We are excited to announce the official opening event to celebrate the recent completion of works at Blast Furnace Park and Lake Pillans Wetlands will be held on Friday 13 December 2024 and everyone is invited!

The Council has joined with the Combined Lithgow Churches to bring you an evening of Carolling which will include turning on the lights to showcase the Blast Furnace.

Entry is free with the official opening at 6.30pm.   Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy Carols and a sausage sizzle from 7.15pm with the Blast Furnace lights being turned on as night falls.

Arrive early to explore this iconic heritage site and take a wander along the newly created accessible paths linking the Blast Furnace and Lake Pillans Wetland.

Parking in the area is limited and is available at the Blast Furnace or the newly constructed parking at Lake Pillans, Wetlands Lane entrance off Bells Road. This is an alcohol-free outdoor event.

Background

Upgrades were recently completed on the Lithgow Blast Furnace lighting projection and Lake Pillans upgrade projects.

The Lithgow Blast Furnace heritage site is well known by the community as the location of the first modern iron smelting works in Australia and is a very popular location for residents and visitors alike, as well as for the annual LithGlow event.

In 2023 Council commissioned a lighting concept plan for the illumination of the ruins. This concept plan has now been implemented through the installation of an automated light projection system that will illuminate the blast furnace ruins and enable the local community and visitors to experience Blast Furnace by night.

Lake Pillans Wetlands and the Blast Furnace form part of a heritage and open space network that includes the nearby Farmers Creek that is linked via an accessible shared making enjoying the wetlands and surrounds safer and more accessible for older people and people with disabilities

A new carpark and associated bollard barriers to prevent vehicle entry and protect the wetlands environment were constructed at the entrance on Wetlands Lane off Bells Road, Lithgow.

These projects have been proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Lithgow City Council.