Hydro Majestic looks west Medlow Bath to Mt Victoria www.bluemountainsimag.com.au Recent developments in these areas establish this as a centre with attractions to rival those that have made Leura to Katoomba so renowned. Reopening of the Hydro Majestic in November 2014 following upgrades, redevelopment of Redleaf Resort, the opening of Parkl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> many other accommodation improvements in the area are attracting new visitors. Combined with more places Offering a range of specialised shoes to help family problem feet feel comfortable Stocking: NAOT - Ecco - Florsheim - Waldlaufer - Merrell - Semler - Gabriele Josef Seibel - Peter Kaiser - S<strong>and</strong>ler - Rieker - Pikolinos open seven days 4 Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath (02) 4787 8263 to eat, galleries <strong>and</strong> a wide variety of new businesses, we now have a newly evolving centre, drawing locals <strong>and</strong> visitors into a thriving new cosmopolitan area to spend time; to return to, seeking new experiences. Blackheath Blackheath at 1065m abve sea level is 114 km from <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>and</strong> most famous for its November Rhododendron Festival. The Blackheath Rhododendron Gardens are in Baccante Street. The town’s shopping centre has a delightfully relaxed village atmosphere. Blackheath is filled with natural beauty <strong>and</strong> there are many breathtaking views <strong>and</strong> bush walks to experience. Blackheath is full of colonial history. The first building in Blackheath was "The Scotch Thistle Inn" erected by Andrew Gardner in 1831. The Inn was visited by the renowned scientist Charles Darwin in 1836. The site for "The Scotch Thistle Inn" was located slightly south of the present Gardners Inn Hotel. On the outside of the famous Victory Theatre antique centre is one of the town’s proudest displays, a colourful mural designed by local artist Jenny Kee <strong>and</strong> painted in 1985 by members of the local community on behalf of the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre. It has been recently refurbished by this proud community. Mt Victoria Mount Victoria is the most westerly <strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> township - 120 kilometres from <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>and</strong> 1043 metres above sea-level. It is a small very charming historic village originally named 'One Tree Hill' on a map from 1834 - the name changed in 1876 when the first Post Office was built. There is a large number of historic buildings, including the Imperial Hotel -1878, St Peter's Church of Engl<strong>and</strong> -1874, Closeburn House-1885, The Manor House, built by John Fairfax in 1876 <strong>and</strong> the Toll Keepers Cottage -1849. In Mount Victoria <strong>and</strong> close by you have Victoria Falls, Victoria Pass, Mt York, Bede's, Sunset Rock & Mitchell's Ridge Look-outs, beautiful Bushwalks <strong>and</strong> the Mount Victoria Historical Museum. Some of the Historic buildings are now beautiful 1st class accommodation facilities <strong>and</strong> combined with their fine food <strong>and</strong> other restaurants, make staying in Mount Victoria another must for your 'Top of the <strong>Mountains</strong> Adventure’ What to See & Do The Kanimbla Valley Walking Tracks, which take in Pulpit Rock, Bede’s Lookout, Reinitz Pass <strong>and</strong> Ross Cave. The array of buildings <strong>and</strong> boutique shops selling antiques, crafts, etc. The walking track to Victoria Falls. Mount Victoria Historical Museum First release films at Mount Vic Flicks. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE <strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Heritage Centre End of Govetts leap Road, Blackheath Open 9am - 4.30pm daily (Closed 25th Dec) Phone: (02) 4787 8877. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov. au/things-to-do/Visitor-centres/<strong>Blue</strong>- <strong>Mountains</strong>-Heritage-Centre ...will take you there! <strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> Heritage Centre At the end of Govetts leap Road, Blackheath Open everyday except Christmas Day 9.00am to 4.30pm. Phone: 4787 8877 22 www.monthlyimag.com.au
12-13 MAY www.visitbathurst.com.au www.bluemountainsimag.com.au 23