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Find out more about the features, attractions and landscapes of Penrith Valley.

Aboriginal Heritage

Penrith Valley is the homeland of the Dharug people, who occupied much of the Sydney area from the coast into the Blue Mountains. Today many Aboriginal people live in western Sydney and provide opportunities for exploring Aboriginal culture.

Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Muru Mittigar means 'pathway to friends' in the Dharug language and the centre provides a meeting place for cultural sharing. Local Aboriginal people work here and learn about their heritage. The centre is also open to non-Aboriginal people who want to know more about local Aboriginal culture. The Cultural Museum showcases the art, stories, and artefacts of the Dharug people, as well as the diversity of Aboriginal cultures throughout Australia. See Aboriginal dance performances, learn about Aboriginal art and painting materials, hear the didgeridoo, try bush tucker and find out about boomerangs. Located on Castlereagh Road at Castlereagh (near Penrith Whitewater Stadium), the award-winning centre is open Monday to Saturday and Sunday by arrangement (02 4729 2377). Fees apply to activities.
Red Hands Cave (Blue Mountains NP)
This Dharug rock art site in the Glenbrook section of Blue Mountains National Park is the main Aboriginal heritage site open to the public. It shows extensive panels of hand stencils and other motifs, and is reached by a short walking track from Red Hands Cave Road or a 3 km walk from the Glenbrook Creek causeway. Hundreds of other sites found throughout the bushland of the lower Blue Mountains demonstrate this was, and remains, an important area for Aboriginal people.

Camping

Vehicle-based camping within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is available at Euroka, near Glenbrook in Blue Mountains National Park. Grassy sites beneath tall gums can be booked on 02 4588 5247. Park entry and camping fees apply.

You can also camp at Bents Basin State Conservation Area, 25 km south of Penrith on the Nepean River. Bookings are required (02 4774 8662) and park entry and camping fees apply.

Canoeing

The Nepean River near Penrith offers good flatwater canoeing, especially in the scenic Fairlight Gorge within Blue Mountains National Park. The large waterhole at Bents Basin State Conservation Area is also popular (park entry fee applies).

For greater excitement you can try the rapids at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium (02 4730 4333).

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Penrith Regional Art Gallery and Lewers Bequest, Penrith
Set in a garden on the banks of the Nepean River. Permanent collection of modernist works from the 1930s to the 1970s and other exhibitions. Open 11am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday (02 4735 1100).
Model Park, Luddenham
A large park for model plane, train and automobile enthusiasts, run by the Sydney Society of Model Engineers Ltd. Steam train rides, and open for spectators on the last Sunday of every month (02 4773 4313).
Museum of Fire, Penrith
Explore firefighting from the early days of European settlement to modern challenges. Open 7 days. Group tours by appointment (02 4731 3000). Entry fee applies.
Arms of Australia Inn Museum, Emu Plains
Dating from 1826, this roadside inn was the last stop for Cobb & Co coaches heading into the Blue Mountains. Now operated as a local history museum by the Nepean District Historical Society. Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, or other times by appointment (02 4735 4394). Entry fee applies.

Guided Activities

  • The National Parks Discovery program runs guided walks and other activities in Blue Mountains National Park during school holidays (02 4787 8877).
  • The Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre provides a range of guided activities (02 4729 2377).
  • Canoe and paddle-boat tours into the Nepean Gorge are available from Penrith.
  • A number of other tours operate into the Blue Mountains from the Penrith area.

Historic Sites and Heritage

Penrith Valley was an important focus of both Aboriginal life and early colonial activity.

St Thomas Anglican Church, Mulgoa
A beautiful sandstone church and pioneer cemetery dating from 1836. Church is open for Sunday services or by appointment (02 4773 8270). The cemetery is open during the daytime.
St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, St Marys
An historic church and pioneer cemetery with strong connections to Governors Bligh and King. Open by appointment (02 8807 7800).
St Pauls Anglican Church, Emu Plains
Built in 1847 on the log prison quarters established by Governor Macquarie. Sunday services and free entry (02 4735 1001).
St Stephens Anglican Church, Penrith
A gothic design dating back to 1837. Sunday services or by appointment (02 4721 2124). The cemetery is open at all times.

Mountain Biking

Both Yellomundee Regional Park and the Glenbrook section of Blue Mountains National Park are popular for mountain bike touring. A variety of fire trails and unsealed roads can be linked into rides from an hour long to most of a day.

The 25 km ride from Woodford to Glenbrook on The Oaks Fire Trail is deservedly well known, and easily accessible by train at both ends. Mountain bike is also a pleasant way to explore all the features and byways of Discovery Trail 6.

A sealed bikeway traverses part of the Nepean River at Penrith.

Nature Study

  • The National Parks Discovery program runs guided walks and other activities in Blue Mountains National Park during school holidays. Information on the natural and cultural heritage of the area is a key feature (02 4787 8877).
  • The Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre includes bush tucker and Aboriginal use of plants in the cultural activities provided (02 4729 2377).
  • University of Western Sydney Observatory, Werrington

The UWS Observatory is open to the public from Monday to Saturday and runs public nights, school programs, holiday programs, and group programs during the day or evening. Bookings essential. Public astronomy nights run twice a month (02 4736 0834).

Overnight Bushwalks

Experienced bushwalkers can explore the ridges and creeks of the Blue Labyrinth or the Grose Wilderness.

An enjoyable overnight walk on tracks is from Glenbrook to the beautiful campsite at Euroka. Camp bookings are required (02 4588 5247) and fees apply.

Another option is The Oaks Fire Trail from Woodford to Glenbrook, with an overnight camp at Tobys Glen and diverting via Red Hands Cave or Euroka at the Glenbrook end.

Picnicking

Penrith offers excellent and extensive picnic grounds on the eastern bank of the Nepean River. Many national park style picnic areas can be found further afield.

Euroka (Blue Mountains NP)
A large area with tall gums and kangaroos. Reached via the Glenbrook entrance to Blue Mountains National Park. Park entry fee applies.
Facilities:
  • picnic
  • camping
  • toilets
  • walking
  • bike
The Rock (Blue Mountains NP)
Situated on the eastern side of the Nepean River gorge, through Mulgoa south of Penrith.
Facilities:
  • lookout
  • picnic
Hawkesbury Lookout (Yellomundee RP)
A very popular and accessible site beside Hawkesbury Road at Hawkesbury Heights.
Facilities:
  • lookout
  • picnic
  • toilets
Yellow Rock Lookout (Yellomundee RP)
At the end of Yellow Rock Road, Yellow Rock via Winmalee.
Facilities:
  • lookout
  • picnic
  • toilets
  • cliff safety
  • loco parentis

Scenic Lookouts

The Rock Lookout (Blue Mountains NP)
Situated on the eastern side of the Nepean River, through Mulgoa south of Penrith. The viewpoint is a short walk and overlooks Fairlight Gorge.
Facilities:
  • lookout
  • picnic
Tunnel View Lookout (Blue Mountains NP)
Off the unsealed Mount Portal Road via the Glenbrook the Glenbrook entrance to Blue Mountains National Park. View into the depths of Glenbrook Gorge and across to the western railway. Park entry fee applies. Unfenced.
Facilities:
  • lookout
  • bike
  • cliff safety
  • loco parentis
Mount Portal Lookout (Blue Mountains NP)
At the end of the unsealed Mount Portal Road via the Glenbrook entrance to Blue Mountains National Park. A wide vista over the Nepean River to Penrith and beyond. Park entry fee applies.
Facilities:
  • lookout
  • bike
Nepean Lookout (Blue Mountains NP)
At the end of the unsealed Nepean Lookout Road, via the Glenbrook entrance to Blue Mountains National Park. Park entry fee applies. Unfenced.
Facilities:
  • lookout
  • picnic
  • bike
  • cliff safety
  • loco parentis
Hawkesbury Lookout (Yellomundee RP)
A very popular and accessible viewpoint on Hawkesbury Road at Hawkesbury Heights. Looks over the Nepean River to the plains and hills of north-western Sydney.
Facilities:
  • lookout
  • picnic
  • toilets
Yellow Rock Lookout (Yellomundee RP)
At the end of Yellow Rock Road, Yellow Rock via Winmalee. A bushy view down to the Nepean River.
Facilities:
  • lookout
  • picnic
  • toilets
  • cliff safety
  • loco parentis

Short Walks

Strolls beside the Nepean River can be enjoyed at Penrith. The Lapstone Zig Zag Walking Track follows an historic railway alignment, with views over Penrith and the plains. Starts from the end of Knapsack Street.

The Glenbrook section of Blue Mountains National Park has a fine selection of longer bushwalks:

Glenbrook Gorge
A formal track descends from the national park entrance at Glenbrook into the gorge. Continuing on downstream to the Nepean River requires creek walking and 'rock hopping'.
Facilities:
  • walking
Blue Pool
A short descent to a superb waterhole from the road between the Glenbrook park entrance and the causeway over Glenbrook Creek.
Facilities:
  • walking
Euroka
An enjoyable 3-hour walk to Euroka, from either the park entrance or the road bend south of the Glenbrook Creek causeway.
Facilities:
  • walking
Euroka to Nepean River
A one-hour loop down Euroka Creek to the river and back along the ridge.
Facilities:
  • walking
Red Hands Cave
Red Hands Cave can be reached from two directions. The easiest is to drive to the end of Red Hands Cave Road (park entry fee applies) from where it is just a few minutes' walk. The more rewarding option is to follow the 3 km walking track along Campfire Creek and Red Hands Creek from the Glenbrook Creek causeway.
Facilities:
  • walking
Jack Evans Track
From just before the end of Nepean Lookout Road (park entry fee applies), this track goes to Erskine Lookout on the edge of the Erskine Creek gorge, then winds down 2 km to the beautiful, clean waters of Erskine Creek.
Facilities:
  • symbol
Rileys Mountain
A 2.5 km track through heath and open forest from The Rock Lookout, Mulgoa.
Facilities:
  • symbol