Wind your way up the mountain ranges leaving the glistening coastline of Sydney behind to Australia’s World Heritage listed landscape of the Blue Mountains. Stretched across hectares of wild eucalyptus forests and exposed sandstone cliffs, the mountainous region is ripe for adventure, rejuvenation, and leisurely escapes.
HOW TO GET TO & AROUND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Located in New South Wales, the Blue Mountains are just 1.5 hours away from the coastal city of Sydney and its well-connected airport. Hit the road and meander through the mountainous landscape, letting the fresh change of air and glimpses of blue hues from the mountain ranges catch you by surprise.
WEATHER & BEST TIME TO GO
You’ll find the Blue Mountains beautiful all year round, casting their spell across all four seasons. A cooler climate from May makes for a cosy, fire crackling escape, while warmer temperatures from November until late February bring golden days. The village avenues are bathed in an autumnal glow from April, and native Waratahs flare up between the gums come spring.
WHERE TO STAY
Feel miles away from anywhere and at one with nature with all the modern luxuries in your own private abode at Chalets at Blackheath. Wake up with the birds as the mist rolls in the morning and know that coffee and Black Cockatoo pastries are within reach. After a day of leisure or exploring the bush, a long bath awaits. Light the fire, enjoy a bottle of wine and watch the skies melt into pastels. Spend sundown with kangaroos hopping into the reserve and kookaburras laughing into the night sky.
RESTAURANTS & BARS
- Ates (Blackheath) — meaning ‘fire’ in Turkish, the restaurant and wine bar focuses on Mediterranean sharing plates with fresh local produce, a wonderful wine list and atmospheric open kitchen centred around an 150-year-old oven fuelled by ironbark.
- Frankie and Mo’s (Blackheath) — a warm and friendly wine bar and eatery offering seasonal sharing plates made in their petite kitchen. The gnocchi is a must-try dish. Sip naturally made wines and liqueurs or browse the wine shop to save for later.
- BLAQ (Blackheath) — when the town slows down after the weekend, BLAQ is still here waiting with cocktails and a warming meal.
- Tempus (Katoomba) showcases modern Australian fare with produce that speaks to the seasons washed down with an all-Australian drinks list.
- Elysian Bar (Katoomba) — settle inside by the window to watch the sunset over the rugged peaks with local Mountain Culture Beer on tap or freshly made cocktails to pair with tapas.
- Mountain Culture (Katoomba) — stop by Katoomba’s independent mountain brewers for great beers and a casual bite to eat.
COFFEE & PASTRIES
- Black Cockatoo — the best coffee, bread and pastries in town (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
- Cassiopeia Specialty Coffee — if you’re an early riser, Cassiopeia opens every day at 6am to serve specialty coffee, cold brews and light snacks.
- Sparrows — a Leura institute open every day for coffee and brunch until 2pm.
- Kickaboom — on the drive up to the mountains, get caffeinated at Glenbrook.
Where to Shop
- Ikou — locally made natural skincare and makeup, add their bath salts to your tub to unwind after a long day’s walk.
- Josophans Chocolate — a Leura hotspot, don’t be deterred by the crowds, their freshly made chocolate is worth the wait. Try their rocky-road, coconut roughs or a selection from behind the counter.
- Hominy Bakery — a trip to Katoomba is only complete after picking up a bag of Hominy chocolate chip cookies, perfect to enjoy by the fire with a cup of tea later in the evening.
- The mountains are a treasure trove of antique and vintage stores, from furniture and silver shell butter dishes to out-of-print books. Outlets are scattered throughout Katoomba and Blackheath, with favourite finds from Victory Theatre.
THINGS TO DO
- Wander the leafy streets along the southern side of Leura and Katoomba to get a glimpse of grand mansions and mid-century buildings. Curious about the interiors? Venture inside the house at the Everglade Gardens and marvel at the beautiful marble bathrooms and Art Deco stairs.
- Book the breathtaking court at Hydro Majestic for a game of tennis.
- Forage for summer and winter truffles in the region of Oberon with RedGround Truffles. Cosy up by the fire and tuck into a sumptuous sweet and savoury truffle feast after the hunt.
- Visit the family-run Logan Brae’s Apple Orchard from March to June. Fresh apples from the orchard, warm apple pies from the oven and hot spiced apple juice can be savoured with valley views.
Where to Swim
Find your own perfect spot to take a dip along the many bush trails dotted with waterfalls and watering holes. Clarence Dam is a natural swimming hole off the beaten bath. Located at the back of Mount Victoria just off Bells Line of Road, the dam was once used to fill the steam train engines. Jump in to feel refreshed on a balmy summer’s day, admiring the abstract ironstone sculptures protruding from the waters. On your way up to the mountains, stop in at Glenbrook to find the Jellybean Pool, an Australian oasis fronted by a sandy shore in the middle of a eucalyptus forest.
BUSH BATHING
- The Grand Canyon track is on Chalets at Blackheath’s doorstep, a medium difficulty hike through fern gullies, waterfalls and canyons.
- Prince Henry Cliff walk in Katoomba is ideal for beginners, guaranteeing a taste of the bush and views to match.
- Pool of Siloam is a tranquil waterfall set on Gordon Falls Reserve.
- A circular route with incredible views of the Jamiston Valley, Leura Cascades is a moderately challenging walk which descends into the rainforest.
Lookouts
To enjoy the view without the hike, these lookouts are easily accessible and worth stopping by at sunset to see the golden sandstone glowing or cockatoo wings soaring in the last light throughout the valley.
- Elysian Rock Lookout
- Wentworth Falls
- Evans Lookout
The Pleasure of Leisure’s full Blue Mountains Guide is available for download today.
Photography by Anna Pihan
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