THE VALLEY.
Located three hours west of Sydney, between Lithgow and Mudgee in the greater Blue Mountains, the Capertee Valley (pronounced Kay-per-tee) is noted to be the second largest (in terms of width) of any Canyon in the world - 1km wider than The Grand Canyon but not as deep.
The valley is surrounded by an escarpment of stunning sandstone cliffs, and provides tranquil vistas, serene mountain landscapes, and an abundance of flora and wildlife. Rising majestically out of the valley floor is the monolithic peak, Pantoney’s Crown.
The Capertee area was home to original inhabitants, the Wirdajuri people and was first traversed by European explorer James Blackman, who journeyed through to the Mudgee area in 1821. Sheep properties were later established in the Valley during the 1940’s, and later, the gold rush of the 1950’s resulted in an increase in the colony’s population, while the areas wealth and importance grew as coal, shale-oil and limestone were discovered and mined in the area.
PLACES TO SEE IN THE CAPERTEE VALLEY.
WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK.
Wollemi National Park is the largest wilderness area in NSW and forms part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The Park is a maze of canyons, cliffs and undisturbed forest.
DUNNS SWAMP (GANGUDDY).
Dunns swamp, or Ganguddy as it is known to local Aboriginal people, is a beautiful, serene waterway on the Cudgegong river in Wollemi National Park. The waterway was created when Kandos weir was built in the late 1920s. Picturesque woodlands of scribbly gum and striking pagoda rock formations set the scene for a range of relaxing activities, from birdwatching and fishing to canoeing and swimming. You'll also find a network of easy walks offering expansive views over the Cudgegong river, including Pagoda Lookout walking track.
GLEN DAVIS RUINS.
Glen Davis Ruins are the remains of the Oil Shale Works which began operation in 1938 and ceased operation in 1952. Producing gasoline, the operation was an imprtant strategic resource during the war era. Tours of the Glen Davis Ruins are available to visitors on a Saturday afternoon.
GARDENS OF STONE NATIONAL PARK.
Forming part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the Gardens of Stone National Park features a dramatic landscape of stunning rock pagodas, sandstone cliffs, canyons and breathtaking views. The extraordinary rock shapes, the stunning scenic views over the valleys and the mesa of Pantoneys Crown make this area a must for photographers.
BIRD WATCHING.
Home to more species of birds than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, the valley is a bird watchers paradise. Surrounded by spectacular sandstone cliffs, the valley is a transition zone where the forests of the Blue Mountains give way to the woodlands of the NSW western slopes. This diversity of habitats has resulted in a proliferation of bird species, including the painted honeyeater, rockwarbler, swift parrot, plum-headed finch, diamond firetail, and is the most important breeding site for the critically endangered regent honeyeater.
PANTONEY’S CROWN.
Pantoney’s Crown is a spectacular isolated sandstone mesa rising out of the Capertee Valley. Having a height of just over 1020m, it rises over 300m above its surroundings. Locally referred to and abbreviated as, The Crown, the landscape is a popular subject for photographers and artists, and clearly visible from Yilawura. The Crown was named after William Pantoney Jnr. (later Lee), who established sheep grazing properties in the Capertee area in 1823, and later became a prominent Bathurst figure.
PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY.
RYLSTONE.
Explore the the charming country town of Rylstone, boasting heritage streetscapes and popular for its wineries, boutique arts and craft shops, country pubs, yum cha + tea house, olive estates and local gastronomic delights. The district was settled in the 1820’s, making it one of the oldest settlements west of the Great Dividing Range. With a wonderful streetscape of 19th century sandstone public houses, cottages, and government buildings and 1920’s era stores, it’s worth taking the time to wander. Rylstone is a 50min drive from Yilawura through the Capertee Valley.
MUDGEE.
Mudgee is one of the country’s great wine towns, where wineries set on picturesque rolling hills serve award-winning drops. There’s also some great cafes and restaurants to excite your tastebuds. Set on the banks of the pretty Cudgegong River, the town still possesses all the character of its 19th century past. The wineries of Mudgee are just over an hours drive from Yilawura.
