Living history

Lithgow has played a significant role in Australia’s industrial history. A centre for coal mining and steel production, its heritage can be explored at the State Mine Heritage Park and the photogenic Glen Davis Ruins (join a tour to explore with an expert). At outlying Portland, the old cement works has become a centre for the arts called The Foundations Portland, its silos adorned with the portraits of local workers painted by renowned muralist, Guido Van Helden. 

Guido van Helten Silos, The Foundations Portland

The Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum is on the grounds of the famous local factory that produced rifles used by Australian troops from World War I to the Vietnam War. Set on a historic estate, Eskbank House and Museum also houses a significant collection of artefacts from Lithgow’s past, including a blacksmith's forge and a coach house. 

Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum, Lithgow

Get back to nature

There are many tours and activities that depart from Lithgow to the stunning surrounding national parks, including Wollemi National Park, Gardens of Stone National Park and Capertee National Park.  Simmo’s Offroad Tours takes you on 4WD adventures through the Capertee Valley – aka Australia’s Grand Canyon, one kilometre wider but not as deep or long as its more famous American counterpart – and along the Turon River. For a bird’s-eye view, take a joy flight with Capertee Valley Helicopters.

At an altitude of 1,130m, Hassans Walls is the highest lookout in the Blue Mountains, with spectacular district views across the valley to the escarpment from the new Sir Joseph Cook boardwalk. You can take in the mountain drama from the Zig Zag Railway, a historic steam train chugging through gorgeous wilderness. It operates four journeys per day every day of the week, taking around 90 minutes return.

Zig Zag Railway, Lithgow

The area is also home to two spectacular lakes: Lake Lyell, great for water skiing, fishing, kayaking and boating; and Lake Wallace, a popular caravan and camping spot. Visit Secret Creek Sanctuary, the only native wildlife sanctuary in the Blue Mountains, to spot some of the unique creatures that live in the area. Eastern quolls, koalas, mountain pygmy possums, long-nosed potoroos, emus and more can be found in this protected area.

Gourmet delights

There are many delicious restaurants in Lithgow showcasing fresh, local produce. The Blue Fox is set inside a heritage house, with a fireplace for winter and a fairylight-strewn courtyard for warmer days. Visit the Jannei Goat Dairy dairy for a unique and tasty farm experience. This award-winning, family-owned fromagerie produces artisan natural yoghurt, fresh curd, ricotta, chèvre, miette and many other delicious semi-hard kinds of cheese.

With forager Diego Bonetto, gain a new appreciation for wild edibles. Time of year pending, join the environmental educator to seek out delectable pine mushrooms. His workshops are not only educational, but highly entertaining. Plus you get to eat just-picked produce.

Mushroom Foraging Workshop, Lithgow - Credit: Diego Bonetto

Festivals & events

Lithgow also has a vibrant events calendar. Held in February, the new Seven Valleys Wild Food Festival is a vibrant celebration of local producers, wild flavours and the rich food culture of the region. The quirky Ironfest is in April and honours Lithgow's proud history of steel production, while the Lithgow Halloween festivities are the largest spooky season event in the state. Secret Valley Festival is a multi-day immersive experience of electronic music, creative expression and wellbeing, held in a remote pocket of the Capertee Valley.

Secret Valley Festival, Glen Davis - Credit: Secret Valley Festival PTY LTD

Nearby treasures

The most ancient open caves in the world with arguably the most beautiful limestone formations you’ll ever see, it's little surprise the Jenolan Caves are a bucket-list destination, just over an hour's drive from Lithgow. Celebrate the seasons at the beautiful formal garden of Mayfield Garden near Oberon. Or relax at the Japanese Bath House, home to an onsen-style outdoor hot spring bath, a tea house, a Zen temple garden and unique Japanese-style accommodations.

Jenolan Caves, Jenolan Caves - Credit: Timeless Creations | Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust

Where to stay

In Lithgow itself, accommodation options include motels and classic pub rooms. Outside of town, sleep beneath the stars in the unique transparent dome of Bubbletent Australia or relax in luxury at the stylish Belle Bois, both in the Capertee Valley. Turon Gates Mountain Retreat sits pretty amid 2,400 hectares of wild bushland – the perfect backdrop for cottages, log cabins and glamping tents. Binoculars are provided. Charming historic accommodation can be found at Linden Tree Manor in the original brewery or at nearby Hartley Historic Site; or take in the views at Eagle View Escape overlooking Lake Lyell.

Belle Bois, Bogee - Credit: Belle Bois

Getting there  

Lithgow is a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney on the Great Western Highway. It is also the final stop on the Blue Mountains train line from Central or can be accessed via a country train to Bathurst. The train journey takes around three hours.