For those wondering
You might think you don’t know the Seven Valleys, but chances are you have seen it, driven through it, or heard stories from someone who has.
Capertee
Where sweeping escarpments meet peaceful farmland and some of the richest birdlife in the world. Capertee is a gateway to adventure, discovery and the kind of stillness that stays with you.
Perched 800 metres above sea level, Capertee is a mountain village surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Seven Valleys. Visitors come here for breathtaking panoramic views, adventure trails, and world-class birdwatching. The towering monolith Pantoney’s Crown, sandstone cliffs, and serene farmland create a backdrop that’s perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, or simply taking a moment to soak in the scenery.
The Capertee Valley is internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and one of the top 50 birdwatching locations in the world. Fertile river flats, protected woodlands, and diverse habitats - from semi-rainforest and open forest to grassy woodlands and farmland - provide refuge for a remarkable variety of bird species, including the endangered regent honeyeater. Many woodland birds, whose populations have declined elsewhere, remain relatively common here, making the valley a true paradise for birdwatchers. The valley is also home to kangaroos, wallaroos, wallabies, and gliders, adding to the wildlife experiences for visitors.
Beyond wildlife, the area is rich in natural wonders, including Wollemi, Turon, Capertee, and Gardens of Stone National Parks, as well as the Mugii Murrum-ban State Conservation Area. Trails and lookouts throughout these parks offer adventure, discovery, and serenity, all within easy reach of the village.
The Capertee Valley and surrounding district were originally home to the Wiradjuri people, whose connection to the land remains central to the area’s story. European exploration began with James Blackman in 1821, and sheep grazing quickly followed in the 1840s. Gold discoveries in the 1850s brought more settlers, and the village of Capertee grew around inns like Shervey’s Inn, serving travellers en route to Mudgee.
The area’s mineral wealth - coal, shale-oil, and limestone - further shaped its development. The railway line, completed in 1882, cemented Capertee’s role as a regional hub, while the Glen Davis Shale Oil Works later became a major employer and wartime strategic resource. Today, visitors can tour the Glen Davis ruins on Saturdays at 2pm.
Guides & Itineraries
For coffee lovers
Our cafés are places where good food, friendly faces and a sense of calm come together. These are some of our favourite spots to settle in with a cup and enjoy the moment.
For the Curious Wanderers
Some walks take half an hour. Others take a full day. A few end in darkness, with thousands of tiny lights overhead. We have a track to suit every kind of wander.
For for green thumbs and those that wish they were
Tucked between escarpments, along quiet country roads and behind unassuming gates, the Seven Valleys is home to gardens that reward those who take the time to wander.
For River Seekers
Wild swimming in the Seven Valleys is not something most people come here specifically looking for. It is something you discover along the way.
For the adventurous
The Glow Worm Tunnel is one of the most memorable natural experiences in the Seven Valleys. Set within Wollemi National Park, this former railway tunnel shelters thousands of soft blue lights that cling to the damp stone walls.
Gardens of Stone
· 70 KM
· 1 days
A long gravel ride through open ridgelines and quiet stone country.
For the History Lover
Vertical sandstone cliffs stand guard as you explore the crumbling, vegetation-covered Glen Davis Shale Oil Works structures.
For the Outlook Explorers
If you like your scenery served up without too much effort, the Seven Valleys delivers in spades.
For nature lovers
Towering sandstone pagodas, sheer cliffs, slot canyons and sweeping plateaus give the area a dramatic, sculptural feel. Welcome to Gardens of Stone.
For the explorer
The Bracey Lookout gives a 180° view of the Lithgow Valley, offering one of the best overviews of the city of Lithgow.
For nature lovers
Wolgan Valley is a place of wide horizons, deep stillness and long stories. The valley has been cared for by the Wiradjuri people for tens of thousands of years, and their presence can still be felt in the rock art that lines the sandstone shelters.
Wollemi National Park
· 26 KM
· 2 days
A long gravel ride through open ridgelines and quiet stone country.
Seven Valley's
· 180 KM
· 4 days
A slow camping route through Seven Valleys’ most secluded bush camps.
For the railway enthusiasts
A heritage train ride just outside Lithgow that lets you hop aboard and watch bush, escarpments, and valleys roll by, without needing to be a rail expert to enjoy it.
For lake seekers
Each lake in the Seven Valleys offers its own way of spending a day, shaped by the land around it and the people who know it well.
For the history lover
Built in the 1840's, Eskbank House and Museum showcases a fascinating historical collection of Lithgow's social and industrial heritage.
For the Sky Watchers
Once the sun drops behind the ridgelines, the noise fades, the air cools, and that 7V sky starts to do its thing.
For the Refined Retreaters
Our luxury stays are not about excess, but about quiet beauty, deep rest and experiences shaped by nature.
For the Eccentric Stay Seeker
Staying in the Seven Valleys often means something a little unexpected, with accommodation that reflects the landscape and rewards slowing down.
For the history lover
A heritage-listed 19th century village, Hartley has one of the finest collections of historic buildings in Australia, including its 1837 courthouse.
For the Family Days
Play spaces across the region are practical and easy to use, giving kids freedom to run, climb and explore while the rest of the day unfolds around them.