CAPERTEE VALLEY
The largest enclosed valley of Australia provides spectacular views of rock formations and escarpments. Mudgee turn-off from the Great Western Highway leads to Capertee. Turn right at Capertee onto the Glen Davis road. Pearsons Lookout just before Capertee on the Mudgee Road offers panoramic views of the valley.

GLEN DAVIS
The former oil shale mining town lies at the end of the spectacular escarpments of the Capertee Valley, the largest enclosed valley in the southern hemisphere.

In its heyday about 2,500 people lived in the township. Vertical sandstone cliffs stand guard over the crumbling vegetation covered structures lending a surreal impression. The glen davis oil shale site is available to restricted groups on weekends.

Enjoy the scenery and wildlife with a picnic lunch in the Glen Davis Park. Camping ground with toilets, showers and BBQs. There is a bushwalking trail to Newnes up the Green Gully, in the Wollemi National Park, following the old pipeline track.

You are followed along the ridges by lyre birds. Cycads, banksia serrata and assorted eucalyptus cover the area. the distance is 22km return and can comfortably be done in one day. Click HERE for more information on Glen Davis.

HARTLEY

Hartley Historic Village - Within Hartley Valley on the Great Western Highway just below Victoria Pass. It reflects the simple needs and the way of life of the mid 1800's. There are three old inns, two churches and private homes. The Court House was the scene of hundreds of trials of convicts in the early days and is now open as a museum, brought to life with tape recordings based on actual trials. Open everyday except Wednesday, guided tours 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. Email:National Parks and Wildlife Service or Phone 61 2 6355 2117

Hartley Vale
At the foot of Mt York. Site of the former shale industry, Collitts Inn and the Comet Inn.

External Links:
Hartley Vale - Info Blue Mountains

Info Blue Mountains Railway Pages - Mt Victoria (Heritage Village)- & Hartley Vale

Hartley Historic Village - National Parks & Wildlife Service

NEWNES

At the end of the Wolgan Valley lies a reminder of the oil shale industry. The township and oil shale mining complex was established in 1906. Operational costs and the availability of lower priced crude oil finally closed the works in 1932. The former hotel (now Newnes Kiosk) is the only reminder of a thriving community.

PORTLAND 

Portland is only 2 1/2 hours from Sydney. It is an easy 40 minutes to Bathurst and 30 minutes from Lithgow. The town is of interest as an historic mining town and as the place of the first cement works in Australia, which was opened in 1902. Cement produced at the Portland cement works helped build the city of Sydney and the cement was shipped around Australia until the works closed in 1991.

Portland is part of the gateway to the Central West and is ideally located between Oberon, Mudgee, Bathurst and Lithgow and the Blue Mountains. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has many areas for bushwalking. It is close to the Wollemi and Gardens of Stone National Parks.

Portland is a mecca for people wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Wander along the streets of Portland and enjoy shopping in stores where many hard to find artefacts can be found in the old wares shops and galleries. Also worth exploring is the Charlie Pinch Museum, which contains a large collection of Australian memorabilia.

While in Portland enjoy a picnic in the Town Common, take a leisurely stroll along the Williwa Creek, or simply relax in the quiet and peaceful surroundings. The Portland Town Common has 650 acres of natural bushland and picnic areas and is ideal for bushwalks. In fact, Portland is one of very few country towns left with a Town Common.

In 2001 Ron Bidwell, a signwriter by trade, together with his fellow “Letterheads” recreated vintage signs dating from 1895 to 1945 on local shop walls. Take a trip back in time and come and see historic brand names such as: Goanna Salve, Arnotts Famous Biscuits, Toohey’s Ale, Uncle Toby’s Oats, Kinkara Tea, Mother's Choice Flour, Bushell’s Tea, Solvol, Federal Safety Matches and Swagman Blend Tea.

RYDAL

The village of Rydal is located 15 minutes from Lithgow and 45 minutes east of Bathurst. It is set in a lovely little valley with rural, farmland countryside. Rydal has a population of about eighty. More people live on surrounding farm properties. There is a hotel and two churches, but no shops. The nearest shops are at Wallerawang about ten minutes drive away. In recent years, the community have banded together and planted thousands of daffodils and now celebrate the annual "Daffodils at Rydal" festival. 

WALLERAWANG

'Wallerawang' derives from the language of the Wiradjuri Aborigines who occupied the area before white settlement. It is said to mean 'place near wood and water' or 'plenty of water'.

Lake Wallace is located at Wallerawang, off the Great Western Highway. Playground, Picnic and BBQs, sailing and fishing.