Village People

SPRINGWOOD

HAVING MADE A FULL RECOVERY FROM THE DEVASTATING BUSHFIRES OF 2013, SPRINGWOOD IS A BUSTLING HUB THAT THRIVES ON COMMUNITY SPIRIT, SERVES UP OUTSTANDING WINING, DINING, RETAIL AND THEATRE EXPERIENCES, AND IS RENOWNED FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL BUSHWALKING TRACKS.

Words: Lisa Doust. Opposite: Photo courtesy of bluemountainsaustralia.com. This page: Photos courtesy of Bella Boheme, The Bunker Café, Orwell & Watts and bluemountainsaustralia.com BELLA BOHEME

The largest village in the lower Blue Mountains, Springwood occupies the traditional land of the Darug peoples and was named in 1815 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who observed his wife drinking from a spring set among woody eucalypt trees. In turn, the main street is named after the Governor.

A walk along Macquarie Street provides the opportunity to view some of the village’s historic buildings – the heritagelisted Victorian Gothic railway station, constructed in 1884; Braemar, built as a residence in 1892 by prosperous cabinetmaker James Hunter Lawson and now a community centre and gallery; the Royal Hotel, refreshing the thirsty since 1881; and the striking 1895 sandstone Presbyterian Church, framed by a magnificent jacaranda.

Enroute, refuel at one of the local eateries. Set within the historic Oriental Hotel, Ori Café dishes up tasty burgers and shared plates. Butternut Café is one of the village’s hottest breakfast and coffee spots, and The Baker’s Wife Juicery & Salad Bar is aimed at the health-conscious – although baker Dayne Taylor also makes deliciously crunchy baguettes onsite.

The Bunker Café is a cosy café by day and doubles as a contemporary restaurant and bar by night. The menu is made up of locally grown ingredients and homegrown musicians are a regular feature.

THE BUNKER CAFÉ

In need of some pre-wedding TLC? Ella Baché Springwood can address your skincare requirements, while Mavii Hair and Orwell & Watts are two ultra-stylish salons renowned for cutting and colouring excellence.

Shopping is a treat in Springwood. Bella Boheme is a beautiful fashion store filled with vivid colour, exotic prints and boho treasures. You can pick up the prettiest flowers at Springwood Florist and a wide range of magazines – including Blue Mountains Love – at the well-stocked Springwood Newsagency.

If you happen to be in town late March or early April, you might catch Springwood Foundation Day, an annual celebration of the village’s history. Alternatively, book tickets to a show at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub.

Nature lovers, put on your hiking boots and make the 4.5-hour round trip to Sassafras Gully, where rock features, dense bushland and waterfalls will invigorate your body and clear your mind. BML