Series 4, Episode 20
IN This week on Discover Downunder, we take the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Drive, a massive journey of 1,200 km long. From Goulburn in the south, to Hunter in the north and Mudgee in the west, an area of 10,000 square kilometres and six aboriginal languages.
An enormous area of discovery, and some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see.
There are 18 Discovery Trails throughout the mountains, and you can make it a short journey, say a weekend, a day trip or an extended stay.
The Mount Annan Botanic Gardens is an Australian native garden, and is a 45 minute drive south west
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of Sydney.
This is the largest botanic garden in Australia and covers 410 hectares.
This fabulous garden is made up of many smaller ones with very differing themes.
The connections garden is four and a half hectare hillside, shaped into a series of terraces displaying the evolution of Australian natives.
Room with a view is a garden of celebration, with walls to frame the fabulous views, and is reminiscent of the red centre.
The lakeside and federation maze has two ornamental lakes.
Reeds, sedges and other water plants edge the lakes, making it a haven for water birds.
The sundial of human involvement, uses the person’s shadow to tell the time.
And time is what you will need to thoroughly explore this amazing place.
What’s the Big Idea is a water- wise garden demonstrating ways to save water in your own garden at home.
Using hardy Australian natives and plants that are readily available from your local nursery.
There are some very interesting concepts here with sculptures scattered throughout.
Just about a 45 minute drive brings us to the Thirlmere Railway Heritage centre in the foothills of the Southern Highlands.
This is the largest and oldest railway museum in Australia.
With a wonderful collection of over 40 locomotives and 80 carriages, dating back to 1865.
These beautiful old trains are meticulously restored, to their former glory.
Memorabilia, signals displays and an authentic fettler’s shed.
Experience the romance of the days when travelling the iron horse was commonplace.
Thirlmere Lakes National Park is situated on 627 hectares and is 95 km south - west of Sydney.
There are reed-fringed freshwater lakes, in a quiet patch of forest and is among the last undisturbed systems near Sydney, their protection is paramount and they are of enormous scientific value.
With numerous walking tracks, we chose the option of a guided walk.
Camping is not permitted as the lakes are sensitive to pollution.
Euroka Clearing camping and picnic area, is popular picnic spot surrounded by tall gums.
The traditional lands of the Darug Community, it was used as their camping grounds, which possibly date back 12 to 15 thousand years.
Many stone implements of the time are found here.Camping is permitted in the park
The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum in Faulconbridge in the Blue Mountains, pays homage to this great multi talented artist, who died in 1969.
One of ten children, five of whom became artists, Norman Lindsay was born in Creswick in Victoria.
He became cartoonist for the Bulletin magazine, and spent much time defending his right to paint nudes.
A prolific writer, he wrote children’s books, the most loved and famous being The Magic Pudding.
This museum and gallery is in the original house bought by Norman and his wife Rose in 1912.
It is a magnificent house set in wonderful gardens and is home to a vast amount of Norman Lindsay’s works.
From oil paintings, etchings, drawings, novels, sculptures, ship models and memorabilia.
It is a fantastic memorial to the works of a genius.
You must visit the museum and take your time, you really will love it.
Hold on to your hats, we’re going up, up and away!
The Blue Mountains offers so many experiences, so we decided to climb on board for a view from above.
The Scenic World Skyway affords the best views you’ll ever experience.
With a partially glassed floor you can see way below, with views of the cascading waterfalls, underneath your feet.
It is exhilarating to say the least.
With an informative running commentary on the sights around you this is a must do while you are here.
Scenic World offers a variety of attractions including the Scenic Railway, one of the steepest in the world!
Scenic cableway, you’ll feel like your gliding through the cliffs and valleys.
And Scenic Skyway has you walking on air.
However for those of you who prefer a walk, there is an elevated walkway through the lush forest.
Why don’t you contact Scenic World Blue Mountains at Katoomba for one of the four options.
Next week on Discover Downunder we continue our journey through the stunning Blue Mountains.
Join us then and happy trails!
CONTACTS & PRODUCTS1. RV SHOWCASE : ECO TOURER
www.ecotourer.com.au3. MT ANNAN BOTANIC GARDEN
Ph: (02) 4648 2477
4. THIRLMERE & WOLLONDILLY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Ph: (02) 4677 8313
5. THIRLMERE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Ph: (02) 4680 8382
6. THIRLMERE RAIL HERITAGE CENTRE
Barbour Road
Thirlmere
Ph: (02) 4681 8001
7. GLENBROOK & BLUE MOUNTAINS DISCOVERY TRAILS
Blue Mountains VisitorInformation Centre
Ph: 1300 653 408
8. NEPEAN RIVER HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Mackellar Street
Emu Plains
Ph: (02) 4735 4425