About

Who were the three sisters? Is the Hydro majestic? Did Govett really leap off a cliff? Does Woodford have a ghost? Its not all cosy winter fires, coffee shops and fresh clean air. The villages hide many strange and exciting stories. 

The 2nd edition of this popular book with over 100 new images and updated text come in a newly revised format. The shifting seasons, ever-changing colours of the cliffs and sky and character-filled villages make it a special and fascinating place. Take a look beyond the highway, at the places, people and stories of the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. 

About

Magda Cawthorne

Magda Cawthorne

STORIES BEHIND PICTURES

Magda is a writer and photographer who lived in the Blue Mountains for over two decades and currently lives on the Sunshine Coast Qld.

She is the author of two editions of Hidden History of the Blue Mountains and is currently working on a book on the Sunshine Coast. 

Magda's interest in local history came about when she co-founded a local magazine, 'The Mountains Blueberry'. As a freelance writer who has written newspaper stories and research papers she developed an interest in retelling local history in a meaningful connective way through contemporary images and words.

Magda studied photography at Sturt University and has a particular interest in situational photography. 

She is working on fiction projects as well.

Through her latest book, Magda hopes to share her love of the Blue Mountains with you, capturing a little of the beauty and sense of place, of this unique part of Australia.

Books

Hidden HISTORY of the Blue Mountains 2nd Edition

Who were the three sisters? Is the Hydro majestic? Did Govett really leap off a cliff? Does Woodford have a ghost? Its not all cosy winter fires, coffee shops and fresh clean air. The villages hide many strange and exciting stories.

The 2nd edition of this popular book with over 100 new images and updated text come in a newly revised format. The...

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Hidden History of the Blue Mountains

The villages of this beautiful part of the world have exciting and strange stories to tell. Stopping at each village along the Great Western Highway from Lapstone to Mt Victoria, each beautifually illustrated chapter offers bite sized stories that let you discover them as you have never known them before. How they were named, who made them what...

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Latest Updates

December 2, 2025

Check out these local retailers:

Megalong Books - Leura,
Turning Page Bookshop - Springwood,
Rosey Ravelston - Lawson,
Gleebooks - Blackheath,
...

November 30, 2025

One day it’s too hot, and the next you’re reaching for the heater again — that’s summer in the Mountains. The season from December through to late...

September 30, 2025


Blue skies are back! The electric blankets set to low. This is my favourite time of year in the Mountains. After such a long period of cold, fog,...

May 29, 2025

Time for a giveaway for our HHOBM fans! Magda is offering 3 copies of her book, a beautiful photographic record of this unique place in Australia....

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