How many times have you driven over the Blue Mountains, saw the turn-off sign for Lithgow, and kept driving?
Probably many of you reading, I’d dare say!
Look, we’ve all been guilty of it, including this writer, but I want you to know that there’s an incredibly underrated town at that very turn-off that’s just waiting to be discovered.
Lithgow and the Seven Valleys is the gateway to Central NSW, and just a 90-minute drive from western Sydney – give or take.
I recently ventured out to this pretty, historic working-class town to spend a few nights recharging the batteries and exploring Lithgow’s sensational hospitality offerings, various lookouts and huge range of things to do.
Here are the five places you should consider when you make that turn-off from the Great Western Highway and visit beautiful Lithgow…
1. Lithgow Workies Club
Upon arriving on a chilly Friday evening, I quickly discovered that the Lithgow Workies Club was the place the whole town converges on.
Not only is the Lithgow Workies a great place to drink with friends, eat a delicious meal and watch the footy, it’s also the perfect place to stay at while in town.
This boutique style award-winning four-star accommodation was my base for two nights, and I absolutely loved it more than I thought I would!
Lithgow Workies offers exquisite interiors and a range of room styles that sleeps up to five guests with modern features. It very much reminded me of a hotel in Las Vegas because of the various dining and entertainment options on-site.
Another great aspect of The Workies is it’s located in the heart of Lithgow and is conveniently situated just a short drive away from surrounding attractions.
Plus, if you’re having breakfast at Cino’s Café, definitely order the bacon and egg roll. While I highly recommend the club’s busy Bistro for dinner – it has all your classic pub favourites along with good old-fashioned service that rarely exists anymore!
2. Lost City Walking Track
My first full day in Lithgow saw me visit Lost City, which is a popular walking track located about 20 minutes’ drive from town.
If you’re into hiking, Lost City walking track is the perfect place to discover lookouts with panoramic views, creek crossing, dams and pagodas.
These unique and visually stunning rock formations give context to the name of the park – Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.
I can’t recommend it enough especially if you enjoy hiking and some fresh mountain air!
3. Zig Zag Railway
A place I hadn’t been to since I was a young kid, the famous Zig Zag Railway is one of the area’s most popular attractions.
Established in 1869, people travel from all over Sydney to the tiny town of Clarence to enjoy a relaxing ride on the romantic, nostalgic and impressive steam locomotive as it hauls you over the Great Lithgow Zig Zag.
Filled with breathtaking views, rich history and unforgettable moments, the experience is ideal for railway enthusiasts, nature lovers or a family day out. It’s a true step back in time!
The Zig Zag Railway runs on a fortnightly basis, operating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays every second week. Bring you camera!
4. The Blue Fox
My second night in Lithgow saw me dine at The Blue Fox, a stunning fairy light lit restaurant located on historic Main Street.
Run by Kat and her daughters Holly and Laura, The Blue Fox is the place to go for simple, tasty home cooked meals paired with friendly service and kick ass drinks to wash it all down with.
My wife and I were seated right next to the fireplace, and it was just the ultimate romantic setting with cocktail in hand and an amazing dinner ready to be devoured.
I highly recommend the Middle Eastern Fried Cauliflower as an entrée and the Blue Fox Sticky Date Pudding is a must for dessert!
I’m also told lunchtime there is just as incredible as the natural light sets the scene for a special afternoon.
5. Secret Creek Sanctuary
One of Lithgow’s true hidden gems, the Secret Creek Sanctuary is the only native wildlife sanctuary in the Blue Mountains.
Home to some of the most unique species of this area, it was recently renovated with a new entrance and visitor centre.
It’s conveniently located just a three-minute drive from the centre of Lithgow and is home to Eastern quolls, dingoes, koalas, Tassie devils, pygmy possums, native birds, rock wallabies, reptiles, and a pair of very inquisitive emus, who will follow you around as wander through the expansive grounds.
My hot tip: once you finish spotting the various wildlife on offer, enjoy a bite to eat and a hot drink at the Sanctuary’s on-site café. It was a wonderful way to end the trip!
For more suggestions on things to do in amazing Lithgow and the Seven Valleys, visit http://www.visitcentralnsw.com.au and http://www.sevenvalleys.com.au.
Nathan Taylor is Parra News' sports journalist. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked in western Sydney media for more than a decade.