Curious about the Blue Mountains’ best-kept secret? Let me tell you about Mount Tomah. This small township is not just a dot on the map. It is a place of unique character, a cool climate haven.
Mount Tomah is part of the Blue Mountains, despite its Hawkesbury telephone area code. The town sits on Bells Line of Road. It is just west of Berambing. Its elevation reaches 1,000 meters.
Interestingly, Mount Tomah got its name from explorer George Caley. He was a plant collector. In 1804, he ventured into the Blue Mountains. He took a different route than Blaxland, Wentworth, and Lawson, who famously crossed the mountains in 1813. Caley reached a spot he called Fern Tree Hill. That spot later became Mount Tomah.
But the real jewel of Mount Tomah is the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. It is the cool climate garden of the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. The garden opened its gates to the public in 1987. It features over 5,000 species of cool climate plants. All this is spread across 28 hectares. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah proudly stands as the highest botanic garden in the southern hemisphere.
Being at 1,000 meters above sea level offers more than just stunning views. It is also the only botanic garden in Australia within a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Wander through pathways and discover different areas of the garden. You’ll encounter rare species. The Wollemi pine is one example. Seasonal colors paint the landscape. Basalt cap forests and remnant rainforests add to the charm.
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah has a visitor center. There are accessible amenities. You can grab a bite at the cafe. The garden also offers conference and venue hire options. There are picnic areas. Free guided tours are available. Bus parking is provided for your convenience. You can participate in workshops and events. Entry to the garden is free.
The garden is designed to be inclusive. It caters to people who are blind or have vision loss. It is wheelchair accessible. There is step-free access to many facilities. These include the restaurant, lounge, bar, and function rooms. The garden welcomes people with learning, communication, and understanding challenges. Staff are trained in disability awareness.
Mount Tomah is more than just a mountain. It is a testament to nature’s beauty. It is a place of exploration and tranquility. From its humble beginnings as Fern Tree Hill to its status as a world-class botanic garden, Mount Tomah offers an experience that engages all the senses. Come, explore, and be captivated by the cool climate charm of Mount Tomah.