Nature

Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens Mt Tomah
Bells Line of Road, Mt Tomah 2758
Tel: 4567 3000; Restaurant / Kiosk 4567 2574
Email: tomah@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
Hours: 9am – 5pm 7 days a week.
Visitors Centre opens from 9.30am – 5pm daily.
Australia’s cool climate botanic garden. Major features of the gardens include the Explorers Walk, Gondwana plants, conifer and rhododendron gardens and the Wollemi Pine, the Jurassic plant found only in Wollemi National Park.

Bracey Lookout
Hassans Walls Road, Lithgow (6km South of Lithgow PO)
Recently revamped Bracey Lookout gives a 180 degree view of the Lithgow Valley.
The lookout gives panoramic views of Blast Furnace Park area and the rolling hills that surround Lithgow.

Capertee National Park
North of Lithgow, Capertee National park is an outstanding area for animal encounters.
For a unique wilderness holiday, head to Capertee National Park, Located west of the Blue Mountains. Capertee protects a range of wildlife and plants found nowhere else on earth. Independent campers and adventurous families enjoy walking and mountain hiking through this unique region.

Evans Crown Nature Reserve
Evans Crown Nature Reserve, Honeysuckle Falls Road, Tarana 2787
32km west Lithgow PO
Tel: (02) 6336 6200 NPWS Oberon Office
Evans Crown is located 3km south East of the village of Tarana. Access is from Honeysuckle Falls Road off the Lithgow, Tarana, Sodwalls Road. There is an information board at the start of the walking track.
The reserve comprises 425 hectares with spectacular granite formations. The summit at Crown Rock is 1104 metres above sea level. Evans Crown is a nature reserve because of its outstanding geomorphology, but it also conserves a range of native fauna. As a nature reserve the plants and animals are regarded as the most important aspect. This means that recreational uses are only permitted if they don’t compromise the area’s vast natural resources.

Gardens of Stone National Park
North of Lithgow PO.
Be inspired by the dramatic landscape at Gardens of Stone. This World Heritage area features stunning rock pagodas, sandstone cliffs, canyons and breathtaking scenic views. The extraordinary rock shapes, the stunning scenic views over the valleys and the mesa of Pantoneys Crown make this area of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area a must for photographers. There’s plenty to see while enjoying a leisurely walk. Along the way, you can admire rare yellow pagoda daisies bursting from the rocks, blue tongue lizards, and wood geckos basking on the warm stone. You may even be lucky enough to spot a koala in the east of the park,

Glow Worm Tunnel
Glow Worm Tunnel Road Newnes Plateau Wollemi National Park 38km north Lithgow PO
The tunnel was a rail link to the Newnes Oil Shale Mine; the rail lines were dismantled during WWII. Today, the tunnel is home to Glow Worm Flies. The tunnel area offers magnificent views of rock formations, extensive flora and a wide array of native wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies

Hassans Walls Lookout
Hassans Walls Road 3km south Lithgow PO
Hassans Walls Lookout is the highest scenic lookout in the Blue Mountains at approximately 1,100 metres above sea level. Look out to Mount Wilson, Mount York, Mount Tarana and Mount Blaxland and the whole Hartley Valley below. To the south are the Kanimbla and Megalong Valleys and Mount Bindo (1,363 metres).

Jenolan Caves
Jenolan Caves Rd Jenolan Caves
Tel: 1300 76 33 11
Email: reception@jenolancaves.org.au
Web: www.jenolancaves.org.au
Hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Explore the wonders of the underworld, with a guided tour through the limestone caves at Jenolan

Lake Lyell Recreation Area
578 Magpie Hollow Road, South Bowenfels 2790
Tel: 6355 6347 (resident caretaker)
Email: lakelyell@bigpond.com
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 8am – 6pm, Friday 8am – 7pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am – 6pm
A recreational lake with facilities including Kiosk, boat ramp, amenities block with hot showers, toilets and disabled toilet, covered BBQ areas, kayak hire, picnic benches, children’s playground, designated swimming area, powered or non- powered campsites suitable for vans, tents, camper trailers, caravans and motor homes. Camping & entrance fees apply. Open daily.

Lake Wallace
Barton Avenue, Wallerawang 12km north-west of Lithgow PO
A recreational area, visitors to Lake Wallace can fish, sail or swim.  No powerboats are allowed.  BBQ facilities and a playground are available. Open daily

Maiyingu Maaragu – Blackfellows Hands Reserve
Maiyingu Maaragu – Blackfellows Hands Road 24km north of Lithgow PO off the Wolgan Road to Newnes.
Maiyingu Maaragu – Blackfellows Hands Cave was a meeting place for the Aboriginal tribes of the area. The rock overhang features a number of hands and weapons painted onto the cave. The area is a reserve under the control of National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Marrangaroo National Park
North-west of Lithgow via Rydal or Mt Walker
The park follows Cox’s River between Lake Wallace and Lake Lyell, with deep waterholes and shady trees. The peaks in the park reach almost 1200m above sea level where snow gums may be seen. The park is the home of the purple copperwing butterfly that can be seen in the spring.
Camp along the banks of the Cox’s River in one of the many small campsites such as Marrangaroo campground. Enjoy swimming or relaxing while platypus spotting on the river banks. One of the best ways to see the park is on a mountain bike. Walk to the top of Mount Walker and enjoy the 360 degree views of the Lithgow area. Fishing is possible along the banks of the Cox’s River. Flat-water canoeing in Lake Lyell is possible at all times.

Pearson’s Lookout
Castlereagh Highway, Capertee 2846
30km north Lithgow PO
Pearson’s Lookout, just south of the village of Capertee affords one of the best views of the majestic Capertee Valley below. There are 180 degree views of the Valley with Pantoney’s Crown dominating the ground below. View the Gardens of Stone and Wollemi National Park to the south and up towards Kandos and Rylstone in the North. The Capertee Valley is the second largest enclosed canyon in the world and to get a bird’s eye view there is no better or more easily accessible place than Pearson’s Lookout.

Turon National Park
Castlereagh Highway Capertee 2846
30kms north of Lithgow PO
Turon National Park is great for remote bushwalking and camping, trout fishing, birdwatching, swimming, mountain biking or canoeing on the gorgeously crystal clear stream that is Turon River. You’ll also encounter plenty of interesting birds and animals, such as powerful owls hooting away at night and red wallabies sunning themselves on the sandstone tops during the daytime before descending to the valley at dusk.

Wollemi National Park
North of Lithgow
Wollemi National Park is the largest wilderness area in NSW.
Vast areas of Wollemi National Park are covered by wilderness: pristine, rugged landscapes that remain basically unchanged by modern human activity. The park encompasses and protects pagoda rock formations, basalt capped mountains, deep gorges and winding river valleys, canyons, hanging swamps, waterfalls and sandstone escarpments. It was here that the ancient Wollemi pine was discovered in 1994, in a hidden rainforest gorge.

History & Heritage

Blast Furnace Park & Lake Pillans Wetlands
Inch Street, Lithgow
Hours: open daily
In 1906, construction of the Blast Furnace commenced. From 1906 to 1928, it was to become the sole producer of iron in Australia. Today, only the ruins of the site remain.  A walkway extends over the wetlands

Eskbank House & Museum
Cnr Bennet and Inch Streets Lithgow 2790
Tel: 6351 3557
Email: eskbank@lithgow.com
Web: www.eskbank.lithgow.com
Built c.1841, this historic estate is now a vibrant cultural centre that illuminates the region’s past and celebrates the present through collections and programs that highlight the heritage, people and events that shaped the region.
Once owned by important Industrialists Thomas Brown, James Rutherford, William Sandford and the Hoskins brothers, the estate was opened as a public museum in 1966. Today, visitors can relax in the gardens, explore the largest collection of Lithgow Pottery, and discover local history with a tour guide.
Open Wed to Sun 10am – 4pm
Facebook: @eskbankhousemuseum

Eskbank Rail Heritage Centre
PO Box 350 Lithgow
Tel: 6352 2513
Email: inquiries@eskbankrailheritage.com.au
Web: www.eskbankrailheritage.com.au
Contact Michael Wilson 0427 455 580
Find us on Facebook

Friends of Wolgan Valley Wilderness Rail Trail Ltd
PO Box 350 Lithgow
Tel: 6352 2513; 0427 455 580
Email: inquiries@coclimited.com.au
Web: www.coclimited.com.au
Contact: Michael Wilson
Find us on Facebook

Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins Tour
The Poplars Glen Davis 2846
Tel: 6379 7380
Email: rickstalex@gmail.com
Hours: Tours depart every Saturday at 2pm from the front gates at The Poplars except during daylight savings times when the tour is at 5pm to avoid the heat. Enjoy a historical tour of one of the most significant oil shale ruins in the Southern Hemisphere at Glen Davis. NB: Dress for the weather, and please wear covered shoes.

Hartley Historic Site – NPWS
51 Old Great Western Highway
Farmers Inn, Hartley 2790
Tel: 6355 2117
Email: hartley@environment.nsw.gov.au
Hours: 10am-4pm; Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Visitor Services Assistant: Joanne Delesantro, Jessica Van Der Kley
In 1837, a courthouse was constructed on the Great Western Highway and a small village grew up around it. Settlers moved into the village and a number of houses and inns were built.
The courthouse still stands as an Historic Site and is open for self guided and group tours

Lithgow & District Family History Society Inc.
Ewen Smith Memorial Hall
43 Tank St, Lithgow NSW 2790
PO Box 516 Lithgow NSW 2790
Tel: 6353 1089 during hours
Email: secretary.ldfhs@gmail.com
Web: https://ldfhs.org.au/
Hours: 6pm-9pm Tuesday, 11am-4pm Friday, 11am-4pm first Saturday of the month.
Find us on Facebook

Lithgow State Mine Railway Ltd
State Mine Gully Road (workshop)
Suite 20-22, 184 Mort St (office)
Tel: 6352 2513
Email: mail@stateminerailway.com.au
Web: www.stateminerailway.com.au
Contact Tim Elderton 0429 140 654; Michael Wilson 0427 455 580
Working bees held Saturday of the month
Find us on Facebook

Mount Victoria Museum
Mount Victoria & District Historical Society Inc.
Mount Victoria Railway Station
Tel: 4782 7866
Email: jeanwinston@iinet.net.au
Web: www.mountvictoriamuseum.info
Contact Jean Winston
Hours: Museum open 12 noon – 3pm. Saturday, Sunday, public and school holidays. Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday
Find us on Facebook

Newnes Oil Shale Ruins, Wollemi National Park
Wolgan Valley. Turn off the Mudgee Road 50km north of Lithgow PO
Tel: 6350 3230
Hours:  Daily. Newnes Kiosk open weekends & public holidays 10:30am – 5pm
Established in 1906, the Newnes Shale Oil Mine produced low-grade oil. Today the ruins of the site are all that remain. The Newnes Hotel still stands today and operates as an information kiosk on weekends
Find us on Facebook

Small Arms Factory Museum Inc.
69 Methven St, Lithgow 2790
Tel: 6351 4452
Email: admin@lithgowsafmuseum.org.au
Web: www.lithgowsafmuseum.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com.au/lithgowsafmuseum
Hours: Please check our Website for opening Hours
Discover the history of Australia’s first high-precision, mass production plant, its workers, & community. A world-class collection of firearms is on display

State Mine Heritage Park & Railway
3A State Mine Gully Rd, Lithgow 2790
Postal address: PO Box 617 Lithgow 2790
Email: statemin@lisp.com.au
Web: www.statemine.org.au
Hours: 12 noon-4.00pm weekends, or by arrangement
Located on the site of the Lithgow State Coal Mine. Take an engaging emotional journey into the working lives of the Lithgow region’s miners and their families.
Contact: Secretary, The City of Greater Lithgow Mining Museum Inc

Zig Zag Railway
Chifley Road, Clarence 2790
11 km east Lithgow PO
Tel: 6355 2955
Unfortunately the Zig Zag Railway is currently closed to passengers.
WE ARE WORKING HARD TO BRING STEAM TRAINS BACK TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINs
Since the disastrous October 2013 bush fire swept through the railway, volunteers have been busy repairing and replacing track, buildings, rolling stock and machinery in preparation for our reopening.
To keep up to date with our progress and see more photos.
Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ZigZagRailway/

Function Facilities

Club Lithgow
2c Lithgow Street
Tel: 6351 3375
Email: clublithgow@bigpond.com
Hours: 10am – 3pm Monday to Friday
Club hours: 10am until close.
Conference room can accommodate 25 – 30 people; function room accommodates 215 people. For catering ring 6351 3398
Find us on Facebook

Glen Davis Boutique Hotel
Canobla Ave, Glen Davis 2846
Tel: 6379 7372
Email: enquiry@glendavis@skymesh.com.au
Web: www.glendavishotel.com.au
Specialising in wedding receptions
Find us on Facebook.

Lithgow Golf Club & Function Centre
2 Golf Links Rd, Marrangaroo
Tel: 6351 3164
Email: lithgowgolfclub@bigpond.com
Web: www.lithgowgolfclub.com.au
Catering available or Bring your own caterer T&C’s apply. Seating available for up to 200 guests.
Find us on Facebook

Lithgow Workmen’s Club Ltd
3-7 Tank Street Lithgow 2790
Tel: 6350 7777
Email: info@workies.com.au
Web: www.workies.com.au
There are 5 conference rooms catering for groups from15 to 200. Catering available
Find us on Facebook

Portland RSL Sport Recreation Club Ltd
10 Wolgan Street Portland 2847
Tel: 6355 5203
Email: portlandrsl@bigpond.com
Web: www.portlandnsw.com
Fully equipped function room

Self Realization Sevalight Centre for Pure Meditation, Healing and Counselling
6 Cartwright St, Rydal 2790
Mobile: 0415 543473
Email: info@selfrealizationcentres.org.au
Web: www.selfrealizationcentres.org.au
Contact: Ricananda or Jaiananda
Hours: 8.30am to 8pm 7 days a week. Classes held in Lithgow, Rydal & Portland
Pure Meditation, Yoga, Energy Healing, Counselling, Retreat

Attractions

Capertee Valley Helicopters
4675 Castlereagh Highway, Capertee 2846
Tel: 6359 0157
Mobile: 0428 639 825
Email: thelillys@harboursat.com.au
Specialising in joy flights and charters in the central west

Peak Alpacas
Petrolea Hartley Vale
Tel: 6355 2180
Email: peakalpacas@activ8.net.au
Contact Wil King or Jo Delesantro
Hours: Open by appointment

Japanese Bath House
259 Sir Thomas Mitchell Drive, Bowenfels 2790
Tel: 6352 3122
Email: bluemtsparadise@bigpond.com
Web: www.japanesebathhouse.com.au
Opening hours: 2pm-9pm Friday; 12noon-9pm Saturday; Sunday: 11am to 5pm (for day visit guests)
Bookings essential

Arts, Culture, Food & Wine

Adam’s Shed
Great Western Highway, Hartley
Tel: 6355 2096
Email: adamsshed@bigpond.com
Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday; 9am – 1pm Saturday; closed Sunday
Find us on Facebook

Jannei Goat Dairy
11 View Street, Lidsdale 2790
Tel: 6355 1107
Email: info@jannei.com
Web: www.jannei.com
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday- for cheese Tasting and sales
Animal viewing and some spring and summer baby goat patting – September to January
Closed for the month of July
Find us on Facebook

Kew-y-ahn Aboriginal Gallery
51 Old Great Western Highway
Hartley Historic Site, Hartley 2790
Tel: 6355 2117
Email: hartley@environment.nsw.gov.au
Contact NPWS Visitors Centre
Hours Tuesday-Sunday 10am-1pm; 1.30pm-4.00pm

Talisman Gallery
Hartley Historic Village, Great Western Highway, Hartley
Mob: 0407 723 722
Email: ron@talismangallery.com.au
Web: www.talismangallery.com.au
Contact Ron Fitzpatrick
Hours:  Open 10am – 5pm Wednesday-Sunday & on public holidays
Find us on Facebook: Talisman Gallery-Hartley

Accommodation

Motels

  • Black Gold Country Cabins 6355 7305
  • Bowen Inn Motel 6352 5111
  • Bushman’s Motor Inn  6352 1655
  • Commercial Hotel Motel 6351 2312
  • Lithgow Valley Motel  6351 2334
  • Lithgow Workies Club Motel  6350 7777 www.workies.com.au
  • Parkside Lodge Motel  6351 2871
  • Zig Zag Motel  6352 2477

Luxury Suites, Cabins & Health Resorts

  • Blue Mountains Japanese Bathhouse  6352 3122
  • Eagle View Escape 6355 6311
  • Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley 6350 1800
  • Seclusions  6355 6300
  • The Old Postie, Lidsdale 0407 419 180

Self-Contained Cottages and Cabins

  • 52 On Mort  0421 642 699
  • Apartments on Main  0421 642 699
  • Black Gold Country Cabins 6355 7305
  • Blue Hills Farm Retreat 6355 2179
  • Capertee/Glen Davis Accommodation 9958 3254
  • Commercial Hotel Apartment 6351 2312
  • Exchange on Main Serviced Apartments 0417 946 415
  • Glen Davis Works 9958 3254
  • Glenroy Cabins 6355 2186
  • Hartley Historic Cottages 6355 2117
  • Hatters Hideout :6355 2777
  • Jenolan Cabins 6335 6239
  • Jenolan Caves House 1300 763 311
  • Kookawood 0418 105 543
  • Lithgow Apartments 0421 642 699
  • Lithgow Tourist and Van Park  6351 4350
  • Lynton Court Apartments 0408 695 958
  • Mountain View Escape 0412 108 596
  • Newnes Hotel Cabins  6355 1247
  • Parkside Lodge Motel  6351 2871
  • Royal Hotel Wallerawang Cabins 6355 7023
  • SIAS  6355 1619
  • Sunnybloom Cottages  6351 2478
  • Tarana Hotel Cabins  6337 5841
  • The Railway Station at Rydal  6355 6368
  • The Old Postie, Lidsdale 0407 419 180
  • Wombat Hilltop Cottages  6358 8211

Bed & Breakfasts

  • Comet Inn  6355 2247
  • Lansallos B&B  6379 7767
  • Mt. Haven Bed & Breakfast 6359 5269 or 0418 267 054

Hotels & Hotel/Motels

  • Alexander Hotel/Motel Rydal 6355 6208
  • Commercial Hotel  Lithgow 6351 2312
  • Commercial Hotel/Motel Wallerawang 6355 1089
  • Coronation Hotel Portland 0460 971 163
  • Court House Hotel Lithgow 6351 3234
  • Hampton Halfway House  6359 3302
  • Lansdowne Hotel  Lithgow 6351 3045
  • Lithgow Valley Motel 6351 2334
  • Royal Hotel Wallerawang 6355 7023
  • Tattersalls Hotel Lithgow 0448 244 318
  • The Gaudry, Lithgow 6351 3335

Caravan Parks & Camping Grounds

  • Baal Bone Gap Camping Ground NPWS 1300 072 757
  • Black Gold Country Cabins 6355 7305
  • Blue Hills Farm Retreat 6355 2179
  • Coorongooba Camp Ground 6370 9000
  • Deep Pass Camp Ground NPWS 1300 072 757
  • Dunns Swamp Camp Ground 6370 9000
  • The Diggings &  Woolshed Flat Campgrounds 4787 8877
  • Flat Rock Camp Ground 1300 760 276
  • Glen Davis Camp Ground 1300 760 276
  • Glenroy Camp Ground  6355 2186
  • Lake Lyell Recreation Area  6355 6347
  • Lithgow Tourist and Van Park  6351 4350
  • Lockyers Head Track Camp Ground 1300 760 276
  • Marys Park 1300 760 276
  • Newnes Camp Ground 4787 8877
  • Sunny Corner Campground 1300 760 276
  • Sunny Corner Arboretum 1300 760 276

Farmstay

  • Blue Hills Farm Stay Retreat  6355 2179
  • Brook Cottage  0429 482 933

Group Accommodation

  • Glen Davis Boutique Hotel 6379 7372
  • Rydal Mount Retreat Centre 6355 6368
  • Self Realization Sevalight Centre 0415 543 473