Discover the Unexpected: The Tiny Chapel

Tucked a little way off Cox’s River Road, in the heart of Kanimbla, is the charming Tiny Chapel.

Blink and you might miss it – it’s only big enough for a handful of visitors!  This adorable little chapel sits on a grassy knoll with views across the valley, offering a peaceful spot to pause and reflect (or snap that perfect rustic photo).

You’re always welcome to stop by this non-denominational chapel. It’s a place of  peace and contemplation, and a perfect place to rest and take in the atmosphere….you may even be greeted by the welcoming committee of friendly donkeys !

The Chapel was inspired by Sherry Weller, and cleverly constructed by a group of her friends in 2016. Featuring native plant inspired stained glass windows, and other special touches, this little chapel is a special highlight of my road trip !

Next Stop: Duddawarra Bridge Over The Cox’s River

The Cox’s River itself is a bit of a local secret for trout fishing. If you’ve packed a rod, this is your chance to try your luck at the Duddawarra Bridge. The Coxs River is classified as General Trout Waters, and fishing is permitted from the October long weekend to the end of the June long weekend. If fishing is not on your agenda, it’s worth pulling over to enjoy the tranquil riverbanks, alive with birdsong and the whisper of gum leaves.

I think it’s a nice place to go for a short walk along the riverbank….I’m always looking to spot a platypus !

Kanimbla Valley : Like an Impressionist painting

Continue winding through the Kanimbla Valley, where gently rolling hills stretch out like a green quilt stitched with grazing paddocks and stands of old trees. Early European settlers were drawn here by its fertile soils, establishing orchards and homesteads as far back as the 1800s. Today, it remains a quietly productive farming area, dotted with cattle, sheep and horses.

In the early 1800’s, settlers who secured land here produced corn, hay and potatoes, and had it carted to Jervis’s store at Little Hartley, a mecca for both sellers and buyers of local produce.

Some settled on larger areas, and made bacon, cheese and butter. The butter was made in the summertime and salted in casks, and in winter was carted to the goldfields on the Turon and Hill End districts. Those farmers who grew wheat had to cut it with a sickle and thrashed with a flail, then carted to Brown’s Mill at Bowenfels, for gristing.

On a backroad, deep in the valley, I came across the remains of a pisé cottage….The pisé method of building involves layering and compacting earth within temporary formwork, and includes clay, sand, gravel, and a binder like straw or horse hair.  The resulting walls are strong and weather-resistant. This was the favoured form of construction from around 1900 to 1930, in the Kanimbla and Megalong Valleys.

Climbing out of the valley, you can choose either a sealed or an unsealed road to join Jenolan Caves Road at Lowther….and then continue on to Hampton, where you can explore the Hampton State Forest. This is a top spot in autumn for foraging wild mushrooms. The forest’s mature pine plantations create an ideal environment for edible fungi like Saffron Milk Caps and Slippery Jacks. I recommend joining a guided foraging tour. Expert guides will teach participants how to identify, collect, and even cook these wild delicacies.

For those looking for some off-road fun, a detour up to Mount Bindo is well worth it for the panoramic views. In winter, you might even find yourself surrounded by a dusting of snow. From here, adventurous travellers can follow unsealed back roads that wind their way down towards Duckmaloi Road, eventually linking up with the Millionth Acre Reserve – a peaceful bushland area perfect for stretching your legs, spotting wildlife, or just enjoying a moment of solitude in the forest.

• Road Conditions: While the roads are generally well-maintained, some sections may be unsealed. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended for unsealed roads, and a 4WD is recommended for the summit of Mt Bindo. Check with the friendly staff at the Seven Valleys Visitor Centre for up-to-date advice or here: https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/
• Safety: Always check local weather conditions before travelling, as the area can experience sudden changes.

Soon you’ll reach the turnoff to Hampton State Forest, a plantation of radiata pines that makes you feel like you’ve driven straight into a European postcard.
Follow the signs (or your GPS) towards Mt Bindo, one of the highest accessible points in the Blue Mountains region at 1,363 metres. A rough forest road climbs steadily. It’s suitable for vehicles with high clearance in dry weather, but after rain or snow, a 4WD is recommended.

At the summit, you’re rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views stretching over Oberon, Lithgow, and out to the Great Dividing Range. On a clear day, you might even spot the distant peaks of Kanangra-Boyd. It’s a popular spot in winter to chase snowfalls, so bring a thermos and enjoy the chill.

From here, adventurous souls can follow unsealed roads that lead down toward Duckmaloi Road, eventually connecting to the peaceful Millionth Acre Rest Area.

It’s a great place for a leg stretch or a quiet picnic.

From the village of Hampton,  you can also continue on the sealed road to the evocatively named Millionth Acre Rest Area. This reserve was established in 1970, and named to commemorate the millionth acre of radiata pine (Pinus radiata) to be planted in Australia! It’s a peaceful place to stretch your legs, or have a picnic, with open grassy areas surrounded by tall pine trees. You might spot eastern grey kangaroos grazing in the afternoon sun.

From the rest area, loop around to re-join Jenolan Caves Road, a scenic route that meanders back towards Hampton where the historic Hampton Halfway Hotel awaits….

Built in 1863 as a welcome stopover for travellers heading to Jenolan Caves. The Hampton Halfway Hotel has been a cornerstone of the community for well over 100 years !

Today, it’s still the quintessential country pub – warm and welcoming. Step inside for a hearty meal and a cold drink by the fire, and a yarn with the locals. Or if the weather’s fine, relax on the deck and soak up the incredible views over the surrounding hills – I love the enclosed back deck, I think it’s the best seat in the house !

Cruise back towards Hartley via Jenolan Caves Road, with stunning escarpment views and gentle hills and curves leading you back towards the Great Western Highway.

Another option is McKanes Falls Road – a pleasant winding road that takes you over McKanes Bridge, one of only a handful of McDonald Truss Bridges left in Australia. This bridge over the Coxs River was built in 1893 and was significant in the development of the colonial road network. You can read about it on the Historic Engineering Marker.

🌿 Vicki’s Tips

Seasonal delights

🪻Blue Mountains Lavender Farm – December https://www.bluemountainslavender.com.au/

🎣Fishing in the Coxs River – October to June

❄️Snow sightings – winter

🍂Mushroom foraging – autumn (Check our website for tours!)

✅ Buy Local and Bring a picnic: There are countless scenic spots along the way—whether it’s under a giant pine in Hampton State Forest or beside the gentle flow of Cox’s River. Spread out a rug, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and simply soak it all in.

📱 Download off-line maps: Mobile coverage can be patchy, especially around the forest areas. Have your maps ready to go before you leave.

🧭Call in to the Seven Valleys Visitor Centre: pick up a hard copy map and some local advice !

🦘Watch out for wildlife: Kangaroos, wombats, lyrebirds, wallabies and echidnas just to name a few of the locals.

❄️In Winter: Check road alerts for snow and ice conditions, with Lithgow and Oberon councils and the Visitor Centre.

😊Take your rubbish home: Help keep our beautiful places pristine.