Last weeks visit by the Royal couple has thrown a spotlight on the Blue Mountains. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met residents from the town of Winmalee, devastated by bushfires last October. They also visited the Three Sisters at Echo Point with beautiful images of the Blue Mountains beamed around the world. The message was clear, Blue Mountains is open for business.
While the bushfires were devastating, they also impacted on businesses unaffected directly by the fires with a decrease in travellers visiting the region. Right now, Autumn is a stunning time to visit the Blue Mountains and show your support. With mist circling, leaves falling and a light chill in the air the cooler temperatures call for cosy fireplaces and red wine - yes please! Of course any season is a good time to visit, with more beautiful than the next. In Winter there’s Yulefest, Summer bushwalking & exploring while Spring has the gardens in full bloom.
Just 2 hours from Sydney you’ll find an escape that’s truly magical. The Blue Mountains is made up of a collection of villages, each with their own attributes and well worth exploring. Wentworth Falls main strip has some great antique, book stores and cafes. Leura’s main centre has enough shops to keep any keen shopper entertained for hours on a misty day. Katoomba has the iconic Three Sisters and Blackheath has more delightful art galleries and cafes.
Enjoy our tips for the best places to eat, drink, see and stay...
DINE
This newcomer in Blackheath, serves strong Campos Coffee and locally grown seasonal produce from its regularly changing menu. An inviting space with friendly service. Winning!
Family owned with the third generation running the traditional tea rooms. Bikies, nannas, families and foodies all gather happily under the trees indulging in the simple pleasures of Megalong Valley Tearooms famous scones with blackberry jam or apple pie from locally grown apples and lashings of fresh cream.
Go where the locals go, to Red Door on Leura’s main street. Serving all day breakfast, organic coffee by La Luna and flaky pastries from Katoomba favourite Hominy bakery plus a great lunch menu at reasonable prices.
The region's fine diner on Leura's main street is housed in a beautiful Federation-era building. The menu packs a punch in the flavour stakes, with the entrée of Pan-seared scallops with eggplant, pumpkin, zucchini ribbon, wakame, beurre blanc a standout, but the real winner is the warm, personalised service.
SHOP
This corner art gallery has an eclectic collection of Australian art including Norman Lindsay, Arthur Boyd, Arthur Streeton and more. The friendly and informative staff create an environment that's welcoming and not stuffy catering for all budgets, styles and interests.
For a quirky selection of homewares visit Cabin & Co in Blackheath. From taxidermy, beautiful home wares for your country cabin or fresh tulips, this store has everything. We loved the Judith Dawson artwork, a locally based collage and 3D sculptural artist. There’s also a small café in the back of the shop.
Old school stationery with a modern twist can be found at Elizabeth Rosa. A beautiful selection of fine paper, notebooks and writing instruments in a shop bursting with colour.
Local chocolatiers using Fair Trade certified chocolates and fresh flavour infusions handcrafted onsite in Leura. Owner Jodie Van der Velden has recently opened Gingerbread House in Katoomba, ideal for entertaining the kids.
More than just a bottle shop, this purveyor of fine goods should be your first stop on arriving in the Blue Mountains. Stock your holiday house with gourmet delights, a good drop and settle in for a cosy weekend of indulgence.
This corner antique store overflows to the pavement with a fascinating collection of antiques and collectables.
SEE & DO
One of Australia’s natural wonders, the Three Sisters named in Aboriginal legend as ‘Meehni’, ‘Wimlah’ and ‘Gunnedoo’ turned into stone wating for their warrior lovers. Today the Three Sisters is the most visited attraction from the vantage point at Echo Point, however the Three Sisters can be viewed quietly from many lookout points in the area.
Nature lovers can explore the Blue Mountains region with a choice of bushwalking tracks taking in some extraordinary vistas and waterfalls to really reconnect with nature. I can recommend Leura Cascades, which is a super easy walk taking in three spectacular waterfalls.
The Jenolan Caves is one of the world’s most spectacular cave formations. With 11 spectacular show caves, underground rivers and formations to explore on guided cave tours.
Govetts Leap Lookout is a popular spot to stop and view the spectacular panorama before descending into the Grose Valley for one of the regions more physical walks. There are loads of options to take in the beauty of the region including Mount Blackheath Lookout.
Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum
Home of the Magic Pudding, the gallery displays work by Norman Lindsay including watercolours, sculptures, ship models and novels, showcasing the extensive breadth of Lindsay’s work. Run by the National Trust, the sandstone cottage and landscaped grounds are open 7 days a week and there’s a quality café onsite.
STAY
Moments Mountain Retreat is a luxe for less Guesthouse in Wentworth Falls, just a short walk to the entrance of the National Park. Rooms are decked out in heritage style, some with spa baths and verandah with spectacular views. A new addition since our stay is guests now receive a full cooked breakfast included as part of their stay, with daily changing menu and delivered to your room each morning. Gotta love free room service!
Mountain Whispers are a collection of four beautifully restored houses in Leura and Katoomba (Varenna pictured above). Each holiday house is furnished with antiques and offering grand living and dining rooms with fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, luxurious bedroom some with four poster bed, spa baths, robes and slippers for a truly indulgent stay.
For blow the budget luxury, indulge in a stay at Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa. The resort borders the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage wilderness region, nestled between two National Parks and spread out at the foot of towering cliffs. With all meals included in the tariff and a strong focus on regional and seasonal produce you'll be in foodie heaven.
Browse our handpicked collection of Blue Mountains accommodation including luxury holiday houses and boutique hotels.
Image credit: Telegraph, Instagram, writers own, Jenolan Caves,
