Major Attractions

(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

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

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

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.

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. ‘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 wil derness, 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

(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