Blue Mountains NSW

Lake Wallace - Wallerawang

Unshackled set up base in Wallerawang, a small town on the western fringe of the Blue Mountains. We camped at Lake Wallace, a fantastic free camp with peaceful lake views and the perfect location to access the incredible sights and adventures these mountains have to offer.

We quickly discovered the Blue Mountains are a year-round tourist hotspot, so we were especially grateful to return each afternoon to our quieter lakeside retreat.

Lake Wallace is a man-made lake, created in the 1970s by Pacific Power as a cooling pond for the now-decommissioned Wallerawang Power Station. What was once industrial infrastructure has evolved into a much-loved recreational haven for locals and visitors alike — and it provided an interesting backdrop to our stay.

We took a drive out to Mt Piper Power Station in Portland, just 15km from Wallerawang. Operated by EnergyAustralia, this coal-fired power station is scheduled to be decommissioned by 2028.w

Standing beside it, the sheer enormity of the coal stockpiles required to keep it running is staggering. It certainly prompts reflection — and lively debate — about the long-term efficiency and sustainability of this form of power generation.

Day One – Chasing Views

With map in hand and destinations marked, we set off early. First stop: the Lost City — a valley of extraordinary rock formations known as pagodas. The unique sandstone structures rising from the landscape were spectacular, matched only by the sweeping panoramic views across this rugged terrain.

Next on the list was the Glow Worm Tunnel… but after discovering it involved a 30+ kilometre drive along rough, rugged roads, we made the wise decision to save that adventure for the following day.

Instead, we headed to Wentworth Falls. This short but steep walk from the picnic area is absolutely worth the effort. We followed the track past Jamison and Wentworth falls before descending around 200 steps to cliff-edge Fletchers Lookout. Mr Unshackled, with his healthy respect for heights, opted out of the final cliff-edge section, so we didn’t capture the falls on video — but take our word for it, watching the water plunge 100 metres to the valley floor is a breathtaking sight.

From there we joined the crowds at Echo Point to see the iconic Three Sisters. Finding a park was a challenge and the tourists were out in force! Still, the walk and ever-changing views of the Three Sisters — rising nearly a kilometre above sea level — made it worthwhile.

We have to admit, the crowds (and cost) put us off visiting Scenic World this time, especially as the afternoon was slipping away. If you have more time, it may well be worth a look.

On the way home, we stopped at Govetts Leap Lookout — and what a way to finish the day. Once you experience the view from Govetts Leap, you understand why it’s one of Australia’s most famous lookouts. To the east, the magnificent Bridal Veil Falls plunges 180 metres to the valley floor. Between the waterfall and the vast valley views, it was pure magic.

Day Two – Into Wollemi

Day two began early — picnic packed, tyres aired down for a smoother ride — and we made our way toward the Glow Worm Tunnel in Wollemi National Park, near Lithgow. The changing landscape along the drive was incredible.

What we didn’t realise was that we would actually drive through a tunnel before reaching the walk — a fun surprise!

Both that tunnel and the Glow Worm Tunnel are remnants of the historic Wolgan Valley Railway, a 51km industrial railway that operated from 1907 to 1932, servicing the Commonwealth Oil Corporation refinery at Newnes.

The walk to the Glow Worm Tunnel is a relatively easy 6km return hike through a lush valley lined with towering tree ferns — beautiful in its own right.

The 387-metre Glow Worm Tunnel itself is dark and damp — perfect conditions for the bioluminescent larvae that line its walls. With only a handrail to guide you in the pitch-black environment, it’s an unforgettable experience. Passing others in the narrow tunnel can be tricky, but we were lucky to encounter only two small groups.

And if the glow worms weren’t magical enough, stepping out the far end felt like walking into Jurassic Park — a lush cavern surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, with nothing but the sound of a gentle breeze, a trickling stream and some passing red-tailed black cockatoosr. If this is heaven, we found it.

We lingered, soaking in the moment, before retracing our steps — one final chance to marvel at those tiny, sparkling lights.

What a day. And what a way to round off our time in the Blue Mountains.

This incredible location deserves far more time than we were able to give it. However, with a 48-hour maximum stay at our camp and limited alternative options in the surrounding townships, we made the call to move on — reluctantly, but grateful for every moment we had. We will be back!!