Guide to Mount York New South Wales Australia

Mount York is a narrow spur on the western rim of the Blue Mountains, five kilometres north-west of Mount Victoria at the end of a sealed road. On 28 May 1813 Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth reached this point and saw open grazing country below them, proof that the mountains could be crossed. It is now a reserve with lookouts, monuments and the start of several historic walks.

Known For

• The lookout of the 1813 crossing
• Four early roads down the mountain, now walking tracks
• Quiet picnic spots and rock climbing

Things To Do at Mount York

Lookouts and Monuments

A stone obelisk and pavilion, put up from 1900 onwards, commemorate the three explorers, surveyor George Evans, and William Cox, who built the first road. Paths lead to fenced lookouts over the Hartley Valley. Bardens Lookout, on the road in, is another fine viewpoint.

Historic Road Walks

Coxs Road, built with convict labour in 1814 and 1815, went straight down the end of the spur, and its descent is so steep that carts were lowered with logs dragging behind as brakes. You can still walk it and see the pick marks in the rock. Lawsons Long Alley and Lockyers Road, cut in the 1820s as easier lines, are also walking tracks and can be joined into loops of three to five hours through Hartley Vale. Carry water and a map.

Rock Climbing

The cliffs on both sides of the spur have hundreds of bolted routes and are among the most used sport climbing crags in the mountains.

Where To Stay

A small, basic camping area near the end of the road has toilets and no other facilities.

Mount Victoria has hotels and guesthouses.

Eat & Drink

There is nothing at Mount York. Bring a picnic, or eat at Mount Victoria.

History

Mount York was the only way west for the first seventeen years of the road. Governor Macquarie came down it in 1815 on his way to found Bathurst. The grade defeated many travellers, and after several attempts at a better line Thomas Mitchell opened Victoria Pass in 1832, leaving the old roads to the bush.

Getting to Mount York

From Mount Victoria, take Mount York Road from the Great Western Highway, just west of the village. The turn-off is on the Sydney side of the Victoria Pass closure, so access is not affected.