Southern Blue Mountains area
Blue Mountains National Park
Overview
The Southern Blue Mountains area near Oberon is a hidden corner of Blue Mountains National Park. Get off the beaten track and explore remote campgrounds, wilderness walks and 4WD routes. Nearby, Yerranderie historic mining town is a highlight.
Read more about Southern Blue Mountains area
The best way to explore this wild area is along the 4WD Oberon-Colong historic stock route. Pack up the car and follow the unsealed road along the rugged Murruin Range. You’ll get tantalising glimpses of sandstone mesas and the World Heritage Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness next door.
Stop to set up base camp, spread a picnic blanket or stretch your legs at Mount Werong campground. From here you can walk to historic Ruby Creek —you might even have the place to yourself. Longer walks to the pristine Kowmung River will challenge self-sufficient explorers. Or gear up for underground adventures in Colong Caves, if you have caving experience and a permit. Explore the many fire trails by mountain bike or 4WD. The Caves to Caves route, between Jenolan and Wombeyan caves, is a favourite for 4WD touring.
The stock route is the only access to historic Yerranderie Private Town, one of NSW’s most authentic silver mining ghost towns. Book a tour around the preserved settlement and stay onsite at the campground or historic accommodation.
The tall, old growth forest in this area is a sanctuary for wildlife. By day, spot mobs of grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, wallaroos, an echidna or large goanna. At night look out for wombats, owls and if you’re lucky, the threatened yellow-bellied glider.
Closer to Katoomba, at the end of the Megalong Valley, you’ll find the open, grassy Dunphys campground. It’s a great base for extended walks along Coxs River or to Kanangra Walls. You can also connect with the 132km Katoomba to Mittagong trail.
Highlights in this area
Think Before You TREK
Are you planning a bushwalk, going somewhere remote or where the weather is extreme? Stay safe by planning your trip for all conditions and telling someone about it.
Download our app
The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Contact
- in Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and Country NSW regions
Southern Blue Mountains area is always open but some locations may close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
-
Oberon office
02 6336 6200
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. - 38 Ross Street, Oberon NSW 2787
-
Email: npws.kanangra@environment.nsw.gov.au
-
Oberon office
-
-
Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
02 4787 8877
Contact hours: 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 270 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
-
Email: bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
-
Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
In this area:
Things to do (41)
- 4WD touring (2)
- Aboriginal culture (1)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (7)
- Cycling (2)
- Environmental appreciation/study (2)
- Historic heritage (3)
- Other experiences (5)
- Photography (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (1)
- Sightseeing (15)
- Walking (16)
- Waterfalls (4)