History

The Blue Mountains in New South Wales have a rich and layered history, stretching back millions of years to their geological formation during the Pliocene Epoch, when sandstone plateaus and deep valleys were carved by ancient rivers and uplifts. For thousands of generations, the area was home to Aboriginal peoples, including the Gundungurra, Darug, and Wiradjuri, who lived in harmony with the rugged landscape and left enduring marks such as rock carvings and sacred sites.​ European exploration began in earnest in 1813, when Gregory Blaxland, William Charles Wentworth, and William Lawson successfully crossed the mountains, opening the way for British settlement and the expansion of the colony. Their journey led to the construction of a road by William Cox in 1814–1815, which enabled further exploration and the eventual establishment of towns like Springwood and Blackheath. The discovery of gold in Bathurst in the 1850s brought a wave of prospectors and Chinese traders, further transforming the region.​ The Blue Mountains have since evolved from a formidable barrier into a major tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and ongoing connection to both Aboriginal heritage and colonial history.