The village of Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia has a population of approximately 4,000 people. It is 1065 metres above sea level, and about 120 kms from Sydney.
Blackheath is near the Blue Mountains National Park - part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. It is the highest town in the Blue Mountains. It was named twice. First, when travelling through on the way to Bathurst in 1815, Governor Macquarie named it Hounslow. On his return journey he renamed it Black-Heath.
The annual 'Rhododendron Festival' held in November each year is now organised by the Rotary Club of Blackheath and is their major annual project. Visitors to Blackheath can see hosts of these beautiful plants at the Blackheath Rhododendron Gardens.
The Creative Art Group Easter Exhibition; the Blackheath Rhododendron Traditional Art Exhibition in Spring, and in January, the "One Van" Blackheath Puppet Festival, featuring puppeteers are all worthy of a visit.
There are many original buildings to visit and the town centre is welcoming and informal, and there are many breathtaking views and bush walks.
Walls Cave Road off Evans Lookout Road is thought to have been occupied by local Aboriginals around 12,000 years ago.
Visitors are advised to visit the information centre, in the headquarters of the Blue Mountains National Parks & Wildlife Service who are based at the endof Govett's Leap Road, in the heritage Centre.
