Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are an awe-inspiring natural wonder, renowned for their breathtaking beauty and diverse offerings. Stretching approximately 100 kilometres west of Sydney, this World Heritage listed region is characterised by its stunning landscapes, which include steep cliffs, deep valleys, and lush forests.

One of the most captivating features of the Blue Mountains is the ethereal blue haze that envelops the area. This phenomenon is created by the eucalyptus trees that release fine droplets of oil into the air. When sunlight interacts with these oils and the atmosphere, it produces a striking blue tint that has enchanted visitors for generations.

Wildlife abounds in the region, with unique Australian fauna including kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species. The area is also home to lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque lookouts that provide spectacular panoramic views.

The charming towns scattered throughout the Blue Mountains, such as Katoomba and Leura, offer delightful cafés, boutique shops, and art galleries, giving visitors a taste of local culture and creativity.

Fast Tips

  • 2023 - Stayed in Airbnb in Leura (3 nights)

    2025 - Stayed at Kyah Hotel in Blackheath (2 nights)

  • There is a train that goes to the Black Mountains, but I really recommend driving there so you have a car. Everything from towns to hikes are only really accessible via car.

  • There are only a handful of good restaurants scattered over the towns, so I highly recommend booking, with most closed early in the week.

  • As a queer male I felt completely safe here. Blue Mountainsseemed to be quite relaxed and open to all, and LGBTQ+ friendly as well.

  • To fit in a couple hikes, a few restaurants and a day to enjoy the towns I think 2-3 nights is perfect here.

  • I would definitely look into Airbnb here as there are some great cosy dwellings that buy into the autumnal feel of the holiday. When it comes to hotels, Kyah is a great option in Blackheath. It’s a renovated motel with Palm Springs kind-of vibe. Also the hotel features a sauna, outdoor jacuzzi and heaps of activities.

  • Check out my trail and hike recommendations down below.

Hikes & Trails

THREE SISTERS

Now the three sisters are located at the echo point lookout, which is the most touristy spot of all of the blue mountains. But you also can’t miss out, because the view on a clear-ish day is just breathtaking. The blue haze and the vast forestry is one that sticks with you.

CLIFF TOP TRACK

This trail is more the peeps who want to enjoy the view of the mountains the whole time. Starting at Echo Point Lookout, this track takes you along the cliff face and is perfect for photos and the less experienced climbers. Takes just over 2 hours up and back, so prepare yourself to return to where you came from.

Eats & Sips

ATE

Located in Blackheath, this place is a must book when heading up the mountain. Mediterranean small plates cooked via a 150 year old iron bark fuelled oven. The wine list is just as mesmerising as the food and it’s best to let them take care of everything because you’ll want to try everything.

STATION BAR

I do love a pub, and I am a sucker for a cosy pub and this is my go to if I am in the region. Really soldi no frills pizza, rugby on the tv’s and an array of local beers. This spot is for the night you just want chill and not think too hard.

BLACK COCKATOO

Not like your regular country bakery, this is one that would be at home in Melbourne or Sydney it’s that good. A range of savoury foccacia’s (I went vegan and I was shook how much I loved it) and killed pastry selection to match. The laminate and layers on the pain aus raisons I ordered are a thing of beauty.

GRAND CANYON TRAIL

If you are going to do a big trail this is the one, but beware, you’ll need to have a touch of fitness to get it down. It’s a steep walk down, before the most beautiful forest bed you get to walk through. Solid walked can get it down in 2.5 to 3 hours, but give yourself a bit more to enjoy how stunning it is. Plus it goes in a circle so no up and back and seeing the same thing twice.

ZOE’S

The sister restaurant to ‘ATE’, this is a more casual affair but just as delicious. Italian through and through, and its only natural to head to the hand rolled pasta (which I highly recommend), but don’t skip the starters section because every single plate was sublime.

BLAQ (BY KYAH)

This is a hotel restaurant (not usually my thing), but since we were staying at Kyah we ventured down for snacks and a cocktail and it was brilliant. The small plates were thought out and curated, and the space with the fireplace outside is warm without being pretentious.

TEMPUS UP EARLY

Looking for a cafe to hit up between trails, look no further. Small in size, big on flavour. It plays the roll of brunch during the day before transforming into a modern restaurant at night, so no matter what time, Tempus has you covered.

MINEHAHA FALLS

Now the walk there is relatively quick and easy to navigate, being under 90 minutes for a round trip. The best part is where you end up is a wonderful waterfall that flows into an easy to access natural pool, so make sure you bring your swimmers. Beware in the colder months the water is freezing but it’s still worth going to.

FRANKIE & MO’S

An establishment that made me wonder if I wanted to head to the country and open my own wine bar. The service is what really stands out, as well as the wine fridge located at the back that they recommend heading into to choose your drop to enjoy in or take home.

MOUNTAIN CULTURE BREWPUB

Beer is life for me and this is my favourite brewery in Australia. Big call, but a lot of experts also agree. Set up in victorian house, its pokey and perfect for the afternoon. Not to mention the view at the back is pretty special to match that pretty special beer.

FIDELITY COFFEE

Down a side lane in Katoomba lies a cute nook of a coffee shop, serving up brews that as a good as it gets. Serving up Market Lane beans when I was there (Melbournians will know), this spot just makes you feel good the moment you walk in.

*media & images courtesy of publications, establishment websites and social media pages as well as Tripadvisor. I do not claim to own some of the images provided.