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Evans Crown Nature Reserve — Image credit: Lithgow Tourism

National Parks and Reserves

Evans Crown Nature Reserve

Evans Crown is located three kilometres southeast 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. To the Waradjuri Aboriginal people, it was a special place of initiations and coroboree, and it continues to hold high significance. Evans Crown conserves a range of native fauna. As a nature reserve the plants and animals are regarded as highly important. Recreational uses are only permitted if they don't compromise the area's vast natural resources.

Tarana NSW

14 km away

the stunning bright colours in the garden at Highfields in late summer a magical time in the garden

Parks and Gardens

Highfield Gardens

This large, beautiful garden has gardens within the garden, The Dry Garden, Prairie Garden, Birch Grove, Rock garden/Water garden, The long border (AKA Barry Manilow border) and the single coloured flower borders, Peonies, roses and Iris are a big feature in Spring. The gardens also have many trees for a beautiful Autumn colour. The spectacular views looking back at the blue mountains are a real treat. Sit with a cup of coffee or tea and take in the views. There are also plants for sale that are grown from the gardens, so you can take home a piece of Highfield's. Picnics welcome. The gardens are suitable for all ages. Small children must be monitored at all times due to water features, but are most welcome. There is a treasure hunt for kids that is very popular! Highfield Gardens has captured the attention of the horticultural world, being included in the recent book by Claire Takacs, 'Australian Dreamscapes' and featuring on the front cover. The gardens have also been on Better Homes and Gardens TV and Gardening Australia. the garden has been featured in Gardening Australia, Country Style, Australian Country and in many other publications.

Little Hartley NSW

15 km away

Gold Rush Antiques

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Gold Rush Antiques

A great daytrip from Blackheath or Lithgow, Gold Rush Antiques is rich with rustic village charm, and offers a unique shopping experience. Built in the 1940s, this unique building is a beautifully restored mechanics garage that offers an authentic taste of a bygone era. Conveniently located in the centre of Hartley Historic Site, you'll be well-placed to enjoy the surrounding attractions. Across the road you can visit Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to discover the town's past with a self-guided tour. Or purchase locally made art from the Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Gallery.

Hartley NSW

16 km away

Former St Bernards Church

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Former St Bernards Church

The beautiful pale sandstone Former St Bernards Church was built by local stonemason Alexander Binning, probably from a Gothic prototype. Before it was built, services had to be held in Hartley Courthouse, with the first priest arriving from Ireland in 1838. The stonework was completed in 1846, but the windows and altar came later. St Bernards remained the parish church until the mid-1880s when services transferred to Lithgow, but it hosted the occasional service until 1963. Careful renovations have kept the building in a beautiful condition. It's a well-preserved and pretty church that's well worth a look around. You can also take great photographs in the grounds for any occasion, even just a day trip.

Hartley NSW

16 km away

Hartley Courthouse

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Hartley Courthouse

Hartley Courthouse was designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis in the Greek Revival style. This imposing building was constructed of locally quarried sandstone in 1837 and remains largely intact. You'll feel immersed in its past with re-enactments of the court process through audio tracks and holograms. You can even step into a prison cell that kept many notorious bushrangers and cattle thieves. Inside the cells, with their bars and bolts still in position, you can imagine the thoughts of men used to roaming the country locked up tight in this remote prison. In 1887 the Hartley Court of Petty Sessions was officially closed. It was reserved for public recreation in 1914 and became a popular rest stop for people travelling to Jenolan Caves. Today the building stands as a reminder of the past and the development of the colony.

Hartley NSW

16 km away

Hartley Historic Site

National Parks and Reserves

Hartley Historic Site

Hartley Historic Site is surrounded by serene pastures and is great for a pit-stop or longer stay near the Blue Mountains. You can bring your dogs along as they're permitted in Hartley Historic Village but need to be on a lead at all times. Start at Hartley Historic Site Visitor Centre to see photographs and displays of the village in its heyday. You can also grab a brochure to help you explore the significant historic buildings on site. Enjoy a coffee or tea in the heritage-listed building that's now The Postmistress Cafe and Store. Then visit Gold Rush Antiques in the old Corneys Garage, an antique shop built of timber and iron in 1945. Stretch your legs with a 30min return walk to a granite rock outcrop named Kew-Y-Ahn which holds great significance to the local Aboriginal community. With dreamy views over the valley and rolling hills it's a great spot for a picnic. For a longer stroll, take the Rowsons River Walk 1km loop. This elevated boardwalk follows the pretty River Lett to the remains of Rowsons Huts. Dip your toes in the river's cool waters before looping back to...

Hartley NSW

16 km away

Kame-jima Turtle Island — Image credit: Alan Jackson

Parks and Gardens

Gory'u Japanese Garden

Experience a little piece of Japan in the picturesque Hartley Valley at the foothills of the Blue Mts. Gory'u garden is a Kaiyushiki teien stroll garden. This dry Karesansui landscape offers all the elements of a Japanese garden including : stunning views up to the escarpment and across lake Shoji surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens, a Shinto garden complete with Torii gate, numerous bridges, stone lanterns, shrines and pagodas, full moon bridge and dragon stream. The garden offers wonderful Japanese maples, flowering cherries, structured black pines and dwarf spruce representing the cedars of Japan. Group tours can be catered for by appointment.

Little Hartley NSW

16 km away

Maple Spring Nursery and Gory’u Japanese Gardens — Image credit: Maple Spring Nursery

Parks and Gardens

Maple Spring Nursery and Gory’u Japanese Gardens

At Maple Springs Nursery, they have over 250 varieties of Japanese Maples Conifers and Shrubs. Specialising in cold climate trees, with thousands to choose from. They also have a Japanese Garden in the making showcasing maple varieties and the various gardens on show in Japan including ponds, waterfalls, rockeries, stones, gravels and handmade bridges and islands. The site was obvious and evident that the possibility of creating a Japanese garden that had all the elements necessary. In existence was the water and borrowed scenery, and with the added vegetation, ornaments, stones, gravels, sands, ponds, streams, waterfalls, islands, bridges, hills, buildings, oaths, the dream and reality had begun. Gory'u is the Japanese name for confluence in English, which means where the waters meet or where two rivers converge; in this case, a lake of water meets a dry landscape lake converging to form one.

Little Hartley NSW

16 km away

Lola — Image credit: The Lolly Bug

Shopping and Markets

The Lolly Bug

Sweeten your journey through the Blue Mountains with a visit to The Lolly Bug in Little Hartley – a family-favourite destination offering an unforgettable lolly shopping experience and plenty of colourful charm. Nestled just off the Great Western Highway, this vibrant, locally loved attraction offers over 2,000 types of products from Australia and around the world. It's the perfect stop for road-trippers, sweet-toothed explorers, and curious kids alike. Step into a kaleidoscope of confectionery, with an incredible range of lollies including sour treats, imported favourites, nostalgic classics, licorice, rock candy, chocolate, and quirky international novelties. We also carry a great range of gourmet foods and fun gifts. Outside, let the kids explore the safe and colourful playground, featuring the iconic Lolly Bug mural—a whimsical, candy-coloured VW Beetle perfect for fun photos. The area is spacious and ideal for families to stretch their legs. Savour a freshly brewed takeaway coffee and a slice of our decadent caramel slice or homemade fudge as you relax in the crisp country air.

Little Hartley NSW

17 km away

Lake Lyell Recreation Park

Natural Attractions

Lake Lyell Recreation Park

Lake Lyell is a beautiful destination within two two-hour drive from Sydney. It provides visitors with access to the lake via a concrete boat ramp for water skiing, fishing, kayaking and general boating. The park has both powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, free barbecues, and a children's playground. It is a magnificent bush setting and is only 10 minutes from Lithgow. The park also has a number of picnic tables, catering for overnight visitors and day visitors. Lake Lyell provides cooling water to Mount Piper Power Station. Water is pumped from Lake Lyell Dam on the Cox's River, about 20 kilometres from the power station to the Thompson's Creek Dam, close to Mount Piper, which provides an additional 27,000 megalitres of cooling water.

South Bowenfels NSW

17 km away

Visitor and NPWS officer look at artworks at Kew Y Ahn Aboriginal Gallery at Hartley — Image credit: DCCEEW

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Gallery

Kew-Y-Ahn is a gallery exhibiting the work of Aboriginal artists of Central West NSW, located at Hartley Historic Site east of Lithgow. Work by Aboriginal painters, weavers, designers, jewellers and photographers from across the NSW Central West. Lots of well-priced gifts through to major artworks. The project is a partnership between Arts OutWest and NSW National Parks.

Hartley NSW

17 km away

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve is closed for road repairs and upgrades until late 2026. Explore the caves at Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, near Oberon. It's a great daytrip from Sydney, or enjoy a weekend away staying in heritage accommodation. Regarded as Australia's most outstanding cave system, Jenolan Caves is the oldest cave system in the world, and forms part of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property. The main attraction is the vast network of caves with their amazing limestone formations and pure underground rivers. Book a guided tour to explore the caves. There are also some caves that you can walk through on your own. Make the most of your visit and stay at the heritage-listed Caves House hotel. You can also book a leisurely lunch or a delicious dinner at Chisholm's restaurant, or a decadent high tea. Any of these treats can be combined with a guided tour of one of our spectacular caves if you book in advance. For a more casual visit, enjoy the spacious cafe, which offers light lunch, drinks and snacks. The reserve offers wonderful opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting. You might catch a glimpse of...

Jenolan NSW

17 km away

Sir Joseph Cook Boardwalk - Hassans Walls

Natural Attractions

Hassans Walls Lookout

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).

Lithgow NSW

18 km away

Hassans Walls Reserve — Image credit: Vicki Curry

Natural Attractions

Hassans Walls Reserve

The reserve covers an area of over 780 hectares and reaches an elevation of 1136 metres above sea level. This is where you will find the highest official Scenic Lookout in the Seven Valleys looking over the Blue Mountains - with expansive views from Mt. Tomah to Mt. Lambie. The Wiradjuri name for the area is Gnallwarra. Walk or drive to Bracey Lookout and keep your eyes open for over 60 varieties of native orchids and other beautiful wildflowers. You may see the rare purple copper butterfly, lyrebirds, and maybe even a koala. Spectacular cliff lines, pagoda rock formations and cool fern filled gullies make up the reserve - a great place to picnic, walk or bike ride.

Hassans Walls NSW

18 km away

Young woman finding a truffle

Agritourism

RedGround Truffle Hunts

RedGround Truffles, located in the cool-climate region of Oberon, New South Wales, offers immersive truffle hunting and gourmet tasting experiences just 2.5 hours from Sydney. As Australia's only truffière producing four culinary varieties of truffles year-round, RedGround provides a rare opportunity to discover the fascinating world of truffle cultivation. During the cooler months, guests can enjoy the signature Truffle Hunt, Touch and Taste Experience, featuring the prized black truffle. The experience includes an introduction to truffle farming, guided truffle hunts with trained truffle dogs, and insights into harvesting and grading techniques. Guests then relax in the Truffle Hunting Lodge to enjoy savoury truffle tastings paired with sparkling wine, followed by a sweet truffle finale. In the warmer months, the Twilight Truffle Hunt and Gourmet Pizza Experience combines a twilight truffle hunt with truffle cocktails, canapés and wood-fired truffle pizzas enjoyed at sunset. For visitors seeking a shorter gourmet experience, RedGround also offers truffle tasting experiences without the hunt, featuring curated savoury and sweet tastings while learning about fresh Australian truffles and their culinary uses. Set in a picturesque rural landscape, RedGround delivers an authentic paddock-to-plate gourmet experience for food lovers and luxury travellers alike.

Oberon NSW

18 km away

Mount Blackheath Lookout

Natural Attractions

Mount Blackheath Lookout

Travel along Shipley Plateau through a mix of bush (spot the waratahs in Spring), small farms and orchards - at the end you will reach Mount Blackheath Lookout with views to the north and west to the Great Dividing Range over the Kanimbla Valley. At 1,076 metres, it is the perfect place to relax and watch the sun go down after a strenuous bike ride, or when the weather is right, you might be fortunate to see colourful hang gliders and parasails riding the thermals after launching from this popular site. There are dirt sections along Shipley Plateau.

Blackheath NSW

18 km away

VIEW

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Elevate Me Pilates - Reformer Pilates Studio

Elevate Me Pilates is a boutique reformer Pilates studio located just three kilometres from the Lithgow town centre, set in a tranquil country setting with a large window overlooking Mount Walker in Bowenfels. The only reformer Pilates studio in the Lithgow region, it offers a unique and elevated approach to movement and wellbeing. The studio features a thoughtfully designed, high-end fit-out with a refined, calming aesthetic. Soft neutral tones, natural textures and light-filled interiors create a warm and welcoming space that feels both luxurious and grounding. Every detail has been carefully considered to enhance comfort and provide a beautiful environment to move in. With a small, eight-bed setup, the studio allows for personalised guidance and a more intimate class experience. Positioned in a very private setting, the studio offers an undisturbed view of Mount Walker directly from the reformer beds, creating a peaceful and immersive atmosphere. Sessions are designed to suit all levels, beginners to more experienced clients, with layered options to support progression. Surrounded by open landscape and local wildlife, the space offers a calm and refreshing environment. Open seven days a week, Elevate Me Pilates welcomes both locals and visitors seeking a mindful, low-impact workout in a quiet and visually inspiring setting. Casual passes are available to purchase online, easy for visitors to join a class while in the region.

Bowenfels NSW

18 km away

Oberon Military Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Oberon Military Museum

The Oberon Military Museum houses an array of weapons from World War 1 to the present. Also on display are medals and various items used by our Australian Armed Forces. Various other items used by the Australian Armed Forces are also on display. Outside the museum stands The Light Horse, created by a local talented artist and sculptor, Harrie Fasher.

Oberon NSW

18 km away

Guests with their finished Embellished Birdcage. — Image credit: Nicky Holbrook

Shopping and Markets

Garden of Wire Craft Workshops

This creative studio experience offers visitors the chance to slow down, get hands-on and create something meaningful to take home. Set in a relaxed, welcoming environment, the attraction features a rotating program of small-group workshops inspired by nature, texture and found materials. Visitors are guided step-by-step through the creative process, with no prior experience needed. Workshops range from sculptural wire forms and botanical pieces to seasonal and themed creations, making it an ideal experience for individuals, couples and small groups looking for something different to do while visiting the region. With a focus on mindful making, quality materials and personal guidance, this attraction provides a unique opportunity to connect with creativity in a calm, unrushed setting. Bookings are essential and places are limited to maintain an intimate, personalised experience.

Oberon NSW

19 km away

The Malachi, Oberon NSW — Image credit: Malachi Gilmore Hall

Entertainment Venues

Malachi Gilmore Hall

After a 40-year intermission, the historic Malachi Gilmore Hall has reopened its doors once more to present a wide range of artistic and cultural events in the rural town of Oberon, New South Wales. Close to the world-famous Jenolan Caves and Kanangra-Boyd National Park, the Art Deco gem known affectionately as 'The Malachi' was built in 1937 and sits centre-stage in the Central West town. With its eye-catching, geometric façade and curved glass brick wall, The Malachi is considered a unique example of the interwar modernist period. As co-owner Lucy East explains, the venue served as a cinema, dance hall and roller-skating rink, with a supper room downstairs. Now you can expect to find brilliant live music performances from country to classical, film screenings, art and heritage exhibitions, dances and theatre shows. A visit to The Malachi is a celebration of creativity, a vibrant community and brilliantly quirky architecture.

Oberon NSW

19 km away

Fossicking in Oberon

Natural Attractions

Fossicking in Oberon

Fossicking is a popular and rewarding activity in the Oberon District. There are some perfect designated fossicking spots in the area, which include Porters Retreat Little River Fossicking Reserve, Sapphire Bend, and Campbell’s River Bridge Reserve. You maybe lucky to find sapphires, zircons, industrial diamonds, and gold. Gemstone hunting, when the sun is shining, is a great benefit when looking for something that gleams in the pan! It also helps keep the cold away. The simple pleasure of paddling in the water, focusing on what is swirling about in the bottom of a black dish, is remarkably absorbing and relaxing. There are also a number of dry areas where gems can be found, with a little effort. A sturdy shovel, sieve and a drum of water to wash the clay off the sparklers is all you need. There are a number of designated areas around Oberon, including Sapphire Bend in the Vulcan State Forest. Pick up all the information you need to enjoy your fossicking adventure. If you would like to receive a demonstration on how to use the fossicking kit before heading out on your own, simply call in and see staff at the Visitor Information Centre. They can also provide maps to designated fossicking spots and go through some of the do's and don'ts to ensure you have an enjoyable experience.

Oberon NSW

19 km away

Mount York

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Mount York

Mount York, 7.5 kilometres from Mount Victoria is a natural site that at 1061 metres has commanding views over the western plains, many layers of Aboriginal and European heritage, several convict built roads (now walking tracks) and remnants of the old convict-built roads (1823-1829) can still be seen Monuments at the site demonstrate a change in architectural style and social means of commemorating historic events such as the first European crossing of the Blue Mountains, May 1813 by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, survey of the first road by George Evans, November 1813 and building of the first road, Cox's Road, in 1814. Further along, Mount York Road is historic convict-built Lawson's Long Alley and Lockyers Line of Road; Berghoffers Pass and Bardens Lookout. Mount York is traditionally the land of the Gundungurra and Darug Aboriginal people and today is popular for bushwalking, abseiling, mountains biking and rock climbing.

Mount York NSW

19 km away

Mitchell's Ridge Lookout

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Mitchells Ridge Lookout

Mitchells Ridge Lookout is a historic lookout and rest area, named after Sir Thomas Livingston Mitchell who supervised the building of the Pass by convict labour in 1832. An obelisk at the lookout commemorates the opening of Victoria Pass in 1832 The Pass is one of the oldest and most significant engineered works in Australia still in use today. From the western end of the lookout, there is a good view of the convict-hewn and built sandstone rampart across the Pass.

Mount Victoria NSW

19 km away

OTHR Visitors — Image credit: Martyn Salmon

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway

The Oberon to Tarana branch railway line was Oberon’s lifeline from 1923 until its operation was suspended in 1979. The branch line was largely responsible for turning the village into the vibrant town of Oberon, NSW. Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Inc. is working towards re-establishing the branch line to an operational standard and operating a tourist train attraction in the future. The Oberon Station Precinct is located one block off Oberon’s main street in North Street. (Turn at Shell garage).

Oberon NSW

19 km away

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