live. work. play.

Have a look at our New Residents guide to see why you should live. work. play. in Lithgow’s Seven Valleys region

Why you should live. work. play. in the high country

Whether it be a desire to raise chickens and farm animals on acreage, live off the land with a thriving vegetable garden and orchard, find a charming twentieth century bungalow in downtown Lithgow, or simply to feel miles away from bumper-to-bumper traffic and the sky-rocketing cost of living, there are some things in life only an Escape to the High Life in Lithgow region can remedy.

A great place to live. work. play.

Lithgow region has many virtues. Surrounded by breathtaking world heritage-listed national parks, stunning mountain ranges and flowing valleys, its proximity to Sydney’s CDB, its diverse range of unique villages, towns and lifestyle properties and its services, amenities and affordable housing, it’s no wonder that the Lithgow region has already become an ideal escape to the high country destination of choice for young singles, couples, families, empty nesters and small business owners.

If you’re wanting to escape the stresses of city living and be surrounded by natural wonders or are contemplating when you’ll be able to afford a liveable home and working space where you can breathe in the country air, a Lithgow region escape to the high country change is for you!

With a wealth of employment, business and lifestyle change opportunities in the region, as well as its close proximity to the Sydney CDB for remote workers, the Lithgow region is fast growing into a lifestyle change destination of choice.

If you’re already considering moving from a larger city to a smaller city or town as a life choice, check out this website, or download our Lithgow Region Escape to the High Country New Residents guide (coming soon) and we’re sure to convince you that our region is the best place for you to live. work. play.

Wallerawang

Wallerawang is a small township in the Central Tablelands, located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of Lithgow. It is also located on the Main Western railway line at the junction of the Gwabegar line. In 1824, 11 years after the first exploration led by Blaxland over the Blue Mountains, James Walker shareholder in William Walker & Company, merchants, coastal shippers and whalers was granted 2000 acres at Wallerawang and settled there in 1824. In 1831 he founded Walker Bros. & Company, which in the late 1830s exported large quantities of wool to London. In 1856 he became a member of the NSW Legislative Council. In 1836 Wallerawang became known as Barton Park. In the same year, Charles Darwin, the English naturalist, stayed at ‘Wallerowang House’ Barton Park. Darwin described the countryside around the Wallerawang and the wildlife including Platypus in his book ‘The Voyage of the Beagle’.

Capertee

Capertee is a village 46 km north of Lithgow on the Castlereagh Highway. Its primary appeal lies in its proximity to the fascinating shale mining ghost town of Glen Davis, its access to the beautiful Gardens of Stone National Park and the impressive Capertee Valley. Capertee is on an elevated site (808 metres) above the Capertee Valley and is surrounded by beautiful scenic mountains. The Capertee National Park offers the opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna, spectacular birdwatching, walking trails and camping as well as heritage homestead accommodation.

Glen Davis

Glen Davis is the gateway to the Wollemi National Park & and encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery found in NSW.

Indigenous landowners

The Lithgow District Chamber of Commerce acknowledges Wiradjuri Elders past and present of the Wiradjuri nation – the original custodians of the land on which Lithgow’s communities reside.

Hartley Vale

Hartley Historic Village

Hartley is located 148 km from Sydney via the M4 and Great Western Highway. It is 700 metres above sea level. Hartley was formerly a judicial and administrative centre that had a busy courthouse. The courthouse was built in 1837 and was designed by prominent New South Wales Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis.[3] The courthouse, which operated for over fifty years, dealt with a constant stream of robbers, thieves and convicts. Although Hartley fell into disuse, it survived as a perfectly preserved village that is a superb example of nineteenth century architecture. Hartley is now home to the Hartley Historic Site, an old settlement village which was lovingly restored over a number of years. It’s on the western edge of the Blue Mountains near Lithgow and is part of the Lithgow LGA. It features a couple of churches and the impressive sandstone courthouse. The village also has a gallery, cafe and tours. Tourists are able to stay in the newly renovated historic cottages. It’s a delightful day trip from Sydney and, when combined with visits to Little Hartley and Hartley Vale, offers a rare insight into life beyond the mountains in the early years of the nineteenth century. For more information or to book accommodation at the Old Trahlee or St Bernard’s Presbytery visit the Hartley Historic Site Visitor’s Centre page.

Tarana

Tarana is located in the beautiful Tarana Valley just over the Great Dividing Range, less then 30 Minutes from Lithgow. Tarana is a treat for adventurers who love hiking, rock climbing, fishing and nature and railway history buffs will enjoy visiting the Tarana railway station complex. Built in the nineteenth century, the station, been perfectly preserved. The station is serviced but passengers must pre-book at transportnsw.info. For delicious home cooked meals visitors can choose from dining at The Tarana Hotel which has a lovely landscaped beer garden and walls filled with charming historical mementos, or Mumma Snow's Country Kitchen & General Store which has a warm inviting country atmosphere and delicious five star home-made meals and pastries. The famous Tarana Community Farmers Market is held on the 4th Sunday of every month. Customers can meet the farmers and learn about how their food is produced all in the centre of the beautiful Tarana valley.

Portland

Portland is only 2 hours and 40 mins from Sydney and 23 minutes from Lithgow and 45 minutes from Bathurst. Portland is an historic mining town and the place of the first cement works in Australia, which was opened in 1902. Cement produced at the Portland cement works helped build the city of Sydney and the cement was shipped around Australia until the works closed in 1991. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has many areas for bushwalking. It is close to the Wollemi and Gardens of Stone National Parks. Portland is a hub for people wishing to escape the city to enjoy the surrounding countryside. The old cement works now house The Foundations Portland. The site features landmark silos painted by a famous Australian mural artist Guido Van Helten and is a mecca for local and surrounding artists. It also holds regular workshops for school children. The site will soon commence a residential development.

Location

Lithgow city, the main administrative centre for the Lithgow region, is at the junction of the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road, 2hrs 15 mins from the Sydney CBD.

Lithgow proximity to -

Sydney CBD – 2hrs 15 mins by car

Parramatta – 1hr 50 mins

Mascot Airport – 2hrs 15 mins

Badgerys Creek Airport – 1hr 40 mins

Penrith – 1hr 30 mins

Katoomba, Blue Mountains – 45 mins

Bathurst – 40 mins

Mudgee – 1hr 30 mins

Orange – 1hr 20 mins