The Blue Mountains National Park is a large, World Heritage-listed national park occupying much of the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia.

Understand

Flora and fauna

The park is home to many kangaroos and other wildlife. When walking in the bush, especially in the summer, be aware of snakes.

Fees/Permits

A cost of $7 per vehicle applies at the Glenbrook entrance. Further up the mountains visitors may need to pay for parking.

See

When bushwalking, try not to miss the beautiful flora (plants) and fauna (animals). You will find a lovely and colourful range of flowers. If you ever come across animals, you should never do anything to hurt them, as they will not like to be disturbed.

Another thing to consider when going bushwalking is that you make sure you don't step on any animals' homes and you should never make new trails and cause erosion.

Do

The Blue Mountains National Park has many interesting things to do.

Bushwalking

This is a very popular pastime in the Blue Mountains and there are a number of well-maintained trails that will offer you the opportunity to go down into the valley floor, viewing the changing vegetation as you descend. Lyre birds can be found in the undergrowth in the valley. They imitate the sounds of other birds, so you will probably need to keep your eyes open for them but they are quite a find for any bushwalker to come across. With many things to do, and many places to explore, why wouldn't you try it some time.

Sightseeing

There are a number of amazing sites to see just from the main highway and major roads. The Three Sisters is one famous site that every visitor to the Blue Mountains must stop and see. There are fabulous views from many vantage points and it is evident on a clear day why the Mountains received their name of "Blue", as the Eucalyptus shimmer in the distance, creating a hazy blue as far as the eye can see.

The Zig-Zag Railway

At Lithgow, you will come across the famous Zig-Zag Railway. This train is a switchback form and was built in the 19th century as a tourist attraction, which it still remains today. At the time it was built, it was a major engineering feat.

Sleep

In addition to staying in the Blue Mountains National Park itself, many visitors stay in the various towns dotted along the Great Western Highway, particularly in Katoomba.

Camping

There are many camping areas in the national park, managed by several different National Parks and Wildlife administration centres.

The Blue Mountains (Glenbrook) center (Blue Mountains National Park, Bruce Road, Glenbrook. tel 02 4739 2950, fax 02 4739 6665) manages one campground:

• Glenbrook campground, across Glenbrook Gorge from the park entrance. This area has sites suitable for camper trailers and cars. Facitilies include composting toilets and wood barbecues. Nightly fees are $5 for adults, $3 for children. Vehicles cost $7 per night. Bookings essential a fortnight in advance.

The Oberon center (38 Ross Street, Oberon. tel 02 6336 1972, fax 02 6336 2122) manages one campground:

• Mount Werong, in the south of the park. This campground is a short walk from road access. Facilities include drinking water, toilets, picnic tables and wood barbecues. There is a stone hut that you can use for shelter. No fees.

The Blue Mountains (Blackheath) center (Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath, tel 02 4787 8877, fax 02 4787 8514, email bluemountains.heritagecentre@npws.nsw.gov.au) manages four campgrounds:

• Murphys Glen campground, south of Woodford. This area requires visitors to carry supplies in from their cars to the campground, and may only be accessible by four wheel drive, depending on weather. Facilities are limited to toilets and picnic tables. Wood fires are forbidden. No fees.
• Perrys lookdown campground, north of Blackheath. Excellent views but facilities limited to toilets. Camping is limited to one night only, and wood fires are forbidden. No fees.
• Acacia Flat campground, Grose Valley. This campground is a long way from the nearest road and facilities are limited to toilets. No fees.
• Ingar campground, south-east of Wentworth Falls. This site is a short walk from road access. Facilities limited to toilets. No fees.

Backcountry

In the part of the park north of the Great Western Highway camping is limited to established campgrounds. South of the highway you can camp anywhere, as long as you are not in a picnic area or lookout; and you are not within 200 meters of a park facility, including roads and walking tracks.