If you wish to leave the seclusion of our valley but still want to stay in the local area, here are a few activities around Blackheath and the Blue Mountains area for you to consider:
CENTENNIAL GLEN STABLES for horse riding in our valley. By prior booking only
MT. BLACKHEATH LOOKOUT:
Mt. Blackheath can be seen behind the cabins on the southern side. It is where the hang-gliders and para-gliders jump from. Drive back out of the valley, up the dirt road and along the tar road until the first turn to the right (Mt. Blackheath Road). This road will turn to dirt almost immediately. Proceed along and past several old orchards of the Shipley Plateau. Road will wind around to the right until you reach the lookout. There are several viewing areas. See a terrific view over the Kanimbla Valley. See if you can find the Hang-glider ramps and spot the Woolshed Cabins!
LAWRENCE HARGREAVES LOOKOUT:
Once again drive back out of the valley, and back past the Mt. Blackheath turn-off until you reach the fork in the road at the Shipley Bushfire Brigade shed. Turn right and follow road all the way to the end, past old apple orchards. At the the lookout you will have a twin view: to the west……Kanimbla Valley’s beginnings and to the east…..the end of the Megalong Valley.
LOGAN BRAE APPLE ORCHARD:
This is the last operating apple orchard on the Shipley Plateau and has a shed that is open to the public (Sat & Sun). They sell apples and their own juice (it’s delicious!). Home made apple pies (if you’re quick). Once again, drive back out of the valley until you reach the fork in the road of Shipley Rd and Mt. Blackheath Rd. Turn left and proceed along Shipley Road. The Orchard will be on your left, about half a kilometre from this turning.
BLACKHEATH VILLAGE:
We are sure you know your way back to Blackheath. Did you know that there are a good variety of cafes, gift shops and antique dealers in the town? Some brochures can be found in your information folder. Well worth a visit and a browse!
Blackheath is also famous for its Rhododendron Festival (held on the first weekend of each November). Spring and Autumn are particularly lovely times to visit the various gardens and parks. Two great ones to visit are the Bacchante Gardens (bottom of Wentworth Street) and the Memorial (pool park) gardens. The former contains acres of rhodoendrons and autumnal trees set amongst a native bushland setting. It is created and managed totally by the volunteers of the local Horticultural Society. The latter is a Council maintained public park with towering rhodos, open grassed areas, playgrounds, barbeques and a public pool! Kids will always enjoy feeding the ducks and using the playground equipment.
MEGALONG VALLEY SCENIC DRIVE, NATIONAL PARK AND TEA ROOMS:
Why not take a drive through Megalong Valley….and stop at the Tea Rooms for some refreshments. Lovely scenic rural drive and also access to walks in rainforest section of the Blue Mountains National Park (e.g. Mermaids Cave & Coachwood Glen)
Stop for a snack or meal at the Megalong Tea Rooms.
Take a wine tasting (with cheese plate perhaps) at Dry Ridge Estate or Megalong Creek Estate. They also sell non-alcholic Hillbilly Cider for the designated driver!
Drive back out of our valley until you reach the fork in the road at the Shipley Bushfire Brigade. Turn left and follow Shipley Road past the Logan Brae apple orchard. Take next turn to the RIGHT…..Megalong Valley Road. It should take about 10-15 minutes to drive into Megalong Valley from this point. Admire the great tree ferns and National Park before the vista opens up onto farms in the valley
TOWNSHIP OF MOUNT VICTORIA:
Just five minutes west of Blackheath is the pretty town of Mount Victoria. Wander along the street and browse through 2nd hand bookshops and interesting old wares. There are two very historic hotels: The Victoria & Albert (V & A). Nice coffee shop / deli too. Arty / retro / political lefties will adore “MT VIC & ME” studio & shop on the highway.
If you go right down to the equally historic railway station, there is a local history museum.
Check out the gas lamps in the park and streets. Mount Vic Flicks is also a fun way to view art house and recent release films!
HARTLEY VALLEY has The Lolly Bug on the highway and a little further along is Hartley Historic Site. Stroll around sandstone churches, historic buildings and the wonderful sandstone courthouse, The Art of Metal workshop and a nice walk over the bridge / creek.
AND OF COURSE….
Govetts Leap Lookout / Evans Lookout and Grand Canyon Walk
The Three Sisters in Katoomba,
Scenic World Katoomba…..cable car, rack railway and rainforest boardwalk
The Edge Cinema Katoomba…giant screen viewings of movie about Blue Mountains
Leura Village…cafes and boutiques in a quaint village street
Wentworth Falls…bushwalks…and also the Conservation Hut cafe/restaurant
Jenolan Caves
Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens
Small Arms Museum Lithgow and Heritage Mine Site Lithgow
and the list just goes on………