The Regions
Penrith Valley
Penrith Valley is the central hub of a fertile crescent that arcs around the back of Sydney, along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River from Windsor and Richmond towards Camden and Campbelltown. The alluvial and shale soils of these riverlands are the most productive in the Sydney area, which is otherwise ringed by harsher sandstone hills.
Agriculture has been important in Penrith Valley since the early days of British settlement. But long before that, this was the most bountiful of the Dharug people's extensive domain, that stretches from Sydney into the Blue Mountains.
Penrith Valley today takes in a diverse landscape of river, lake and mountain. Starting from the east, the lowlands of western Sydney were originally cleared for farming but now housing is more dominant. Then we find the Nepean River hugging the foot of the bush-clad Blue Mountains escarpment which rises abruptly into the west. The most recent addition to the landscape is the Penrith Lakes, waterways created by the extraction of gravels close to the river. The lakes are planned to become a major parkland and recreational area.
The terrain of the lower Blue Mountains might be more subdued and intimate than 'the tops', but it lacks nothing in colour and interest. Many splashing creeks, outcrops of orange sandstone and light-filled woodlands wait to be enjoyed.
Visitors can also cruise or paddle on the river, tackle wild rapids, visit an Aboriginal cultural centre, cycle along the river or enjoy a wealth of cultural, entertainment, sporting, food, wine and accommodation options.
More information
For further information on things to see and do in this region and local national parks, visit the following local visitor information centres or websites. See also the Greater Blue Mountains Drive Companion Guide.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Environment and Climate Change)
- Toll-Free: 1300 361 967
- Web: www.npws.nsw.gov.au
- Tourism NSW
- Web: http://www.visitnsw.com.au
- Penrith Valley
- Mulgoa Road, Penrith
- Toll-Free: 1300 736 836
- Web: http://www.penrithvalley.com.au
- Blue Mountains
- Great Western Highway, Glenbrook
- Toll-Free: 1300 653 408
- Web: http://www.visitbluemountains.com.au
Penrith Valley Landscapes
On the southern side of the main Blue Mountains ridge and Great Western Highway lies the fabled Blue Labyrinth, named by early bushwalkers who were bewildered by the maze of similar, even-topped ridges. Here Glenbrook Creek and Erskine Creek flow to the Nepean River.
The village of Glenbrook on the Great Western Highway is the main eastern gateway for park facilities. You can camp or picnic with kangaroos and tall gums at Euroka, visit several lookouts, walk the track system, take a dip in natural creek waterholes, paddle or cruise into Fairlight Gorge, marvel at the Dharug rock art of Red Hands Cave or ride your mountain bike along the trails.
North of the highway, Yellomundee Regional Park protects similar country, with several lookouts and picnic areas.