Blue Mountains Tourism (BMT), together with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Services are encouraging tourists to return to the villages and towns of the Blue Mountains. 

The NSW Rural Fire Service has reported that the Erskine Creek, Linden Creek, Grose Valley and Ruined Castle fires are now contained and that its bush fire operations are now focused on aerial patrol. 

Incident Controller Greg Wardle from the NSW Rural Fire Service said, “Fire activity has eased over the past few days with the help of a cooler weather change. We’re expecting forecasted wet weather to see a further easing in fire activity.” 

In a further boost, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has also reopened sections of the Blue Mountains National Park including all lookouts, picnic areas and walking tracks from Katoomba to Wentworth Falls. 

David Crust, Blue Mountains Branch Director said that more sections of Blue Mountains National Park will continue to be reopened in the coming days and weeks ahead. 

“We are pleased to welcome visitors back to many of our popular walking tracks for an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a safe environment. We encourage everyone to check the NSW National Parks website when planning their visit as more areas are reopened,” he said. 

Favourable weather conditions and expected rainfall have also been forecast for the next few days with the longer-term forecast also expected to assist in easing fire conditions even further. 

A combination of these factors has allowed the three organisations to come together and put the call out for visitors to return to the World heritage-listed region, to enjoy the stunning natural landscapes via the many reopened walking tracks, lookouts and picnic spots — and the abundance of offerings in attractions, hotels and resorts, eateries, galleries, local makers and boutique shops. 

The recent bushfires have caused tens of thousands of visitors to avoid the Blue Mountains over the Christmas and New Year period, this has left local businesses struggling in what is usually their busiest period. 

There are many landscapes in the vast Blue Mountains region that have remained untouched by bushfires, and many Blue Mountains businesses have not sustained any damage, remaining open throughout the bushfire crisis where it was safe to do so. 

President of BMT, the region’s peak tourism body, Jason Cronshaw said, “The Blue Mountains have always been a popular destination over the Summer period, and we are excited to encourage tourists back to experience the beauty of our region as part of a safe and memorable holiday.” 

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“We have incredible experiences on offer to cater for everyone, and many local businesses who really need your support right now, so please make a day trip or take a long weekend and head back to the Blue Mountains where you will be welcomed with open arms,” he said. 

As part of planning a back to the Blue Mountains trip, BMT encourages everyone to go to visitbluemountains.com.au for more information on the many experiences on offer in the World Heritage-listed region.