Just a couple of hours out of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a world away from the city. With the bush as a backdrop, the string of towns that make up the misty mountains have plenty to offer, from boutique shops and galleries to award-winning restaurants and spas. Our advice? Head to Leura Mall. There, you can ride the Scenic Skyway above the lush rainforest, or take the Scenic Railway down to the valley floor.
If you've been to the mountains before, head to these lookouts, they're less busy but just as beautiful. Tucked in a heritage-listed cottage, the sweeping views of the mountains will win you over before you even open the menu. The staff sport white coats and gloves, and carefully box up your chocolates with a bow. For a real treat, sign the girls up for the truffle-making workshop. The most popular item on the menu: a six-cheese pizza.
Only a short albeit winding minute drive from Blackheath, Megalong Valley is a small rural community with working farms. Surrounded by the Blue Mountain Escarpment, the area is an ideal hiking and horse riding spots and the views are amazing. To add wine tasting to the mix, opt for the cellar door ride. This picturesque apple orchard in Megalong Valley is the only remaining apple orchard in the area. Open on weekends, this vineyard serves up delicious drops and cheese platters with a side of valley views.
Head there in the afternoon to watch the sun start to dip. Nestled in a eucalyptus forest near the Jenolan Caves, this architectural beauty sleeps up to eight people, and is complete with underfloor heating, a garden deck and fire pit. For a luxe hotel stay, book a room at this Blackheath retreat. It sits on 28 acres of landscaped gardens and lakes and boasts a day spa.
In Mount Irvine, this designer home has a media room, fireplace, outdoor spa, and an impressive library that calls for curling up with a book after a day of exploring or wine tasting. A Katoomba gem, this hotel has an old-world charm, as well as a brasserie and cocktail bar on-site. A two-storey sandstone house dating back to is the setting for this stay. The three-bedroom home has a fireplace and an outdoor entertainment area with a heated Jacuzzi.
