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Blue Mountains & Central West ... download this month's edition dreamstime_11348196

 

natural-attractions-icon-webNatural attractions in the Blue Mountains & Central West of NSW


Jenolan Caves
mammoth-caveRegarded as Australia’s most outstanding cave system – with 11 spectacular show caves, pure underground rivers and amazing formations – Jenolan Caves is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world.

  • Guided show cave tours
  • Thrilling adventure tours
  • Cave concerts
  • Fun & fascinating history tours
  • Accommodation
  • Historic Caves House
  • Modern Mountain Lodge
  • Self-contained Cottages

Ph:1300 76 33 11 or 6359 3911
www.jenolancaves.org.au




Visitor Information Centres

Parramatta
- 346A Church St, Parramatta
Open: 9am to 5pm Daily (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday) Ph: (02)8839 3311 Fax: (02) 8839 3301

Penrith - Panthers Carpark, Mulgoa Road
Open: 9am to 4.30pm Daily (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday) Ph: 1300 736 836 Fax (02) 4732 7690 www.penrithvalley.com.au

Hawkesbury
- Hawkesbury Valley Way Clarendon
Open: 9am to 5pm Mon-Fri, 9-4 Sat & Sun (Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day, New Years Day & Good Friday) Ph: 1300 362 874 or 4578 0233 www.hawkesburytourism.com.au

Hornsby
- Hornsby Park phone 9987 1809 website www.hawkesbury.net.au/tourism

Castle Hill
Phone: 1300 884 881 website www.sydneyhills.com.au

Dural- 656A Old Northern Road Dural
website www.sydneyhills.com.au Phone: 02 9651 4411
Fax: 02 9651 4513
TollFree: 1300 844 881

Glenbrook - Great Western Highway
Open: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday 8.30 -4.30 weekends (closed Christmas Day) Ph: 1300 653 408 Fax: 02 4780 5729  www.visitbluemountains.com.au

Katoomba - Echo Point
Open: 9am to 5pm Daily (Closed Christmas Day) Ph: 1300 653 408 Fax: 02 4780 5729  www.visitbluemountains.com.au

Lithgow
- Great Western Highway
Open: 9am to 5pm daily (Closed Christmas Day) Ph: 1300 760 276 www.tourism.lithgow.com

Oberon Corner of Ross Street and Edith Road
Open: 10am to 4pm daily (Closed Christmas Day) Ph: 02 6329 8210 Fax: 02 6329 8213  www.oberonaustralia.com

Bathurst
- 1 Kendall Ave, Bathurst
Open: 9am to 5pm Daily (closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day) Ph: 02 6332 1444 or1800 68 1000  www.visitbathurst.com.au

Orange
- Orange
Open: 9am to 5pm Daily (closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day) Ph: 02 6332 1444 or1800 069 466 www.visitorange.com.au

Mudgee - 84 Market Street, Mudgee
Open: 9am to 5pm Daily Ph: 1800 816 304 www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au

Gulgong
- 66 Herbert Street, Gulgong
Open: 10am to 3pm Thursday to Monday Ph: 6374 2691 information available from RSL next door when Visitor Centre closed www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au
Open: 9am to 4.30pm Daily (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday) Ph: 1300 736 836

Kandos - Bridge Service Station, Ilford Road Open 7 days
www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au

Rylstone- Mid-Western Regional Council
Open: 9am to 5pm Monday - Friday (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday) www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au

 


When Visiting the Blue Mountains

• If you have a camera, make sure you take it with you - you never know what you might see.

• ‘Stay for Awhile’. Take the opportunity to stay for a weekend or more and really experience all that The Blue Mountains have to offer.

• When travelling to the Blue Mountains why not come up The Great Western Highway and continue on to Mt Victoria then return home by the Bells Line of Road, through to Richmond and Windsor via The Causeway or visa versa.

• By travelling on after Mt Victoria and down Victoria Pass you come into the beautiful Hartley Valley. From here you can continue on to Oberon and Jenolan Caves, Lithgow and villages or Bathurst and surrounding areas, also an easy drive from Sydney.



A few things to remember

• The mountains are often covered in an early morning mist don’t let this deter you, it brings great photographic opportunities and most days the mist will lift by mid morning.

• When bushwalking - take a walking partner with you, let someone know where you’re going, take plenty of water and stay on the designated walking tracks.

• This area surrounded by a National Park with much to offer, please make note of fire bans and watch out for wildlife on the sides of, and crossing the roads when traveling at dawn and dusk. It is cheap to fit roo shoos to the front of your vehicle and these will avoid most collisions with our kangaroos by warning them of your approach.

   
What's On

diary-web'What's On' in the Hawkesbury,Blue Mountains & Central West of NSW

 

AUGUST

 

PARKINSON'S ANNUAL UNITY WALK 2010, HOMEBUSH
29 August at Sydney Olympic Park
The walk is a great day out for all the family and all proceeds go towards vital research into Parkinson's disease and to support sufferers, their families and carers. The walk is supported by comedienne and media personality Wendy Harmer and actor Shane Jacobson. The NSW Government  is providing free transport on City trains and buses and Country Link to and from the venue for those taking part. To find out more and to register, phone (02) 8875 8900 or visit
www.unitywalk.com.au

 

MUDGEE WINE & FOOD FAIR, BALMORAL BEACH
8 August
The Reserve, The Esplanade, Balmoral  10am - 5pm
All visitors are encouraged to be mindful of signage and park accordingly, Council rangers will be monitoring the situation. For public transport options and timetables, go to
www.131500.com.au

 

RIVERSIDE THEATRES, PARRAMATTA
24 - 28 August
Lying Cheating Bastard.
The extraordinary story of a con-man's induction into the murky world of gambling, gangsters and grifters. Adults $48, Conc $43, 30 and under $35.
31 August - 4 September
Driving Miss Daisy.
Adults $52, Conc $47.
Cnr Church & Market Sts, Parramatta
Bookings: Riverside Box Office (02) 8839 3399 or 
www.riversideparramatta.com.au


MOUNT TOMAH BOTANIC GARDEN
Until 29 August
Mountain Magic showcase with winter flowering plants including proteas, bulbs and camellias. 10am - 4pm
Phone (02) 4567 3000 or visit
www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au


BUSH RUN FUNDRAISER, MT WILSON TO BILPIN
21 August
An annual 36km bush run used as a training exercise and fund raiser for local Royal Fire Service brigades. Phone (02) 4567 0044 or visit
www.bilpinbushrun.com.au


SPRINGWOOD ART SHOW
27 - 29 August
Over 400 works to admire or purchase from gallery and emerging artists and photographers. A range of jewellery, silks, leather and other crafts is also for sale. Featured artist this year is Stella Pearse, well known for her iconic bird and bush paintings.
Springwood High School Hall, Grose Road


YULEFEST IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Until 31 August
Yulefest in the Mountains is a special time to celebrate winter in a Northern Hemisphere style with a wide array of traditional Yulefest dinners and luncheons. Live entertainment, carols and decorations all add to the Yulefest atmosphere. Enjoy the crisp mountain air by day and the fireside by night.


CHOIR FESTIVAL, BLACKHEATH
27 - 29 August
Up to 20 choirs perform individually. Each concert is approx 2 hours with 3 to 4 choirs performing. The final concert on Sunday afternoon concludes with a combined choir performance under the baton of Walter Sutcliffe. The friendliest choir festival in the world - not a competition, its all about the music.
Blackheath Community Centre, Cnr Gardiner Cres and Great Western Highway


WIZARDS EXPRESS, ZIG ZAG RAILWAY
14 August
Enjoy the magic and the mystery of the Zig Zag Railway's Harry Potter themed Wizards Express with 3 hours of fun and laughter. Walk through the wall on Platform 9 3/4, listen to "The Hat" sort you into your House before boarding the train for the run to Hogsmeade. Don't be a Muggle, dress as your favourite character and practise your spells before you come. Bookings essential. Cost A$37.50 C$27.50
Phone (02) 6355 2955 
www.zigzagrailway.com.au

 

MOTORCROSS ACTION - HIGH COUNTRY SERIES
22 August
Get set to roar at the Happy Valley Motorcross Track, Clarence. Events cater for riders of all ages.
Contact Lower Mountains Motorbike Club, Maree Kirby (02) 6336 2202 
www.lmmcc.com.au


CAR OBSERVATION RUN AND CAR DISPLAY, HARTLEY
8 August
A drive through the Hartley Valley, navigating via a series of cryptic clues. Followed by a display of Vintage, Classic and Muscle cars, and a car boot sale and sausage sizzle.
Old Hartley School, Mid Hartley Rd, Hartley. Phone (02) 6355 0214


YULEFEST DINNERS AT THE COMET INN, HARTLEY VALE
Until 31 August
The Yulefest events in the Lithgow area centre on the Comet Inn. These include a traditional four course dinner.  Phone (02) 6355 2247


MEET THE MAKER - WINE TASTING IN THE HARTLEY VALLEY
1 August
Sample some of the regions's finest wines with a tasting hosted by a local winemaker. Adam's Shed, Great Western Highway, Hartley. Phone (02) 6355 2096


TOUR HARTLEY'S HISTORIC COURTHOUSE
August
For a glimpse of the past when convicts, bushrangers and early settlers abound. Every Saturday at 11am and 2 pm $6.60 each (min 4)
Location: Hartley Historic Village
Contact Robbitti Stanley (02) 6355 2117


JENOLAN CAVES
14 and 15 August
Jenolan Caves will celebrate the discovery of the Imperial Cave. Tours will be lead by the long-deceased "Jeremiah Wilson".  Time 4pm.
21 August
Georg Mertens will perform his "From Cello to Tango" program in the Cathedral Chamber of the Lucas Cave - with arguably the best acoustics of any performance space in the world. Time 4pm.
28 August
The Paganini Duo will perform fiery and passionate Gypsy music from Russia, Romania and Hungary. Experience the excitement, deep underground in the Lucas Cave. Time 4pm.
Phone 1300 763 311 
www.jenolancaves.org.au


TRUFFLE HUNT, OBERON
Each Saturday or by appointment
Visitors to the Oberon area will be able to participate in the truffle hunt at Lowes Mount Truffiere, a small family business north of Oberon. Phone (02) 6329 8210 for details or visit
www.lowesmounttruffles.com.au


WILHELM STRING QUARTET, ALL SAINTS' CATHEDRAL, BATHURST
14 August
Mitchell Conservatorium Visiting Artists Programme. Works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann and Ross Edwards. 7.30pm. Tickets at the door A$25, Conc$20
Enquiries (02) 6331 6622


WINTER SHOWCASE SENIOR ENSEMBLES, BATHURST
22 August
Featuring Bathurst City and RSL Concert Band, Allegri Singers, Bathurst Chamber Orchestra, Fretworx, Bathurst Brass Boys and special guest artists from the Lachlan Campus.  3pm.  Entry by $note donation.
Location: Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Theatre. Enquiries (02) 6331 6622


ORANGE ART SOCIETY FROST FEST ARTSHOW
Until 8 August
Cultural Centre, Sale St  10am - 3pm
Enquiries (02) 6362 5729


ARTIC EXPRESS TRAIN RIDES, ORANGE
1 - 2 August
Lachlan Valley Railway - trips from Orange Station to Polona and Blayney.
Phone Orange Visitor Information Centre 1800 069 466 
www.lvr.com.au

 

SEPTEMBER

 

CARAVAN & CAMPING EXPO
10 - 12 September
See the latest in caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers, boating, 4WD vehicles, camping equipment, accessories, tourist attractions, holiday parks, etc. Free entry and parking.
Panthers Pavilion, Mulgoa Road, Penrith.
Phone (02) 9615 9999 
www.penrith.supershow.com.au


MACQUARIE TOWNS MOTORCYCLE RESTORATION & PRESERVATION CLUB
12 September
Annual Club Showday. Thousands of dollars worth of vintage, veteran and modern motorcycles plus spectacular antique machinery on display. Free entry.  Macquarie Park, Windsor


CLARENDON CLASSIC RALLY
18 - 19 September
Two day event featuring restored tractors and stationary engines, vintage cars, trucks, bikes, antique tools. Implement demonstrations with machinery of days gone by. Entry $5 Adults, $2 Children, $14 Family.
Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon.  Phone (02) 9631 5647


LONDONDERRY RFS MONSTER HOTROD OPEN DAY
19 September
Hotrods, mean machines, drag cars,classic 1930's and 1940's gangster cars and other historic beauties will all be on show. Also a host of market stalls and kids' entertainment as well as fire fighting demonstrations. Entry $2.
Londonderry Oval.  Phone 0414 794 112


ALPACA EXPO
25 - 26 September
Shearing, spinning and felting demonstrations, alpaca garments, farm equipment and machinery for sale. Pen sales of Alpacas. Seminars for new and established breeders (bookings essential, attendance fees apply). Free entry and parking.
Hawkesbury Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Clarendon.
Phone (02)4576 5048   
www.hbmalpaca.com.au


RIVERSIDE THEATRES, PARRAMATTA
3 - 6 September
Opera Australia's OzOpera
La traviata by Guiseppe Verdi
One of the world's most-loved operas, Verdi's La traviata, meaning "the fallen woman", tells the story of the courtesan Violetta, who attempts to escape the shackles of luxury with her young lover, Alfredo. This new production, directed by Rachel McDonald, is playing at Riverside for three performances only - 8pm on Fri 3, Sat 4 and Mon 6 Sept. Adults $59, Conc $54, 30 and under $46.
Cnr Church and Market Sts, Parramatta
Bookings (02)8839 3399 or
www.riversidetheatres.com.au
 

SUNDAY GROOVE IN GLENBROOK PARK
19 September - 17 October
Musical entertainment and much more. Bring family and friends and enjoy an abundance of great food and music.
Phone (02) 4739 3447


CIRQUINOX CARNIVALE - 2010 CIRCUS FESTIVAL
18 September
Cirquinox'10, the Blue Mountains very own circus festival, is back and is going to be bigger than ever before. A day and night festival to be held in the iconic grounds of the Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge. There will be non-stop performances all through the day and night
Phone (02) 4782 9806 
www.cirquinox.org.au


MID MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY QUILT, TEXTILE ART & CRAFT SHOW
17 - 19 September
The 11th biennial show held to raise funds for Lawson Public School. There will be a Wearable Art competition, with grand opening parade at 7pm Friday 17 Sept. Weekend hours 10am - 4pm. Entry $6, seniors $3
Community Centre, New Street, Lawson. Phone (02)4759 1823


BLUE MOUNTAINS CONCERT SOCIETY
25 September
Sydney Chamber Choir, Sydney Symphony Brass, will be performing at St Finbars Church with Graham Abbott conducting. The wonderful combination of vocal and brass sounds makes for an uplifting musical experience with immediate audience approval.
Phone 1800 984 460 
www.bmconcerts.com


THE CARRINGTON HOTEL
4 September. Blue Mountains Country Jamm for Genes.
The cream of country comes to Katoomba. The gala event will feature Australia's young country music stars together with some of her finest artists to raise money for the Childrens' Medical Research Institute.
12pm - 9.30 pm    Phone (02) 4782 1111     Entry $40
11 September. Tribute to Dusty Springfield & the Swinging 60's.
Swing, jive and dive into the 60's at the Carrington. An RSPCA fundraising event with entertainment, canapes, show and auction included. Tickets are strictly limited. Doors open 6.30 pm, show 8pm.  Entry $80


SPRING HAIKU HIKING
18 September
A day of learning how to write haiku, a Japanese form of short nature poem with Diana Levy. Includes a short hike to discuss, edit and share your work.
Phone (02) 4751 3935 
www.dianajumpsintohaiku.blogspot.com


ZIG ZAG RAILWAY
11 September
Experience a magical journey filled with fun, laughter, broom sticks and a truly exciting train ride that leaves from platform 9 3/4. Join the Wizard Express and be entranced and spellbound.
25 - 28 September
A Day out with Thomas. Join Thomas and his friends for a unique steam trip.There is a jumping castle, merry-go-round and face painters as well as a Thomas model railway. Bookings essential.
Phone (02) 6355 2955 
www.zigzagrailway.com.au


MOUNT TOMAH BOTANIC GARDEN
11 September
Aspiring young wizards practice their magic skills , craft their own hats and join in on endless entertainment. Phone (02) 4567 2154
25 September - 10 October
Wild About Waratahs Festival. Celebrate the State floral emblem. The Festival includes a state-wide bloom competition and display, a NPWS guided walk, farm day, floral arranging demonstrations, school activities and many more. Garden entry fees apply.  10am - 4pm
Phone (02) 4567 3000 
www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au


MEET THE MAKER - WINE TASTING IN THE HARTLEY VALLEY
6 September
Located 30 mins from Katoomba, you will meet the local winemaker and taste some of the finest wines the Blue Mountains region has to offer. Adam's Shed, Great Western Highway, Hartley. Phone (02) 6355 2096


UNION THEATRE, LITHGOW
26 September
Sunday at the Union. The Greater Lithgow Arts Council will present a concert - groups taking part will be the Lithgow City Brass Band, the all-female Sheilagh Show and the Lithgow Belly Dancers. Come along for a fun afternoon.  2pm  Adults $5, Children free.
Bridge Street, Lithgow. Phone (02)6351 4779


OBERON & VILLAGES SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL
24 September - 30 November
Includes the annual flower show at St Barnabus Anglican Church, open gardens - many in rural settings, Mayfield Garden, Jenolan Caves special spring program, farmers' markets. Details available from Oberon Visitor Information Centre. Phone (02) 6329 8210 
www.oberonaustralia.com


JENOLAN CAVES
18 September
Cello Concert 4pm. Relax to the sound of the cello drifting through the ancient Cathedral Chamber with cellist Georg Mertens playing romantic cello music. Bring a cushion for comfort. Adults $45, children $25.
25 September
Gypsy Music 4pm. Be enchanted by fiery and dreamy gypsy music performed by the Paganini Duo underground in the Cathedral Cave. Bring something warm to wear. Adults $45, children $25.
Phone 1300 763 311 
www.jenolancaves.org.au


DAFFODILS AT RYDAL
11 - 12, 18 - 19 September
Stroll through rural gardens of Karingal, Pendari, Chapel House and Bark Ridge and experience the magic of spring. Open from 10am to 4pm.
Phone (02) 6359 3237 
www.rydal.com.au


CULLEN BULLEN RACEWAY
25 September
Watch the speedway action - Divisions racing super production, series, production, juniors, street stockers, compact speedcars, microsprints, dwarf cars, quarter midgets and vintage speedcars. Gates open 1.30pm, racing 4 - 10pm. Adults $12, children/pensioners $2, under 5 yrs free.
Phone (02)6359 0518 or 6359 0582


THE CAPERTEE CHALLENGE
25 - 26 September
A mountain bike challenge in the Capertee Valley, 180 kms west of Sydney, in a stunning area comprised of sandstone cliffs and abundant wildlife. This is charity event.
www.capertee-challenge.com


65TH BATHURST ANNUAL EISTEDDFOD
1 - 18 September
The Eisteddfod fosters and promotes the appreciation and enjoyment of all performing arts. It runs for three weeks, incorporating dance, speech and music, giving entrants the opportunity to showcase their talent to the community. It ends with the Grand Concert on Saturday 18 September.
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, William St.  Phone (02) 6331 5806


ALL SAINTS' COLLEGE SPRING FAIR, BATHURST
5 September 10am-3pm
Held in the grounds of the College. The fair will feature a varirty of activities, stalls and entertainment throughout the day.
All Saints' College, Eglington Rd, Bathurst.  Phone (02) 6331 3911


ASTON IN CONCERT IN BATHURST  
18 September

This highly acclaimed classical pop fusion band are touring the central west. Local girl Ella Jamieson is the keyboard player in the group alongside 2 violinists, a cellist and a timpanist/ percussion player. A concert not to be missed.  7.30pm  Adults $25, conc $20
Orchard Room, Mitchell Conservatorium, Russell St.  Phone (02)6331 6622


26th BEN CHIFLEY MEMORIAL LIGHT ON THE HILL DINNER 
18 September
 
The Light on the Hill Dinner is held each year to commemorate former Prime Minister Ben Chifley. Tickets can be purchased from the office of Gerard Martin MP, Member for Bathurst, 140 William St.   
Adult $75, conc $55 (includes 3 course meal)   7pm
Bathurst Panthers. Phone (02)6331 1555


MUDGEE READERS' FESTIVAL
10 - 12 September
Official launch on Friday night. Saturday - all day book fair with second hand books, book signings and sales of author's titles. In conversation with authors incl. Caroline Jones and Wendy James. Lunch with Di Morrissey. Dinner with Tom Keneally. Sunday - public readings and launch of The Book Trail.
Contact Mudgee Visitor Information Centre. (02) 6372 1020