Fast facts
- Substantial, historic village in the upper Blue Mountains – noted for spectacular seasonal garden displays
- The highest town above sea level in the Blue Mountains
- 114 km west of Sydney, population 4,100
Why go there
In Blackheath you can have the ‘Blue Mountains’ experience – fresh air, brisk walks, great food at superb restaurants and to stay in cosy, quality accommodation.
Govett’s Leap, Evans Lookout, Grose Valley and Hargreaves Lookout are spectacular high-elevation viewing platforms where you can observe a beautiful, rolling expanse of World Heritage-listed wilderness nature.
History
The town was named by colonial Governor Macquarie as "Black-heath" in 1815: “This place having a black wild appearance I have named Black-heath. It affords however plenty of good water for man and beast and tolerable feed for the latter.”
Blackheath attracted many exploratory expeditions and adventurers in its early days, and many a roving bushranger passed through town or hid from the law on its outskirts.
Things to do
- Take an exhilarating, or easy, bushwalk on one of the many walking tracks.
- Stay in one of the quaint guesthouses and enjoy the local hospitality.
- Play a round of golf at the Blackheath Golf Club, with its tree-lined fairways.
- Shop for gourmet food in one of the delicatessens.
- Enjoy a picnic at Perry's Lookdown or admire the view from Hargreaves Lookout.
Events
- Blackheath Rhododendron Festival, first weekend in November, when the village comes alive with floral displays, roof-bolting, coal-shovelling and an annual art show.
- International Festival of Puppetry in January showcases Australian and international puppetry.
- Flower and Craft Show in February is one of New South Wales’ longest running traditional village shows.
Don’t miss
- Viewing more than 1,500 rhododendrons in the gardens of Blackheath in November.
- A stroll around the village to discover a treasure trove of antiques in the Blackheath ‘emporium’.
- Horse-riding in Centennial Glen and Megalong Valley, Blackheath.
