Blackheath

National Parks & Wildlife Heritage Centre More than just an information resource, the centre features an interactive display on the geology, wildlife, Aboriginal and European history of the area and offers historical tours and guided walks. It is the starting point for the Fairfax Heritage Walk, a gentle bushwalk with wheelchair access and facilities for the visually impaired. The 4 km return trail goes to Govetts Leap Lookout for views across several waterfalls and the Grose Valley. Govetts Leap Rd.Govett statue: commemorates the bushranger known as Govett, said to have ridden his horse over a cliff rather than be captured by police; centre of town.

Mount Victoria National Trust–classified Mount Victoria is the westernmost township of the Blue Mountains. There are buildings from the 1870s, including the Imperial Hotel, St Peter's Church of England and The Manor House. Also in town are craft shops, a museum at the train station and the Mount Vic Flicks historic cinema (open Thurs–Sun and school holidays). Mount Victoria has wonderful views of the mountains and many picnic spots and walking trails. 6 km NW.Blue Mountains National Park In the area east of Blackheath are various waterfalls and lookout points, including the much photographed Hanging Rock (around 9 km N via Ridgewell Rd). The Blue Mountains have been home to Aboriginal people for at least 22 000 years – the Gundungurra people in the north, the Dharug people in the south and the Wiradjuri people in the west. It is an area rich not only with Dreamtime stories but also with over 700 heritage sites that descendants of the original inhabitants continue to protect today. For other parts of the park see Katoomba and Glenbrook.Bacchante Gardens: rhododendrons and azaleas; 1.5 km N. Mermaid Cave: picturesque rock cave where parts of Mad Max III (1985) were filmed; Megalong Rd; 4 km S. Shipley Gallery: art exhibitions (open weekends); Shipley Rd; 4.6 km S. Pulpit Rock Reserve and Lookout: sweeping views of Mt Banks and Grose Valley; 6 km E. Hargraves Lookout: overlooking Megalong Valley; Panorama Point Rd; 7.4 km SW via Shipley Gallery. Mt Blackheath Lookout: views of Kanimbla Valley; Mount Blackheath Rd; 8.2 km N via Shipley Gallery. Megalong Australian Heritage Centre: horseriding, adventure tours and tourist farm; (02) 4787 8188; 9 km S. Werriberri Trail Rides: various trail rides on horseback; bookings (02) 4787 9171.

Lithgow to Mudgee 31 km

Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out more

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Port Hacking 90 km

In my youth, bream was a species anglers sought to put food on the table. It was a ‘kill it and fillet’ favourite. Both yellowfin and black bream fought well, but the sedentary nature of bait fishing –... Find out more

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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 91 km

The Hawkesbury River is regarded as one of the most consistent waters for big mulloway, or jewfish as they are called. It was with mulloway in mind that I went to the river to fish with Colin Tannahill. The river flows... Find out more

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Botany Bay 93 km

Recently I fished a hot-water outlet alongside the Kurnell refinery pier in Botany Bay, a few hundred metres from a monument dedicated to Captain James Cook’s landing in Australia in April 1770. A year before,... Find out more

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Port Stephens 198 km

 Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out more

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Ice-climbing 9 km

In winter, the frozen cliffs around Blue Lake provide one of the only places in Australia to learn and perfect the art of ice-climbing. Multi-day courses involve a hike in with heavy packs, and camping out in the... Find out more

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 17 km

Take a picnic up to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah at any time of year and you will not be disappointed. At 1000 metres above sea level, it is usually cool in summer, brimming with flowers in spring,... Find out more

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The Great North Walk 78 km

Although it links two of Australia’s most populated cities, Sydney and Newcastle, and passes through some beautiful bushland, the Great North Walk does not get the foot traffic you might expect. A 250-kilometre,... Find out more

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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 85 km

Surprisingly, Sydney does offer some superb bushwalking through secluded bushland. Aboriginal engraving and art sites are quite common, and many are not publicised, simply leaving you to discover them, appreciate them,... Find out more

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Kayaking in Sydney 91 km

Surprisingly, this activity has only taken off in Sydney in the past few years. With a city centred on such great waterways, there is plenty to explore, whether just for an hour or two, or a whole week. Sydney Harbour... Find out more

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Taronga Zoo 92 km

One of the world’s best zoos, Taronga is involved in a wide variety of threatened species recovery operations, wildlife rehabilitation and animal research work. As well as having a great day by Sydney Harbour,... Find out more

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Birdwatching trip by boat 104 km

Being out on a heaving sea all day with a flock of keen birdwatchers could be some people’s worst nightmare, but any nature lover should enjoy the experience – at least once anyway. There is the chance to... Find out more

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Wine-tasting - Mudgee 132 km

Mudgee is probably best known for its vineyards and wine, and there are a growing number of organic wineries, including Botobolar, Lowe Family Wines, Martins Hill and Thistle Hill. Broombee also has organic fruit and... Find out more

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Whale- and dolphin-watching around Huskisson 160 km

Many seaside towns on the South Coast have rightfully decided to champion the passing parade of marine mammals. From May to November there are more two-to-three-hour, whale- and dolphin-watching cruises than you can wave... Find out more

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Birdwatching near Newcastle 160 km

A reclaimed 45-hectare wetland area just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Newcastle has been Ramsar-listed and is an excellent spot to see up to 213 bird species, including more than 2000 pairs of breeding egrets. The... Find out more

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Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 49 km

As a globetrotting professional golfer of the 1970s and ’80s, Graham Marsh won more than 60 titles across five continents. The key to his success was his approach to the game. Every shot was thoughtfully... Find out more

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Castle Hill Country Club 64 km

Back in 1821, Irishman George Acres received a land grant and is understood to have planted Australia’s first citrus trees. He planted them on the land where the fairways of Castle Hill Country Club now weave... Find out more

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Macquarie Links International Golf Club 67 km

Shanghai, Guam, Bali, Sabah, Bangkok, Singapore, Alaska, Hawaii; American course designer Robin Nelson has spent much of the past 30 years travelling from one exotic destination to another, putting his next project in... Find out more

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Concord Golf Club 79 km

From the very first days that golf was played in New South Wales, the name Concord has been part of the landscape. Established in 1899, golf began on the current site – on a layout designed by Dan Soutar, who... Find out more

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Avondale GOLF CLUB 79 km

When 19th-hole conversation turns to discussing the best places to play golf in Sydney, one course often slips under the radar. Avondale Golf Club quite rightly ranks among the harbour city’s finest courses. Yet... Find out more

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Pymble Golf Club 81 km

Pymble Golf Club has a rich history of nurturing some of the finest ball-strikers Australia has seen. The great Kel Nagle was the club’s resident professional for five years, and it was on the Pymble practice... Find out more

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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 85 km

A golf course, by its very nature, is a living and constantly changing thing. A fine example of the way a course can grow and the effect this can have on its original design lies at Terrey Hills, about 40 minutes... Find out more

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Monash Country Club 91 km

The first few years after World War II were boom years for golf course construction in Sydney, particularly north of the harbour. The founding members of Monash Country Club – which is today located high in the... Find out more

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The Australian Golf Club 91 km

With a rich history dating back to the first days of organised golf in Australia, The Australian is the country’s oldest formal golf club. It was established in 1882 but didn’t find a permanent home at... Find out more

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The Lakes Golf Club 92 km

The Lakes is one of Sydney’s iconic golf courses, a regular venue for big championships – including the Australian Open – during its 82-year history. Yet since the late 1960s, when the course was... Find out more

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Ashcrofts

The moment you enter the sleek, timber-floored bistro, Mary Jane, host and co-owner of this mountain gem, instantly makes you feel at home. You may be miles away from the hustle and bustle, but the clever menu easily... Find out more

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Vulcan’s

Vulcan’s is the destination of many a foodie’s pilgrimage to the Blue Mountains. The atmosphere in this old bakery building is warm and bustling, and the original baker’s oven, still going strong, is... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 88 km

These totally vegan restaurants have fascinating dishes including mock fish, made from taro, mushroom steaks and desserts such as green tea moon cake.... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 90 km

This up-market restaurant in Surry Hills claims to have been the first restaurant in New South Wales that chose to become carbon neutral. Owned and run by passionate advocate of sustainability and ethical eating Kylie... Find out more

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Scharer's Little Brewery 67 km

Country publican Geoffrey Scharer was one of the first people in decades to apply for a new brewing licence in New South Wales in the early 1980s. By 1987, he was producing an unfiltered Bavarianstyle lager from a... Find out more

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St Arnou 89 km

This beer-marketing company takes its name from the Belgian patron saint of brewing and was launched in 2001 with a range of draught beers, produced under contract at various breweries (latterly, Australian Independent... Find out more

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Fish Rock Brewery 90 km

Craft beer is a sideline for winemakers Anton and Mark Balog, who operate Mundrakoona Estate outside Mittagong. Despite the decidedly inland location, the fish-themed beers include Leatherjacket Lager and Red Emperor... Find out more

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Mudgee Brewing 133 km

When the last brewery closed down in 1956 the local drop was referred to, unkindly, as Mudgee Mud; since then, the area has boomed as a wineproducing region and Mudgee Brewing came to the party in mid-2007. Started by... Find out more

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Zierholz Premium Brewery 213 km

Alphabetically, the last word in Australian craft beer belongs to the Canberra-based Zierholz Premium Brewery. A champion home brewer and soil-andwater boffin, Christophe Zierholz took the plunge to setting up a... Find out more

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Perrys Lookdown Campground 7 km

Perrys Lookdown Campground has fabulous views of the Grose Valley and Mt Banks. Campers can only stay 1 night and no wood fires are permitted. It’s 9 km from Blackheath via Hat Hill Rd, and there’s a short... Find out more

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Acacia Flat camping area (bush camping) 7 km

This is a simply gorgeous bush camping area in Blue Gum Forest in Grose Valley. The modern conservation movement is reputed to have been born in this forest, and after a night spent sleeping beneath the majestic blue... Find out more

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Burra Korain Flat camping area (bush camping) 10 km

This is a walk-in bush camping site for self-sufficient walkers, reached from the Victoria Falls Lookout. It’s a strenuous 6 km, 5 hr return trip - you may as well take a tent with you and savour the experience.... Find out more

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Lockyers Trackhead camping area (walk-in camping) 12 km

If you’re a walker with a penchant for European history, you can follow part of the original route across the Blue Mountains on the Lawsons Long Alley and Lockyers Loop Road (4 hrs, 11 km return), setting out from... Find out more

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Old Ford Reserve campsite (walk-in camping) 12 km

This is a flat, grassed camping area on Megalong Creek, about 500 m south of the Six Foot Track crossing with Megalong Rd. It’s a little more than 8 km from the trackhead. There are toilets here, as well as good... Find out more

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Coxs River campsite (walk-in camping) 15 km

At 15.5 km from the trackhead, you need to carry in drinking water to this walk-in campsite; gas/fuel stove preferred. This site is in a pleasant clearing above Coxs River. There is a swing bridge giving access to... Find out more

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Walk-in camping 17 km

Self-sufficient backpack walkers can camp in the national park to the south of the Great Western Hwy. Camping is not permitted within 200 m of any public access road, visitor facility or constructed walking track.... Find out more

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Alum Creek campsite (walk-in camping) 19 km

This walk-in site is 22 km from the trackhead. Carry drinking water, and a gas/fuel stove is preferred.... Find out more

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Ingar Campground 22 km

At Ingar Campground, you can swim or paddle in the dam on Ingar Creek, or strike out on a walking or mountain-biking track. From Wentworth Falls, take Tableland Rd and turn onto Queen Elizabeth Dr then Ingar Fire Trail.... Find out more

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Millionth Acre picnic area 23 km

Millionth Acre picnic area came into being in 1970, to celebrate the millionth acre of radiata pine to be planted in Australia. It’s a pleasant camping site at the intersection of Jenolan Caves Rd and Oberon... Find out more

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Blackheath Caravan Park 1 km

In the heart of the Blue Mountains, this park is situated in a pretty parkland setting opposite the Rhododendron Gardens, and within walking distance of the town centre and Govetts Leap lookout. There are good basic... Find out more

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Katoomba Falls Caravan Park 10 km

Located in a quiet off-highway location, this neat well-appointed park is very close to Katoomba’s cable car and scenic railway. It is an ideal park for a few days stay to explore the area. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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BIG4 Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park 66 km

This is a quality park on the Great Western Highway, 5 km east of the centre of Bathurst, and offers a range of accommodation and great facilities including games and entertainment rooms. Bookings are required at peak... Find out more

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Sydney Hills Holiday Park 69 km

This is a quality park in the north-western suburbs and can be easily accessed from the M7 through Sydney’s west. The well-designed park has a very good shop and is in a nice area. It is ideal for a holiday base in... Find out more

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Lane Cove River Tourist Park 81 km

Despite being the closest caravan park to Sydney (just 10 km away), this place has a bush setting. Adjoining the Lane Cove River, the park has lovely treed areas and good facilities. A regular bus service operates to the... Find out more

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Mittagong Caravan Park 91 km

The caravan park is 1 km north of the town centre. There is a well-stocked shop and easy access to the Hume Freeway. This is one of only two parks in this area of the central highlands. The park can get very busy, so... Find out more

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BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park 95 km

This is our pick of Sydney’s caravan parks. It is a large, grassy park on the banks of Narrabeen Lake and just a short stroll from the beach. It is located in a quiet area on the north shore, away from the city... Find out more

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Ocean Beach Holiday Park 96 km

Just 2 km from the centre of Umina and set in a fabulous beachfront position, this quality park is a favourite of ours. There is a wide range of facilities, and children’s activities are held most weekends and... Find out more

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Bulli Beach Tourist Park 98 km

This popular, council-owned holiday park adjoins a patrolled beach with beach pools. In a quiet area, this place will appeal to families or those just spending a few peaceful days out of the holiday season.... Find out more

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Corrimal Beach Tourist Park 101 km

A council-owned beachside park on the north side of Wollongong, this place has good amenities and is a popular holiday destination. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Lavender Cottage and Manor

Two guesthouses – Lavender Cottage and Lavender Manor – are the solution for a luxurious weekend away that doesn’t break the bank. Ideal for special occasions, the two cottages cater for groups of up to... Find out more

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Secrets Hideaway

This is a lovely choice for a secluded, romantic visit to the Blue Mountains. Three self-contained cottages are located in landscaped gardens, perfect for a gentle meander to soak up the area’s tranquillity.... Find out more

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Woolshed Cabins

These two cabins are situated in hectares of private property in the Kanimbla Valley, next door to a heritage-listed shearing shed. If this all sounds a bit ‘rough’, think again. The spacious, open-plan,... Find out more

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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 2 km

Solar-powered, the two- and three-bedroom cottages here are surprisingly large inside. They are partially constructed from recycled and salvaged timbers, have composting toilets and a great view of the Kanimbla Valley... Find out more

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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 2 km

Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out more

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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 3 km

One of the first working examples of large-scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia, Jemby-Rinjah has advanced eco-accreditation, and one of the most extensive systems of composting toilets in the country. Ten... Find out more

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Old Leura Dairy 9 km

This creative collection of six buildings, which can sleep up to 30 people in various combinations, has been renovated and fitted out with all manner of recycled bits and bobs. There are old oven doors, rusted corrugated... Find out more

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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 13 km

Great for families, Bunjaree Cottages have been designed to make a small environmental footprint, with full solar power and earth-brick insulation. One is built with recycled car tyres and mud, providing even better... Find out more

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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 17 km

At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out more

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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 20 km

These unusual self-contained cabins of various sizes feature passive solar design and are mainly constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. Although not high-class, they all have a spa and are in isolated bush... Find out more

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Jenolan Cabins 35 km

These basic but cosy self-contained cabins, 6 kilometres up the steep hill past Jenolan Caves, are earth-sheltered for climate control and have composting toilets and rainwater. There are great views over the mountains,... Find out more

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Clonturkle Sanctuary 46 km

Join the experiment in sustainable living and tourism at Clonturkle Earth Hamlet and Forest Sanctuary. Located at Yetholme, there are four cabins set on 240 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with 15 kilometres of... Find out more

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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 90 km

You can camp out with the 180 species of wild animal in this 32-hectare feral-proofed wildlife park that has a solid history of conservation and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. The overnight camping experience... Find out more

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Lake Wallace Park Area 32 km

T/O 51 km E of Bathurst (L) or 11 km W of Lithgow (R) Large area 2 kilometres north of the highway on the shores of the lake. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S33 24.849 E150 04.255 ... Find out more

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Sunny Corner Camp Area 46 km

T/O 34 km E of Bathurst (L) or 28 km W of Lithgow (R) Secluded campground located 7 kilometres north of the highway. GPS: S33 23.267 E149 53.542  ... Find out more

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Hawkesbury River Rest Area 85 km

49 km N of Sydney (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway on the banks of the river. GPS: S33 32.029 E151 11.845... Find out more

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The Rocks Rest Area 87 km

20 km W of Bathurst (R) or 36 km E of Orange (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S33 25.56 E149 22.48  ... Find out more

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Macquarie Wood Camp Area 94 km

T/O 28 km W of Bathurst (R) or 28 km E of Orange (L) Large open grassed area located 2 kilometres north of the highway among some large trees. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S33 24.34... Find out more

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Blayney Park Area 96 km

West side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 32.263 E149 15.254... Find out more

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Gordon VC Rest Area 100 km

21 km SW of Mittagong (R) or 64 km NE of Goulburn (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S34 32.086 E150 16.885  ... Find out more

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Carcoar Dam Camp Area 102 km

T/O 62 km NE of Cowra (R) or 47 km SW of Bathurst (L) Large camp area located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the shores of the dam. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 36.717 E149 10.864 ... Find out more

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Fullers Lane Rest Area 104 km

60 km NE of Cowra (R) or 49 km SW of Bathurst (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 35.890 E149 09.927 ... Find out more

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Mackey VC Rest Area 105 km

28 km SW of Mittagong (L) or 57 km NE of Goulburn (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 34.763 E150 15.192  ... Find out more

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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 106 km

82 km N of Sydney (L) or 85 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 20.594 E151 22.046  ... Find out more

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Kingsbury VC Rest Area 109 km

27 km SW of Mittagong (L) or 58 km NE of Goulburn (R) Large area just off the highway among some large pine trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 37.166 E150 12.832 ... Find out more

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Service Centre 112 km

93 km N of Sydney (L) or 74 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Highway Service Centre just off the highway. GPS: S33 15.322 E151 24.172... Find out more

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Chowne VC Rest Area 128 km

17 km NE of Goulburn (L) eastbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 44.621 E149 53.244  ... Find out more

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Derrick VC Rest Area 129 km

73 km SW of Mittagong (L) westbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 44.149 E149 49.805 ... Find out more

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Gamboola Rest Area 130 km

17 km NW of Orange (L) or 17 km SE of Molong (R) Small area just off the highway. Reasonable shade. GPS: S33 09.44 E149 00.36... Find out more

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Kingsley Fairborough Park Area 140 km

30 km NW of Orange (R) or 4 km SE of Molong (L) Small grassed area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 07.26 E148 54.31  ... Find out more

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French VC Rest Area 141 km

9 km W of Goulburn (R) or 78 km E of Yass (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 47.207 E149 38.416... Find out more

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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 141 km

36 km NW of Maitland (L) or 11 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 38.553 E151 14.005  ... Find out more

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Pothana Lane Rest Area 144 km

30 km NW of Maitland (L) or 17 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway via the old road. Limited shade. GPS: S32 39.433 E151 17.667  ... Find out more

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Molong Park Area 144 km

South side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 05.966 E148 52.297... Find out more

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Singleton Park Area 145 km

South side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 34.321 E151 10.852... Find out more

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Singleton North Rest Area 146 km

6 km NW of Singleton (R) or 43 km SE of Muswellbrook (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 31.437 E151 07.945 ... Find out more

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Ramage Park Rest Area 148 km

5 km NE of Cowra (R) or 104 km SW of Bathurst (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S33 49.787 E148 42.614   ... Find out more

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