Lithgow

Eskbank House Museum Built in 1842, this sandstone Georgian mansion houses an extensive collection of Lithgow pottery, memorabilia and photographs. The front 4 rooms are authentically furnished with Regency and Victorian furniture. In the gardens are a stone stable, coach house and picnic area. Open Wed–Sun or by appt; (02) 6351 3557; Bennett St.

Blast Furnace Park: ruins of Australia's first blast furnace complex (1886) with a pleasant walk around adjacent Lake Pillans Wetland; off Inch St. State Mine Railway Heritage Park: mining and railway equipment and historic mining buildings; State Mine Gully Rd. Small Arms Museum: established in 1912, some argue that this is the birthplace of modern manufacturing in Australia. Displays range from firearms to sewing machines. Open 9.30am–2.30pm Tues and Thurs, 10am–4pm Sat, Sun, public and school holidays; Methven St.

Wollemi National Park This is the largest wilderness area in NSW at 500 000 hectares, and is a breathtaking display of canyons, cliffs and undisturbed forest. In 1994 the discovery of a new tree species – the Wollemi pine – in a rainforest gully was compared to finding a living dinosaur. Highlights include historic ruins at Newnes, the beaches of the Colo Gorge and the glow worms in a disused rail tunnel. The park also includes Glen Davis, home to more species of birds than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere. Mt Wilson, surrounded by the park, is a 19th-century village with large homes and superb gardens, many open to the public. Via the town is the Cathedral of Ferns; begins 16 km E.Blue Mountains SpaRadise: Japanese bathhouse; Bowenfels; 1 km N. Hassans Walls Lookout: spectacular views of the Blue Mountains and Hartley Valley; via Hassans Walls Rd; 5 km S. Lake Lyell: stunning lake in mountain setting, popular for activities such as power-boating, waterskiing, trout fishing and picnics. Also canoe and boat hire available on-site; 9 km W. Zig Zag Railway: built in 1869, and later restored, it offers train trips of 1 hr 40 min return, departing 11am, 1pm and 3pm daily; via Bells Line of Road, Clarence; 10 km E. Lake Wallace: sailing and trout fishing; 11 km NW. Jannei Goat Dairy: produces cheeses, yoghurt and milk and is open to visitors, with free cheese tastings; 11 km NW. Hartley: became obsolete after the construction of the Great Western Railway in 1887. Explore 17 historical buildings administered by the National Parks & Wildlife Service; 14 km SE. Portland: charming town with a power station offering tours and interactive exhibits, a museum with much Australian memorabilia and several pleasant picnic areas; 17 km NW. Mt Piper Power Station: hands-on exhibits in the information centre and daily tours at 11am; 21 km NW. Gardens of Stone National Park: fascinating pagoda rock formations, sandstone escarpments and beehive-shaped domes caused by erosion. This is a great spot for rock climbing and picnics; 30 km N. Mount Tomah Botanic Garden: 5000 species of cool-climate plants at over 1000 m above sea level. Also award-winning restaurant; 35 km E.

Lithgow to Mudgee 9 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 105 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 Hacking 111 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 113 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 202 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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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 27 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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Ice-climbing 30 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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The Great North Walk 93 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 100 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 109 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 110 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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Wine-tasting - Mudgee 111 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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Birdwatching trip by boat 126 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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Birdwatching near Newcastle 165 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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Whale- and dolphin-watching around Huskisson 180 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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Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 70 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 81 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 88 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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Avondale GOLF CLUB 97 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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Concord Golf Club 98 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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Pymble Golf Club 99 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 101 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 107 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 111 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 112 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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Secret Creek Cafe and Restaurant

Anglers will understand the ‘secret creek’ joke and previous diners will attest to the delightful surprise waiting at this down-to-earth jewel tucked away at the Secret Creek Sanctuary wildlife reserve. This... Find out more

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Lochiel House

Lochiel House has perfected the blend of contemporary comfort and rustic appeal. The building itself is a slice of Blue Mountains history: it was the first inn in these parts in the early 19th century, and while time has... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 107 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 109 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 94 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 96 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 106 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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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 107 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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St Peters Brewery 108 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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Redoak Brewery 108 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 109 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 112 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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Lake Lyell camping ground 7 km

Lake Lyell is a large water-storage area serving the dual purpose of supplying 2 nearby power stations and providing fabulous recreational opportunities to visitors. Swimming, fishing, waterskiing, paddling and walking... Find out more

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Lockyers Trackhead camping area (walk-in camping) 11 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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Bungleboori camping area 11 km

Bungleboori is predominantly a stop-off point for those driving through the state forest on the way to the impressive Glow Worm Tunnel or Gardens of Stone National Park. It’s a pleasant spot amid towering pines,... Find out more

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Burra Korain Flat camping area (bush camping) 16 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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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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Perrys Lookdown Campground 23 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) 25 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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Sunny Corner Recreation Reserve 25 km

This is a small camping area in Sunny Corner Village, a historic gold town 36 km east of Bathurst via the Great Western Hwy. The village is a good base from which to explore the surrounding forest by 4WD or trail bike.... Find out more

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Mary’s Park camping area 29 km

To reach this basic camping area, follow the signs on Sunny Corner Rd. It’s about 2.7 km west of Sunny Corner village. There are no facilities here, so bring your own everything, including toilet, drinking water... Find out more

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Coxs River campsite (walk-in camping) 29 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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Blackheath Caravan Park 22 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 31 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 48 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 86 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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Colour City Caravan Park 98 km

This is a council park with good basic facilities in a quiet, off-highway position, about 2 km north of the city centre, adjoining the showgrounds. It is good value at a budget price. Bookings are recommended all year... Find out more

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Lane Cove River Tourist Park 99 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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Ocean Beach Holiday Park 109 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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BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park 111 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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Mittagong Caravan Park 111 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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Bulli Beach Tourist Park 120 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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The Bowen Inn Motel

The Bowen Inn Motel is one of Lithgow’s newest motels, and is situated near the hospital just out of the main town. It offers a variety of comfortable and contemporary spa guest rooms, queen-sized units and a... Find out more

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Rustic Spirit

Comprising four multi-award-winning cottages tucked away in a less crowded, infinitely tranquil part of the northern Blue Mountains, bordering Wollemi National Park, the Rustic Spirit is a truly magnificent escape from... Find out more

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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 9 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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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 21 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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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 22 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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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 25 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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Clonturkle Sanctuary 28 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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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 29 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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Old Leura Dairy 30 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 35 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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Jenolan Cabins 41 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 101 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 10 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 25 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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The Rocks Rest Area 71 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 77 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 82 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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Carcoar Dam Camp Area 90 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 91 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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Hawkesbury River Rest Area 99 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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Gamboola Rest Area 111 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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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 116 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 118 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 120 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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Kingsley Fairborough Park Area 121 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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Mackey VC Rest Area 122 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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Molong Park Area 125 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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Kingsbury VC Rest Area 126 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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Bell River Rest Area 132 km

23 km N of Molong (R) or 42 km S of Wellington (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 54.712 E148 53.429  ... Find out more

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Two Mile Creek Rest Area 135 km

32 km N of Molong (L) or 33 km S of Wellington (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 50.029 E148 54.404... Find out more

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Ramage Park Rest Area 138 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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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 138 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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Singleton Park Area 140 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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Cowra Park Area 141 km

Middle of town Large parking area opposite the information centre. GPS: S33 50.200 E148 40.919 ... Find out more

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Singleton North Rest Area 141 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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Pothana Lane Rest Area 142 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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Chowne VC Rest Area 142 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 142 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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Wellington South Rest Area 146 km

56 km N of Molong (R) or 9 km S of Wellington (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 37.413 E148 56.885... Find out more

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