Lawson is a mid-mountains town about 90 kilometres west of Sydney, located between Hazelbrook and Bullaburra. It’s a mostly residential area with a small town centre that includes cafés, shops, and a train station on the Blue Mountains Line.
Lawson is one of the older towns in the region, with a history dating back to the 1800s. It was initially named Blue Mountain, but as this name confused locals and travellers, the town was renamed to Lawson in honour of William Lawson, one of the three explorers who led the first successful crossing of the Blue Mountains in 1813.
Bushwalking
The town attracts bushwalkers, with several walking tracks and waterfalls to explore. The South Lawson Waterfall Circuit is the best known. It links four waterfalls: Adelina Falls, Cataract Falls, Federal Falls, and Junction Falls, on an easy loop walk through the bush. North Lawson also has quieter tracks through forest and gullies, including the Empire Pass Walking Track and Dantes Glen Circuit.
Lawson has a low-key, local feel and sees fewer tourists than the larger towns further west. The area also includes a community centre, several picnic areas, and a large park near the Honour Avenue entrance to the waterfall circuit.
Stay
While accommodation in Lawson is limited, nearby towns like Wentworth Falls and Katoomba are just a short drive or train ride away. Lawson suits visitors looking for quiet walking tracks and a base in the mid-mountains.
| Lawson | |
|---|---|
| Drive from Sydney: | 87 km / 75 minutes (M4) |
| Train from Sydney: | 100 minutes (BMT Line) |
| Elevation: | 732 metres |
| Population: | Approx 2,700 |
| Postcode: | 2783 |
