Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine are neighboring villages in the northern Blue Mountains of NSW, renowned for their lush cool-climate gardens and forested plateaus, set atop rich volcanic basalt soils. History The region sits on land traditionally owned by the Darug and Gundungurra peoples, who used the rainforest and ferns for generations. European exploration increased in the mid-1800s, with Mount Wilson being surveyed in 1868, followed by subdivision and settlement as an exclusive summer retreat for wealthy Sydney families. Grand homes and guesthouses were built among the rainforest, echoing an "English village" aesthetic. Mount Irvine’s land release came later, in 1897, and was quickly taken up by families with a horticultural and agricultural focus; descendants of some early settlers remain today. Population Both villages have a small, stable population. According to recent statistics, Mount Wilson has around 99 permanent residents, while Mount Irvine has even fewer, with small clusters of established families and gardeners sustaining local life. Attractions The major attractions are the renowned heritage gardens—such as Windyridge, Nooroo, and Breenhold—open seasonally for visitors, especially during Spring and Autumn when vibrant foliage draws tourists. There are also well-known walking tracks, rainforest trails, and picnic spots, with Cathedral Reserve and Waterfall Reserve as highlights. Both villages provide spectacular views, serene bushland, and a peaceful escape from busier mountain areas, emphasising garden tourism, natural beauty, and preserved Victorian-era architecture.
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