Greater Blue Mountains Heritage Trail 2.86

The trail of the first three explorers was forged over the mountains and valleys of this land from the Cumberland Plains to Mt Blaxland. Today, this territory now known as the World Heritage Greater Blue Mountains region, is famous for the dramatic, spectacular scenery in the National Parks and for the ability to attract visitors from all over the world. The Hawkesbury region also plays a big part in the history of the area. George William Evans, the surveyor; William Cox Esq, Road Builder; and Mr Cox’s “team” (as he referred to the convict workers) all came from the Hawkesbury. The combined areas are a rich source of historical archives, images and stories of some of the pioneers of our nation, from the early days of the Colony, both European and Aboriginal.

Accessible by road or partly by rail, the Greater Blue Mountains Heritage Trail offers historically minded visitors the opportunity to explore these important resources, as well as the spectacular scenery, through the historical societies, family history societies, museums, galleries, historic gardens and historic businesses that appear on the Greater Blue Mountains Heritage Trail.

On the map you will find references to members of the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations Inc., numbered from Emu Plains to Lithgow along the Great Western Highway and then from Lithgow to Windsor down the Bells Line of Road. In addition, there is a list of “hidden gems” to check out along the way. You can either ‘google’ their location, call in to one of the Visitor Information Centres located at Glenbrook, Katoomba, Lithgow or Clarendon or go to the Heritage Trail website at heritagedrive.com.au

Please visit and enjoy these unique heritage resources – come for the day – come for the weekend. Stay at one of the businesses associated with our history and cultural heritage or have lunch or dinner at one of the historic restaurants or cafés.

Greater Blue Mountains Heritage Trail participants, our members and participating historic, heritage businesses invite you to explore the region.