Blast Furnance
Lithgow, NSW
0.5 km (0.5 hrs )
★★★☆☆
Located in the east of Lithgow, Blast Furnace Park is a monument to the industrial heritage of this town. The park encompasses the former blast furnace, built in 1907 and the site of Australia's first steel works. The site operated until 1927, producing thousands of tonnes of steel for the Trans-Australia Railway amongst others.
The former engine house is the most prominent of the remains of the site and looms high over the park. It was not until I saw photos of the former site on the many information boards in the park that I realised just how large the blast furnace once was. A fascinating glimpse into Australia's history and well worth a visit.