Blackheath | Visit Blue Mountains

Get global and groovy at Vesta Social

By Vesta Social

Get global and groovy at Vesta Social at Blackheath on Sunday, January 26.

The Vesta Social event will be launched at 4pm with the new global gastronomy of hawker-style street food specialty cocktails and global tunes.

Featured at Vesta Social this January will be the likes of DJ and producer Barkin Soul from Mighty Highness Records, who will share his passion for the soul of planetary music.

From spiritual roots reggae, moody Jazz and funk to the raw sounds of deep funk and afro beat, the DJ extraordinaire who has supported the likes of Alice Russel and Quantic has something for everybody.

The sacred fire of Vesta promises to unite the community, so look sharp – you never know who you might meet, who might dance you off your feet or what tasty morsels will go down a treat.

Vesta Social, 33 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath, will be held from 4pm to 10pm Sunday, January 26. Tickets: $30 pp and include dinner. Cocktail carafes ($5) and beers will be available. Bookings essential: (02) 4787 6899.

Still the same…the famous Three Sisters from the Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The world-famous Blue Mountains, home of the Three Sisters, is safe to visit and welcomes visitors.

Although there has been recent bushfire in the area, the southern side of the Blue Mountains was never affected.

Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) chairman Randall Walker said the Great Western Highway and railway line were fully open and it was safe for visitors to experience the many hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops and major attractions such as Scenic World at Katoomba, the State Mine Museum at Lithgow and Jenolan Caves at Oberon.

The popular villages of Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba, Medlow Bath and Blackheath are welcoming visitors, while others such as Mt Victoria are quickly becoming more accessible.

The Scenic World skyway. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The township of Lithgow is open and Oberon remains unaffected.

Mr Walker said: “So many people from outside the region have been asking: ‘What can we do to help?’

“We can tell them the best way they can help is ‘Spoil yourself with a short break or day trip and support the many local small businesses and employers’.’’

While some fire activity remains in the region and tourism operators are constantly monitoring updates, the main visitor experiences are open and visibility overlooking the World Heritage Area is great.

* BMLOT understands that a few businesses may remain temporarily closed due to their bush location or inability to roster staff.

However, it is the position of BMLOT that for businesses operating normally: there is no longer a reason for a visitor to defer their visit or to cancel and seek a refund.