workshops, film screenings and book launches, the centre comprises the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, the World Heritage Interpretive Centre and a state-of-the-art library. Built on the town’s highest point, it also offers panoramic views. www.bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au Rex-Livingston Art + Objects brings to Katoomba a new exhibition space for both local and national artists and presents an eclectic vision of contemporary and modern art.The gallery is situated in Katoomba St and features painting, ceramics, sculpture and objects of interest.

Director, David Rex-Livingston, brings many years of gallery experience to the Blue Mountains, having a diverse background in the commercial art scene in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Charles Blackman, Red Nightmare, circa 1977, oil on canvas, 132cm x 172cm

Inspiration can come in many ways, it might come while taking a walk in nature or a swim in the ocean or seeing a piece of great art. In metal artist Ron Fitzpatrick’s case the inspiration for his garden art and other creations comes from his morning practice of meditation. As well as pieces for the garden the gallery displays a huge range of Ron’s metal framed art mirrors and clocks. There is also a whole room full of exquisite handcrafted imported silver jewellery. Rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets mounted with gemstones, pearls and amber. Come and be inspired. Great Western Hwy (400m before turn off to Jenolan Caves heading west) is open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sun day. Ron 0407 723 722, talismangallery@bigpond.com or the Facebook page @ Talisman Gallery Hartley.

(left top) Norman Lindsay (left bottom) Lianne DePougy - Grandes Horizontales, by Anne Smith

David McKenzie, Moon Light, 2020, translucent ink and acrylic on canvas, 61 x 61cm

Gallery H is not a fine art gallery, it is a place encompassing wild, urban, industrial, agricultural and more. Some works are on the serious side and some are a little left of centre.

Lots of materials are recycled, very often reaching back into Australia’s farming and industrial past. Some sculptural pieces come courtesy of Lithgow Tip! (Waste Management Centre to younger generations). This is not your typical art space, we are attempting to create a place of diversity, fun and a bit of a visual challenge. Many pieces encompass tools of the past, while others are rooted in the present and sophisticated technologies. We are not fine art…we are finer.

Gang Gang Gallery is housed in an early 19th century historic building, purposefully and respectfully restored into what is now the arts hub of the Lithgow region. A place where conversation, reflection and creativity come together. Regular exhibitions and art related events are held. The exhibition space is beautifully presented and houses a wide range of high quality works. Open Friday to Monday, 10-4pm. 206 Main St, Lithgow Hawkesbury Regional Gallery is located on the top level of the Deerubbin Centre, 300 George Street Windsor. The Gallery is located in North-Western Sydney, approximately 90 minutes (by car) from the Sydney CBD. Open 6 days a week Monday, Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm, closed on Tuesday and public holidays. The gallery has an ever-changing cycle of excellent exhibitions from it’s collections, local artists, visiting exhibitions and more.

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BLUE MOUNTAINS National Parks & Bushwalks One of the most appealing aspects of the Blue Mountains region is the accessibility it offers visitors of all ages. There are so many ways to make direct contact with the area’s history, culture and spectacular natural beauty.

Along with numerous walking tracks, there are plenty of ideal spots for rock climbing, hang-gliding, canyoning, caving and horseriding. Take any trail and you can expect to experience great diversity in terms of scenery, watering holes, plants, trees, birds and wildlife, along with many cultural and heritage sites.

You’ll also see fine examples of early stonemasonry and the practical use of natural materials, which have ensured that constructed features blend into the landscape.

Tracks cater to all abilities - the Fairfax Track in Blackheath, for instance, is a short walk that allows you bring a stroller so family members of all ages can enjoy the glorious views across Govetts Leap.

The Blue Mountains is famed for its natural beauty and bushwalking. The BM Heritage Centre at the end of the built area on Govetts Leap Road Blackheath, just before the spectacular lookout is a good place to check out before setting out on your walk. The knowledgable staff can answer all your walking and locational questions and there is also a well stocked souvenir and outdoor shop and a gallery featuring a new exhibition each month.

The historic National Pass Trail in Wentworth Falls, is considered one of the country’s finest walks. It’s a six-kilometre round trip featuring majestic wild scenery, waterfalls and a Grand Stairway with 173 hand-carved stone steps. The Pass is generally agreed to be a three-hour walk for anyone that has a reasonable aerobic fitness level.

(above) Leura Cascades by Claire Weaver (below) Overlooking the Wollemi Pines (below right) Hanging Rock, Blackheath by Denys Joannes

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For a challenging walk, try Narrow Neck Trail, in Katoomba. Tracing the elevated platform of Narrow Neck Peninsula, this walk takes you through open forest, heath and swamplands, and offers spectacular views over Lake Burragorang.

The trail also leads from Golden Stairs to Ruined Castle – an outcrop of large boulders. This is one of the best day walks in the Blue Mountains.

Walking trails are well documented in countless guidebooks and you can find plenty of information online. We recommend Blue Mountains Best Bushwalks by local author Veechi Stuart. A passionate bushwalker and nature lover, Veechi lists over 65 walks, from historic and well-travelled to quieter tracks known only to a few.

‘... Along with numerous walking tracks, there are plenty of ideal spots for rock climbing, hang-gliding, canyoning, caving and horseriding. Take any trail and you can expect to experience great diversity in terms of scenery, watering holes, plants, trees, birds and wildlife, along with many cultural and heritage sites ...’

Once you’ve decided on a track that suits your fitness level and what you want to see, it’s a case of packing plenty of water and sensible clothing, and letting family and friends know where you’re headed. Be sure to stick to your chosen trail - the region is magical and filled with wonder but it is a wilderness area that needs to be treated with the utmost respect.

Formed over 50 million years ago, the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is acknowledged by UNESCO for its remarkable geographic, botanic and cultural value, including protecting sites of Aboriginal cultural significance. It’s also ECO certified by Ecotourism Australia - your guarantee that all experiences within the park are supported by well-managed sustainable practices.

The region comprises eight protected areas, most of which form part of the Great Dividing Range: • Blue Mountains National Park: Covering around 268,000 hectares, this park is the most central of the protected areas and is accessed via all villages in the Blue Mountain. Four major rivers have most of their catchment inside the park – the Wollangambe River in the north, the Grose River in the centre and the Coxs and Wollondilly rivers in the south.

• Wollemi National Park: The second-largest national park in the state, this park covers 361,113 hectares and is key to maintaining the quality of many tributary rivers to the Hawkesbury and Goulburn-Hunter river catchments. It is home to many Aboriginal sites with cave paintings, axe-grinding grooves and rock carvings.

• Yengo National Park: This is the most north-easterly of the eight protected areas and is located in the Lower Hunter region. The course of the Macdonald River flows from the northwest of the park to the southeast, where it joins the Hawkesbury River.

• Nattai National Park: Encompassing the valley of the Nattai River, this 48,984-hectare park is surrounded by spectacular sandstone cliffs and covered in dry forest. If you want a real walking challenge, take the Katoomba to Mittagong Trail – 132 kilometres in length, it will take you directly through the heart of the World Heritage Area.

• Kanangra-Boyd National Park: Located in the Central Tablelands region, this park covers 68,660 hectares and features three notable waterfalls systems – Kalang, Kanangara and Morong. Three great walking tracks are the easy and wheelchair-accessible Lookout Walk; Waterfall Walk, which leads to Kalang Falls; and Plateau Walk, which goes all the way to Katoomba.

• Gardens of Stone National Park: Taking its name from the natural stone pagodas that sit within its boundary, this park covers 15,080 hectares and boasts a number of limestone outcrops, karts and elevated swamps.

• Thirlmere Lakes National Park: Set in the Macarthur area of New South Wales, this 629-hectare park comprises lakes thought to have formed around 15 million years ago. The habitat surrounding the lakes is open forest with rough-barked apple, Sydney peppermint and red bloodwood trees.

• Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve: The most westerly of the eight protected areas, this is home to the Jenolan Caves. The Jenolan area has been part of the culture of local indigenous peoples for thousands of years, and holds special significance (left) Wentworth Falls in flood by Ben Correy (above) Quiet stream, Wentworth Falls by Denys Joannes

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BLUE MOUNTAINS Attractions The vast range of ecological, cultural, historical and natural attractions located throughout the Blue Mountains often takes visitors by surprise – people come for the natural wonders but leave having experienced so much more. Stop at any village and you’ll see signs leading to walking tracks, lookout points, waterfalls, glorious gardens, historic buildings, museums, art galleries, great shopping, excellent eating and entertainment. Here are just a few of the top local attractions on offer.

The Norman Lindsay Gallery in Faulconbridge allows you to step inside the former home of the renowned artist, cartoonist and author, who died in 1969. This is where Mr Lindsay created his classic and beloved children’s book, The Magic Pudding. Now open as a gallery and run by the National Trust (NSW), the sandstone cottage displays the artist’s oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, ship models and sculptures, along with characters from The Magic Pudding. The property includes a gift shop, landscaped grounds, studio, separate holiday accommodation for a couple and the cafe. www.normanlindsay.com.au

(above) Amazing polished rhodonite boulder at Wolemi Gems (below) Hartley Historic Village (bottom left) Take a ride at Scenic World (bottom right) National Parks Heritage Centre, Blackheath

A visit to the Wollemi Gems shop in Katoomba is highly recommended if you like gemstones of any kind. The owner, Denys Joannes, began working with stones about 30 years ago. At first, he learned the basic skills of the lapidary art from experienced people and has perfected his own style over the years. It was during a trip around Australia that he first saw the striking Zebra Stone in the Kimberley region and decided then that he wanted to work with it back in Sydney. This was the humble beginning of a hobby that eventually turned into a passionate career. Travelling overseas then broadened Denys’ knowledge of stones and he was able to acquire rare and unusual materials that he could work with or that would become collectables.

Working with opals is a delight to him, exposing and transforming a rough piece of stone into a wearable piece of jewellery. He also works with a large number of Australian semi-precious stones, some of which remain unnamed, since new stones are discovered frequently. You will be amazed at the variety of stones, specimens and jewellery available at Wollemi Gems. There are also fossils and ancient prehistoric stone tools, as well as display specimens that will astound you. Located at 51 Katoomba Street, Katoomba, www.wollemigems.com.au To get a clear picture of the vastness and great natural beauty of this World Heritage region, treat yourself to a Scenic World experience. The ultimate Blue Mountains sightseeing adventure. Here you can descend into the ancient Jamison Valley by cableway, explore Jurassic rainforest along the longest boardwalk in the Southern Hemisphere or glide between cliff tops in the glass-floored skyway, which is suspended a heart-stopping 270 metres in the air. It’s the perfect way to enjoy panoramic views of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. www.scenicworld.com.au Art and culture aficionados won’t want to miss the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.

Showcasing innovative and diverse cultural programs, the Centre incorporates the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery and the World Heritage Interpretive Centre – an educational hub that invites visitors to learn about the distinctive environment, history and culture of the Blue Mountains region. Covering 600 square metres, this is one of the leading regional art galleries in Australia. www.bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au

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Inspired by their glorious surrounds, the significant number of artists who call the Blue Mountains home are diversely talented and strongly supported by local galleries and boutiques. The region is a hub for a number of award-winning painters, sculptors, potters, photographers and illustrators, many of whom open their studios to the public. As a starting point, follow the Blue Mountains Art Trail. artstrail.org.au/arts-trail.php), which lists upcoming exhibitions and art events.

The Blue Mountains is famed for its natural beauty and bushwalking. The BM Heritage Centre at the end of the built area on Govetts Leap Road Blackheath, just before the spectacular lookout is a good place to check our before setting out on your walk.

The knowledgable staff can answer all your walking and locational questions and there is also a well stocked souvenir and outdoor shop and a gallery featuring a new exhibition each month.

A spectacular detour while at Blackheath is the Megalong Valley. The ten minute drive down into the valley is outstanding and the valley is beautiful with a good rural atmosphere. With farms, horse riding, tea rooms and accommodation it is a very interesting corner of the Blue Mountains. Dryridge Estate is the only winery in the mountains. Featuring arguably the most expansive views of any cellar door in the country, you can also taste some very delicious wines and even enjoy a cheese plate with your tasting while sitting comfortably overlooking the panoramic view.

‘The vast range of ecological, cultural and historical attractions located throughout the Blue Mountains often takes visitors by surprise - people come for the natural wonders but leave having experienced so much more.”

Immediately beyond Old Hartley Village you’ll see signs for the Jenolan Caves turnoff. Comprising some of the country’s largest and most spectacular limestone caves, this popular tourist destination is nestled in Blue Mountains Heritage wilderness, near Oberon. There are 9 show caves open to the public every day of the year, with dramatic lighting, underground rivers and impressive crystal formations guaranteeing a magical experience. For those wanting to extend their enjoyment and explore more than one or two of the caves, accommodation is available in the nearby Jenolan Caravan Park (Oberon) or Jenolan Caves House. Daily tours run from Katoomba and Sydney. www.jenolancaves.org.au

If you’re heading towards the Central West, be sure to stop at historic Hartley, a beautifully preserved village set into the western edge of the Blue Mountains. Step back in time and wander amongst the quaint sandstone buildings, including Hartley Courthouse. Designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis in the Grecian Revival style, the solidly constructed courthouse is still largely intact. A self-guided audio tour is available to hear some of the stories from the court’s past. Close by is St Bernard’s Church, a stunning example of colonial elegance crafted from pale sandstone. Also call by Kew-Y-Ahn Art Gallery to see work by Aboriginal artists, jewellers, designers and photographers. Behind this gallery is the Talisman Gallery, a mecca for fans of handcrafted metal art. Often you will see metal artist Ron at the forge or engaged in other creative work. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/hartley-historic-site.

(above) Dryridge Estate vineyard, Megalong Valley (below) Everglades National Trust House & Garden in spring (bottom left) Blue hat, painting by Norman Lindsay (bottom right) Spring in Everglades House & Garden

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BLUE MOUNTAINS, Food & Wine Guide Welcome Whatever your background, native language or heritage we would like to welcome you to our new culinary publication where we will help you to discover the best in food and wine in the Blue Mountains and beyond.

To the uninitiated the Blue Mountains has always been seen as the gateway to the ‘food bowl’ that is Central West NSW. With a vast array of gourmet restaurants, delis, coffee houses, fine dining and even a respected vineyard in the wonderful Megalong Valley, the Blue Mountains offers it all.

Katoomba Canton Palace Chinese Restaurant 246 Katoomba St, Katoomba Ph: 02 4782 2868

www.katoombacantonpalace.com.au

Open 7 Days, Lunch 11.30-.2.30pm, Dinner 5pm - late Fully licensed, ample parking, delicious food

Our goal in this feature will be to give you the reader the best possible choice of culinary venues to visit and experience whilst enjoying the wonders of this historic region.

We will also cover culinary interest including wine reviews, new food outlets, special events, and where to shop for that much needed bottle of Chardonnay or Pinot to wind down with after a busy day of touring the region.

We hope you will enjoy our culinary food and wine section and please, as always, we welcome your comments, feedback, and suggestions.

Greg Bondar, Food and Wine Editor

Avalon – Restaurant and Cocktail Bar This month I am pleased to report on a restaurant that has so much to offer for the local diner, the weekend visitor or indeed the holidaymaker. Right in the heart of the Blue Mountains in the historic town of Katoomba is the Avalon restaurant and cocktail bar.

For those of my vintage, (age withheld for embarrassing reasons), the much loved and popular rock band had a hit song called Avalon which was the eighth and final studio album by English rock band Roxy Music. But wait, there is also another famous singer who sang Avalon – you got it and it was Al Jolson (way before my vintage). “Avalon” is a 1920 popular song written

by Al Jolson, Buddy DeSylva and Vincent Rose referencing Avalon, California. Well enough of the name dropping and more about one of the most attractive culinary venues in the Blue Mountains. Set in the dress circle of the historic Savoy picture theatre, AVALON Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is a mixture of playful art-deco charm with creative meals, friendly service and coupled with spectacular Blue Mountains views.

Located on main street Katoomba, AVALON lies hidden behind an unassuming entrance. Enter the 1930’s Savoy Theatre foyer, make your way past the ticket booth and venture upstairs to find a unique, spacious and highly atmospheric venue, offering a decor of quirky retro finds, eclectic artwork and sweeping views across Leura village and the Jamison Valley.

A diverse menu, combining influences from around the globe, is prepared in the old projection room, while classic cocktails and retro tunes are served in the former refreshment lounge, now a cosy bar complete with roaring fireplace. With a focus on local producers, AVALON showcases more than 80 Australian wines and craft beers to try. Local musicians perform each week in the dining room at the popular Friday Supper Club, and there’s a calendar of special events to entertain. The style of service is casual and friendly. It is also fully licenced and BYO (wine only) so it was more than a treat for us as we love to BYO wine.

Whilst the menu is global it can best be described modern Australia with a strong European influence. My suggestions are the Pulled Beef Croquettes served with rosti potato and a mushroom, basil cream sauce, and pickled cabbage and the roast duck with a citrus, orange liqueur reduction served with rosemary potatoes and vegetables (gf).

Alchemy Pizza Cafe

Delicious pizza with fresh ingredients best in the region.

Now serving local wine and boutique beer.

HOT PIES & SUPERB COFFEE OPEN 7 DAYS 6AM-4PM Dine-in or take away Award winning pies Over 40 varieties Plenty of parking

2360 Great Western Highway, Little Hartley Ph: 02 6355 2056 Open Wed 4 - 9pm, Thurs - Sun 9.30am - 9pm Discover the Blue Mountains

293 293 Great Great Western Western Highway Highway 4757 4757 3737 3737

For For Parking Parking - turn turn into into Mitchell Mitchell St St at at the the Lights Lights 20 20

A tip from Greg Bondar, Food and Wine Editor

Aging Wines

Enjoy a special lunch with

Although most wines are meant to be consumed within a couple years of purchase, a small percentage benefit from years of bottle aging, a process that allows a wine to reveal more complex aromas and flavours with time.

Bottomless French Bubbles

Age manifests differently in every wine. White wines that initially offered up bright stone fruit flavours might develop deeper, dried fruit qualities and — given more time — might even show socalled tertiary notes, such as mushroom, spice notes, hay, and stone. The colour of the wine will also mature, as vibrant reds transition to tawny browns, and light whites to deep gold or even light brown, depending on how much oxidation occurs within the bottle.

For lunch Saturday & Sunday from 12 - 2pm BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 132 Lurline St, Katoomba, 2780, NSW (02) 4782 - 2281 • www.pinsonlurline.com.au

Basil Nut Café & Restaurant

Not all wines are necessarily better with age, but wines that structure: acid, tannin, alcohol, sugar, and body — how the wine feels in your mouth and the wines that balance these qualities are the ones that tend to mature most gracefully.

Shop 5-7, 147 Katoomba Street, Katoomba Ph: 02 4782 1294 - Dine In or Take Away

At the most basic level, acidity and tannins help — and are helped by — time in the bottle. Tannins (polyphenols that give many wines their characteristic astringency) combine and become heavier falling out of solution and resulting in smoother reds and creamier, more viscous whites. In richer reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, aging softens both structural tannins and acid, and gives way to smoother texture, while the initial fruit fades and brings in more earth tones, such as tobacco and leather.

Modern Cuisine with an Asian Twist Open 6 days, closed Tuesday only Lunch 11am - 3pm and Dinner 5 - 9pm

d’Vine Cellars WENTWORTH FALLS

Open Mon to Sun 10am-8pm Shop2 / 201 Great Western Hwy Wentworth Falls. Phone: 4757 1880 info@dvinecellars.com.au Local and imported beers available.

Parking front and rear of the shop.

Free wine tasting most Fridays, 4 -7pm If we don’t stock your favourite drink, we will endeavour to obtain it for you.

Boutiquewineshop,providingagreatrangeofregionaland organic wines.

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BLUE MOUNTAINS Regional Map

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BLUE MOUNTAINS, Accommodation From resorts, guest houses, hotels, motels, B&Bs, self-contained cottages and holiday parks, there is a huge range of accommodation on offer across the Blue Mountains to suit every taste and budget.

the century guest house, since 1902! Kurrara offers modern day comfort with old-fashioned hospitality. Choose from our large spa suites with 4-poster beds, or enjoy one of our upstairs cosy en-suite rooms. All decorated in traditional style. 02 4782 6068

For those seeking high-end luxury accommodation, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa at Katoomba is the place to go. An elegant three-storey hotel focusing on leisure travel and small to medium-size corporate conferences, Lilianfels is a renowned haven of relaxation and indulgence. www.lilianfels.com.au

CEDAR LODGE CABINS 40-48 Great Western Highway, Mount Victoria 02 4787 1256 cedarlodgecabins.com.au Escape to the beautiful Blue Mountains and stay in one of our cosy self contained cabins, with electric log fires. We have studio and family cabins to suit your needs, or we have romantic spa cabins for your special getaway. Our Kookaburra Room is a comfortable large guest lounge and games room available for the use of all guests and can also be used for family reunions and small functions or workshops. Wonderful relaxation massages are also available by appointment in our onsite massage room.

If a romantic setting is what you’re seeking, look no further than Echoes Boutique Hotel with fabulous views at the edge of the Jamison Valley. There are twelve rooms each enjoying the expansive vista and all the other comforts and facilities you’d expect in a quality boutique establishment including the fine dining experience of Jamisons Restaurant with it’s view and al fresco dining deck. www.echoes.com.au If it’s self-contained accommodation you want for your Blue Mountains getaway, Blue Mountains Escapes are the people to help you find the perfect property. Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend away or an action packed break with family or friends, Blue Mountains Escapes can help find you the perfect place to stay and caters for a wide range of budgets. Visit our website to check accurate availability and make a booking, otherwise give us a call to speak to our friendly staff On (02) 4787-8231.

Experience the peaceful ambience of Kurrara, an original turn of

Self contained holiday accommodation in the Upper Blue Mountains Blackheath - Katoomba - Medlow Bath Mount Victoria - Hartley

HOLIDAY RENTALS

Whetheryouarelookingforaquietweekendawayoranactionpackedbreak withfamilyorfriends,BlueMountainsEscapescanhelpfindyoutheperfect place to stay and caters for a wide range of budgets.

Your next Blue Mountains Escape Set in extensive gardens where nature and wildlife are to be enjoyed, this quiet peaceful haven at the top of the mountains in Mount Victoria is the self-contained accommodation of Cedar Lodge Cabins.

All the cabins have their own bathroom, kitchen, reverse cycle air conditioning, electric log fire, lcd TV, dvd/video player and all linen is supplied. Ideal for self catering family reunions, art workshops, conferences and birthday parties, and central to all the major attractions, lookouts and bushwalks in the upper mountains, Cedar Lodge Cabins is your ideal Blue Mountains Escape.

Watch the wildlife while relaxing on your verandah or rejuvenate with a wonderful relaxing massage at the end of a day of exploring. There are double studio style cabins sleeping up to four, relaxing and romantic studio spa cabins and cosy family cabins sleeping up to seven. Cedar Lodge Cabins are located at 40-48 Great Western Highway Mount Victoria. Ph: 02 4787 1256. www.cedarlodgecabins.com cedarlodgecabins@bigpond.com

Visitourwebsitetocheckaccurateavailabilityandmakeabooking,otherwise give us a call to speak to our friendly staff On (02) 4787-8231.

BOOK NOW USING LIVE CALENDARS! (02) 4787 8231

www.bluemountainsescapes.com.au

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BLUE MOUNTAINS Inspirational Views A short tour of lookouts some of the most scenic spots in the Mountains.

If you want to experience a short tour of the vantage points along the upper Blue Mountains cliff line, start early, because there is a lot to see. Pack a picnic for later, and as you travel along the escarpment, choose a picnic spot you like best. The route links landmarks chosen by our early track builders for their uniqueness, splendour and exceptional scenery.

Start at Wentworth Falls, with the short 20 minute walk down to Princes Rock Lookout, and look deep into Prince Regents Glen below the waterfall. The lookout was built for the first royal visit to Australia by Alfred Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, son of Queen Victoria, in 1867, during his round-the-world voyage. The view from the lookout over Wentworth Falls and the Grand Staircase on National Pass is superb!

Off Kings Tableland Road which departs the Great Western Highway a the top of Bodington Hill, is Flat Rock also known as Lincoln’s Rock. This is an massive basically flat rock shelf offering an extensive scenic outlook. Please take great care near edges as this area is not fenced. Using common sense regarding safety this is a view not to be missed.

Now to Sublime Point in Leura, again with just a short, and mostly level walk to the lookout.

Sublime Point is at the end of Sublime Point Road, not far from the turn-off to Fairmont Resort.

The view across Jamison Valley, to Mount Solitary, framed by the Three Sisters on the right, and the cliffs of Kings Tableland, extends over 270 degrees, a fabulous horizon. There are picnic areas on the way to the lookout too.

Return to the car and off to Leura Cascades, most easily reached by following Leura Mall south of the township, and joining up with Cliff Drive. Go slowly here and turn left into Chelmsford Drive, and cross the bridge of the same name. This was where the two council swimming pools were once located, (one for males, one for females), filled by the cold waters of Leura Creek. The creek begins a delightful series of cascades, which can be seen from the walkways.

From the picnic area is a medium walk along the boardwalk to Bridal Veil Falls: it is well signposted; allow about an hour to see it and return to the picnic area.

(above) Sylvia Falls, Lawson by Domenico Stallo (below) Picnic at Sublime Poinr, Leura, Claire Weaver (bottom) View from Govetts Leap, Blackheath by Claire Weaver

Continue following Cliff Drive, pause at Honeymoon Lookout for more expansive cliff views. You may choose to stop at Echo Point, Katoomba’s major tourism precinct, or continue onto Reids Plateau, located behind the kiosk at the top of Katoomba Falls. You know you are in the right place when you see the caravan and camping park.

It takes a few minutes to climb up to Reids Plateau with its views of Katoomba Falls, and lookouts above Witches Leap. You can even catch sight of the Scenic Skyway as it crosses the 270 metre deep gorge. With an hour to spare, you could walk down the Furber Steps to the Scenic World platform, and catch a train back up! (The last train leaves at 4.50pm - fare applies.) It’s a 10 minute walk from Scenic World back to the caravan park surrounds. Need more places? Just keep following Cliff Drive, and stop at the lookouts.

The first past Scenic World is Eagle Hawk, then Hildas Lookout, then the extraordinary Landslide Lookout. This section of vertical cliff collapsed in 1931, maybe as a result of the Daylight Tunnel associated with the coal mining in the cliffs below. The lookout is built on the very edge of the cliff here. (Take care with your kids, especially where there are no fences.) The very best views of this enormous landslide are from the cliffs at Narrow Neck, and you can drive there via Glen Raphael Drive, a gravel road off Cliff Drive. This road ends at the locked gate, vehicles are not allowed, but you are invited to walk or pedal the 9 kilometres to the end.

Probably the most rewarding and easily accessed lookout is located at Blackheath, at the end of Govetts Leap Road. With vast views up to the Grose Valley, Mt Banks and Mt Hay and Govetts Leap Waterfall to the right, this view is simply breath-taking. Also at Blackheath is the spectacular Anvil Rock Lookout affording 180̊ view along the steep and rugged Grose Valley.

Accessed by a five minute easy walk from the carpark at the end of Hat Hill Road, also a short walk from this carpark is the amazing Wind Eroded Cave. Take the 3 minute walk, it’s worth the small effort.

This landscape is recognised globally as part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Its universal value lies in its unique record of Australia’s ongoing evolution and continuing biodiversity. Over 1 million hectares of national parks and reserves make up the area. It would take a lifetime to see it all. If you want to find out more about our fascinating area, call into the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, end of Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath 2780 for more information, maps, and guidebooks - and to say g’day to our friendly staff.

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Boutique Op Shop 150 Bathurst Road, Katoomba

Warehouse 58 Megalong Street, Katoomba

One of the oldest buildings in Katoomba.

Originally six Victorian terrace houses, now a shopping haven of thirteen departments, immaculately and elegantly presented.

Newly opened Warehouse with a rustic flavour.

Stocked with unusual items for home and garden décor.

BRIC-A-BRAC - ART GALLERY LIBRARY - GARDEN - VINTAGE and RETRO FURNITURE

CLOTHING - ACCESSORIES - BOOKS - MUSIC LINEN - CRAFT - HOMEWARES - COLLECTABLES FURNITURE

OPEN Wed - Sat 10am - 3pm. Closed Sun - Tues

OPEN Mon - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am - 2pm.

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Discover the Blue Mountains

Bushwalk + Leura / Katoomba map Bushwalk - Furber Steps, Federal Pass, Ruined Castle - Katoomba

andcoaloutofthevalley,butby1932wasalreadyatouristattraction.JustpasttheScenicRailwaythe track forks; stick to the right, following signs to the Landslide.

Abouttenminutesfurtheron,60metrespastwheresteelcablescutacrossthetrack,you’llseeafaint padveeringofftotheleft—thisistheWilliams’LandslideDeviation,amoredirectbutratherindistinct route to the Golden Staircase. Ignore this track; keep going straight ahead.

This walk descends Furber Steps and joins up with the Federal Pass, opened on January 1st 1901 in honour of the federation of Australian states. A long but relatively easy-going day, most of this walk passes along the sheltered forest floor before popping out at the Ruined Castle, where 360° views offer a sense of being ‘on top of the world’.

Scenic World

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Furbers Steps

An exposed coal seam marks the first of the landslides, opening up to the massive landslide -caused by mining activities - which fell on three separate dates during 1931. Steel poles and the occasional white arrow mark the route across bare rocks and water-scoured gullies. Beyond the landslide, the track widens, with drystone embankments evidence of the old horse-drawn tramway which led to the Ruined Castle mines.

About 600 metres from the end of the landslide, just beyond a small creek crossing, look for the mine shaft recessed into the bank on your right-hand side. This is the Mt Rennie Tunnel, through which coal was transported from the Megalong Valley under Narrow Neck along a cable tramway. Another kilometre of level walking and you arrive at the track junction where the Golden Staircase descends from Narrow Neck (an alternative entry/exit point for this walk). Keep straight ahead.

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Federal

Grade: Hard.

Time: 7 hours.

Distance: 14.4 kilometres return.

Ascent/Descent: 370 metres ascent, 370 metres descent, plus 12 kilometres of undulating track.

Weather: Suitable for all conditions.

Closest public transport: Local buses 686 and 696 run between Echo Point and Scenic World, stopping at the Katoomba Kiosk where the track begins.

Finding the track Head down Katoomba Street almost to the bottom, turning right into Katoomba Falls Road. This road curves down to the bottom of the hill, where you’ll see Katoomba Falls Kiosk on your left.

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The vegetation changes as you continue through the forest: tall tree ferns give way to a long grove of coachwoods, later opening up to a tall forest of blue gums, angophora and black ash. Lyrebirds scratch underfoot and Walk directions bellbirds ring all around. There are several old miners’ campsites along this old campsite The track starts just a little to the right of the kiosk. stretch, as well as the ruins of an old hut. About 45 minutes (2.5 kilometres) Descend concrete steps for 50 metres to the junction 0 300m from the Golden Stairs junction, turn right at the sign to the Ruined Castle. of three tracks. Head to your right, following signs for A steep, rocky ascent leads to the top before you head south-east along the Katoomba Falls Track. old campsite spine of the ridge.

Shortly after Witches Leap, you arrive at the Round Castle 10 The broken shapes of the crags at Ruined Castle make it easy to understand Head Walk junction. Turn left, following signs to Furbers the origin of its name, when an 1880 journalist described it as a ‘rocky pile the steps. These steps lead past Rainforest Lookout, ruined keep of some gigantic castle’. The highest point is at the southernmost Queen Victoria Lookout and Furbers Lookout. (Ignore 12 11 end, just before the track starts to descend. A short scramble delivers 360° sidetracks to Underfalls Walk and Vera’s Grotto.) Look for Ruined views: north to Castle Head; south to Warragamba; east to Kings Table; and Castle ‘pick marks’ in the stone, evidence of where these steps west to Narrow Neck, where the headwaters of Cedar Creek appear as twin were blasted from the cliff in 1908. Levelling out a little, the clay-floored track undercuts waterfalls. The track descends back down to the Federal Pass. Turn left. After 600 metres you sandstone overhangs before arriving at the Federal Pass. Turn right. arrive at the original sign leading up to Ruined Castle. Return the way you came. (If you’re Afewminutesfurtheron,theinevitablecrowdoftouristsassemblesatthefootoftheScenicRailway. planning to catch the Scenic Railway up the hill, remember the last one leaves at 4.45 pm.)

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These notes and description from Blue Mountains Best Bushwalks, the acclaomed

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Town maps & National Parks guide The Blue Mountains National Parks 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.

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.

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.

Thisparkprotectsanunusuallydiverserangeofvegetationcommunities.Therearerareandancient plantsandisolatedanimalpopulationstuckedawayinitsdeepgorges.TheGreaterBlueMountainsDrive linksavastandspectacularWorldHeritagelandscapeandanumberofnationalparkstothesurrounding regions.

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.

WENTWORTH FALLS

A Selection of Bushwalks

(from Blue Mountains Best Bushwalks by Veechi Stuart)

BLACKHEATH

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

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Discover the Blue Mountains

BLUE MOUNTAINS Leura the garden village Widely known as the ‘Garden Village’, Leura is renowned for its magnificent mix of private and public gardens, and the spectacular row of cherry trees that line Leura Mall.

Beautiful at any time of year, this Upper Mountains village is home to around 4,400 people and sits between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba, at an elevation of 985 metres. The word Leura is Aboriginal for ‘lava’ and many volcanic stones have been found in the area.

Visitors flock here just as much for the fabulous shopping and world class eateries as they do for the surrounds. Walk along Leura Mall and through to Megalong Street carpark, and you’ll discover an eclectic mix of shops selling everything from vintage fashion and handcrafted goods made by local artisans to furniture, leather goods, lingerie, beauty products and native plants.

When seeking out a dining spot, expect to a find plenty of Mod Oz options, along with Indian, Thai, French and Chinese cuisine. Excellent coffee is a given at Leura’s great mix of cafes. A visit to Bygone Beautys to view the largest private teapot collection in the world and to enjoy a traditional High Tea in style is a valuable detour from the main shopping strip.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Leura, Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms is home to the world’s largest private collection of teapots. It is also the largest private emporium of antiques and collectables in the Blue Mountains.

Turn back time as you browse antique jewellery, furniture, fine china, dinner services and toys. www.bygonebeautys.com.au One spot worth pulling out your picnic rug for is Everglades Historic House & Gardens, open daily. Presided over by the National Trust and considered one of the country’s foremost heritage gardens, Everglades combines European-style gardens with native Australian bush and breathtaking views. It was designed in the 1930s

by Danish horticulturist and architect Paul Sorenson, and changes with the seasons.

The former squash court building has been beautifully converted into a light and airy art gallery which displays ever changing exhibitions.

If you fancy a round or two with spectacular scenery as your backdrop, book in at Leura Golf Club. Established in 1902, this 18-hole course is the oldest in the Blue Mountains. It’s located on Sublime Point Road, which takes you to Sublime Point – a popular rock-climbing and bushwalking area. The lookout platform on the point gives you a sense of standing on the very edge of the world.

Leura’s annual events attract thousands of visitors at various times throughout the year. The excitement starts in January with the Leura Shakespeare Festival, presented by the Sport for Jove Theatre Co. and conducted outdoors at Everglades Garden.

The Leura Harvest Festival, set to be held on Leura Mall on the first Sunday of May and focuses on a theme of ‘fresh, regional and sustainable’. This great community event gives local chefs, providores, producers and sustainability experts the chance to demonstrate their skills. Highlights include the popular chook show, jam-making competition and sustainability talks.

The Leura Gardens Festival, in October (cancelled in 2020 due to Covid19), sees the whole of Leura on display, with some of the region’s most glorious private gardens opening up over six days in order to raise funds for the Blue Mountains Hospital and other health-related charities. The final weekend of the festival coincides with another must-do event – the Leura Village Fair, which has been running for over 30 years. Held across two days and attracting visitors from all over the state, the fair sees over 130 stalls setting up among the cherry blossoms on Leura Mall and spilling into Megalong Street carpark. If you’ve never seen pink cherry blossoms in full bloom, add the fair to your calendar and join in the family fun!

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Everglades - National Trust Treasure

Everglades boasts over five hectares of European-style gardens and Australian bush overlooking the Blue Mountains National Park. This 1930s treasure was designed by “Australia’s Master Gardener” Paul Sorensen for Belgian-born businessman Henri Van de Velde. Terraced lawns, pools, fountains, glades, urns and statuary are dramatically set against stunning views of the Australian wilderness. Miles of stone walls and winding paths weave the spectacular gardens together.

In spring the view from the upper drive to the blue and orange cliffs of the Jamison Valley has a foreground of tulips to the right, the daffodil lawn and woodland sea of bluebells to the left. On the southern slopes, rhododendron and azaleas provide a wash of pinks and purples running down to the creamy flowers of the dogwood trees. On the Cherry Terrace the blossoms of the weeping cherries give way to fresh green leaf.

Winter and autumn each have their own beautiful characteristics. The colours of autumn in this largely exotic garden are exquisite while the mists and crisp air hanging in the leaf-bare trees transforms the gardens into a mystical wonderland.

In summer, the stream which meanders through the property leads eventually to a drop into the grotto pool where the ladies once privately bathed on hot summer days. Not now available for bathing, the grotto area and it’s upstream flow through the garden provides many quiet, shady picnic spots beside the babbling waters.

(above) Beautiful fungi on a mossy log, photo by Denys Joannes (below) Govetts Leap Falls, Blackheath, with rainbow by Denys Joannes

The tea rooms in the elegant art deco house are open every day. Visitors are also welcome to picnic amongst the gracious spaces and varying vistas of Everglades.

Open every day, 10am-4pm Spring-Summer, 10am-4pm Autumn - Winter.

Everglades House & Gardens, 37 Everglades Leura. Ph: 02 4784 1938 www. nationaltrust.org.au/nsw Everglades is also home to a beautiful art gallery nestled in the garden and bathed in natural light. New exhibitions are featured most months and details are included in the art section of this magazine on pages 9-15.

Please check the website above for opening times before visiting to avoid disappointment due to Covid19 demands.

Photo by David Hill

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Discover the Blue Mountains

BLUE MOUNTAINS Katoomba The most visited village in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba is where the young Royals were ushered to take in one of the most spectacular sights in the country – the Three Sisters, which tower above the Jamison Valley and stand at 922, 918 and 906 metres respectively. According to Aboriginal dreamtime legend, three sisters named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo were turned to stone for their own protection after being forbidden to marry three brothers from a different tribe.

Echo Point, perched on the edge of the escarpment and offering a direct view of the Three Sisters, is where several of Katoomba’s finest walking trails begin. The Giant Stairway, comprising eight hundred steps, leads down to the valley floor and joins The Federal Pass trail – a 1.5-kilometre track that takes you to the base of Katoomba Falls and the Scenic Railway, which you can catch back up to the top.

On a clear day, take the Skyway tour at Scenic World to get a genuine sense of the vastness and magnificence of the Blue Mountains. Gliding between cliff tops, the Skyway is Australia’s highest cable car – suspended two hundred and seventy metres above ancient ravines, it has a glass floor so you can see as much of the valley as possible during the seven hundred and twenty-metre journey.

Once you come back down to earth you can discover the tranquillity of the ancient rainforest by taking the 2.4-kilometre Scenic Walkway. It’s an opportunity to learn about local flora, spot a lyrebird, taste pure water straight from Marrangaroo Spring and learn about the site’s history as a coal and shale mine that was operational until 1945.

Also of historical interest is the site known as The Gully, in South Katoomba, which holds great cultural significance to its traditional owners, the Gundungurra and Darug peoples. Prior to white settlement of the region, this natural amphitheatre was long used as a summer camp. After being controversially repurposed as a racetrack in 1957, The Gully was officially declared an Aboriginal Place in 2002, a move warmly welcomed by its traditional custodians. Visitors are invited to experience The Gully Aboriginal Interpretive Walk, which starts on Gates Avenue.

Railway buffs will be interested to know that, back in 1874, the locality was named The Crushers after the railway station that served the nearby quarry, which crushed stone to form railway ballast and directly led to the original development of the area. In 1877 the town was renamed Katoomba – a derivative of the Aboriginal word Kedumba, meaning ‘shiny, falling waters’ – and it was given municipality status in 1889. (top left) Mountain Stream by Denys Joannes (next down) Carrington Hotel by night (next down) Blue Mountains Cultural Centre (bottom left) Town centre clock, Katoomba (below) Fern Glade, Katoomba by David Burke

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Today Katoomba is home to over 8,000 residents and hosts a constant stream of tourists from all around the world. Along with its strong ecological and cultural heritage, the town boasts many fine examples of Art Deco shops, restaurants and guesthouses, as well as charming old miners’ cottages and Federation bungalows. The jewel in the architectural crown is The Carrington Hotel – a grand Victorian property designed by John Kirkpatrick.

Originally known as the Great Western Hotel, it was opened by Sydney hotelier Harry Rowell in 1883. Beautifully preserved and a popular destination for weddings and events, The Carrington has long been attracting guests keen to absorb the magic and grandeur of a bygone era. At the back of the hotel you’ll find Carrington Cellars, which is filled to the brim with local, national and international wines plus an impressive selection of deli items.

Katoomba has long had a thriving music scene and the annual Blue Mountains Music Festival sees folk, roots and blues performers from all around the globe coming together here. Running for twenty years, up to one hundred performances are conducted over three days each March. Past guests have included the incomparable Gurrumul, Lior, Xavier Rudd, Chipolatas, Arlo Guthrie, Luka Bloom, Mama Kin, The Popes and Kate Miller-Heidke.

‘... According to Aboriginal dreamtime legend, three sisters named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo were turned to stone for their own protection after being forbidden to marry three...’

During your stay, seize the opportunity to explore the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre – an inspired addition to a village that many artists, photographers and performers call home. Officially opened in November 2012, this substantial art space supports local and visiting artists, and houses the World Heritage Exhibition, where you can learn all about the region’s history and culture. There’s also a scenic viewing platform and a retail space, café and ultra-modern library housed here.

After a day spent absorbing the beautiful surrounds, mixing with locals in cafés, enjoying the architecture or digging up treasures in the well-stocked antique stores, take your pick from the countless restaurants.

(above) Into the Jamison Valley from Narrow Neck, Katoomba (left) The spectacle of Katoomba Falls (below) The Three Sisters from Echo Point,Katoomba

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Discover the Blue Mountains

BLUE MOUNTAINS Blackheath 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the likes of which you will not have encountered anywhere. The murals around it’s walls and over the roof are wild and wonderful. Such facilities are rarely mentioned in connection with art.

Equally vibrant are the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, in Bachante Street.

Set over 18.5 hectares, these lovely gardens are filled with rhododendrons and azaleas planted under a canopy of native bush. The gardens are at their beautiful best from September through to November, and are highlighted during the Rhododendron Festival, which takes place each November and sees the whole village celebrating with floral displays, the Annual Art Show, a grand parade and outdoor entertainment. The garden is open year round and is worth a visit at any time of year.

(top) Looking into the Grose Valley (next down) Campbell Rhododendron Garden (above) In the cool of a grotto (right) A Blackheath street in autumn Discover the Blue Mountains

Natural beauty abounds in this part of the mountains, which is the headquarters of the Blue Mountains National Parks and Wildlife Service. If you have the time, it’s worth visiting as many of the spectacular high-elevation viewing platforms as possible and following one of the well-worn walking tracks.

Start with a trip to Govetts Leap Lookout, which offers amazing views across the Grose Valley and features a waterfall that drops an impressive one hundred and eighty metres to the base of the cliff. Evans Lookout provides an alternate vantage point. Turn into Walls Cave Road, off Evans Lookout Road, and take a short walk to experience Aboriginal history at Walls Cave – it’s believed to have been occupied around 12,000 years ago.

Hargraves Lookout is on the opposite side of the train tracks and is 32

accessed via a pleasant drive to the western end of Shipley Plateau, past the tiny village of Shipley, pretty apple orchards and gum trees. The panoramic views over the rural Megalong Valley are nothing short of magnificent, and not far from here is Mount Blackheath – a popular hang-gliding site that allows gliders to soar over the Kanimbla Valley.

While you’re over this side of town, take a short drive down one of the countrys most scenic roads through rainforest and the sandstone escarpment to the Megalong Valley. Here there is horse riding, accommodation, a tea room in the most beautiful of settings offering indoor and outdoor tables.

A little further along the road takes you over the Coxs River and out to Dryridge estate. Here, overlooking what must surely be the most spectacular view at any cellar door in the country, you can taste good wines and sit with a cheese plate and your glass.

All of that fresh air is bound to make you hungry, so book a table at any of the cafes and restaurants in the village, all of which are treasured by the wider community and serve up outstanding dishes bursting with seasonal flavours.

Arguably the most spectacular view in the upper mountains is Govetts Leap at the foot of the road of that name. Accessed simply by parking your car and stepping out, this view will take your breath away. A few hundred metres before the carpark and lookout, which is also the starting point for many fabulous bushwalks, you will find the Heritage Centre for park information, gallery and shop.

For upper Blue Mountains holiday accommodation contact Blue Mountains Escapes who have an extensive inventory of properties for your next romantic, family or friends group break in the Mountains.

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(above) Mt Banks by Domenico Stallo (below) Blue Gum Forest by Denys Joannes

Discover the Blue Mountains

BLUE MOUNTAINS Other Towns

‘... countless visitors have been heading to the Blue Mountains to breathe in the wonder provided by one million hectares of World Heritage Listed National Park-

land. It’s a unique region filled with incredible natural beauty and fascinating towns ...’

For well over one hundred and thirty years, countless visitors have been heading to the Blue Mountains to breathe in the wonder provided by one million hectares of World Heritage Listed National Parkland. It’s a unique region filled with incredible natural beauty and fascinating towns, each with their own stories to tell.

As well as satisfying a need to see some of the region’s main attractions – the Three Sisters and Scenic World in Katoomba, Govetts Leap Lookout in Blackheath, the botanic gardens at Mount Tomah and Jenolan Caves to the west – people soon fall in love with the historic villages that run from Lapstone through to Mount Victoria and beyond. If you have a week or longer to spend in the region, it’s highly recommended that you take time getting to know some of the villages that don’t have a high profile but are filled with hidden treasures and friendly folk. Here follows a small sample.

Glenbrook is located just seventy kilometres from Sydney, at the top of the M4 Motorway. The Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centre is located here and features a map of the Greater Blue Mountains Drive, which covers twelve hundred kilometres of major connecting roads and eighteen Discovery Trails. There are numerous parks, walking tracks and lookout points dotted around the village, including Nepean Lookout and the Woodford to Glenbrook Track, a hotspot for mountain-bikers.

Faulconbridge is well known for being the place artist Norman Lindsay called home. Along with the delightful Norman Lindsay House, be sure to visit Faulconbridge Point – it’s a secluded spot that provides mesmerising views across the Grose River to Bilpin and Mount Tomah. Also stop off at Jackson Park to see the striking Corridor of Oaks, where every Australian Prime Minister since 1933 has planted a tree.

Lawson is set in the Mid Blue Mountains and named for Lieutenant William Lawson, the famous explorer. This small village features numerous walking tracks that lead you directly to the area’s natural beauty – Dantes Glen, Fairy Falls, St. Michaels Falls, Empire Pass, Echo Bluff and Frederica Falls are all noteworthy.

(above) Antique shop at Mt Victoria (below) Lennox bridge at Lapstone (bottom right) Old Hartley village

Wentworth Falls originally known as”Weatherboard” started it’s history as a track-side inn for travellers on the Bathurst road. Now a beautiful town with numerous attractions, foremost of which is natural beauty with numerous rewarding bushwalks all featuring dramatic water features.

The village is pretty and includes a number of interesting businesses, Lamdha Books with a superb collection of pre-loved and antiquarian editions, Schwarzes wonderful bakery, and Rotate Interiors exhibiting style and quality from the past.

A small township with a giant heart, Mount Victoria sits at an elevation of 1064 metres and is the gateway to the Central West and Hawkesbury regions. As well as being the western most village in the Blue Mountains, it’s home to the highest point in the Blue Mountains – One Tree Hill, Mount Victoria’s original name.

There’s also plenty of natural beauty to encounter here. As you enter the village from the east, a right turn leads to Victoria Falls Lookout, which

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offers a commanding view over Victoria Creek and leads down to Silver Cascades – the ideal spot for a refreshing summer dip.

Mount Piddington provides views across Kanimbla Valley, and a drive down Kanimbla Valley Road reveals a series of walking tracks that direct you to Pulpit Rock, Bede’s Lookout, Reinitz Pass and Ross Cave. It’s also worth venturing to Mount York Lookout to enjoy a stunning view down to Hartley Valley and see a monument dedicated to the early explorers who arrived at this exact point.

Mount Victoria also offers some good accommodation choices. Cedar Lodge Cabins offers self-contained accommodation with a range of cabins with spas, romantic or larger family cabins, this facility offers quiet comfort and large lounge and games rooms for guest use all in a beautiful tall-treed bush environment. 02 4787 1256 www.cedarlodgecabins.com.au Located at the western extreme of the Blue Mountains region, in the central tablelands, Oberon sits at 1113 metres above sea level, and its beautiful surrounds were inhabited by the Wiradjuri people for many thousands of years prior to European settlement.

Today around two thousand five hundred people call Oberon home, and its primary industries are agriculture, forestry and wood products. Peas, potatoes and Brussels sprouts are all grown here. This productive town is also renowned for excellent trout fishing – which can be done at both Lake Oberon (canoeing and kayaking now open) and The Reef Reserve.

Surrounded by quaint villages and bustling towns, along with a unique mix of national parks, state forests and rolling hills, Oberon makes a great base for day tripping. In winter you can hunt for truffles, go mushrooming in local forests and may even see some snow.

Don’t leave the region without seeing two of nature’s most magnificent gifts: • Kanangra-Boyd National Park: This pristine environment is where you will find the cascading Kanangra Falls and the Kanangra Walls Lookout – it offers stunning views across sprawling valleys and peaks and is equally as spectacular as the more famous lookouts in Katoomba, Blackheath and Leura. The Plateau Walk takes you around Kanangra Tops and you can walk down into the Kowmung River valley, but only if you have plenty of bushwalking experience.

• Jenolan Caves: Just 29 kilometres from Oberon, on a good road, you

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(top) View from Kanangra Walls (above) Statues in the garden at Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge (below) Pulpit Rock, Mt Piddington at Mt Victoria

can explore Australia’s most spectacular limestone caves. If you’re around during winter, book in for Yulefest at Caves House and enjoy a Christmas feast with all the trimmings and the children meet Santa in a cave!

Another village definitely worth a visit include Mount Wilson off the Bells Line of Road and easily accessed via the Darling Causeway at Mount Victoria and Hartley at the foot of Victoria Pass west of Mount Victoria.

Discover the Blue Mountains

BLUE MOUNTAINS Wentworth Falls Established in the Blue Mountains in 1989, Falls Gallery continues to provide a constantly changing exhibition of works on paper and ceramics by some of Australia’s major contemporary artists.

The gallery is located in Falls Road, Wentworth Falls and is housed in an early 1900’s weatherboard cottage. It is situated in a magical mountain garden and is a mere two minutes walk from the waterfall and national park lookouts.

The Directors of the gallery are Ian Smith, a potter and Anne Smith, a painter and printmaker. Showing work by emerging and established artists, including some of Australia’s most collected and acclaimed artists. On display at the Gallery are works by Garry Shead and Wendy Sharpe, Arthur Boyd and John Olsen, Max Miller, Anne Smith, Bernard Ollis and Charles Blackman, together with ceramics by Ian Smith.

As well as producing their own work Anne Smith has collaborated with Wendy Sharpe, Garry Shead, Bernard Ollis and the late Alan Peascod on editions of their etchings and Ian Smith collaborates with Garry Shead, Bernard Ollis and Wendy Sharpe in producing ceramics with their underglaze decoration.

The aim of the Gallery is to have continually changing exhibitions of works on paper and ceramics by established and emerging artists. The collection covers many years and there are rare etchings by such artists as Arthur Boyd and John Olsen.

161 Falls Road, Wentworth Falls 2782 (02) 4757 1139 www.fallsgallery.com.au HOURS Wed to Sun 10am til 5pm

(top right) Eiffel tower view, Bernard Ollis (centre) Red dresas, Wendy Sharpe (bottom right) Platter carved ddesign, celadon glaze, Ian Smith (below) The lawyers tale, Constance finds a home, Anne Smith

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Wentworth Falls - BLUE MOUNTAINS Dental health - the key to physical health Here at Blue Mountains Dental and Implant Centre in Wentworth Falls, we pride ourselves on giving individualised care to anxious patients. We are proud to have a fully certified, highly experienced team of dental professionals and offer a wide range of treatments and procedures designed to repair damage and prevent future health issues. We understand for many people the thought of a dental appointment can result in sleepless nights. Dentistry need not be a traumatic experience. We can help by providing the best service and dental care.

Dr Bill Skouros has been serving in the Blue Mountains area for more than 30 years. He has completed Bachelor of dental surgery (1987), going on to complete his graduate diploma in clinical dentistry and oral implants. With more than three decades of experience, Dr Skouros specialises in providing individualised care, making your trip to the dentist stress and pain-free.

Station Street, Wentworth Falls

Dr. Bill Skouros B.D.S (Syd. Uni.) Oral Implants D. Clin. (Syd. Uni.) Member of ITI International Team of Implantology Member of Australian Dental Association Member of International group of Gnathology bluemtnsdentalimplantcentre@gmail.com F/b: Blue Mountains Dental & Implant Centre

Bee healthy - eat Blue Mountains honey This remarkable and unique photo of ‘Her Majesty Queen of the Bees’ was captured along with the photo below of ‘Bees at the Pub’

by Wentworth Falls resident Denys Joannes. Denys is a man of many and varied interests including gems and lapidary around which he has built a successful business in Katoomba, Wollemi Gems. In the image above the queen is at centre surrounded by her attendees and the eggs are underneath. The image below features bees drinking from a small pond. Both are amazing photos. We hope you enjoy.

In addition to this passion, Denys is a keen bushwalker, inspired photographer and keen apiarist. Denys tends a number of hives on his property which adjoins the National Park.

Denys began keeping bees 15 years ago, and learned the hard way, losing all his bees to disease twice but he never gave up. He is happy to help by contributing to the pollinisation of the forest as well as collecting a delicious honey, extracted using traditional methods. The honey has a rich, unique taste and a number of customers will even travel from Sydney to buy it. It is available at Denys’ shop, Wollemi Gems, 51 Katoomba St, Katoomba.

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Todarello’s Katoomba Village fruit market proudly supplying the Blue Mountains with premium fresh fruit and vegetables for nearly 50 years.

We also have a large selection of gourmet groceries, pasta, nuts, cheeses, farm fresh eggs, fresh juice, fresh cut deli meats.

Established 1971 Proudly supporting our Aussie growers

Open 7 days Monday-Friday 8am till 6pm Weekends 8am till 5pm 170 - 180 Bathurst Road, Katoomba Ph: 4782 4972 Please visit our online store at todarellos.com Wholesale and retail delivering 7 days. As we’re now offering home delivery service, follow us on Facebook for all of our weekly specials.

Beautiful Jewellery

Ainsley’s inspiration is found in fluid and circular dynamics in nature. Her appreciation of the distinct elegant qualities of gold, the brilliance of sparkling diamonds and the radiance of colourful semi-precious gemstones has led to the creation of her many beautiful designer pieces.

Favouring fine filigree and softly textured finishes to her chic modern designs, Ainsley’s signature handcrafted pieces can be customised to suit individual desires. Ainsley’s passion is making unique handcrafted engagement and wedding rings, and creating one off pieces that become a part of her client’s story and everyday lives. “Seeing the joy on my client’s faces and bringing their visions to reality is the best part of what I do”. “Knowing that the jewellery I create can be passed down through generations is a wonderful feeling”.

Ainsley’s love of gold and gemstones lead her into studying Jewellery Design at the Design Centre in Enmore where she received an Associate Diploma of Arts in 1998. Ainsley then started her training with renowned jeweller Jan Logan of Double Bay, completing her apprenticeship (Certificate III in Jewellery Trade) in 2001. Ainsley furthered her training in completing a certificate IV in Gemmological Studies in 2005.

After working with Jan Logan for 7 years, Ainsley spent 6 months working as a diamond grader after completing a course in Practical Diamond Grading in 2006 at the Gemmological Association of Australia. However, she preferred the creativity of jewellery design and manufacturing and went on to work for acclaimed jeweller Melissa Harris of Double Bay as a manufacturing jeweller.

Ainsley resides in Leura in the beautiful Blue Mountains with her husband and two young sons, working from her boutique studio where she is surrounded by endless design inspiration. Ainsley Fine Jewellery is situated in the Aspects of Leura Arcade – Upstairs Shop 10, 166-168 Leura Mall, Leura. 02 4784 2807 Open 6 days Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm (Closed Sundays). gallery@ainsleyjewellery.com.au

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Unique Shopping - BLUE MOUNTAINS Visitors to the Upper Blue Mountains are always impressed by the great diversity of shops to explore – whether you’re seeking antiques and collectibles or the very latest in fashion, jewellery, homewares, eco-friendly products or goods handcrafted by local artisans, you won’t be disappointed.

Stroll along Station Street in Wentworth Falls and you’ll find a row of specialty shops that includes Rotate Interiors filled with high quality genuine antiques and classic pieces (www.rotateinterior.com). Book lovers appreciate lamdha books – a secondhand and antiquarian bookshop that specialises in rare and out-of-print titles. Take a leisurely browse through the eclectic range of titles, which includes new and old books on the Blue Mountains (contact: 02 4757 1420). Schwarzes Bakery is one of the most popular businesses in the village, delighting locals and visitors for several decades with a delicious range of European style cakes, pastries and savouries along with excellent coffee and wicked hot chocolate.

One of the region’s premier shopping spots, Leura Mall is lined with a fascinating mix of fashion, homewares, vintage goods, jewellery and furniture stores. And nestled in this picturesque village, Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms is home to the world’s largest private collection of teapots. It is also a quality emporium of antiques and collectables. Turn back time as you browse antique jewellery, furniture, fine china, dinner services and toys. www. bygonebeautys.com.au For exquisite jewellery a visit to Ainsley Fine Jewellery will reward you. Ainsley designs and manufactures much of the collection.

If you have an appreciation for crystal and gems, stop by Wollemi Gems, where the knowledgeable owner has over 20 years of experience in cutting opals and semi-precious stones. The display here offers some truly beautiful examples of rare geological samples polished and presented artistically, along with some amazing fossil specimen. (contact: 02 4782 3733). The lower end of Katoomba Street is where three galleries are gathered. Don’t miss the new gallery here called “Little Fish Bad Dog” and ask Geoff how the name came about.

The village of Blackheath is spoilt for choice in cafes and restaurants, antiques and collectables shops, galleries and specialty shops. It has several boutiques including Ravir on the main street in the old post office building. This shop enjoys lots of natural light and is filled with garments with quality labels. The shop looks gorgeous and inviting filled as it is with beautiful colours. The service is most friendly and helpful with experienced staff.

At Blackheath, The Victory Theatre Antique Centre presents sixty dealers over two floors with wares ranging from jewellery, books, vintage clothing, paintings, dolls, ornaments, light fittings, fine china and porcelains, through to furnishings and furniture, and boasts the greatest variety of stock in the Blue Mountains. www.victorytheatre.com.au Across the road from the Victory Theatre is Susanne Hosking Antiques, a smaller shop packed with so much nostalgia. Susanne’s specialty is jewellery, costume, quality antique jewellery, furniture, clothing, china and many other surprises.

This is a must-see stop and is open every day.

Colliers Gems in the Collier Arcade is a tranquil shop where gems and crystals will hold you in awe at nature’s wonders. Many other wonderful and unique shops are to be found in towns and villages across the Mountains.

Spring at last!

The cherry blossom has burst into bloom and Ravir is about to do the same. This year our spring/summer range for women is shaping up to be one of our best.

First in the field is an Italian linen range featuring quality fabrics and great designs. The range is limited and will sell fast. Next comes an exquisite array of Polish linens in fabulous prints. The prints are exquisite and once again the garments are well-designed, with the distinctive quality and attention to detail that European fashion is known for.

These are just some of the labels our customers can look forward to.

For men, we have an extensive range of hemp shirts and pants, as well as the fabulous bamboo/cotton shirts which are a big favourite with our customers. The Toorallie wool/denim pant will continue through summer, but sizes are limited. These pants come in styles for both men and women and have been in high demand for the past five years. The fabric breathes, so they continue to work in the warmer months.

Ravir is located in Blackheath and Is open seven days. We welcome enquiries from further afield, by phone or email, and you can find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Orphan Rock, Katoomba

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BLUE MOUNTAINS, Hartley region Beautiful Hartley Region When the Victoria Pass road was completed in 1832, the doorway to the west was open and settlement in Hartley, at the base of the hill, began in earnest. The next 50 years saw Hartley grow into a bustling township surrounded by churches, a post office, stage couch facilities, and inns.

Unfortunately, Hartley was by-passed by the railway and, over a period, fell into disuse. Luckily, today we are left with a remarkable remnant of a town largely unchanged since the mid-nineteenth century.

After the decline in Hartley as a township from the late 1800’s, in latter years we are seeing the redevelopment of the areas of Hartley, Hartley Vale and Little Hartley. Now with sub-divisions through the areas there are many new residents. Some of the historic buildings have been turned into elegant accommodation and restaurant facilities and there are other new hide-away rural retreats. Old stores have become new stores and more new stores have been built - offering a range of services from rural supplies and local produce to cafes restaurants and take-aways, real estate agent, nursery as well as some art and craft galleries.

The Hartley region is an extensive and beautiful scenic area taking in a number of villages and settlements offering the visitor a plethora of exploring and experiential opportunities and facilities. The five minute drive down the hill from Mt Victoria is well worth the small effort. Little Hartley is only 5 minutes down Victoria Pass from Mt Victoria on the Great Western Highway and lies in a most beautiful and expansive valley.

Historic Hartley Village - Things to do * Visit Talisman Gallery and metal artist’s workshop. If he’s not watching the amazing view from his workshop you may catch him at the forge and don’t forget to say g’day to him, the name is Ron. * There is also a Kew-Y-Ahn (Aboriginal for tor or rocks) walk. From the top there’s a bird’s eye view over the whole village and surrounding countryside. Access is gained beside the restrooms behind The Old Post Office Cafe. * Enjoy a coffee or lunch at the Old Post Office Cafe. The food is simple and tasty.

* Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of the old Courthouse with it’s many fascinating stories.

Gourmet Goods More Than Just Lollies at The Lolly Bug. From just a few jams and honeys to begin with our gourmet food range has grown to include a diverse range of local, Australian and overseas products.

Owner of The Lolly Bug at Little Hartley, Sharon Tofler says given the popularity of the jams and honeys it made sense to introduce more food items to the range.

“We particularly like to showcase small, independent producers from the wider local area but we have some great, quality products from larger, well-known companies as well,” Mrs Tofler says. “A good coffee is still a priority for us here in the café and we are pleased to offer locally roasted coffee from Fish River Roasters at nearby Tarana. Winner of numerous awards they have become very well known for their quality product. Many travellers heading East and West make The Farmhouse their regular stop just for the coffee, although few leave without a sweet treat.” “It can be hard to resist the temptation with over 1500 confectionery items to choose from.”

Greentrees Gourmet Preserves located in Orange and Brinkley Preserves from Molong provide us with a wonderful range of jams, jellies and relishes made, whenever possible, from local ingredients - traditional strawberry, blackberry and blueberry jams are delicious, while the more exotic relishes are a real taste treat.

Sharon continues, “Mudgee resident Linda makes a sensational chilli relish. In 3 varieties – sweet, sinfully hot and our favourite - sweet with lime and ginger, we are really proud to offer such a quality, award winning product. The Mudgee Honey Haven is one of the west’s premier tourist destinations – we have their traditional honey in 500g and 1kg jars, and many of their gourmet honeys, as well.”

Mrs Tofler suggests you try mixed nuts and honey mixed with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, Chilli honey in a stir fry or drizzled over carrots for a little extra zing or cinnamon honey on your morning toast.

“Pukara oils and vinegars add a whole new dimension to your cooking experience. We use the Chilli, Pepper, Lemon, Lime and Garlic Oils at home in salads and cooking and we are totally addicted to the caramelised vinegar.

So, too, are many of our customers - one commenting that she would be happy to buy it in 5 litre bottles. Recently we have added a range of hot sauces to our shelves - Blairs After Death, Sudden Death, Mega Death and the extremely hot Ultra Death are not for the faint-hearted.”

Carrying the warning ‘this product contains the hottest known ingredients on the planet earth – 900 times hotter than a jalapeno chile’, you can be sure they will challenge even the most ardent hot sauce fan!

* Visit the Aboriginal art gallery at the visitor centre. * Wander around the many beautiful old sandstone buildings that comprise this early village.

“Our colourful and exciting range of over 1500 lines of confectionery is now complemented by these many gourmet foods. We, also, carry Lemon and Lime Curd, Bosco Dessert Syrup, Pukara Jams, Murrungundy Pistachios and Goober,” added Ms Toffler.

The Farmhouse Café and Lolly Store With hundreds of varieties of confectionery to choose from there is something for everyone at The Lolly Bug. Old fashioned English sweets, Scottish delights, boiled lollies, choc coated temptations, giant lolly pops and Australian favourites such as rosy apples and musk sticks. Our gourmet goodies include local honeys and jams.

Browse our gift section including hand painted wine glasses and coffee mugs, hand made children’s clothing and a wide selection of Vera May handbags or take time out for a coffee and a delicious treat from the selection in the adjoining coffee shop. www.facebook.com/thelollybug www.thelollybug.com.au 2297 Great Western Hwy Little Hartley. Ph: 02 6355 2162

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The Lolly Bug is just west of the Blue Mountains on the Great Western Highway at Little Hartley. It caters for customers stopping by and also those else where in Australia by email, phone or its online retail shop at www.thelollybug. com.au We, also, carry quite an extensive range of gifts including unusual mugs, hand-painted wine glasses, funny signs and novelty items and gourmet goods – mega hot sauces, chilli, honey, jams, oils and vinegars. info@ thelollybug.com.au

Unique shopping - BLUE MOUNTAINS

COLLIER’S

Crystals & Gifts Gifts of Natural Beauty

Extensive collection of crystals and mineral specimens and crystal jewellery, soaps, incense and biodynamic products.

Shop 8, 23 - 25 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath Ph: 02 4787 7403

www.collierscrystals.com.au Em: crystals@collierscrystals.com.au

Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm, Sat 9am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 4pm (above) Male and female Satin Bower birds, photo by Denys Joannes

A Hidden Gem

Blackheath

Colliers Crystals & Gifts, a long established family business is still operating in Blackheath, by the third generation. Specializing in crystals and mineral specimens from around the globe. Quality is of paramount importance in our selection of these crystals and minerals.

We also have an extensive range of quality jewellery set in sterling silver, including jewellery with tektites and meteorites. A limited range of fossils are also stocked. Himalayan salt crystal lamps, soaps and other products are always available. Giftware, books CD’s and an extensive range of soy and other candles, and biodynamic soaps. New to this range is Bellesoap natural hand cleanser and lime, rosewood and May Chang pure essential oils. Belle body care palm oil free soaps and cosmetics are handmade in Melbourne using all natural ingredients and pure essential oils.

family shoe store Offering a range of specialised shoes to help problem feet feel comfortable

At Colliers Crystals & Gifts we pride ourselves on customer service. We were delighted to be awarded the Gold Award for Excellence in Customer Service 2013, by Australian Business Quality Awards. We are located in shop 8, 23-25 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath.

Stocking: - Semler - Ecco - Arche - Florsheim - Merrell - Waldlaufer - Peter Kaiser - Pikolinos - Josef Seibel - Rieker - Arcopedico - Gabriele - NAOT

open seven days (02) 4787 8263 - 4 govetts leap road, blackheath

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What bug is that?

My good friend Denys (he’s French born) with whom I enjoy good conversation and difficult bushwalks is immensely enamoured of the Australian bush. He even lives on a several acre property adjoining the National Park. Most days before or after work he can be found investigating all manner of plant and creature life, generally with camera in hand. He is a photographic enthusiast and has some amazing camera equipment. We get on so well because we share large helpings of curiosity, about everything we encounter.

Recently during his wanderings Denys spotted the beautiful butterfly pictured below. He had not seen this specie before and shared his discovery with me. I was unable to enlighten him so off he went to research. It turns out Graphium macleayanus of family papilionidae and tribe leptocircini is not rare in the Blue Mountains, perhaps just shy.

A Book Feature Local author and bookseller Craig Stanton has written a collection of scary tales based in the Blue Mountains, published by MoshPit Publishing.

The book is titled Mountain Deviltry and weaves fictional stories of ghostly events and horrible happenings in the region, mixing creeping horror with a strong dose of humour.

Born in Katoomba, Stanton has lived here on-andoff during most of his life, including the last 12 years, working to source and sell books. He has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Technology Sydney.

Stanton also works in the comics field, having written for the Swiss-based comic series “Yuggoth Rising”.

View to Mount Banks and the Grose River from Govetts Leap Lookout. Photo

by Denys Joannes

This species is found in forest edge habitats including rainforest clearings and glades, deciduous woodland, parks and gardens. In tropical Queensland it is primarily a mountain butterfly, but in New South Wales and Tasmania it can be found commonly down to sea level. The genus Graphium is widespread in the Old World, with 35 species in the Afrotropical region, 14 in the Oriental region, 6 in the Holarctic ( south & west China ) and 20 in the Australian region.

The fully grown caterpillar is pale green with faint whitish spots. It is humped at the thorax, which carries a pair of short tubercules at the widest point. The body tapers towards the head and tail. As with all Papilioninae, there is an extrusible soft fleshy orange-coloured organ behind the head, which emits foul-smelling odours as a means of defence against predators and parasitoids.

Males commonly imbibe mineralised moisture from bare ground, especially in stony or rocky areas. Females seem to be much scarcer than males, and are usually only encountered when they nectar at the flowers of trees, bushes or herbaceous plants.

Sometimes on hot mornings large numbers of males, and much lower numbers of females, can be found “hill-topping”, i.e. gathering at what is effectively a lek, on a hilltop or mountain ridge. This behaviour is common among the Papilionidae and other butterfly families. It enables low density forest-dwelling species which would otherwise have difficulty in locating mates, to home in on a meeting place.

Let’s leave these little critters to their private lives and do some more exploring of our own.

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Faulconbridge Antiques, commission exclusive designs from world renowned Moorcroft Art Pottery.

This is the first time in nearly fifteen years an Australian Moorcroft retailer has commissioned their own exclusive designs from this art pottery company which is based in Stoke-on-Trent England. The Gang Gang Cockatoo and Blackheath Rhododendron have been immortalised in a range of small limited edition art pottery pieces.

The Gang Gang Cockatoo, one of Australia’s most charismatic birds is painstakingly outlined in three different panelled images in liquid clay, the artwork is hand painted on the pretigious Moorcroft shape under the skilled direction of designer Kerry Goodwin.

Kerry has designed the pair of male and female Gang Gang Cockatoos as they perch proudly on Golden Wattle with heads tucked in tightly together. A demure slate grey body and a scarlet red head and crest on the male bird, with the feathers of the underparts of the female edged in riveting salmon pink and mustard yellow to contrast against her dark grey body, against the blue background.”

Late 19th century Bombe Vitrine

Art-deco alabaster-marble Polar Bears lamp

Faulconbridge Antiques have also ensured that the 50th birthday celebrations of the Gardens of Bacchante Street, Blackheath are set in clay with their Blackheath Rhododendron design. The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens were created in 1970 on 18.5 hectares of Australian bushland and are managed and maintained by the volunteers of the Blue Mountains Rhododendron Society of NSW. “Moorcroft designer Emma Bossons weaves a soft, fairy-floss pink rhododendron from the gardens on the highly collectable Moorcroft ginger jar shape, vase and lamp base with a matching shade, lifting the pale-pink blooms in a graceful ascension into powder-blue.

The stunning art pottery pieces are only available to purchase from Faulconbridge Antiques and are sure to sell out quickly due to the small edition sizes!

Late 19th century Sevres lidded vases

Baccarat crystal enfants twin hurricane lamp

OPEN 7 DAYS 9.30 - 5pm - Phone 4751 7627 448a Great Western Hwy, Faulconbridge www.faulconbridgeantiques.com.au

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BLUE MOUNTAINS - Antiques & Collectibles Antiques and the WOW Factor!

With so many antique and collectables shops across the Mountains, many choose to specialise in particular fields. Add to this the numerous antique fairs and markets regularly occurring in the area and you have a collector’s treasure trove. Below is a sample from the many antique retailers in the mountains.

Susanne Hosking Antiques Blackheath

At Faulconbridge Antiques browse through an eclectic array of high quality antique porcelain, glass, furniture and other interesting pieces. The shop specialises in Royal Worcester, Belleek, Carlton Ware, Crown Devon, Shelley, Clarice Cliff, Royal Albert porcelain, late 19th and early 20th century glass, including Thomas Webb, Lalique, Tiffany and many other makers. Contact: (02) 4751 7627.

One store yet so much variety 22 Govetts Leap Road with a huge range of quality jewellery This antique shop carrying Susanne’e name is proving popular with visitors and locals alike. At 22 Govetts Leap Road, it is open 7 days from 10am-5pm.

Those who enjoy a rummage are finding all sorts of gems from the large range of beautiful China and vintage collectables to the fine range of 1920s to 1950s costume jewellery. There is furniture from Victorian to Retro and a great selection of Oriental collectables.

This is a fun store where you will see a whole world of surprises. Susanne has just received a new range of gold and precious stone jewellery including diamond, ruby, sapphire and pearl.

China, collectables, jewellery, furniture, clothing and more. Ph: 0428 042 965

Located at the entrance of Wentworth Falls village, Rotate Interiors is a must visit for anyone looking for beautiful and classic pieces for the home. With three rooms full of restored antiques, lamps and decorative items, and with unique new items arriving weekly, there’s sure to be something to tempt and inspire you. www.rotateinteriors.com Nestled in the picturesque village of Leura, Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms is home to the world’s largest private collection of teapots.

It is also the largest private emporium of antiques and collectables in the Blue Mountains. Turn back time as you browse antique jewellery, furniture, fine china, dinner services and toys. www.bygonebeautys.com.au Adjacent to the clock arch over Katoomba Street at the top end of the street, you’ll find antique furniture, second-hand wares, memorabilia, gardenalia, French Linen, ironware, china and porcelain – all this and more is on offer at the elegant old two storey post office, which is now Katoomba Vintage Emporium.

Contact: (02) 4782 6996.

At Blackheath, The Victory Theatre Antique Centre presents sixty dealers over two floors with wares ranging from jewellery, books, vintage clothing, paintings, dolls, ornaments, light fittings, fine china and porcelains, through to furnishings and furniture, and boasts the greatest variety of stock in the Blue Mountains. www.victorytheatre.com.au

KATOOMBA VINTAGE EMPORIUM Amazing collection of furniture, collectables, clothing, linen, jewellery, crockery, clocks and many more categories.

Rare and unique items, small and large on two floors set in the imposing heritage listed former Katoomba Post Office.

59-61 Katoomba Street, Katoomba

(ample parking at rear) Open seven days.

Ph: 02 4782 6996 or 0418 794 323 www.katoombavintagemporium.com.au

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Blackheath’s Victory Theatre, a winner for antique lovers

Victory Theatre Antique Centre

Since it was turned from a picture theatre into an antique centre, The Victory Theatre has stood like an Art Deco cathedral of treasures in the centre of Blackheath. Tucked behind the much loved Victory Theatre cafe, the entry to the antique centre becomes a surprise portal to another era, with a gathering of over 60 stalls of all things past.

Over 60 stalls of beautiful and varied pre-loved items

One can almost feel the ghosts of the past walk with them around the store as objects from every era jump out at you, competing for your attention. Beatles memorabilia, records, strange paintings of bullfighters, original European birdcages weaponry from eras where we lost too many men and other pieces of history clutch at your consciousness to respond and feel. Precious items almost too delicate to hold rest in locked cabinets waiting to be held once more and furniture that was born before mass production waits to tell you its story.

Some very exciting new stallholders have recently joined the display at Victory Theatre. One has brought a container load of antiques fresh from England and another is an exciting space upstairs taken by Hat Hill Gallery with a great selection of new and quality used records, Cds, Dvds, books and fine art prints and cards. 19-21 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath. P: 02 4787 6002 www.victorytheatre.com.au

On two huge levels in this fabulous old theatre building you will find so many treasures. There is jewellery, books, collectables, furniture, china, clothing, lights, lamps, toys, decorator items, mirrors, even a convict used ball and chain was recently sold. So if you’re looking for something it’s probably here and if you want to be surprised, this is where to come.

19 - 21 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath Ph: 02 4787 6002 www.victorytheatre.com.au Open 7 days from 10am - 5pm

Silver cigar box (left) and silver bowl (below) available at Sage.

Sage A sumptuous display of splendid quality antiques boasting Moorcroft, Lalique, Daum, Lladro and Royal Worcester, greet you at the entrance of the Victory Theatre Antiques Centre. Five lavishly bedecked cabinets under the name of SAGE showcase quality items that will always maintain their value. A strikingly impressive and richly coloured selection in ceramic and glassware offers vases, dinner ware, display plates & chargers, tea sets, comports, bowls, jugs, tiles and figurines. Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, Shelley, Aynsley, Royal Crown Derby, Minton, Rosenthal, Herend (Hungary) Capodimonte (Italian), Royal Copenhagen (Danish) - all can be seen in the SAGE shop.

Additional to these renowned European and English companies are American Satin Ware, Lladro figurines, two shelves of appealing ‘animalia’ ceramic ware and a beautiful selection of Japanese Satsuma ceramics – a must to see for its delicate hand painted golden detailing. Australian glass artists such as Chris Pantano, are also showcased. Exhibited internationally and throughout Australia, his work embraces the wonders of the Australian environment and rainforests.

A seasoned antique dealer, SAGE is a member of the Silver Society of Australia.

Established 30 years ago, it researches worldwide and Australian collections, silversmiths and collectables. One very special item on display in SAGE’S silver cabinet is an exquisite Georg Jensen (1866-1935 Danish) Tazza Grape Comport, a post 1945 piece of the original designed in 1921 (pictured). SAGE’S silver cabinet shows a wide range of impressive 19th to 20thCenturies pieces from bon bon baskets to coffee pots and cutlery. The Victory Theatre Antiques Centre is open 7days a week from 10-5.

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Discover the Blue Mountains

BLUE MOUNTAINS For many thousands of years, the Blue Mountains area has been home to Aboriginal people. Today, our region’s Aboriginal community is vibrant and welcoming; its culture representing an important connection to the past and a legacy for the future. The Blue Mountains region spans large parts of the traditional lands of the Gundungurra and Darug language/tribal groups.

Unfortunately, post-European contact with Aboriginal people in the region after the crossing of the Blue Mountains in 1813 – together with subsequent expanding settlements – brought a negative impact on the existing Mountains Aboriginal communities whose numbers dwindled.

Two hundred years after Europeans crossed the Blue Mountains there are still many Aboriginal people with traditional connections to this ‘Country’ living in the region.

According to the 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census there were approximately 1,320 people who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander living in the Blue Mountains LGA with more than half of the community under the age of 24.

Today, a number of Aboriginal organisations support the local Aboriginal community, and have a strong dedication to the preservation and continuation of Aboriginal culture in the region.

The Blue Mountains area boasts a significant legacy of Aboriginal historical connections with many Aboriginal sites, one estimated by archaeologists to be over 22,000 years old. Many cultural sites in the Mountains not only illustrate Aboriginal cultural heritage but are also an important legacy for present and future generations of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

One of the current declared Aboriginal Places in the Blue Mountains LGA includes ‘The Gully’ – a place where Gundungurra, Darug and other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people lived as a fringe community from around the 1890s onward over a number of generations. In 2002 ‘The Gully’ was declared an Aboriginal Place under the legislation of the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Aboriginal Ancient History - All dates listed as BP (before present). We thank Waradah Aboriginal Centre for their generosity in sharing with us the article below which was created by their research.

The information below is researched and documented by non-Aboriginal historians.

The “Dreaming” of Aboriginal people in Australia indicates that they have always been here since “the dawn of time”. This is evidenced by their cultural dance, stories, artwork and Dreamtime Lore, for example the Rainbow Serpent and Creation Stories.

• 120,000 Analysis of pollen and charcoal giving a date of 120,000 BP (before present) suggests that people were using fire to clear land in the Lake George basin in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, about 30 kms. north-east of Canberra.

• 68,000 Current estimates for the arrival of Aboriginal people in Australia • 60,000 Age of Lake Mungo 3 human remains (age range between 56,000 and 68,000 years), south-western NSW, 987 km west of Sydney. Footprints discovered at Lake Mungo are believed to be 23,000 years old. Mungo Man, thought to be the oldest human uncovered on the Australian continent. Mungo Man is between forty and sixty-five thousand years old, and Mungo is one of the oldest known continually-inhabited places outside Africa.

• 56,000 Suggested age of two north Australian sites (Nauwalabila and Malakunanja, about 300 kms east of Darwin).

• Archaeological evidence suggests that a rock shelter was used by people at a site in Arnhem Land (400 kms east of Darwin) in the Northern Territory. They used stone tools and red ochre probably to prepare pigments for rock painting or body decoration.

• 45,000 Rock engravings made in South Australia - the earliest dated petroglyphs. (rock engravings). outside Africa.

• 40,000 Clear archaeological evidence that Aboriginal people have been living in south-eastern Australia e.g. Lake Mungo National Park, NSW. • The oldest dated art in Europe is 40,800 years old and was found in the El Castillo cave in Spain. It contains many red hand stencils, similar to stencils found in Australia.

• 35,000 Age of oldest known camping site found in the Pilbara region, Western Australia, near the Jugaling Rock Shelter. The site belongs to a mining lease jointly owned by Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting. Both companies refuse to permanently exclude the site from mining.

• 30,700 Age of fireplaces (such as underground oven) at Lake Mungo National Park, NSW. • Aboriginal people living at the Keilor site (20 kms north-west of Melbourne) in Victoria.

Discover the Blue Mountains

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Aboriginal Dreaming

Autumn at Everglades House & Garden

• 30,000 Oldest evidence of bread making in the world at Cuddy Springs (ancient lake located between Marra Creek and Macquarie River, near Carinda, western NSW).

• A man from the Lake Mungo area (south-west NSW) is buried in a shallow grave. His forearm bones are stained pink from ochre. This is one of the earliest known burials of a distinctly modern people.

• Aboriginal people were living around the now extinct lakes of the Willandra Lakes system. Evidence shows signs of spiritual and creative life and technology linked to much later Aboriginal culture.

• Devils’ Lair in southernmost Western Australia is home to Aboriginal people who leave bone tool artefacts, including unique bone-beads of split pointed macropod shin-bones. The cave is occupied from this time until 6,000 BP. • 28,000 Age of a charcoal drawing found at Narwala Gabarnmung, in the Northern Territory, assumed to be Australia’s oldest known rock art specimen and one of the earliest examples of human art on the planet.

• 26,000 Age of bones found in sediment at the Willandra Lakes Region of far western NSW. • The body of a woman from Lake Mungo provides the earliest evidence in the world of ritual cremation. The body is prepared with ochre before cremation.

• 22,000 Age of a rock-shelter on the Kings Tableland near Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains.

• Aboriginal people living at Malangangarr in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, use ground-edge grooved axes. Australian technology leads the world • In deep caves under the Nullarbor Plains at Koonalda (at the western edge of South Australia, about 50 kms from the ocean), Aboriginal people mine flint and leave grooved designs on the cave walls. This is early evidence of the close relationship of art and work in Aboriginal life.

• 20,000 Aboriginal people were dispersed across the entire continent, occupying places as remote as rock shelters on the Franklin River in south-west Tasmania and at Birrigai in the ranges of the Australian Capital Territory, which surrounds Canberra, the national capital.

• Some 10% of Tasmania is covered by glacial ice. Kutikina Cave, on the Franklin River, is occupied by Tasmanian Aboriginal people at the height of the last ice age.

• Harvesting grass seeds is integral to Aboriginal socio-economic life on the large grasslands. The seeds were ground and baked or roasted and eaten whole.

• 18,000 Art at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory, 300 kms east of Darwin) depicts now extinct animals, the Thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), and Zaglossus (the long-beaked echidna).

• 16,000 Hearths, stone and bone tools found at Shaws Creek near Yarramundi (60 kms north-west from Sydney), NSW. • Sea levels begin to rise as ice caps melt. Inland lakes such as Lake Mungo have dried up.

• 13,000 Land bridges between mainland Australia and Tasmania are flooded.

Tasmanian Aboriginal people become isolated for the next 12,000 - 13,000 years.

• At Kow Swamp near Cohuna, 230kms north of Melbourne, Victoria, Aboriginal people wear kangaroo teeth headbands similar to those worn by men and women in the Central Desert in the 19th century.

• 10,000 Present day Australian climate establishes.

• Aboriginal people at Wyrie Swamp near Millicent, 340 kms south-east of Adelaide, South Australia, use returning boomerangs to hunt waterfowl.

• 8,000 The Torres Strait Islands are formed when the land bridge between Australia and New Guinea is submerged by rising seas.

• Earliest visible evidence of Aboriginal belief connected with the Rainbow Serpent. This becomes the longest continuing belief in the world. Paintings of the Rainbow Serpent first appear in Arnhem Rock art more than 6,000 years ago. The Rainbow Serpent is closely linked to land, water, life, social relationships and fertility.

It is known both as a benevolent protector of its people and as a malevolent punisher of lore breakers. The Rainbow Serpent is understood to be of immense proportions and inhabits deep, permanent waterholes. The Rainbow Serpent came from beneath the ground and created mountains and gorges as it pushed upwards. It created the features of the landscape as it slithered across barren and featureless earth.

• 5,000 Occupation site, Penrith Lakes (about 50 kms west of Sydney) • Coastline of Australia takes its present form.

• Rottnest Island (off Perth, WA), previously connected to mainland Australia, becomes an island.

• Settlement of Pacific Islands.

• 4,000 Research indicates that humans migrated to Australia from India, bringing with them different tool-making techniques such as microliths (small stone tools that formed the tips of weapons), and the Dingo, which most closely resembles Indian dogs.

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Discover the Blue Mountains