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
Discover the Blue Mountains
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