These landscapes were planned for recreational purposes, at first by wealthy gentlemen on their private estates and later by community based trusts who administered grants from the NSW Government.

[1] The blending of man-made and natural features in track construction was done in ways that reflect the aesthetics, technology and environmental values of the time.

The solutions of the early trustees and track makers to complex problems of design, particularly drainage issues and the use of stone have significant research value today.

[1] The Blue Mountains tourist industry grew largely to service people who desired an engagement with nature on the walking tracks.

People walking the tracks today can enjoy feelings of continuity and empathy with the walkers of the past as they use the same historic structures.