There’s a new way to witness this World Heritage-listed national park.
Everyone knows the Blue Mountains in NSW is a paradise for nature lovers. A treasure trove of walking trails, magical waterfalls and outdoor experiences like Scenic World highlight the raw natural beauty that makes this place so special.
Many of the Blue Mountains’ best hikes and lookouts run along the Jamison Valley’s cliffs and offer views across southerly landmarks like Mount Solitary and the Megalong Valley. But the accessible Forest Lookout Boardwalk has just opened in a lesser-known part of the region, inviting visitors to see a different side of this incredible national park.
Where is the new Blue Mountains boardwalk?
Situated on the quieter side of the Blue Mountains National Park in Mount Tomah is the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden on Darug Country. Opened to the public in 1987, the 186-hectare landscape is considered the highest botanic garden in Australia. It is already home to a handful of well-maintained tracks, but the newly opened Forest Lookout Boardwalk is providing a new perspective.
At 100 metres in length, the fully accessible platform leads visitors to a rarely seen eastern viewpoint that looks out over the region’s unique basalt cap forests. Sustainability was a key factor in the design. Built using natural materials, the structure is sympathetic to the landscape and cuts a path around trees rather than through them.
But it’s not (just) about the destination, it’s about the journey, too. Take it at a leisurely pace and you might spot a few of the adorable animals that call this place home – like lizards, sugar gliders and ring-tailed possums, as well as over 150 bird species. It’s also a great way to see the garden’s native and exotic plant species, including maples, camellias, rhododendrons and ferns.
The fern holds particular significance to the region; in the Durgah language of the land’s Traditional Owners, ‘Tomah’ means ‘fern.’ Visitors can learn more about the fern and its life cycle through newly installed art panels along the way.
Afterwards, pop up to the onsite cafe for tea, browse the Garden Shop for gifts and homewares, join a creative workshop or pick up a native plant from the nursery. Guided walking tours are also run during the spring.
Is it accessible?
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden has accessibility parking (located in Car Park 1) and wheelchair-friendly bathrooms, as well as mobility scooters available to hire for $10. The new Forest Lookout Boardwalk has also been specifically designed to be accessible for all. Wheelchair users, parents with prams and those with reduced mobility can all enjoy the experience thanks to flat surfaces, safety railings and ramps.
How do I get there?
For those travelling from regional towns like Bathurst or Lithgow, you can reach the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden via the Great Western Highway and Chifley Road. Sydney’s train line and A32 highway make visiting popular towns like Katoomba easy, but Mount Tomah is a little further afield. Head to North Richmond, an hour’s drive from the CBD, where Bells Line of Road begins. The winding route twists and turns for 37 kilometres before delivering you to your destination.
If you’re up for an autumnal road trip, Bells Line is an adventure in itself, cutting through historic settlements like Kurrajong and Berambing. It also provides access to many of Bilpin’s world-class cideries, which are recognised among Australia’s top 10 foodie wonders. It’s important to note that Bells Line of Road can be dangerous at times, especially after heavy rainfall and high winds. Check Live Traffic NSW for road closures or repair works.
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
