Beyond the blue waters of the flooded Burragorang Valley stand the cliffed escarpments marking the eastern rim of the World Heritage Area's Colong sector and Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness - a forested world of deep blue valleys, gorges and plateaus. Picnic areas, toilets. Open 9 am to 5 pm in winter and 9 am to 6 pm in summer. Entry fees apply.

Nattai National Park takes in the cliff-lined valleys and sandstone tablelands of the Nattai River and Little River, across to Lake Burragorang. The Nattai Wilderness overlies much of the park and will appeal to experienced bushwalkers. Wet and dry eucalypt forests and woodlands, abundant wildlife and numerous sites of Aboriginal occupation, industry and art.

Further south and some 15 million years ago, earth movements pushed up the land to trap a string of shallow ponds in the bend of a tilted valley. As lakes go, the Thirlmere Lakes are very old, very special and relatively undisturbed. The five lakes and their unusual wildlife have been protected since 1972. Perfect for a bush stroll or a quite paddle in a canoe. Picnic areas, toilets. Open during daylight hours. Entry fees apply.

This roadside stop on the Wombeyan Caves Road is on the south-western corner of Nattai National Park. It gives spectacular views over the Wollondilly River valley towards Lake Burragorang and the ridges of Blue Mountains National Park.

Nestled in a remote valley, this bushland reserve protects much of the catchment of the karst area and its well-decorated caves. The landscaped creek flat provides excellent facilities, including fully-serviced camping, cabins, a cottage, group dormitories, kiosk and picnic grounds. A variety of guided and self-guided cave tours and walking tracks can be enjoyed year-round.