101 Things to do in Blackheath, Blue Mountains, Australia
At 1,065 metres above sea level Blackheath is the highest township in the world heritage listed Blue Mountains. Located 114 km west of Sydney it is easily accessible by road or rail & is renowned for both its natural attractions & its vibrant & creative community life. This page outlines 101 things to do in the village & surrounding district.
If you have an enquiry related to this, or you would like to add or amend any information in any listing, please contact the Blackheath & District Chamber of Commerce by clicking on the following links:
1. MAKE A POINT OF BEING IN BLACKHEATH FOR THE FOLLOWING ANNUAL EVENTS:
• BLACKHEATH ONE VAN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF PUPPETRY - Last Weekend in January Ph. 4787 7770
• THE BLACKHEATH & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY FLOWER & CRAFT SHOW - February Ph. Delia 4782 5382
• BLACKHEATH ART SOC. ANNUAL EASTER ART SHOW - Ph.4787 6016
• BLUE MOUNTAINS GOLF WEEK - 1st week in April Ph. 4787 8406
• BLACKHEATH FOOD & WINE WEEKEND - 2nd weekend in April Ph.Bob 4787 8538
• BM GOLF CLUB AUTUMN BOWL - 1st weekend in May Ph. 4787 8406
• BLACKHEATH DAY - 15th May Ph. Marilyn 4787 6002
• BLACKHEATH ART SOCIETY ANNUAL WATERCOLOUR & WORKS ON PAPER SHOW - June Long Weekend Ph. 4787 6016
• BLACKHEATH GOLF CLUB OPEN DAY - Last Sun. June Ph. 4787 8406
• BLUE MOUNTAINS ANTIQUE FAIR - 1st W’kend July Ph. 0428 446 534
• BLACKHEATH ART SOCIETY ANNUAL CONTEMPORARY ART EXHBITION - October Long Weekend Ph. 4787 6016
• BM LADIES GOLF WEEK - 2nd week in October Ph. 4787 8406
• B’HEATH COMBINED CHURCHES SPRING FESTIVAL - Ph. 4787 8640
• BLACKHEATH RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL Ph. Bob 4787 6746
• Annual Art Show last weekend in Oct. to 1st w’kend in Nov
• Festival on the Ist weekend in November - Parade, stalls in Memorial Park & BM Sunrise Rotary Club Waratahs in the Wild at Wombat Hollow on the Shipley Plateau
• Rhodo Review Fri - Mon 2nd weekend in November
• Debutantes Rhododendron Ball - 3rd weekend in November
• Jazz at the New Ivanhoe Hotel - 4th weekend in November
• MELBOURNE CUP DAY LUNCH - Blackheath Golf Club Ph. 4787 8406; Gardner’s Inn Hotel Ph. 4787 8347; New Ivanhoe Hotel Ph. 4787 6156
• COMMUNITY CAROLS - December Ph. 4782 45482.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE NATURAL ATTRACTIONS OF OUR WORLD HERITAGE LISTED NATIONAL PARK noted for its huge diversity of eucalypts, 1300 species of wildplants & its still pristine wilderness ... tread carefully & preserve the beauty of this place for those who follow.
• VISIT THE NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SERVICE BLUE MOUNTAINS HERITAGE CENTRE to pick up maps, bird watching guides & to view examples of local flora and fauna - end Govetts Leap Road. The NPWS DISCOVERY PROGRAMME offers Walks, Talks & Tours. Bookings essential to 4787 8877
• CONTACT THE BLUE MOUNTAINS CONSERVATION SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ORGANISED BUSHWALKS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN (There is a Quoll Club for 3-14 year olds) Ph. 4757 1872
VISIT THE STUNNING LOOKOUTS
Southern or Shipley Plateau side
Paul Harris Lookout
Hargraves Lookout
Mount Blackheath Lookout
Colliers Lookout
Northern or Govetts Leap Side
Govetts Leap
Breakfast Rock Lookout
Evans Lookout
Twin Falls Lookout
Pulpit Rock
Anvil Rock & Wind Eroded Cave
Perrys Lookdown
Baltzer Lookout (at the top of Burramoko Head)
Hanging Rock
EXPLORE THE MANY WONDERFUL BUSHWALKS
Southern or Shipley Plateau side
Fort Rock
Centennial Glen
Porters Pass
Walls Ledge
Blackheath Glen or Megalong valley
Mermaids Cave
Coachwood Glen
Six Foot Track (from Megalong Cemetery to the swing bridge over the Cox’s River).
Nellies Glen (from Megalong Cemetery to the Explorers Tree)
Northern or Govetts Leap Side
Pope’s Glen/Govetts Leap
Fairfax Heritage Track (check with NPWS)
Govetts Leap to the top of Horseshoe Falls
Govetts Leap to Pulpit Rock
Govetts Leap Lookout to the top of Govetts Leap
Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout
Braeside Walk
Neate’s Glen/Grand Canyon
Walls Cave & underground river (check with NPWS)
Hat Hill (short walk to the top for rewarding views of nearby mountains)
Wind Eroded Cave near Anvil Rock
Hanging Rock
Grose valley
Base of Govetts Leap (the waterfall)
Rodriguez Pass (Govetts Leap to Evans lookout via Junction Rock)
Perrys Lookdown to the Blue Gum Forest
Perrys Lookdown to Govetts Leap (via Junction Rock)
Pierces Pass (from Mount Banks to Blue Gum Forest)
Victoria Falls to Blue Gum Forest
Mount Victoria area
Cox’s Pass, Lawson’s Long Alley & Lockyers Road
Cox’s Cave, Ross Cave & Bushrangers Cave
Berghofers Pass
Walls Lookout track - Bells Line of Road
Mount Boyce (views of the Kanimbla Valley)
Victoria Falls
Mount Victoria
Mount Piddington
Mount York
Hartley Vale Lett River
Cox’s River
Lithgow via “The Gap” road (watch out for kangaroos)
Lithgow via South Bowenfels
Lake Lyell
Mount Wilson, Mount Irvine
Mount Tomah Botanic Garden
Eastern side
View the Megalong Valley from Medlow Bath
Three Sisters and Echo Point at Katoomba
DISCOVER BLACKHEATH’S FASCINATING HISTORY:
On his journey across the Blue Mountains in 1815 Governor Macquarie named the area ‘Hounslow’ but on his return journey he obviously forgot & re-named the area ‘Black-Heath’ because of its wild, charred, open heath-like appearance.
3. VISIT WALLS CAVE - an original occupation site where aboriginal bands camped “under conditions of extreme aridity”. The traditional indigenous owners of this land are the Darug & Gundungurra people. Check with NPWS to see if the walk to this cave is open.
4. TRACE THE BEGINNINGS OF WHITE SETTLEMENT. This part of the Blue Mountains was first crossed by Blaxland, Lawson & Wentworth in 1813. George William Evans followed their discovery to reach Bathurst. A track was formed & then on the 29th April 1815, Governor Macquarie’s party camped in Blackheath on their way to Bathurst. Sir Thomas Mitchell’s surveying exhibition lasted from 1832 to 1845 during which Mr William Romaine Govett discovered Govett’s Leap. VISIT BLACKHEATH CEMETERY TO VIEW THE MILITARY STOCKADE CEMETERY - the burial ground of the convicts who built our highway & our now buried next to it. Great Western Highway heading west.
5. TAKE TIME OUT TO REMEMBER THE SOLDIERS OF BLACKHEATH WHO DIED IN WW 1, WW 11 & the Korean, Malaysian & Vietnam Wars - they have been commemorated by the planting of Rhododendrons in the Blackheath Memorial Park & with a Memorial Arch now located on the Great Western HIghway frontage of the ‘The Gardens’
6. EXPLORE LOCAL HISTORY AT THE MOUNT VICTORIA & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC MUSEUM set in the grand old sandstone railway station in Mt Victoria. Open Saturdays, Sundays, Public & School holidays 2pm -5pm ph. 4787 1190 Historical Society meets 4th Saturday of the month at 10am
7. TAKE AN HISTORIC WALK AROUND BLACKHEATH (compiled by Geoff Bates - local historian)
1 Railway Station & mural
Original railway platform opened on December 28, 1869. Present Island platform & railway station opened on April 24, 1899. The mural on the eastern end of the main building depicts a legendary bushranger Govett with sacks of gold on a horse leaping into the abyss & was painted in July 2004 by Vern Treweeke.
2 Gardner’s Inn Hotel & sandstone fence
Has had many name changes. Formerly the Scotch Thistle Inn, Hotel Astoria & the Hotel Hydora – built on 20 acres of land granted to Andrew Gardiner in 1929 & officially opened for business on July 11, 1831. Charles Darwin stayed here in 1836. Sandstone blocks used in the fence adjacent to the Highway came from the original Inn when it was demolished in 1938.
3 Community Centre – Great Western Highway
Started out as the School of Arts with offices for the former Blackheath Municipal Council – officially opened on November 10, 1906. Extensions to the Centre were opened on October 13, 1956.
4 Macquarie’s Obelisk - Great Western Highway
Located in front of the Memorial Arch & next to the GWH. This obelisk was built in 1939 by the Royal Australian Historical Society in conjunction with the Blackheath Municipal Council to commemorate the naming of Blackheath on May 15, 1815 by Governor Macquarie, who was returning from his tour of inspection of the newly discovered country west of the Blue Mountains.
5 Memorial Arch - Great Western Highway
Erected in the memory of the 76 Blackheath residents who heeded the call & enlisted to fight in the First World War 1914-18. The stone was set on November 10, 1928 by The Right Hon William (Billy) Hughes, a former popular Prime Minister of Australia. The Memorial was dedicated on May 25, 1929 by his Excellency Admiral Sir Dudley De Chair, K.C.B. MVO, Governor of New South Wales.
6 The Gardens - Great Western Highway
Previously known as North Park but renamed in 1921 because of the beautiful gardens that were established here. Every Spring, holiday makers came up by steam train from Sydney to picnic & admire the beautiful flowers. In years past one of the gardeners, Tom Cliff, woke up one night to see it snowing, got dressed & went up to his gardens to knock the snow of his freshly planted annuals. What dedication ....
7 Redwood tree in The Gardens
In 1958 Blackheath Rotary transplanted this Redwood tree in The Gardens to be used as the village Christmas tree with coloured lights.
8 The Historic Road Roller in The Gardens
In the early 1920’s this Roller was purchased by the Blackheath Municipal Council & over a 20 year period was used in the development of the local roads throughout the Village of Blackheath. It was also used to help transform an old abandoned Railway Dam into the Blackheath Swimming Pool.
9 Baby Health Centre – Gardiners Crescent
The first project of the Blackheath Rotary Club & was officially opened on March 15, 1952. The sandstone blocks along the fence came from theoriginal Gardner’s Inn when it was demolished in 1938.
10 St Aidan’s Anglican Church – Hat Hill Road
Was consecrated on December 6, 1884
11 The Manse – South-West cnr Wentworth St & Hat Hill Rd
This was the original Manse to the St Aidan’s Church of England (now Anglican). It was built around 1880 & replaced the new brick building next door to the church. The Manse is now a private residence.
12 Stop Laughing this is Serious Gallery - Cnr Wentworth St & Hat Hill Road
In the 1930’s this building was used as a newspaper office where a local newspaper named the Blackheath Beacon was compiled and printed. A General Store followed, operated by Keith Rae, then an Optical shop.
13 Duddington – North-East corner Wentworth St & Hat Hill Road
This home was built in 1891 & was the residence & surgery of Dr Henry Jackson, Blackheath’s first Doctor.
14 Catholic Church – Wentworth Street
Was consecrated on January 26, 1902.
15 Yabba Yabba – Wentworth Street
Yabba Yabba was one of the earliest guest houses in Blackheath, operated by Ms Page & Dash. It was in continuous use as holiday accommodation for approximately 70 years. The initial land grant in 1880 was to an innkeeper from Mount Victoria. The tennis court has been in existence since at least 1914. Although additions have altered the facade & internal spaces the original Victorian style roofline & chimneys are still clearly visible. Now a private residence.
16 Campbell’s Rhododendron Gardens – Bacchante Street
Covers an area of 18.5ha where Rhododendrons, azaleas & other plants are integrated with natural bushland. The first plantings in this garden were made on September 23, 1972.
17 ‘The Oaks’ Cnr Gardiners Crescent & Wentworth Street
This magnificent home was the residence of James Stafford Cripps, the licensee of Gardiner’s Inn from 12 Sep.1946 to 4 Aug.1948. A beautiful & unique water fountain from the gardens established in 1893 by Alfred Goodare adjacent to Gardner’s Inn is now located in these gardens.
18 140 Wentworth Street
From August 25, 1918 to 1933 the Blackheath Police Station was located at this address. Constable First Class John Joseph Coleman was the officer in charge. Joe Coleman loved Blackheath & when the Police Department decided to sell the old police station he bought it. In 2006 the building is still owned by the Coleman family.
19 Presbyterian Church – Wentworth Street
The Presbyterian Church was first instituted to Blackheath in 1897. The present Church was dedicated on December 30 1925. The early services were held in the hall that now stands beside the church.
20 Memorial Swimming Pool Park – Prince Edward Street
The memorial Park covers an area of 26 acres & was set aside as an area of reserve for recreation on January 21, 1919. Originally a NSW Railway Reserve where a dam was built to store water for the steam trains operating on the Great Western Railway line. Council has recently spent $2.5 million to refurbish this popular attraction. In 2006 an armillary sphere sundial was installed next to the swimming pool complex donated by the Blackheath Horticultural Society to help introduce children to an ancient way of telling the time & solar science.
21 Duck Pond – Prince Edward Street
A second dam, also used to store water for steam trains using the Great Western Railway Line, was built in 1886 with a concrete wall. A great place for the kids to feed bread to the wild ducks that now live there.
22 Lily Pond at the Memorial Park
A plaque, next to the now filled in Lily Pond, was erected in the Memory of Miss Mary Huie a worthy citizen & for many years a dedicated Red Cross worker of this town. Now just a trickle of water it is still one of the many natural springs that run through this Memorial Park.
23 Caravan Park – Prince Edward Street
Formerly the site of the Colliers pipe making plant. In the 1930’s the Collier family donated this land to the Blackheath Municipal Council to be used as a Camping Ground. In the early 1980’s a State Government grant enabled the Blue Mountains City Council to develop the area into a modern Caravan park & camping area.
24 Pope’s Glen Creek
In 1830 this was the creek that William Romaine Govett followed to the top of the Grose Valley where he discovered a waterfall named in his honour, Govett’s Leap, by the then NSW Surveyor-General, Major General Thomas Mitchell. Leap is an old Scottish word that means waterfall or cascade.
25 Lakeview Holiday Park – 63 Prince Edward Street
The oldest established holiday cabin complex in the Blue Mountains. Built in 1939 Lakeview obtained its name from a proposed dam that was going to be built across Pope’s Creek & a lake developed for recreational fishing & sailing. The caravan park is now located on this site. Lakeview was originally part of the old Pope Estate where John Pope was going to establish ‘A fruit bowl’ & sell the produce in Sydney.
26 Park Avenue – Cherry Trees
A mass of pink blooms in the Springtime & golden leaves in Autumn. Planted by local residents in the 1950’s.
27 Former Post Office building – 38 Govett’s Leap Road
Built in 1910 to cater for the ever increasing demand for this service.
Now occupied by Ravir, a boutique fashion shop.
28 Kylie Tennant Plaque
Located on footpath - corner of Wentworth St & Govetts Leap Rd. Kylie Tennant lived from 1912 - 1988 & spent her twilight years at ‘Cliff View’ apple orchard at Shipley. She was a novelist, playwright, short-story writer, critic, biographer & historian & her work was known for its well-researched realistic, yet positive portrayals of the underprivileged.
29 Vulcan’s Restaurant – Govett’s Leap Road
Formerly a bakery opened in 1934 by Alf Snelling who in the early 1940’s sold the business to a Mr Smeaton. The original oven is still used.
30 Watson’s Hardware Store – Govett’s Leap Road In the 1880’s Hudson Bros, Sydney timber merchants, established a general store on this site & called it Hudson & Slatyer’s Exchange Stores. Slatyer withdrew from the business in 1887 & during the following year the store was operated by Hudson and a Thomas A. Walker. For 10 years it was the leading general store in the village but closed in the 1890’s when Hudson left Blackheath. In the 1930’s a hardware store with the name ‘House Bros’ was operated by Jack House on this site. The store was later bought by the Manager, Tom Bennett, a local Blackheath identity, who continued to operate it as a hardware store for many years until his retirement. The hardware store was then purchased & renovated by Michael Milios who later sold it to Max Beattie who changed the name to Watson’s Hardware Store.
31 Glenella Guest House – Govetts Leap Road
George & Elizabeth Phillips built ‘Glenella’ as their home in 1905 & in 1917 George converted it to a guesthouse. It is still operated as one.
32 New Uniting (Methodist) Church – 39-43 Govett’s Leap Rd
Was dedicated on April 18, 1924. The original Methodist Church is a little further down Govett’s Leap Road on the corner of Gardiner’s Crescent & was moved to that site in 1909 by bullock dray from Mt Vic.
33 Oakdene Grammar School - 52-54 Govetts Leap Road
From 1933 until 1936 this private school was located in “Oakdene” then transferred to the Manchester Unity Hall at 105 Wentworth Street (now Bakehouse on Wentworth) until it was closed down in 1939.
34 Commonwealth Bank – Cnr Govetts Leap Rd & Wentworth St
A temporary building was established on this site in 1947 & demolished in 1962 to allow for the construction of the existing building.
35 Masonic Centre – 93-95 Wentworth Street
The Blackheath Masonic Lodge No 370 was established on February 5, 1921. The present building was completed on January 31, 1925 & the upstairs portion is still used for regular Masonic meetings & the ground floor by the Montessori Preschool.
36 Blackheath Sports Ground (Oval)
In 1933 Sir Donald Bradman, playing in an exhibition cricket match for Blackheath against a Lithgow eleven, scored his fastest century here from three, eight ball overs. Bradman went on to score 256 runs.
37 Jubilee Park – Cnr Prince Edward and Leichhardt Streets
Est. & named in 1935 to celebrate 25 years of King George V’s Reign.
38 Blackheath Tennis Courts
Records of a tennis club in Blackheath date back to 1890. When these courts were opened in 1924 there were 6 courts. This was where the famous ‘whipping tree’ was found at the turn of the last century. Prior to 1844 the convicts at the Blackheath Military Stockade were shackled to this tree and whipped for any offence.
39 Blackheath Bowling Club – Bradman’s Bat on display
The first bowling green in Blackheath was located beside the Gardner’s Inn & used in the summer of 1902. The Peter Sutton Green at the present clubhouse was officially opened on November 14, 1936 New additions to the clubhouse were added in 1976. On show inside the clubhouse in a special display case is the original cricket bat that Sir Donald Bradman scored his fastest century on the adjoining sports ground.
40 Whitley Park – Cnr Great Western Highway & Prince George Street
Prior to 1903 known as South Park. Renamed in 1908 after a prominent Blackheath resident, Thomas Whitley, who advocated the building of a walking track from Evans Lookout into the Grose Valley. In 1906 a large in-ground brick water reservoir was built on this Reserve by the NSW Railways. The water was pumped up from a small dam located on a creek next to Braeside Walk. The water was then gravity fed down to two water towers located at the Blackheath Railway Station. In 1979 the open reservoir was considered a danger and filled in by Council.
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41 St Mount’s Guest House – Great Western Highway
Established in 1902 by Margaret Shiels as a guest house & called “The Pines”. In the early 1980’s the Parsons purchased the building, refurbished it as a guest house & renamed it ‘St Mounts’.
42 The Pines Restaurant – located next to St Mounts.
In 1933 the Police Department relocated the Blackheath Police Station to ‘Kenthurst’ a building located next to St Mounts Guest House. It remained in use as a police station until 1939. There was a wooden lock-up in the back yard where overnight ‘inmates’ attracted the attention of guests at The Pines, asking to be let out. The house is now used as a restaurant.
43 Blackheath Public School – Leichhardt St & Great Western Highway
A Military Stockade was established on this site & convict road gangs camped here during the maintenance of the Old Bathurst Road (now the GWH). The Blackheath Military Convict Stockade under the command of Captain Bull existed here from 1844-1849 & was the last convict stockade to close in NSW. Stonework from Captain Bull’s house was later used in the first schoolhouse, opened in 1885 on this site.
44 Neate Park – Great Western Highway
Formerly called Railway Park. The name was changed in 1921 to Neate Park in honour of John George Neate, a prominent resident. Good views of Kanimbla Valley & Hampton Plateau.
45 Norwood Guest House & Abbott’s Restaurant - GWH
Built in 1888 by John George Neate & used as his family home. A very civic minded citizen of Blackheath he has a number of scenic spots named after him - Neate’s Glen and Neate Park opposite Norwood. Since 1915 Norwood has operated as a guest house.
46 Mobil Service Station & IGA Store - GW Highway
Neate’s 6 cottages were built on this site. In 1936 the cottages were demolished & a modern service station was built & named ‘Kerry’s Service Station’. It was the first service station outside the Metropolitan area with a drive in concourse.
47 ‘Kiora’ - 213 Great Western Highway
The site of Blackheath’s first postal receiving office & operated by Mrs Clara Wilson from July 1880 to February 1882. When the property was renovated the original Post Office section was sheeted over. Originally called ‘Kanimbla House’ it is now a private residence.
48 Blackheath Automotive Services – 215 GW Highway
In 1916 a shed was built on this site by Harley and Byrne to house 14 Fiat motor vehicles. H & B had a Government contract to transport passengers to Jenolan Caves. In 1930 the building was converted to a garage. In the early 1940’s the business was taken over by Ross Hatswell who renamed the business “Hatswell’s Blackheath Garage”. On his retirement in 1997 the business was purchased by George & Stephanie Vergotis. In 2005 they demolished the original building and erected a new building now known as ‘Blackheath Automotive Services’49 Govett’s Horse – Great Western Highway
A statue of the legendary bushranger Govett, commissioned in 1974, by Arthur Murch, one of Australia’s leading sculptors, famous for being George Lambert’s assistant & for winning the Archibald Prize in 1949.
The legend is told on a plaque in front of the statue.
50 Peg Factory - 228 Great Western Highway
Located where Dr John Aitkens’ surgery was situated until his retirement in 2003. Established in the Arcadia Public Hall in 1925 it produced the famous wooden ‘Dolly Clothes Peg’ & wooden props to hold up clothes lines.
51 Fire Station building - Great Western Highway
In 1910 Mr Robert Rolfe maintained a very good vegetable garden here. When the small building housing fire appliances next to the present day police station in W’worth St became inadequate the fire station was relocated on Sep. 26, 1959 to a new building on the Gt Western Hway.
52 Bus shelter shed 1925 - Great Western Highway
Once used as an electrical sub station by the Blk’th Municipal Council.
53 Tourist Direction Board & Town Clock - GW Highway
Built as a Rotary project in 1967 with the clock added in 1971.
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54 New Ivanhoe Hotel - GW Highway & Govett’s Leap Rd
The original building was completed in 1893 by John Francis Cripps who intended to use it as a hotel, however the Temperance Movement successfully blocked the issue of a liquor licence & the building was used as a Coffee Palace. It became Collier’s general store from 1895 to 1933. In 1939 the present building was erected & opened as a hotel.
55 Evans Marker - Outside the New Ivanhoe Hotel
An initiative of John Yeaman, a former City Engineer with the Blue Mountains City Council, the “Footsteps in Time” obelisk was erected in recognition of the work undertaken by the NSW Deputy Surveyor of Lands, George William Evans, who in 1813/14 surveyed the route for the first road across the Blue Mountains.
56 Victory Theatre Antiques building - Govetts Leap Road
Built in 1914 as the 999 seat Arcadia Picture Palace, it was also used over the years for ice-skating, receptions, public meetings, concerts & socials. But its primary use was always as a cinema – becoming eventually the Victory Theatre. TV killed that; the Victory’s last hurrah as a movie house was in May 1960. It was converted into a second hand furniture shop & in 1996 Ted Greenwood converted the building into a spectacular antique centre with a wonderland of antique stalls & a café.
57 Blackheath Mural
On the side wall of the Victory Theatre Antiques. A town project organised in 1996 by the local business community & the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre. It was designed by well known artist Jenny Kee & painted by members of the local community.
58 Collier’s Arcade - Govetts Leap Road
Built on the site of ‘Normanton’ where in the early 1890’s Nick Delaney opened a butchery & bakers shop & also used the building as his residence. In 1929 the Bank of New South Wales leased ‘Normanton’ & opened a Branch that operated there until 1942.
59 Baptist Church - Bundarra Street
A Baptist Mission Hall was opened in 1888 on the site of the present Baptist Church.The present church building was opened on 16 Feb.1929. In 1948 a manse was built next door to the church - now Church House.
60 Mitre 10 Hardware Store - Great Western Highway
On this site one of Blackheath’s early Motor Tour Proprietors, John Rice. had his garage.
61 Braemar Guest House - Station Street
Operated from 1923 to 1949 by female proprietors including Mrs Knagg, Misses Graham & Allcorn, Mrs Bessy Bastock & Mrs Parker. Many a young railway porter ate well here.
62 Steve’s Auto Barn - Station Street
Site of the original Stockade’s Military Cemetery. The building was constructed by Dick West who, for many years conducted an engineering business on this site. In the 1960’s Dick was responsible for the design & construction of many unique pieces of metal playground equipment that were installed in the Memorial Park.
63 Dundee Guest House - 140 Station Street
Operated from 1921 to 1947 & was very popular with holiday makers to Blackheath due to its close proximity to the railway station.
64 Blackheath Brewery - Murri & Waragil Streets
Established in 1884 it produced some of the finest beer or ale in the colony. Ceased operating in the 1890’s due to a severe economic depression. Now a private residence.
• LOGANBRAE ORCHARD for local apples & juice. Shipley Rd Ph. 4787 8440 / 0418 8787 440
• “BERRIDALE” BLUE MOUNTAINS BERRIES PTY LTD for locally grown organic redcurrants, blackcurrants, gooseberries & raspberries. In season during summer. “Berridale” specialises in organic juices, preserves & table fruit. 174-184 Shipley Rd Ph. 4787 5990 / 0404 260938
• Watch this space too for MEGALONG GROWN WINE, OIL & ORGANIC VEGES which will soon become available. For more information contact Malcolm Scott on 4787 7401
• BUY LOCAL STARWOOD HONEY from Jim Crowther 2 Sutton Lane Ph. 4787 6129
• SAMPLE A DELICIOUS CENTRAL WEST WINE from:
• Blackheath Cellars 34 Govetts Leap Rd
• Gardners Inn Hotel Bottle Shop Great Western Highway
• The New Ivanhoe Hotel Bottle Shop Great Western Highway
• STOCK UP ON GOURMET FOOD & FRESH PRODUCE AT THE MONTHLY BLACKHEATH GROWERS MARKET 2nd Sunday of the month Blackheath Community Hall or Blackheath Public School Hall Ph. 4572 6260
9. PLAN A PICNIC OR BBQ AT ONE OF THE MANY PARKS OR LOOKOUTS & grab ingredients locally from:
• ALTITUDE DELICATESSEN 20 Govetts Leap Rd
• BAKEHOUSE ON WENTWORTH 105 Wentworth St
• BLACKHEATH BAKERY 6 Govetts Leap Rd
• BLACKHEATH BUTCHER 10 Govetts Leap Rd
• BLACKHEATH CONTINENTAL DELICATESSEN 32 Govetts Leap Rd
• BLACKHEATH VEGIE PATCH 234 Great Western Highway
• THE BOGBEAN HEALTH FOOD & MORE 2/122 Wentworth St
• DE LOSA’S FRUIT MARKET 247 Great Western Highway
• 5 STAR MINIMARKET 16 Govetts Leap Rd
• IGA BLACKHEATH 211 Great Western Highway
• STATION MINI MART 263 Great Western Highway
NB Electric BBQ at the Memorial Park: Gas BBQ at Sutton Park; Wood BBQ’s at Hargraves Lookout, Evans Lookout, Anvil Rock, Mt Blackheath, Govetts Leap & Pulpit Rock.
• Enjoy a 3 acre indigenous bushland setting which is a haven for wildlife while you indulge in delicious homemade & organic cuisine at THE BUSHROCK CAFE 198 Evans Lookout Rd Ph.4787 7111
• Head out to Shipley and indulge yourself with food & art at the SHIPLEY GALLERY CAFE, 166 Shipley Rd Ph. 4787 8357
• Even further afield have a hearty breakfast, an old fashioned meat or apple pie, or devonshire tea at the MEGALONG TEA ROOMS Megalong Rd Megalong Valley 4787 9181
“IN TOWN” HAVE COFFEE & CAKE OR A MEAL AT:
• VICTORY CAFE 17-19 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 6777
• CAFE MEMENTO Shop 2/36 Govetts Leap Rd (Wentworth St entrance) Ph. 4787 5123
• BAKEHOUSE ON WENTWORTH 105 Wentworth St Ph. 4787 7255
• COFFEE ‘N MORE Shop 5, Collier Arcade, 21 - 25 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 5386
• CAFE BANKSIA 246 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 7269
• THE WATTLE CAFE 240 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 8153
• BLACKHEATH CONTINENTAL DELICATESSEN 32 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8484
• ALTITUDE DELICATESSEN 20 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 6199
HAVE A NIGHT OUT AT ONE OF OUR RENOWNED RESTAURANTS:
• VULCANS 33 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 6899
• ASHCROFTS 18 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8297
• RAJARANI INDIAN RESTAURANT 124 Wentworth St Ph. 4787 6968
• PINES RESTAURANT 194 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 6111
• PIEDMONT INN PIZZA RESTAURANT 248 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 7769
• HO’S PALACE CHINESE & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 244 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 8809
• ABBOTT’S RESTAURANT 209 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 8568
• TOMMY’S RESTAURANT Thurs-Sun at Blackheath Golf Club Brightlands Ave Ph. 4787 8406
• REDLEAF RESORT RESTAURANT 15 Brightlands Ave Ph. 4787 8108 ENJOY A DRINK & A MEAL AT THE LOCAL PUBS:
• Bistro open 7 days at THE NEW IVANHOE cnr Govetts Leap Rd & Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 6156
• Sample the famous steaks & deep dish pies at GARDNERS INN, welcoming travellers since 1831 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 8347
GRAB A TAKEAWAY & RELAX AT HOME:
• BLACKHEATH FISH SHOP 222 GW Highway Ph. 4787 8280
• FRIAR’S TUCKER 249 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 7041
• HO’S PALACE CHINESE & SEAFOOD REST. 244 GWH Ph.4787 8809
• PIZZA DELISH 123 Station St Ph. 4787 7231 (delivery available)
11. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MEDITATION & BUDDHISM AT THE VIPASSANA MEDITATION CENTRE
212 Station St Blackheath 4787 7436
12. JOIN HUNDREDS OF OTHERS FOR DEBATE & DISCUSSION AT THE BLACKHEATH PHILOSOPHY FORUM
held from 4pm at Blackheath Public School Hall fortnightly from June to Sep. - for dates & topics visit the website at www.forum@blackheathphilosophy.com.au
13. FIND THE PERFECT BOOK, MAGAZINE, CD, VIDEO OR TALKING BOOK AT THE BLACKHEATH BRANCH LIBRARY
Open Monday & Thursday : 10am - 2pm
Tuesday & Friday : 1pm - 5pm
Saturday: 9am - 12 noon
Internet access is provided & a trainer is available to assist (bookings essential).Computer & printer are also available for a small user fee, as are photocopying & fax facilities. Community Hall GWH Ph. 4787 8893
14. STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE BLACKHEATH NEWSAGENCY -
newspapers, magazines, stationery, children’s toys, photocopying, lotteries 245 GWH Ph. 4787 8449
15. SEARCH FOR FINE OLD & RARE BOOKS & HAVE YOUR TREASURES REPAIRED, RESTORED OR REBOUND AT CAMBRIA BOOKS & BINDERY -
specialising in first editions & Literature, the Arts, History & Philosophy. Book search & mail order services are also offered. Shop 1, Collier Arcade Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 5232
See the THINK GLOBAL, BUY LOCAL & The BUY PRELOVED SECTIONS FOR MORE BOOKSELLERS pp. 24-25
16. TAKE IN A CHURCH SERVICE OR MASS:
• BLACKHEATH BAPTIST CHURCH 6 Bundarra St Ph. 4787 8243
• ANGLICAN CHURCH Hat Hill Rd Ph. 4787 8127
• CATHOLIC CHURCH Inconstant St Ph. 4787 8540
• LESLIE MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 123-125 Wentworth St Ph. 4784 1255
• UNITING CHURCH Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4782 2603
17. PLAY OUTDOOR CHESS IN ‘THE GARDENS
Bring your own pieces. Great Western Highway, near the Community Hall
18. GO ON LINE TO CHECK EMAILS OR SURF THE WEB at the
• BLACKHEATH AREA N’HOOD CENTRE Gardiner Cres. Ph. 4787 7770
• THE BOG BEAN 2/122 Wentworth St Ph 4787 5777
• THE BLACKHEATH BRANCH LIBRARY (see 13 above)
• THE NEW IVANHOE HOTEL GW Highway Ph. 4787 6156
19 . BE SURPRISED BY THE DIVERSE RANGE OF GALLERIES & ART COLLECTIONS:
• STOP LAUGHING THIS IS SERIOUS GALLERY specialising in cartooning, illustration & the work of leading artists & innovative craftspeople from around Australia 3 Hat Hill Rd Ph. 4787 7533 / 0407 437553
• KEITH ROWE GLASS Watch this world renowned glass artist creating his extraordinary glass pieces in his own studio & showroom 7/134 Station St Ph. 47877 220
• WARAGIL STUDIOS FINE ART GALLERY showcasing the painting, prints, ceramics, jewellery & photography of John & Jan Caldwell & Steve Moline 8 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 7722
• THE GALLERY, BLACKHEATH exhibiting paintings, drawings, sculpture & photography by its 6 award winning resident artists as well as guest artists 44 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8800
• SHIPLEY GALLERY specialising in the work of BM artists as well as the work of watercolour artist Ce Jorgensen; enjoy a coffee while you’re there 166 Shipley Rd Ph. 4787 8357 / 0419 449 954
• JEWEL GALLERY for work by international jewellers, specialising in amber 40 Govett’s Leap Rd Ph.4787 6727
• BEAUTIFUL OBJECTS ALWAYS - Be enchanted by images of dreams and reality 111 Wentworth St Ph. 0439 461763
• See original artworks, photographs & prints by local artists & historic black & white photographs of Sydney, Lithgow & Blue Mountains at JED’S PLACE - 198 GWH (opposite New Ivanhoe Hotel) Ph. 47877532
• THE BLACKHEATHENS - innovative local craft 264 GWH Ph. 4787 6282
• Visit THE WEAVER’S STUDIO at Montrose House to see the fine quality weaving of Ron Gamack 15 Hat Hill Rd Ph. 4787 7775
• Pick up a brochure on TWO CENTURIES OF ELEGANCE, INC. - the largest private clothing collection in Australia dating from the late 1700’s to the late 1900’s; book a presentation for your local school or community group. Over 3500 garments & accessories Ph. 4787 7641
• POPPY & ROSE HANDBAGS, inspired by the fabrics in the collection, can be viewed at www.poppyandrose.com.au & THE VICTORY THEATRE
20. DO A TOUR OF THE MURALS IN TOWN:
Check out the Jenny Kee mural on the side wall of the Victory Theatre, Birgitte Hansen’s Mural House cnr of Evans Lookout Rd & the Highway, Blackheath Station & the Aerosol Art Murals on the back of the Gardner’s Inn & on bus stops on the cnr of Govett’s Leap Rd & Boreas St, the cnr of Govett’s Leap Rd & Grose St & the cnr of the GW Highway & Evans Lookout Rd.
21. VISIT THE MONTHLY BLACKHEATH CRAFT MARKETS on the 3rd Sunday of the month at the Community Hall GWH Ph. 4782 7672
22. PICK UP HANDMADE ARTIST-DESIGNED CARDS from venues around town & send them to friends from THE BLACKHEATH POST OFFICE in Colliers Arcade, Govetts Leap Rd. Ph. 4787 8159
23. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT AND BE INSPIRED BY ARTISTS IN THEIR STUDIOS (Pick up a Blue Mountains Cultural Directory from the galleries to find contact details)
BE CREATIVE:
24. TAKE PART IN AN ARTPLAY INTERPLAY WORKSHOP OR RETREAT designed to inspire your creative expression using luscious art materials, music, movement, story, ritual & humour Ph. Lindena 0410 310205
25. BOOK IN FOR A CLASS:
• LIFE DRAWING with respected artist & teacher Jo Ernst Ph. 4787 5748
• BEGINNER’S GLASS BLOWING COURSE Ph. Keith or Kayo 4787 7220
• PAINTING OR DRAWING with Wynne Prize winner John Caldwell Ph. 4787 7722
• EXPERIMENT WITH QUILTING & PATCHWORK CLASSES at Ribbons and Rainbows 64 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 7574
26. ATTEND ARTMAKING DAYS AT THE BLACKHEATH ART SOCIETY
138 Station St Blackheath Ph. 4787 6016
• Life Drawing group 1.30pm every Monday
• Watercolour group from 10am Tuesdays
• Contemporary painting from 10am Thursdays
• Utilise the studios from 10am on Wednesdays & Fridays Ph. 4787 6016
27. JOIN THE BLACKHEATH CREATIVE WRITING GROUP 10am - 12 noon Thursdays BANC Ph. Walter 4787 1424
28. SHARE YOUR WORKS IN PROGRESS AT THE THURSDAY NIGHT WRITING GROUP 4 - 6pm Thursdays Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre Ph. Virginia 4787 709729.
THINK GLOBAL, BUY LOCAL
• Explore the Aladdin’s cave of doll’s paraphernalia at “THE OLD TYTHE BARN” 266 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 7284
• Find an elegantly unique gift at YUKO MOON - 251 GWH Ph.4787 5573
• For gifts of natural beauty visit COLLIERS CRYSTALS AND GIFTS Collier Arcade 21 - 25 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 7403
• Look for a special present at ANYWAY FOR GIFTS, specialising in Interiors, Gifts & Apparel 30 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 7700
• Find Exquisite soft furnishings, fine furniture, fireplaces, outdoor furniture, statues, water features & accessories at THE MANOR HOUSE PLUS 27/29 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 5700
• Stroll down to THE NAKED FLAME - Specialising in gifts for all occasions 1/50 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 5717
• Buy a new pair of shoes at BLACKHEATH FAMILY SHOE STORE 4 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8263
• Buy affordable casual or evening wear in cottons, silks or hemp as well as accessories & gifts at RAVIR BOUTIQUE cnr Govetts Leap Rd & Wentworth St Ph. 4787 5045
• Create a fabulous new look, or warm yourself in the cold, with clothes & gloves from BORN IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS. Also specialising in hand knitted children’s toys 22b Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8324
• Order a SWISS ARMY KNIFE OR WATCH from the Australian service agent, WATCHMAKER Jim Crowther 2 Sutton Lane Ph. 4787 612
• Visit the PRO SHOP AT THE BLACKHEATH GOLF CLUB for the latest range of golf equipment Ph. 4787 5643
• Imagine you’re in an Asian market getting high on incense at THE LOTUS TEMPLE - gifts, clothes, jewellery & collectables 38 Govetts Leap Rd (enter Wentworth St) Ph. 47879003
• Explore RIBBONS AND RAINBOWS for an enormous variety of Patchwork fabrics, embroidery threads & ribbons, finest quality knitting wools, haberdashery & craft supplies 64 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 47877574
• Discover the specialist Children’s books at STOP LAUGHING THIS IS SERIOUS GALLERY, 3 Hat Hill Rd Ph. 4787753330.
HELP SAVE OUR PLANET BY RECYCLING & BUYING PRELOVED:
• Surround yourself with Antiques & Collectibles at THE VICTORY THEATRE ANTIQUE CENTRE & FIND A GREAT SECONDHAND BOOK AT MR PICKWICK’S 17-19 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 6002
• Lash out on Antique, Estate & Contemporary Jewellery at BLACKHEATH ANTIQUES & JEWELLERY 17-19 Govetts Leapr Rd Ph. 4787 6126
• Explore the unusual, eccentric and eclectic at MARGARITAS. New Jewellery, funky clothes, affordable artworks, 60/70’s linen, kitchenware new & old, bric-a-brac 238 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 5826
• Rummage for an unusual pre-loved gift at CHIC NOT SHABBY 250 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 6818
• Browse through fine, old & rare books at CAMBRIA BOOKS & BINDERY 1 Colliers Arcade Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 5232
• Rummage around the VINNIE’S (Station St) & SALVATION ARMY (GWH) OPSHOPS & drop off toys & clothes that someone else might enjoy. There are collection bins around town.
• Find serious bargains & treasures at GREEN GABLES COLLECTIBLES, only open Sunday 3 Bundarra St (over railway line)
• Find a real treasure at THE GARAGE SECONDHAND BOOKS 10am - 3pm weekends 120 Station St Ph 4787 8784
31. HOOKED ON BLACKHEATH? WHY NOT BUY A HOUSE?
• RAY WHITE 2 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 47878797
• RICHARDSON & WRENCH 28 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8372
• CENTURY 21 36 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 7266
• NEED HELP WITH YOUR CONVEYANCING? Contact Blackheath Conveyancing - Colliers Arcade Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 6459 32. NEED MORE MONEY NOW
• See the Commonwealth Bank Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8257
• or The Family First Credit Union Colliers Arcade Govetts Leap Rd
Ph. 4787 8795
• Local ATM’s are at Colliers Arcade, The Commonwealth Bank, The Gardner’s Inn, The New Ivanhoe Hotel & the Blackheath Newsagency
• The Post Office is also an agency for the bank & is open on Saturday mornings from 8.30 - 12 noon.
PAMPER YOURSELF:
33. RELAX YOUR WHOLE BODY WITH A MASSAGE:
• MOUNTAINS OF ENERGY Ph. 47876198
• THE BOG BEAN HEALTH FOOD STORE & MORE Ph. 4787 5777
• BLACKHEATH WELLNESS CLINIC Wentworth St Ph. 4787 5705
• BLUE MOUNTAINS HOUSE OF BEAUTY Ph. 47877 597
• SHAUNE LISA HATTRICK Ph. 4787 6891
• GWEN HODDER Ph. 0417 426 593
UNWIND FROM THE STRESSES OF DAILY LIFE - as well as massages get facials, manicures, pedicures, & pamper packages at:
• BM HOUSE OF BEAUTY Unit 1, 134 Station St Ph. 4787 7597
• BEAUTY AT BLACKHEATH upstairs 4/22 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 5838
34. GET HEALTHY!!
• Visit THE BOGBEAN HEALTH FOOD STORE & MORE - traditional health foods, natural skin care, environmentally friendly cleaning products & organic produce. Resident qualified naturopath, a remedial massage therapist & an acupuncturist. 2/122 Wentworth St Ph. 4787 5777
• Take care of yourself from the inside out & to the tip of your toes with REFLEXOLOGIST, HERBALIST & NUTRITIONIST Penny Henderson Ph. 4787 8873
• Give yourself the attention you deserve with a comprehensive naturopath consultation, remedial massage & a detoxifying body wrap at THE BLACKHEATH WELLNESS CLINIC Wentworth St Ph. 4787 5705
• Give your feet the once over with a podiatrist & get your sunspots checked by a skin specialist at the BLACKHEATH FAMILY MEDICAL CENTRE, 110 Wentworth St 4787 8225
• Explore a range of natural therapies including Acupuncture, Counsellling & Psychotherapy, Herbal Medicine & Reconnective Healing at BLACKHEATH NATURAL MEDICINE 3/52 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8654
35. GRAB SUNSCREEN, COSMETICS, BUBBLEBATH & HI 5 BANDAIDS at DASH’S BLACKHEATH PHARMACY, 239 GWH Ph. 4787 8358
36. TREAT YOURSELF TO AN UNUSUAL EXPERIENCE WITH CLAIRVOYANT & HYPNOTHERAPIST Tony Abbott 35 Ada Rd Ph. 4787 7003
37. BOOK IN TO GET YOUR HAIR DONE at:
• THE HAIRLOOM SALON 22 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8658
• CUTS ON GOVETTS 25 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 7330
• JAMES WILLIS 183 Wentworth St Ph. 4787 860438.
38. TREAT YOURSELF TO A BEAUTIFUL BUNCH OF FLOWERS OR AN EXTRAORDINARY FLOWER ARRANGEMENT from THE BLACKHEATH FLORIST 242 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 6266
39. SIT ON A CLIFF TOP & READ, DRAW, TAKE PHOTOS OR JUST BE!
40. WATCH THE SUN RISE AT PULPIT ROCK & THE SUN SET AT HARGRAVES LOOKOUT OR MT BLACKHEATH. Look out over the Kanimbla Valley (Great aboriginal battlefield) - the largest sunken valley in Australia.
41. BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS - Go out in the early morning & dusk to look for bowerbirds & honeyeaters. Pick up bird watching brochures from NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre Govetts Leap Rd. If you get hooked, find out about birdwatching expeditions & talks & get regular lists of bird reports by joining the BLUE MOUNTAINS BIRD OBSERVERS & getting their newsletter ph 4751 3482 or 4787 6181
42. GET YOUR CAR WASHED & CHECKED at BLACKHEATH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES 216 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 8151. Or just checked at GEE’S MECHANICAL SERVICES PTY LTD 263a Great Western Hwy Ph. 4787 5545 & STEVE’S AUTOBARN 136 Station St Ph. 4787 7172
43. UNWIND WITH A VIDEO from KRISTI’S HOME VIDEO Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 6062
44. GET SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE ARTWORKS, PHOTOS, EMBROIDERIES OR CERTIFICATES FRAMED AT:
• STOP LAUGHING THIS IS SERIOUS FRAMING & MULTIMEDIA 101 Wentworth St Ph. 4787 7533
• JED’S PLACE 198 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 7532
• H PICTURE FRAMING 37 Shillington St Ph. 4787 7478
45. PAY SOMEONE ELSE TO DO ALL YOUR TAX! B’heath Taxation Accounting Sevices 2/22 Govetts Leap Rd Ph.47878902
46. TAKE IN A MOVIE at the historic MT VIC FLICKS Harley Ave Mount Victoria ph 4787 1577
47. PLAY A GAME OF POOL at the New Ivanhoe Hotel, The Gardners Inn or the Blackheath Golf Club
48. SPEND A NIGHT SOMEWHERE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!
• BOWER COTTAGE - self contained, next to the bush & with a green bent 176 Evans Lookout Rd Ph. 4787 7541 / 0404483720
• MISTY HIDEAWAY - self contained accommodation overlooking Pope’s Glen Reserve 49 Dell St Ph. 4787 6060
• HARROW COTTAGES - 21 Brentwood Ave Ph. 4787 8281
• WOMBAT HOLLOW - set in a 33 acre natural bush property on the Shipley Plateau Ph. 4787 8798 / 0419 277588
• BALQUAIN MANOR HOUSE 161 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 419414111 0
• CLAIRVAUX COTTAGES 14 Burton St Ph.4787 8538
• LAKEVIEW HOLIDAY PARK 63 Prince Edward St Ph. 4787 8534
• BLACKHEATH MOTOR INN 281 GW Highway Ph. 4787 8788
• REDLEAF RESORT 15 Brightlands Ave Ph. 4787 8108
• HIGH MOUNTAINS MOTOR INN & Cottages 193 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 8216
• BLACKHEATH CARAVAN PARK Prince Edward Street Ph. 4787 8101
LOSE YOURSELF IN LIVE MUSIC & DANCE:
49. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN WORLD CLASS CHAMBER MUSIC & Subscribe to The Blue Mountains Chamber Music Concerts Inc 31 Wombat St Ph. 4787 6425
50. IMPROVISE A NIGHT OUT WITH JAZZ AT THE NEW IVANHOE every 2nd Saturday afternoon
51. BE TEMPTED TO GET UP AND JOIN IN WITH FOLK MUSIC AT THE NEW IVANHOE HOTEL 7pm First Thursday of every month
52. EXPERIENCE SINGING FOLK TO FAURE WITH BLACKHEATH’S MOUNTAINS PHOENIX CHOIR Ph. Adrienne 4787 7149
53. LEARN SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING - classes every Tuesday in the Catholic Church Hall, Wentworth St 7-9pm Ph. June on 4787 5292 or Enid on 4787 7367
54. START YOUNG WITH THE KATOOMBA DANCE THEATRE’S CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASSES - for children 3 years to teenagers every Thursday afternoon in the Bates Hall, GWH Ph. Julie 4782 1818
TAKE A DEEP BREATH OF OXYGEN AS YOU DISCOVER THE JOYS OF GARDENS & THE BUSH:
55. EXPLORE THE UNIQUE CAMPBELL RHODODENDRON GARDENS - these gardens have many fine walks to explore, some picnic facilities & are a natural attraction throughout the year. In October/ November the azaleas & rhododendrons give their best display. Ph. 4787 1580 Bacchante St Blackheath
56. VISIT THE BLACKHEATH MEMORIAL PARK AND HAVE YOUR PHOTO TAKEN IN FRONT OF THE RHODODENDRONS IN SPRING57. Learn & share your knowledge of organic growing - HELP DEVELOP THE COMMUNITY GARDEN TO PROMOTE AN ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY - located in Whitley Park cnr GWH & Prince George Street Ph. Bec on 4787 8482
58. GIVE YOUR GARDEN THE MULCHING IT DESERVES with bales of hay from Hartley Valley Stockfeeds Unit 6/134 Station St Ph. 4787 5622
59. VISIT THE VOLUNTEER RUN CONSERVATION SOCIETY NATIVE PLANT NURSERY where plants are for sale on Tuesday mornings from 9am - 12 noon behind the NPWS Heritage Centre on Govett’s Leap Rd
YOU CAN ALSO BUY PLANTS AT:
MT BOYCE NURSERY, Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 8339
WOODLAND DESIGNS NURSERY Ph. 0413 089 938
WATSON’S HARDWARE 35 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8155
BLACKHEATH MITRE 10 125 - 132 Station St Blackheath Ph. 4787 8368
YANN’S LOCAL VILLAGE NURSERY 21 Second St (Spring) Ph. 4787 6113
MEGALONG VALLEY HAZELNUT NURSERY Ph. 4787 7401
PUT YOUR NAME DOWN FOR THE NEXT WOODLAND DESIGNS GARDENING WORKSHOP Ph. 4787 7204
60. VISIT THE BUSHCARE BUSH REGENERATION AREAS AT BRAESIDE AND POPE’S GLEN. Ring the Conservation society for more details. Ph. 4757 1872. You can also JOIN THE POPE’S GLEN BUSHCARE GROUP to plant 100’s of ferns under the willows along Pope’s Glen Creek (beside the caravan park). Join a great group of people on the 4th Saturday of the month - tools & training provided Ph. Alan Lane 4787 7097
61. HELP SAVE THE 1300 SPECIES OF WILDPLANTS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS National Park - 20 of these are endemic (ie.found nowhere else in the world) and 66 species are rare or endangered. JOIN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS WILDPLANT RESCUE SERVICE & volunteer on monthly stalls in Blackheath during warmer months. Ph. 4782 6233
62. HAVE A SWIM IN THE RENOWNED BLACKHEATH POOL set in the beautiful gardens of the Blackheath Memorial Park. Exercise classes organised at the pool during summer. Prince Edward St Ph. 0247 878018
63. PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF IN THE PICTURESQUE GROUNDS OF THE BLACKHEATH GOLF CLUB & during daylight saving ENJOY A FUN, SOCIAL ROUND WITH FRIDAY TWILIGHT GOLF. Mingle in the clubhouse after; snooker & darts, bar & bistro. Brightlands Ave Ph. 4787 7840664. GO HANG GLIDING AT MT BLACKHEATH OR JUST ENJOY WATCHING! (experienced pilots only) BLUE MOUNTAINS HANG GLIDING CLUB Ph. Neil 0409 480789 / 4787 8027
65. ACTIVATE DON’T HIBERNATE - GET FIT AT THE BLACKHEATH FITNESS CENTRE Unit 4 / 134 Station St (near Mitre 10) Ph. 4787 5855
66. GRAB SOME FRIENDS & PLAY A GAME OF TENNIS. Book a court through the SPORTS CLUB 4787 8353 OR JOIN THE TENNIS CLUB - Junior clinics, social games & competitions Ph. Kay Benjer 4787 7779
67. EXPERIENCE THE BEST CROQUET COURT IN NSW & PLAY GOLF CROQUET, AUSSIE CROQUET & THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE ASSOCIATION CROQUET - COMPETITION & SOCIAL GAMES. Based at the Blackheath Sports Club on a Wednesday and Friday morning - visitors welcome. Ph Derek Woolstencroft 4784 1857
68. BURN UP ENERGY, GET FIT & HAVE A GREAT SOCIAL TIME WITH THE BLACKHEATH SOCCER CLUB - from 5 years to All Age Men & Women. Ph. Barry Dorrough 4787 7283
69. FANCY YOURSELF THE NEXT DON BRADMAN? JOIN THE HARLEQUINS CRICKET CLUB - all ages and volunteers welcome Ph. 4787 1023 or the BLACKHEATH CRICKET CLUB Ph. Mal 4787 7206
70. GET INTO RUGBY! CONTACT THE BLACK CATS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB Junior Rugby for 5’s and up to 12; boys up to 15 Ph. Chris: 4782 7872 Sean: 4787 8691 or Jenny: 4787 5184
71. GO ON A TRAIL RIDE OR THE AWESOME PUB CRAWL WHICH GOES FOR 2-9 DAYS & INCLUDES HISTORIC SITES - Werriberri Trail Rides Megalong Rd, Megalong Valley Ph. 4787 9171
(For other horseriding options see For Kids and the Young at Heart)
72. DO A MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE FOLLOWING THE RAILWAY LINE FROM BLACKHEATH TO MT VICTORIA. Grab lunch at Mt Vic and cycle back.
73. CONDITION YOUR BODY WITH THE UNIQUE STRETCHING EXERCISES OF PILATES. Mixed level classes taught by fully qualified Pilates instructor 10 week terms on Mondays at 5.30 ph. 0415 524 953
74. TACKLE SOME HOME RENOVATIONS OR REPAIRS and pick up what you need at:
• WATSON’S HARDWARE 35 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8155
• BLACKHEATH MITRE 10 125 - 132 Station St Ph.4787 8368
• BLACKHEATH TIMBER COMPANY 125 -132 Station St Ph. 4787 8368
75. TAKE YOUR DOG TO FINISHING SCHOOL - Mountains Dog Training Thursday morning Blackheath OvalFOR THE KIDS & THE YOUNG AT HEART!
76. HAVE SOME TIME OUT FROM YOUR PARENTS
• If you’re under 5 take in 5 hours of playing with other kids (& without your parents breathing over your shoulder) at BM OCCASIONAL CARE from 9.30am - 2.30pm every Friday during school terms Baptist Church Hall, Bundarra St Booking essential 0412 932801
• If you’re over 5 you can have some “time-out” with friends at BLACKHEATH OUT-OF-SCHOOL-HOURS (BOOSH) - a childcare service run from BLACKHEATH PUBLIC SCHOOL. Sponsored and organised by BANC 3 - 6 pm Monday- Friday Ph. 0438 099 006
77. TAKE YOUR MUM & DAD FOR A PLAY AT ONE OF THE PLAYGROUPS held Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays during school terms:
• ST AIDAN’S PLAY CENTRE 10am - Noon Tuesdays & Thursdays cnr Great Western Highway and Hat Hill Rd
• BAPTIST CHURCH PLAYGROUP 10am - Noon Wednesday Bundarra St
78. JOIN OTHER “LITTLE SPROUTS” & GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN - a great way to learn about gardening, creating sustainable environments & eating delicious fresh produce! Whitley Park (cnr GWH & Prince George St Blackheath) Ph. Bec 4787 8482
79. EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY WITH AFTER-SCHOOL ART CLASSES
• STOP LAUGHING THIS IS SERIOUS 3.15 - 5.15 during school terms Tutor: Lis Bastian 101 Wentworth St Ph. 47877533
• BIRGITTE HANSEN Great Western Hwy Ph. 4787 5767
80. IF YOU’RE AGED 11 -15 & INTERESTED IN PERFORMING OR WRITING JOIN THE BLACKHEATH THEATRE WORKSHOP with professional tutors at Blackheath RSL Hall (by the level crossing) Tuesdays in school term Ph. Carla on 4787 8580
81. BE ENTERTAINED BY STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY 10.30 on the last Thursday of every month Community Hall, GWH Ph. 4787 8893
82. TRY SKATEBOARDING at THE SKATE RAMP in Neate Park, GWH
83. DO A FREE ONE-DAY MEDITATION COURSE (HELD ON SUNDAYS) FOR TEENAGERS & CHILDREN at the Vipassana Meditation Centre 212 Station St Blackheath Ph. 4787 7436
84. VISIT THE HERITAGE PLAYGROUND IN BLACKHEATH MEMORIAL PARK, feed the ducks in the duckpond then do a park crawl & visit the other playgrounds at NEATE PARK, SUTTON PARK & ‘THE GARDENS’85. SEE THE BABY ANIMAL FARM AT THE MEGALONG VALLEY HERITAGE FARM, Megalong Valley Road Ph. 4787 8688 or 4787 8188
86. GO HORSERIDING:
• WERRIBERRI TRAIL RIDES: guided trail riding in the scenic Megalong Valley as well as children’s Pony rides & 1-3 hour rides- horses & ponies for young children, beginners & experienced. Bookings to 4787 9171
• horseriding and sulky rides at CENTENNIAL GLEN STABLES Kanimbla Drive (12 kms from B’heath) Ph. Jim 4787 1193 / 0417 273438
(by appt.)
• horserides (trail rides or free ranging) at MEGALONG VALLEY HERITAGE FARM, Megalong Valley Road Ph 4787 8688 or 47878188
87. GO SPOTLIGHTING to hear owls & look for possums. Ph. 4787 8877 NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE for guided spotlight walks
88. VISIT TRAINS, PLANES & AUTOMOBILES in Mount Victoria. Get personal advice on beginning & caring for a toy collection as well as viewing one of the best antique toy shops in the world. Ph. 4787 1590
89. KICK TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT in one of Blackheath’s many parks or out at the old airfield site. If your’e over 5 join the BLACKHEATH SOCCER CLUB Ph. Barry Dorrough 47877283 or the BLACK CATS RUGBY CLUB Ph. Sean 4787 8691 (see Get Energetic Section)
90. WATCH DRAGONFLIES AND BUILD DAMS in the Cox’s River or at Fairy Dell (Centennial Glen)
91. JOIN THE 1ST BLACKHEATH SCOUT GROUP - 3 groups (cubs, scouts & venturers) for young people aged 8 - 18 at Blackheath Scout Hall, Park Lane (Blackheath Sports Precinct) Ph. Russell 4788 1113
SPECIALLY FOR SENIORS:
92. SCHOOL FOR SENIORS - A Programme of leisure, educational & social activities for the active older person. VARIED INTERESTING OUTINGS on Mondays fortnightly; Contact BANC - 4787 7770
93. ENJOY A DELICIOUS MEAL & SOCIAL OCCASION for seniors at THE VILLAGE RESTAURANT - Every Wednesday 11am - 1pm Bates Hall; Community Transport available; Cost $5 plus gold coin for bus
94. YOGA FOR SENIORS Tuesday 11.45am - 12.45pm BLACKHEATH AREA NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE Contact Gyan 4788 1502
95. Contact the Library for its HOME LIBRARY SERVICE Ph. 4787 8893GET INVOLVED IN BLACKHEATH:
96. JOIN THE WELCOME TABLE - Meet other locals & welcome newcomers to the community at relaxed social occasions in cafes, restaurants & hotels. Contact Lindena on 0410 310 205
97. JOIN A BOOK GROUP & enjoy stimulating conversation about books - contact Ros at the BLACKHEATH BRANCH LIBRARY Ph. 4787 8893
98. JOIN A RANGE OF LOCAL CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS to meet people & get involved in the future of Blackheath:
• THE BLACKHEATH & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE meets at 6.15pm on the second Monday of the month Ph. Marilyn on 47876002
• THE BLACKHEATH RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL COMMITTEE meets 8pm the 4th Tues every month Ph Bob Reid 4787 6746
• THE BLACKHEATH C.A.K.E. CLUB - 4.30pm on the 1st Sunday of the month to find ways for Blackheathens to tackle Global Warming & Climate Change issues Ph. 47877533
• THE BLUE MOUNTAINS RHODODENDRON SOCIETY OF NSW INC Visitors are welcome to the General Meetings on the 3rd Saturday of Feb, April, June, Aug, Sept and Dec. Bacchante St Ph. 4787 1580
• THE BLACKHEATH & DISTRICT HORTICULTURE SOCIETY - 10am on the 1st Thurs. of the month at the Uniting Church Hall
Ph. Delia 4787 7506
• THE ROTARY CLUB meets at 6.30 every Thursday night at the Golf Club Brightlands Ave., usually with a guest speaker
Ph. Rex on 4787 8868
• QUOTA CLUB meets at 7.30pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month at Lakeview Holiday Park, Prince Edward St. Ph. Kit 4787 8457
• THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month Ph. Joyce 4787 8640
• THE CWA (COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION) meets at 1pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month the the Baby Health Centre (corner Wentworth St & Gardiners Crescent)
• THE BLACKHEATH BRANCH OF THE AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS Meetings at 1.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month at the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre Ph. Shirley Willis 4787 7918
• LIL’S PLACE - Recreation & social skills for people with disability - Bundarra St Ph. BANC 47877770• Join the MASONIC LODGE Ph. Bill Clark 4787 7248
• PROBUS - social club for the retired & semi-retired Ph. 1800 630 488
• IMPACT BAPTIST YOUTH GROUP meet 7.30pm Friday night at the BM Christian School Ph. James or Rosemary 4787 5863
• FRIENDS FOR LIFE A monthly programme for the intellectually impaired run by the Baptist Church. Helpers welcome Ph. Lilian 4787 6836
LEARN SOMETHING NEW:
99. HAVE A GO AT TAI CHI Monday 2.30pm Catholic Church Hall
Ph. 4782 1602 or 04228 04199
100. LEARN BRIDGE with the BLACKHEATH BRIDGE GROUP at 9.30 Mondays Catholic Hall Wentworth St Ph. Mary 4784 8692
101. LADIES BEGINNERS GOLF CLINIC & INDIVIDUAL GOLF LESSONS available through the Blackheath Golf Club Ph. Steve 4787 5643
FIND OUT ABOUT A RANGE OF OTHER WORKSHOPS & CLASSES like Yoga, Italian, Spanish, Computers, Making Lampshades, Music & Movement for the Disabled etc at the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre BANC Gardiner’s Crescent Blackheath ph. 4787 7770
ADDITIONAL USEFUL NUMBERS:
SHIPLEY BUSH FIRE BRIGADE Ph. Dave Clutterham 4787 8647
POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE EMERGENCY Ph. 000
BLACKHEATH FIRE STATION 220 Great Western Highway Ph. 4787 8078
BM ANZAC MEMORIAL HOSPITAL GWH Katoomba Ph. 4784 6500
BLACKHEATH POLICE STATION 119 Wentworth St Ph. 4787 8444
BLUE MOUNTAINS CITY COUNCIL 2 Civic Place off Great Western Highway & Station St, Katoomba Ph. 4780 5000
BLACKHEATH VET CLINIC Shop 1/122 Wentworth St Ph. 4787 7388
DENTIST 3 Collier Arcade 23-25 Govetts Leap Rd Ph. 4787 8009
SPEECH PATHOLOGIST Sally Ireland 130 Hat Hill Rd Ph. 4787 5874
BLACKHEATH LAUNDRETTE 120 Wentworth St Ph. 4787 8044
BLACKHEATH RADIO CABS Ph. 4782 1311
DAVID HOBBS PHOTO GRAPHIC Ph. 4787 8115
BLACKHEATH PUBLIC SCHOOL Leichardt St Ph. 4787 8253
BLACKHEATH KOOKABURRA KINDERGARTEN 9-11 Park Ave 4787 8977
MONTESSORI PRE SCHOOL 95 Wentworth St Ph. 4787 5075
BLUE MOUNTAINS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 60 Thirroul Ave Ph. 4787 8645
BM ACCOMMODATION BOOKING SERVICE Ph. 4782 2857
BLACKHEATH KATOOMBA PLUMBING & GAS FITTING Ph. 0428 484710
DAVE PENDER - HANDYMAN Ph. 0414 481380
DAVE TODD - HANDYMAN Ph. 0403 807479
KERRY’S CHAINSAW & LAWNMOWER SERVICE Ph. 4787 8272
