Faulconbridge

Located on the lower slopes of the Blue Mountains, just past the edge of Sydney, Faulconbridge and nearby Springwood are a perfect base for discovering historic attractions, indigenous culture, stylish cafes and a famous artistic legacy.

Norman Lindsay

The Blue Mountains has always been a magnet for creative types, inspired by the evocative landscape and invigorated by the cool, fresh air. Arguably the most controversial of all was celebrated artist Norman Lindsay, who established a home and studio at Faulconbridge in 1912.

Today, the magnificent Norman Lindsay Gallery is managed by the National Trust, its gorgeous grounds and sandstone house brimming with Lindsay’s bohemian paintings, etchings and sculptures as well as excerpts and sketches from his children’s classic, The Magic Pudding.

Things to do

Explore railway memorabilia at Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, set on the site of a 1914 railway roundhouse. Some of the region’s lesser-known bushwalks include the hike to Blue Gum Swamp at Winmalee, the family-friendly trails of Birdwood Gully or the 10km Sassafrass Gully Loop at Springwood.

The area is also rich in cultural heritage, with protected Aboriginal cave art on display on the Red Hands Cave Walk near Glenbrook. Learn about indigenous culture on an Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout, following a Songline of ancient sites on a secluded bushwalk that sets off from Faulconbridge Station.

Cafe culture

The village of Springwood is full of great places to eat; enjoy a hearty brunch at Finn and Co, or save your outing for Happy Hour when The Bunker offers cocktail and snack specials. You can also enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of Springwood Country Club after a round of golf; while Lindsay’s Café at the Norman Lindsay Gallery in Faulconbridge is open for lunch in a lovely courtyard setting.  

Getting there & where to stay

Faulconbridge is just over an hour’s drive from Sydney and a 5min drive west of Springwood. Faulconbridge Station is on the Blue Mountains line, a relaxing 90min train ride from Central.

While there are no large resorts in the Faulconbridge area, there are several secluded self-contained cottages available for rent, including the romantic, sandstone Rose Lindsay Cottage which was part of the original Norman Lindsay estate. There is also a cottage on the Norman Lindsay Gallery grounds suitable for couples.