It's not a long trip, but it is not just up the road either. A good three hours by car will get you from Sydney to the beautiful city of Bathurst. Bathurst itself is worthy of an article, there are many attractions and much fun to be had in this rural township.
With this being said, getting there is half the fun! To get to Bathurst one must by necessity, if not because it is a gorgeous part of our country, drive through such wonderful towns as Lawson, Katoomba, Blackheath and Mt Victoria. Each in itself could serve as a nice weekend getaway. Although for the most part the traveller can stay on the main road and only slow down for pedestrians as they pass through some of these smaller towns it is worth deviating off the path for a look around.
This is what the family and I did on a recent trip to Bathurst.
Lawson was first, this is a lovely little town, with less than 3000 people straddling the Great Western Highway. Littered with antique shops and cafés it is truly representative of the towns along this route. Lawson is known for its waterfalls even though it is not part of the upper mountain area; they alone are worth stopping in and taking a walk for.
Lawson Waterfall. Photo: Sardaka
The next stop and truly a place where I could easily hang my hat is Katoomba. Katoomba is a microcosm of the Blue Mountains. It is a larger town than those surrounding it almost like the capital of the Mountains. This is due to the fact that it is Katoomba which delivers tourist access to the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and the greater Blue Mountains National Park. We stopped in here on a rainy, hazy day, but this only added to the atmosphere of the area. It is historical, picturesque and inviting.
Three Sisters. Photo: Adam.J.W.C.
Walking the streets you are spoiled for choice of eateries and cafés and just driving along its Southern most boundaries lets you take in the spectacular views over the National Park. Katoomba is a gem in the crown of the Mountain region and should be visited either as you pass through, or for an extended stay.
Katoomba Falls. Photo: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD
Continuing on to Bathurst the eye is drawn left and right by the beauty and history that is dotted around the main carriage way. Passing through Mt Victoria the final township of the Blue Mountains area and on to Lithgow the landscape becomes more rural and there is a sense that you are escaping the city and even the rural comforts of the mountains.
This trip from Sydney to Bathurst is in itself worth doing, the prize at the end being Bathurst, is simply icing on the cake.
