By Julie Miller
The Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, located just before Govetts Leap Lookout, is more than just an information centre – it’s also a placeto celebrate the unique environment and culture of the Blue Mountains.
Managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the team at the Heritage Centre provides visitors with expert advice on activities within the National Park including bushwalking, camping and bike riding.
The Centre also features interpretative displays about Aboriginal history and native flora and fauna, as well as ‘Outside In’ - an exhibition on the history and heritage of the Grose Valley. Art exhibitions are featured quarterly, with the gallery open most days from 9am to 4.30pm.
There’s also a theatrette which plays a 10-minute movie with stunning scenes from the Greater Blue Mountains Area, while the gift shop sells great books and locally made gifts, including eco-friendly and Indigenous-designed products.
Views for all at Govetts Leap
After extensive upgrades, the lookout at the iconic Govetts Leap is once again inviting visitors to gaze out and admire plummeting waterfalls, the sweeping expanse of the Grose Valley and the mysteries of the Blue Gum Forest. The visitor precinct has new accessible pathways, as well as new handrails and signage. The impressive ironstone features of the lookout have been carefully restored, and new ironstone walls built to frame that spectacular view.
Govetts Leap is located just a short walk from the Heritage Centre via the accessible Fairfax Heritage Walking Track.
Virtual canyoning
Children of all ages can experience one of the world’s most spectacular canyons with its high rock walls and waterfalls in complete safety at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath.
Using cutting-edge virtual reality technology. kids will be able to ‘walk’ through one of the most the challenging canyons in the Blue Mountains, the Claustral Canyon.
The virtual canyoning experience costs $10 for 20 minutes.
More information can be found on the NPWS website at https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/visitor-centres/blue-mountains-heritage-centre or phone the NPWS Heritage Centre team on (02) 4787 8877 open 9.00am – 4.00pm everyday (except Christmas day).
School holiday activities
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) education rangers showcase the wonderful world of nature during special sessions in Blue Mountains National Park during the upcoming Summer school holidays.
Programs are designed to engage children aged 5 to 14 years, and offer a range of fascinating school holiday activities planned in Blackheath and Katoomba.
NPWS ranger-guided experiences in Blue Mountains National Park aim to nurture a curiosity and appreciation of nature and culture in a fun and interactive way to experience our national parks.
Learning how to make a home for bees, Aboriginal games for kids, bush navigation and the ever popular Spotlight! are just some of the fun activities on offer.
Bookings must be made in advance in order to secure a spot on the day and take part in these exciting summer activities in the Blue Mountains National Park.
Holiday activities cost $20 per child.
A full list of sessions and more information is available on the NPWS website.
Bookings can also be made on the website at Kids’ and family activities | NSW National Parks
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