Places to visit in the Blue Mountains

Created by Henri Van de Velde and Paul Sorenson in the 1930s, Everglades House and Gardens is Australia’s most spectacular inter-war garden.

Drawing from the great tradition of European gardening as well as the Australian bush, Everglades will charm you with its winding paths, sculptures, modern-style house and spectacular views of the Jamison Valley. Visit the Tea Rooms and gift shop, or picnic in the spacious grounds. Parking available.

Photo: Johnathan Miller

It was here that the prolific and controversial artist Norman Lindsay (1879 – 1969) created the etchings, oils, watercolours, pen drawings, ship models and novels for which he became famous.

Over the years Lindsay transformed his estate by adding classical colonnades and a Roman courtyard to the house, and embellishing the grounds with
fountain and sculptures. The house, painting studio, etching studio and grounds are all open to view, along with café, gift shop and parking.

Built as an inn during the 1840s, the property was later used by Alfred Fairfax as a mountain retreat and then as a guest house. In 1906 John McManamey opened a boys’ school here, known as the Woodford Academy. It is the oldest collection of buildings in the Blue Mountains, the basic structure being of sandstone. The buildings contain features reflecting every period of its long history.