Do something other than vote on Saturday – why not follow the Greater Blue Mountains Heritage Trail Open Day, which is also on on that day and brings with it a new creative opportunity for visitors. Local businesses and organisations
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throughout the region will once again open their doors and visitors are encouraged to get out their cameras and share their creative flair for a chance to win exciting prizes.
When Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson became the first three explorers to successfully cross the Blue Mountains in 1813, they forged the trail from the Cumberland Plains to Mt Blaxland.
Once considered an impassable barrier, today this territory is known as the World Heritage Greater Blue Mountains region and is famous for the dramatic, spectacular scenery and for the ability to attract visitors from all over the world. The Hawkesbury region also plays a big part in the history of the area. George William Evans, the surveyor; William Cox Esq, road builder; and Mr Cox’s “team” (as he referred to the convict workers) all came from the Hawkesbury.
The combined areas are a rich source of historical archives, images and stories of some of the pioneers of our nation.
An initiative of Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations (BMACHO), the Greater Blue Mountains Heritage Trail offers historically minded visitors the opportunity to explore these important resources, as well as the spectacular scenery, through the historical societies, family history societies, museums, galleries, historic gardens and historic businesses that appear along the trail.
It is also an opportunity for local businesses and smaller volunteer-run organisations alike to showcase their rich and unique heritage.
The Mt Wilson & Mt Irvine Historical Society will open the Turkish Bath Museum at Mt Wilson, Springwood Historical Society will offer town heritage walks exploring Springwood’s long and fascinating history. Hawkesbury Regional Museum in Windsor will be hosting “Interesting Objects”, an exhibition of significant objects to the Hawkesbury collected over the last 60 years by the Hawkesbury Historical Society.
Various art exhibitions will also be on show, including “This Shrine” at Norman Lindsay Gallery celebrating the single nude in Norman Lindsay’s art, school holiday activities at Eskbank House, Weaving Workshop with Lanny Mackenzie at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, family history exhibition in Tarella cottage museum and the winter gardens at Everglades in Leura.
Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to explore the unique heritage resources on offer and to get creative and share their experiences and discoveries through photos. Enjoy the world famous scenery, learn about some of the hidden gems along the way, including the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens at Blackheath, or stop for something to eat at one of the historic restaurants or cafes.
Pick up a copy of the Greater Blue Mountains Heritage Trail brochure with map, available at participating businesses and Visitor Information Centres from Parramatta to Orange and Hawkesbury to Wollondilly.
For further information, please visit www.heritagedrive.com.au or to enter the photographic competition, see www.facebook.com/GBMHeritageTrail.