Springwood
Portal Lookout, Blue Mountains - Credit: Nick Cubbin | DCCEEW
Springwood
Early European explorers traversing the Blue Mountains used to camp by a spring surrounded by towering blue gums, an area known to local Darug people as Oryang-Ora. Later renamed Springwood, it became popular among wealthy landowners, including Sir Henry Parkes and later the controversial artist, Norman Lindsay.
Highlights
Foodie hub
The second-largest town in the Blue Mountains, Springwood is a lively centre where the locals love to eat well. Order a coffee and pastry at favourite Dbl Ristretto or settle in for a relaxed brunch at Finn and Co. For a classic pub meal, the Royal Hotel has been serving hungry (and thirsty) travellers since 1881 and the Springwood Country Club has a family-friendly atmosphere. For local and regional produce sold straight from the farmers, don’t miss the Springwood Growers Market, held on the fourth Sunday of each month.
As evening comes, book a table at one of the finest restaurants west of Sydney. Arrana presents an ever-changing degustation menu with a focus on seasonal native ingredients. Think, scallops with finger lime, apple, horseradish and salmon roe, or native thyme-brined duck breast, onion jus and peach three ways. Other stylish options include Reminiscence tapas, whisky and wine bar or Product of Italy.
Arrana, Springwood - Credit: Time Out
Regional art
Prolific (and controversial) Australian artist Norman Lindsay’s former home in nearby Faulconbridge is now a National Trust-listed gallery celebrating his work. Step into his original painting studio, where Lindsay created his art and much-loved children’s book, The Magic Pudding. Located in an ornate Victorian villa on Springwood’s main road, Braemar Gallery – part of the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre – is a community art space showcasing local and regional artists.
Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge - Credit: Norman Lindsay Gallery
Walking trails
Springwood is the ideal gateway to some of the most dreamy hiking trails and lookouts in the Blue Mountains. Explore nearby bushland on the Sassafras Gully Loop, a 10km circuit starting near Springwood Station that follows natural gullies past beautiful waterfalls. Be warned – there are a lot of steps. Alternatively, look for glow worms on cave walls in Birdwood Gully Reserve. One of the hidden treasures of Springwood is Martin’s Lookout, accessible by car in dry weather. This is the perfect perch to find peace and escape from the world.
In nearby Glenbrook, spot axe grooves by the water’s edge at Campfire Creek as you follow the Red Hands Cave Walking Track to an ancient Aboriginal art gallery. Meanwhile, Glenbrook Gorge track is short yet challenging route tracing the base of the gorge. There’s the chance to get off-track as you wade your way down the creek.
Neapean Lookout in the Glenbrook area, Blue Mountains National Park - Credit: Elinor Sheargold | DCCEEW
Where to stay
Stay in the heart of Springwood at the historic Royal Hotel, with nine family-friendly rooms available. Couples will love the romance of the Rose Lindsay Cottage at Faulconbridge; while you can also stay on the grounds of the Norman Lindsay Gallery in a self-contained cottage.
Rose Lindsay Cottage, Faulconbridge
Getting there
Springwood is just an hour’s drive from Sydney via the M4. You can also catch the train direct from Central on the Blue Mountains line and the journey takes one hour and 45 minutes.
