The Blue Mountains

BohemianGypsy · Guru

The Blue Mountains

Rip and Rosie · Guru

I had been to Blue Mountains many years ago, and this is the first time back with the caravan.

Still a bushwalker and phtographer's dream. Lots of art galleries and antique shops (which are on my list for today).

For anyone a bit unsure of pulling a van into the area- the Great Western Hwy is really an easy pull. We drove through to Lithgow yesterday, and while the road is great, Mt Victoria is quite steep, but the traffic takes it slow and steady, and it has excellent views in places.

We are using the Blackheath CP ....and for a rare touch of luxury have an e suite site !! The park is quiet, no play area, jumping pillows etc, but has excellent facilities and is level, clean and grassy. Takes dogs, and across the road is a nice pig park and off leash area.

we are right on the edge of an escarpment, and the valley below is full of birds and birdsong.

We are thinking of heading back towards the coast on the Bell's Line of Road, but are wonderwhat how it compares to the Great Western Hwy in terms of pulling the van.

Anyone know?

Rosie

Rip and Rosie · Guru

Lol @ Michelle
I meant BIG not PIG. Damned auto correct.
Blackheath is beautiful, but certainly wouldn't want to be here in a bushfire!
Some of the old homes are magnificent. I would love to get renovating on one or two.
Rosie

BohemianGypsy · Guru

Rip and Rosie wrote:
Lol @ Michelle
I meant BIG not PIG. Damned auto correct.
Blackheath is beautiful, but certainly wouldn't want to be here in a bushfire!
Some of the old homes are magnificent. I would love to get renovating on one or two.
Rosie

Yes we were there in the summer and there were huge bushfires around the back of Blackheath. I was on the verge of evacuating all the residents of the group homes in and around Blackheath that year. It took them days to get it under control and there were firemen from SA, VIC and QLD helping out. There are most certainly some gorgeous homes there if only I had the money to buy one or two to renovate biggrin biggrin biggrin

Michelle

aussietraveller · Guru

Hi Rip and Rosie

The road from Mt Victoria across through Bell and down to Richmond/Windsor is quite ok as long as you take your time some pleasant views and plenty to see on the way across, the Great Western Highway is now dual lanes most of the way from Katoomba with some road works which during the week are not really a problem after peak hour, Sunday afternoon coming down the mountains towards Sydney can be an absolute nightmare and should be avoided, down the highway is the quickest way and leads on to the M4 Freeway and expressways both north and south
Hope this helps and enjoy your time in the Beautiful Blue mountains.

Patto44 · Senior Member

Bells line was a 'goat track' a few years ago. One lane each way and a bit rough in some places, but definitely a more picturesque drive. The hill down to the bottom has a few hairpin bends, but easy if you take your time.
Cheers,
Patto

Rip and Rosie · Guru

Thanks.

This certainly is a great part of the country to play around in.

A photographers delight, as they say.

Such an historical area with some very old sandstone buildings and wonderful old homes. Full of artists and art galleries .

The autumn colours are already in the trees, and the days are warm, the nights cool. Winter I would think must be quite cold.

Might tackle the Bells Line of Road on the way back, as life's too short to always take the easy way.

Rosie.

aussietraveller · Guru

Rip & Rosie when you come down towards the plains have you decided where you are going to stop, may be an opportunity to say gday and try some coffee.