Glenbrook

Lapstone Zig Zag Walking Track The track follows the 3 km path of the original Lapstone Zig Zag Railway. The track includes convict-built Lennox Bridge (the oldest surviving bridge on the mainland), the abandoned Lucasville Station and numerous lookouts with views of Penrith and the Cumberland Plain. Nearby there is a monument to John Whitton, a pioneer in railway development. Starts in Knapsack St.

Glenbrook Lagoon: filled with ducks, and a perfect picnic spot with walking trails.

Faulconbridge This scenic town features the Corridor of Oaks, a line of trees, each one planted by an Australian prime minister. There is also the grave of Sir Henry Parkes, 'the father of Federation', and the stone cottage where Norman Lindsay lived, now a gallery and museum dedicated to his life and work. Lindsay was the author of Australian classics such as The Magic Pudding and was the subject of the film Sirens (1994). 16 km NW.

Wascoe Siding Miniature Railway: 300 m of steam and motor railway plus picnic and barbecue facilities. Trains operate 1st Sun each month; off Great Western Hwy; 2.5 km W. Blue Mountains National Park: Red Hands Cave is accessed by a 6 km return walk. The cave features hand stencils (mostly red, although some are white or orange) that were created between 500 and 1600 years ago. The artists created the stencils by placing their hands against the cave wall and blowing a mixture of ochre and water from their mouths. Euroka Clearing, 4 km S, is a popular camping spot home to many kangaroos. For other parts of the park see Katoomba and Blackheath. Springwood: galleries and craft and antique shops. Also home to the Ivy Markets; 2nd Sat each month (except Jan); civic centre, Macquarie Rd; 12 km NW. Linden: impressive Kings Cave with Caleys Repulse Cairn nearby commemorating early surveyor George Caley; 20 km W.

Port Hacking 58 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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Botany Bay 60 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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Lithgow to Mudgee 62 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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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 63 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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Port Stephens 181 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 28 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 30 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 51 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 56 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 59 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 59 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 78 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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Whale- and dolphin-watching around Huskisson 142 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 143 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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Sailing around Jervis Bay 152 km

Imagine. No engines. Just the flapping of a sail and the splash of the waves. The South Coast’s tranquil lakes and inlets are ideal for sailing. Jervis Bay Sailing Charters is one of several operators who will take... Find out more

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Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 16 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 33 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 35 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 46 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 48 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 50 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 55 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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The Australian Golf Club 58 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 59 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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Monash Country Club 61 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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Mash Cafe Restaurant

Glenbrook, known as ‘the gateway to the Blue Mountains’ and host of the Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centre, is now also the gateway to ethical dining in the mountains. Mash offers a breakfast, lunch... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 55 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 57 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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Tooheys Brewery 41 km

Tooheys remains the last of Sydney’s long-running mainstream breweries still currently operating. Founders James and John Toohey were cattle farmers before they entered the beer game, buying the Darling Brewery (it... Find out more

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Paddy's Brewery 44 km

There may be more unlikely venues for a craft brewery but, offhand, I can’t think of one. The Markets Hotel is a 24-hour pub opposite Sydney’s Flemington fresh produce market, where you’re more likely... Find out more

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Malt Shovel Brewery 54 km

US-born Dr Charles ‘Chuck’ Hahn has enjoyed two separate craft-beer careers over two decades, operating out of the same Camperdown brewery. In the late ’80s he opened it as the independent Hahn Brewery,... Find out more

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St Peters Brewery 55 km

Matt Donelan is someone who marches to a different drum from most other craftbrewers. He doesn’t have a website or own a mobile phone and doesn’t believe in cardboard packaging. He matches his keg prices... Find out more

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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 56 km

Sydney’s longest-running brew-pub is many things rolled into one fine watering hole – an institution for ale lovers, a tourist magnet and a haven for homesick Poms. The historic sandstone pub is as comfy as a... Find out more

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Redoak Brewery 56 km

Redoak burst onto the craft-beer scene by winning a swag of medals at the 2004 Australian International Beer Awards before they had sold even a single drop. And they have continued to collect an impressive array of... Find out more

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Schwartz Brewery 57 km

Tucked away in the basement of the heritage-listed Macquarie Hotel in Surry Hills, this 8-hectolitre microbrewery is the hub of a burgeoning craft-beer empire run by owner Dr Jerry Schwartz. Apart from supplying the pub,... Find out more

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4 Pines Brewing Company 62 km

What do Margaret River and Manly have in common? Well, they both have popular surfing spots and craft breweries or, at least, they do now. The Mitchell family had seen the burgeoning Margaret River microbrewing scene... Find out more

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Euroka Campground 4 km

This camping region, near the lovely Nepean River Gorge, can be reached via Bruce Rd in Glenbrook. It comprises 5 camping areas: Appletree Flat, Redgum, Nioka, Bennets Ridge and Daruk. Note that the access gate is locked... Find out more

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Murphys Glen Campground 11 km

Murphys Glen Campground is tucked away among turpentine, angophora and eucalypt, 6 km south of Woodford via Bedford Rd off Railway Pde. Note that this is 2WD access in dry weather only; 4WD recommended. It’s a... Find out more

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Ingar Campground 14 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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Bents Basin camping area 19 km

You can get to the camping area by following Wolstenholm Ave off Greendale Rd from Wallacia. There are short walks from here to a lookout and the basin. It’s well equipped and includes an amenities block with hot... Find out more

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Burralow Creek camping ground 22 km

You can reach this spacious, family-friendly camping ground via a fire trail off Burralow Rd from Kurrajong Heights, or via the Patterson Range Fire Trail from Bilpin. Both these roads are 4WD only. The Bulcamatta Falls... Find out more

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Walk-in camping 27 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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Acacia Flat camping area (bush camping) 29 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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Perrys Lookdown Campground 31 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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Wheeny Creek camping area 35 km

Thirty camping sites are available here, in the southern section of the park. It’s a spacious, picturesque medley of grassy terraces by the creek, which is a tributary of the Colo River. It’s on Comleroy Rd... Find out more

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Cattai camping ground 35 km

You’ll need to book 2 weeks in advance to bag a spot at this camping ground on the Hawkesbury River, off Cattai–Wisemans Ferry Rd, 13 km north of Windsor. Part of the park was a First Fleet land grant to... Find out more

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Katoomba Falls Caravan Park 29 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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Blackheath Caravan Park 33 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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Sydney Hills Holiday Park 39 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 49 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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BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park 64 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 70 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 70 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 74 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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Mittagong Caravan Park 78 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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Windang Beach Tourist Park 89 km

This is a council-owned, popular beachside holiday park located on the south side of Wollongong, next to Lake Illawarra. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at these times.... Find out more

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Lorikeet Cottage

Lorikeet Cottage is tucked away in a secluded leafy Glenbrook street. There are two bedrooms, one with a queen-sized bed and one with bunk beds, making this self-catering place just the thing for families. The place has... Find out more

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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 21 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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Old Leura Dairy 27 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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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 30 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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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 31 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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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 34 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 35 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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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 46 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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Jenolan Cabins 58 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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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 68 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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Clonturkle Sanctuary 80 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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Hawkesbury River Rest Area 60 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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Lake Wallace Park Area 63 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 79 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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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 84 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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Gordon VC Rest Area 91 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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Service Centre 92 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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Mackey VC Rest Area 97 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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Kingsbury VC Rest Area 102 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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The Rocks Rest Area 120 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 127 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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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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Blayney Park Area 128 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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Derrick VC Rest Area 130 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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Carcoar Dam Camp Area 134 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 135 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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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 137 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 138 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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Singleton Park Area 142 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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French VC Rest Area 145 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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Singleton North Rest Area 145 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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Bewang Park Area 147 km

38 km N of Ulladulla (L) or 30 km S of Nowra (R) Small area adjacent to the highway, opposite the roadhouse. GPS: S35 05.123 E150 31.993 ... Find out more

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