7 Unexpected Adventures You Can Have On A Weekend In The Blue Mountains
When it comes to a good weekend away, if you’re not heading to the Blue Mountains, you’re doing things wrong.
Just a 90-minute drive from the Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains offer a world of incredibly accessible adventure possibilities, from trekking through some of the most epic natural wonders, to wining and dining in style through the region’s countless cosy towns and hubs.
Next weekend off, head for the Mountains – and check out these sweet attractions while you’re at it.
#1 Odd Mountain Oddities
View this post on Instagram
Few boutique stores can lay claim to the range of strange and wonderful curiosities that Odd Mountain Oddities can: a store full of curios, taxidermy, natural history specimens, jewellery, and an extensive range of “murderabilia” (AKA true crime collectibles). If this sort of caper is up your alley, Odd Mountain has you covered.
#2 Scenic World
View this post on Instagram
Scenic World really is the big-ticket item in the Blue Mountains, and it’s not hard to see why. Home to the steepest incline passenger railway in the world and two other awe-inspiring cable-style attractions, Scenic World lets you soar across the epic Jamison Valley, the Three Sisters, sandstone cliffs, and ancient rainforest for an unforgettable glimpse of the very best of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage wilderness.
Scenic World is also a self-guided experience, so you can strap on your boots and trek to your heart’s content, beginning with the superb 2.4km Scenic Walkway elevated boardwalk.
#3 A little fancy fun at the Carrington Hotel
View this post on Instagram
If romance, elegance, and old-school charm is your deal, then look no further than the Carrington: a stunning heritage listed hotel with a lineage as grand as its epic surrounds. Over 130 years old, the Carrington is a treasured local icon – check in and lap up the full experience in its gilded Grand Dining Room of stained glass and soaring columns, and its range of in-house bars and brassieres.
Cosy in the wintertime, vibing in the summer, the Carrington truly is in a league of its own – a real grand hotel the way hotels used to be.
#4 Art-house cinema at Mt Vic Flicks
View this post on Instagram
Nestled in Mount Victoria, the highest-elevated town in the Blue Mountains, Mount Vic Flicks is the number one spot in the region to take in a cosy dose of cinema. This independent, family run kino has been spinning the reels here since 1934, and still offers a refreshingly eclectic mix of modern, art-house and special features, including HD broadcasts of the National Theatre Live and the MET Opera series.
Obviously they’re currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but keep an eye for updates as cinemas in NSW are set to open in the next month.
#5 Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens
View this post on Instagram
As well as being straight-up visually stunning, Mt Tomah’s Botanic Gardens lay claim to being the only gardens in Australia located within a UNESCO World Heritage area. This 28-hectare natural conservation wonderland is a super spot to chill out and smell the roses for a few hours. You’ll be happy you did.
Parts of the gardens have re-opened since coronavirus, others have not. So be sure to check updated information here before you go.
#6 Leura
View this post on Instagram
There’s everything to love about Leura. This cute town a few clicks outside Katoomba is a sweet stop-off on any Blue Mountain adventure, featuring a range of gorgeous gardens, boutique stores, cafés and delicious dining.
Take in Everglades Historic deco-era house and gardens, and Sorensen’s Glasshouse, which is home to a particularly special nursery, picnic area and café that serves up delicious coffee from boutique micro-roaster, Reuben Hills.
Don’t forget to take in that jaw-dropping view of Jamison Valley from Sublime Point on your way out of town either.
#7 Aunty Ed’s
View this post on Instagram
As the most-visited town in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba’s reputation precedes it. It’s got the goods, with plenty of boutiques, cultural and historical landmarks, and spots for a fabulous meal and drink.
But no trip to K-town is complete without a session at Aunty Ed’s, Katoomba’s “best-kept secret”. It’s a retro restaurant-lounge offering delicious cocktails, regional wines and craft brews in a delightfully cosy, kitsch setting.
(Lead image: Arjun Komath / Unsplash)
