Follow your feet this Festival of Walking

Follow your feet. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Saunter around spring gardens, tramp along a track, climb down a canyon and stroll along the street. Whatever walk you choose this Festival of Walking, let your feet guide your way.

The “no brainer’’ festival which showcases the magnificent Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and the walking activities within it continues through the school holidays and until October 19.

BMLOT chairman Daniel Myles. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

BMLOT chairman Daniel Myles said: “The Festival of Walking is a fantastic opportunity to experience the whole gamut of walking activities we have in this world-famous region, from easy street strolls, garden ambles and brisk walks through to hardcore treks into remote areas.

“Activities are held throughout the week, so why not beat the crowds, take a gulp of our fresh air and book a bed for a short break mid-week.’’

The Festival of Walking continues throughout the school holidays and until October 19. Visitors and locals can choose from an extensive list at festivalofwalking.com.au including:

Valley of the Waters Walk and Grand Canyon walks with Tread Lightly Eco Tours (September 26, 27 and 28): Experience spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests, remote wilderness, eucalyptus forest, deep gorges and canyons, towering sandstone escarpments 300m high and valleys 800m deep. Cost: from $135 with a picnic lunch. Exclusive and tailors tours available. Bookings: 0414 976 752 or ecotours@treadlightly.com.au.

National Parks Discover Wild Waratahs Walks with Mount Tomah Foundation Friends, September 27: Search for the NSW floral emblem in the wild along Pierce’s Pass with a Discovery Ranger, learn about the national park and see how waratahs are responding after the 2013 fires. Cost: $15 adults, $7.50 children (6-16 years). Bookings: (02) 9231 8182 or Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.

Wild Waratahs Walk. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The Fairmont Walk with Life’s An Adventure in association with Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, Saturdays until October 19: Discover cool fern-filled gullies, pockets of rainforests and a series of lookouts with uninterrupted views of the Jamison Valley on this family adventure. Uncover habitats and the secrets of plants and animals. Stay overnight at the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains (bookings: (02) 4785 0000). Cost: $50 adults, $30 children (8-16 years) walk only includes morning tea, guide and transfers to and from Fairmont Resort. Bookings:  Bookings (02) 9975 4553 or Life’s An Adventure.

A Hike in History with Blue Mountains Guides, every Friday until October 17: Descend through a steep gorge of temperate rainforest, traverse along Lindemans Pass, see beautiful views of Mt Solitary and the Jamison (Kedumba) Valley and climb close enough to waterfalls to freshen your face. Cost: $180. Bookings: Blue Mountains Guides.

The Dunphy Kowmung Walk will be a highlight of the Festival of Walking. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Dunphy’s Kowmung Adventure Walk with the Colong Foundation for Wilderness. Features a range of short walks, overnight camps, campfires, celebrations and wilderness adventures. Take part as a walker or camp and celebrate around a campfire. Details: Colong Foundation.

Ruined Castle – A Fairy Tale or Basalt Castle? with Life’s An Adventure, September 28, October 1 and 9: Ride the Scenic Railway, hike to Ruined Castle, traverse the Jamison Valley and climb Ruined Castle to take in 360 degree views. Cost:  $225 adults, $165 children includes lunch ($249 adults, $165 children outside festival days). Bookings: (02) 9975 4553 or Life’s An Adventure.

Tomah Spur Wilderness Walk with Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, October 8: Learn about Blue Mountains plants and wildlife and the different environments on the conservation land. Travel through a carpet of ferns, moss-laden rocks and lush green rainforest with towering trees before emerging onto a rock outcrop with spectacular views of the Blue Mountains. Includes a talk on the Wollemi pine to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of its discovery. Cost:  $95. Bookings: (02) 4567 3019 or email kristen.winder@rbgsyd.nsw.au.

Glow Worm Tunnel with Wilderness Adventures, October 2: See the famous glow worms which light the disused railway tunnel then follow the old railway and explore the history of the area. Marvel at pagoda rock formations and magnificent views into the Wolgan Valley. Cost: $250 (normally $350) includes meals and snacks. Bookings: (02) 4787 1119 or 0403 860 820 or email info@wildernessadventures.net.au.

Cox’s River Overnight Fishing & Bushwalking, Wilderness Adventures, October 4-6: Visit the lower reaches of the Cox’s River and help threatened native species by fishing for introduced carp. Cost:  $200 per person includes all meals and snacks (gear available). Bookings: (02) 4787 1119 or 0403 860 820 or email info@wildernessadventures.net.au.

Tigersnake Canyon, High n Wild, October 4 and 11: Walk through the Wollemi National Park to arrive at the beginning of the canyon, a slot in the ground barely 1m wide, through which you will abseil into the canyon. Practice your abseiling skills further before abseiling next to a spectacular waterfall. Marvel as the canyon opens into a rainforest gully before dropping into a dark chasm, sliding down between two canyon walls. Cost:  $199 includes lunch. Bookings:  (02) 4782 6224 or info@highandwild.com.au.

The Glow Worm Tunnel walk is a family activity. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The Cox’s Road walks, the Hartley Valley community, various dates: Walk with informed local guides country traversed by explorers Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth in 1813, surveyor Evans in 1813-1814, road builder Cox in 1814-1815 and Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1815. Cost:  $65 (must be over 12 years of age) includes lunch and admission into A Moment in Time exhibition. Bookings:  0414 506 643 or hartleyprogress@gmail.com.

Deep Pass & River Caves Adventure, High n Wild, October 5 and 12: Explore two slot canyons in the Wollemi Wilderness. Begin with a bushwalk to the start of Deep Pass Canyon. Unusually, the trip travels upstream, climbing waterfalls and scrambling around deep pools before descending into the deep, dark, mysterious River Caves. Keep your eye out for rare blue yabbies. Cost:  $180 includes lunch. Bookings:  (02) 4782 6224 or info@highandwild.com.au.

Other upcoming walks include Katoomba Hidden & Forgotten Places, Lockley’s Pylon, Extreme Beer Walk, Woodford Academy Guided Walk to Mable Falls, Varuna Writer’s Ramble, Central West Wine with Nibbles, Leura Gardens Festival (October 5-12), Mayfield Garden walks (now open full-time, Oberon Historic Township and Kanangra Boyd Waterfall Walk.

Of course visitors and locals can go on self-guided walks at any time. The Greater Blue Mountains National Park contains more than 400 walking tracks (go to Blue Mountains National Park walks) and sites such as Hartley Historic Village are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Go to www.festivalofwalking.com.au for more information.

• Wherever you walk, practice safe walking habits: plan ahead, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, carry plenty of water and food, register your walk at Springwood or Katoomba police station or the NPWS visitor centre at Blackheath where you can borrow for free a personal locator beacon and stay on the track.
  

  A range of guided walks such as this one with an NPWS Discovery Ranger are available. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

 

Blue Mountains pit stop for Bathurst 1000

V8 Supercar driver Craig Lowndes takes in the views before an abseil at Narrowneck with High and Wild. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Heading to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on October 9 to 12? Break your trip with a pit stop in the Blue Mountains.

During a recent promotional visit to the area, Mt Panorama great Red Bull driver Craig Lowndes said he was a fan of the Blue Mountains, which was a great stopover or base for Bathurst race goers.

In fact, the five-time Bathurst 1000 champion and eight time Sandown winner and his family stayed at Blackheath Glen Tourist Park for several days on their way to the Bathurst 1000 last year.

Reigning Bathurst champion Pepsi Max Crew FPR’s Mark Winterbottom, who also attended the abseiling activity with Blue Mountains outdoor adventure business High n Wild, said: “It’s beautiful here. It’s crazy to go to Sydney, drive past this place and not stop because it is a wondrous place. I might come here for a few days before the stress of Bathurst.’’

Recharge at Leura Garage on your way to or from the Bathurst 1000. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism chairman Daniel Myles encouraged travellers to follow the race car drivers’ lead and stop in the region on their way to or from the Bathurst 1000.

“The thrill of racing down Mountain Straight or Conrod is absolutely matched by the adrenalin rush of hanging 300m above the valley floor on the end of an abseil rope.

“This region is also an ideal pit stop for petrol heads travelling to and from the races at Bathurst, so break your trip with a meal and a cuppa at, where else, but Leura Garage, the converted garage now funky cafe/restaurant.

“Gulp in our fresh mountain air, take an exhilarating walk along a clifftop track or cliff-hang on the Scenic Railway.

“Better still, stay a night or three and really recharge the batteries. Who can argue? Lowndsie said so!’’

The chequered flag will fall at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on October 9 to 12.

Go to visitbluemountains.com.au for more information about accommodation options, attractions and experiences in the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region.

 

Blue Mountains cliffhanger visit for V8 drivers

Six V8 Supercars drivers were in good hands with High n Wild during their abseiling adventure. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

They may be comfortable driving at 300km/h around one of the world’s most famous race tracks but the six V8 Supercar drivers who visited the Blue Mountains last Tuesday [September 9] could not tame our Blue Mountains.

Exactly one month before this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, Bathurst great Red Bull Racing’s Craig Lowndes and current champion Pepsi Max Crew FPR’s Mark Winterbottom joined young Mount Panorama hopefuls Scott McLaughlin, David Reynolds, Tim Slade and Nick Percat at the gateway to Bathurst.

The six challenged themselves to stand on the edge of a mountain and literally let go. Some fared better than others. The sheer drop was, almost, as daunting as Mountain Straight, Skyline or Conrod.

However, they were in safe hands under the guidance of 25-year abseiling veteran Darren Trew from Katoomba outdoor adventure business High n Wild and his expert guides.

High n Wild dedicated six guides as well as Mr Trew to the event, which went for the entire morning.

Five-time Bathurst 1000 champion and eight time Sandown winner Lowndes said while he wasn’t terrified, he was not as comfortable abseiling down a cliff as he was behind the wheel of a race car.

It was thrills of a different kind for the six V8 Supercars drivers at Narrowneck, Katoomba. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

“It’s a funny feeling at first – you wonder whether the rope’s strong enough to hold your weight but then you just have to trust.’’

Lowndes said he was a fan of the Blue Mountains, which is a great stop over or base for Bathurst race goers. He and his family had stayed at Blackheath Glen Tourist Park for several days last year on their way to Mt Panorama.

Reigning Bathurst champion Winterbottom said: “Most of the guys have that fear of heights or something, where we drive 300 kilometres an hour people are surprised that we have fears, looking over the edge it is a bit daunting. You have no control so a little bit different.

“It’s beautiful here, it’s crazy to go to Sydney, drive past this place and not stop because it is a wondrous place. I might come here for a few days before the stress of Bathurst.’’

After their abseiling experience, the six drivers and their crew lunched at, where else, Leura Garage. Owner James Howarth opened the converted garage, now a thriving funky cafe/restaurant, especially for the group.

The visit was facilitated by Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT), the official regional tourism organisation.

BMLOT chairman Daniel Myles said: “We may not have a V8 Supercars racing track in the Blue Mountains but our thrilling outdoor experiences absolutely match the adrenalin hit sought after by the likes of these speedsters.

“This region is also an ideal pitstop for petrol heads travelling to and from the races at Bathurst, so break your trip with a meal and a cuppa, stretch your legs along a bush track and visit one of our outstanding attractions businesses.

“Better still, stay a night or three and really recharge the batteries. Who can argue? Lowndsie said so!’’

The chequered flag will fall at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on October 9 to 12.

Go to visitbluemountains.com.au for more information about accommodation options, attractions and experiences in the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region.

The boys were right at home at Leura Garage for lunch after their abseiling adventure. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

 

 

Blue Mountains best adventure playground

Abseiling in the Blue Mountains has been included in global travel authority Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures guide. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The Blue Mountains is one of the best adventure playgrounds in Australia. But that statement is not merely a parochial boast.

The globally-recognised destination, home to a million square hectares of pristine wilderness, appears twice in global travel authority Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures guide.

Published this month, the book features 100 top 10 lists of the world’s most exciting activities and challenges to captivate and inspire gung-ho adventurers and armchair travellers – from the epic to the local, on land, sea and in the air.

The Blue Mountains were recognised for Adventures in Tandem: Abseil in the Blue Mountains and Most Thrilling Canyoning Adventures: Blue Mountains categories.

Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) chairman Randall Walker congratulated outdoor adventure tourism operators such as Blue Mountains Adventure Company (BMAC), High n Wild and River Deep Mountain High for the quality of their abseiling and canyoning experiences.

“We know we live and work in one of the most magnificent regions on the planet, and we know our abseiling and canyoning guides are some of the most qualified, experienced, responsible and environmentally-conscious in the world.

“So it is wonderful when that quality is recognised by such an impressive authority as Lonely Planet.’’

BMLOT board director responsible for adventure tourism and BMAC owner Dylan Jones said: “All adventure tourism guides are passionate about this region and love sharing it with visitors.

“To be included in this list by the best travel writers in the world who have literally experienced it all is fantastic.’’

Canyoning in the Blue Mountains has been included in global travel authority Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures guide. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase welcomed the news that NSW had been named ahead of other states as offering the most in ultimate adventure travel experiences in Australia.

“NSW offers a huge diversity of exclusive adventure travel experiences and to be acknowledged by such a world renowned travel publishing organisation as Lonely Planet is recognition of the world-class quality of our tourism products.

“Nine NSW-based thrills have been listed by the Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Adventures guide from 58 of Australia’s ultimate adventure experiences.

“To be chosen ahead of other Australian states in this highly competitive field is a great achievement and is a testament to the unique experiences that NSW has to offer visitors.’’

An international group of 30 travel writers selected the nine NSW travel adventures to appear in the publication including:

• Adventures in Tandem: Abseil in the Blue Mountains

• Best City Hikes: Great Coastal Walk, Sydney

• Best Hidden Huts & Shelters: Illawong Lodge, Kosciuszko National Park

• Best Urban Climbing Adventures: Plumbers Mate, Bondi Sea Cliffs

• Get on Board!: Wakeboarding, Stoney Park, Telegraph Point

• Legendary Odysseys: Captain James Cook Collection, Australian Museum, Sydney

• Most Spectacular Honeymoon Adventures: Lady Bay Beach, Sydney

• Most Thrilling Canyoning Adventures: Blue Mountains

• Old School Adventures: Australian Billycart Championships, Corowa.

For a full list of other NSW adventure experiences, go to: visitnsw.com/things-to-do/adventure-and-sport andsydney.com/things-to-do/nature-and-parks.

Blue Mountains: new depths of awesome

Stunning scenery such as Deep Pass is the reward of canyoners in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Mark the start of the canyon season in World Heritage-listed style and scale new depths of awesomeness with a climb within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Take your pick from about 400 canyons in Australia’s most accessible wilderness and experience natural grandeur like never before.

Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) chairman Randall Walker said: “We have a magnificent and diverse landscape that uniquely supports a wide range of world-class nature-based adventure activities.

“Nature lovers rave about their visits to our region where they can engage with professional and friendly adventure operators and guides and undertake truly memorable experiences such as canyoning and abseiling down the face of a waterfall.

“Operators adjust products to meet different skill levels but all customers will marvel at the backdrop of golden sandstone cliffs, serpentine canyons, rainforest, waterfalls, streams, wildlife and the iconic blue haze.’’

Experienced climberr Marty Doolan grips a ledge while he casts a keen eye over the rock surface to check for a path of ascent on one of the many cliffs of Mt York. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Inch down a picturesque chasm, gaze gobsmacked up the sides of a sheer rock crack and marvel at the breathtaking vista of 1 million square kilometres of UNESCO World Heritage Area – all within two hours drive from Australia’s largest city.

BMLOT board director representing the adventure sector Dylan Jones said: “The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is a huge backyard for Sydney, and what a
backyard!

“The area has hundreds of kilometres of cliff lines offering one of the most comprehensive `tick lists’ for adventure sport enthusiasts anywhere in the world.’’

Jones, who also owns Blue Mountains Adventure Company, said all adventure tourism operators in the region “love sharing beautiful locations with people so will steer them towards an experience appropriate to them’’.

“Between us we have something for everyone from gruelling multi-day experiences to softer climbs with no abseiling and activities like jumping in the water is optional.’’

The launch of the canyon season in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area typically coincides with the September/October long weekend.

Experienced climbers Marty Doolan and Elise Vayne pack up their gear after a thrilling days climb at Mt York. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The best way to experience a canyoning adventure is with an accredited adventure operator such as Blue Mountains Adventure Company, High `n’ Wild or River Deep Mountain High (www.visitbluemountains.com.au), whose experts will ensure adventurers are fully equipped and will guide them safely through each rocky rift.

Along the way, learn about the many unique eco-systems found within the national parks which make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area including the award-winning Blue Mountains National Park from your guide and how to avoid damaging the often sensitive canyon environments.

After your canyon adventure in Sydney’s wilderness playground, treat your body to a soothing treatment at one of the region’s many day spas, satisfy your well-earned appetite at a cafe or restaurant, then refresh overnight at one of the fine B&Bs, hotels or guesthouses.

Go to www.visitbluemountains.com.au for more details about the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region, to find an outdoor adventure operator and information on accommodation, activity and dining options.

Go to http://www.oric.org.au/ for information on the Outdoor Recreation Industry Council of NSW’s Adventure Activity Standards – ORIC AAS.

Experienced climber Marty Doolan gets a good grip of the edge of one of the many cliffs of Mt York. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism