BLUE MOUNTAINS - The Vistafollowthevista.com/.../BLUE-MOUNTAINS-GUIDE-V2-2.pdf · Whether it be a day trip from Sydney or a longer stay in the Blue Mountains, you will no doubt leave

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Whether it be a day trip from Sydney or a longer stay in the Blue Mountains, you will no doubt leave feeling renewed. There is a feeling of stillness out here, and once escaping the city it’s easy to be seduced by the quiet and majestic force of the mountains.

Carved from the earth, these rugged and dramatic ranges are covered in eucalyptus gums, sandstone rock and an abundance of wildlife. Cozy guesthouses also dot these mountains serving strong tea and shortbread biscuits, wood fires and mulled wine.There is a romance of yesteryear, perhaps a reminder of the simple things in life that we somehow forgot in all our business.

We hope you enjoy this region as much as we do!

Thank you to mountain native and all round beautiful lady, Erin Lovell Verinder for her help in bringing this guide to fruition.

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EAT

Vesta, BlackheathLocally grown, organic produce housed in the old 1900’s bakery. The focus is on seasonal dishes and the feeling is warm and a little fancy. http://vestablackheath.com.au

Mesa Barrio, LawsonA new offering to the middle mountains. Tapas style share plates, modern and eclectic fresh locally sourced menu, all in a beautiful open space. Plenty of veggie options available. Come hungry literally everything on the menu is SO GOOD.http://mesabarrio.com.au

Megalong Tea Rooms, Megalong ValleyFor an unbeatable short drive from Blackheath weaving down into the forest floor, opening up into green pastures head down for old school pots of tea and freshly baked scones with green pastures and mountains as far as the eye can see. The pots of chai are a winner!https://megalongtearooms.com.au

Anonymous + Synonymous, Blackheath + Medlow BathLocals place to get caffeinated, and eat cosy food. Many GF + Vego options too. Synonymous is the sister cafe to Anonymous housed in an old dance hall in Medlow Bath, this space is full of country charmhttp://anonymouscafeblackheath.com.au

Casseopia, KatoombaOff the main drag and situated in a back road, locals fav place for coffee and fruit toast. Lovely space, full of natural light and good vibes.https://www.facebook.com/cassiopeiaspecialtycoffee/

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Sanwiye Korean Cafe, KatoombaA little serene restaurant serving up wonderfully inexpensive and plentiful plates of bulgogi and Korean Vegetable pancake to name a few. Truly delicious and in amidst the main street of Katoomba.https://www.facebook.com/sanwiyekoreancafe/

Hana Japanese, LeuraThe decor may have not changed for an era, but trust me this is a good thing! Traditional Japanese food, hand rolled sushi, fresh sashimi is abundant here in the heart of the Leura village.https://www.facebook.com/hanajapanese.leura/

Alchemy Woodfired Pizza, HartleyOrganic Pizza in the middle of nowhere just over the top of the mountains! This eccentric pizza house has incredible views and delicious crispy pizza, take a seat outside and commune with the green rolling hills.https://www.facebook.com/alchemypizzabar/

Big Beet Vegetarian Cafe, KatoombaIf you fancy a little 90’s vibes, a burrito and chai this is your place for quick cheerful dining in the heart of Katoombahttps://www.facebook.com/upbeetjuiceandespresso/

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S T A Y ONE ANY ONLY RESORT,WOLGAN VALLEY

Wolgan Valley One and Only resort can be described as the perfect blending of ultra-luxury and natural wonder.

Located in the greater Blue Mountains area, between the Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park. The resort occupies just one percent of its own 7,000 acre conservancy. The Wolgan River cuts a deep gorge through the sandstone of the valley, and hosts a stunning array of flora and fauna. Steep cliffs contrast with the gentle curve of the valley floor and a picturesque road winds along the river to reach the resort and historical homestead which remains from the properties first settlers.

Every element of this resort feels ‘state of the art’. The regal dining room, spa treatment rooms, gym and pool. However, the best (if not the most impressive) is the activities curated especially for guests including the little ones; such as horse riding, guided nature walks and hosted wildlife safaris.

There is also a dedicated kids entertainment room to perhaps allow the rest of the family to relax each evening whilst enjoying another glass of great local wine.

Explore this stunning, child friendly resort more:

https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/one-and-only-wolgan-valley-australia

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OTHER STAYS

Love Cabins, Bilpinhttp://www.lovecabins.com.au/home.aspx

Woolshed Cabins, Kanimbla Valleyhttps://woolshedcabins.com.au

Try Air B’n’B or Stayz for a number of private holiday rentals across the region. Be sure to keep the huge number of bed and breakfasts in mind to, there are some beautiful little hideaways around!

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BILPINJust on the other side of the mountains a perfect day trip awaits. Pick your own apples at the orchards (seasonal) and visit the magic Blue Mountains Botanical Gardens. Stay in the beautiful Love Cabins and head out for a swim in a water hole (ask the locals for directions) if the sun is shining.

MEGALONG VALLEYPack a picnic and drive down into the valley to Old Ford’s Reserve. It’s the perfect place to sit by the river on a blanket and let the sun shine on you, and you could take little dip in the river too. On your way back you could stop for a spot of tea and scones at the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms. As you wind back up the valley take a left turn and head onto the Shipley Plateau, where you will find the wonderful Logan Brae Orchards (weekends only feb-july) where you can stock up on freshly picked apples and take in the epic views!

KATOOMBA / LEURASo much to see in these little towns. Stroll the main streets for shopping in little boutique’s and soak up the slow mountain vibes. To really play the tourist hit up the three sister lookout, or opt for a more quiet view. Head down to Minihaha falls and take a hike down into the beautiful watering hole. Its well worth the walk along the gum trees and gentle waterways that line the track. Do what the locals do and grab some snacks from the Katoomba Co-Op, where backyard veg and organic produce is abundant along with every healthy ingredient you could imagine in bulk!

BLACKHEATHThis little charming village boasts a true artsy feel. Stroll the strip, pop into a cafe, get lost in the crystal shop and head out for a hike. Visit the Blackheath Pool if its a sunny summery day, this pool is idyllic set in a beautiful park, with ducks wandering by.

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Mini Ha Ha, KatoombaA well loved great swimming hole walk, there are a few little water holes near the entrance to the main track so if you have little ones you can splash around here without the hike down!

National Pass, Wentworth FallsOne of the area’s classic walks. You’ll cover sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, amazing views and swimming holes galore. The only downside can be the number of people who frequent this one. Go early morning and enjoy without the crowds!

Victoria Falls, Mount VictoriaFairly strenuous hike down into beautiful water hole and epic waterfall- swimming is a must!

Lockleys Pylon, LeuraIncredible views of the Grose Valley. If its the right season you can spot an abundance of wildflowers blooming.

Grand Canyon Track, BlackheathA challenging but super rewarding hike, you will traverse waterfalls, creeks and mammoth views.

Anvil Rock & The Wind Eroded Cave, Blackheath A 15 min stroll to a VERY epic lookout and a wonderful wind eroded cave to explore nearby.

TOURS

GLOW WORM TOURhttp://glowwormtours.sydney/Blue-Mountains-Glow-Worm-Tours.aspx

CAVE TOURS, JENOLAN CAVEShttp://www.jenolancaves.org.au/the-caves/cave-tour-timetable/Walking Jenolan Caves without tours is just as nice, but be sure to book in and do the real thing if you get the chance!

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Bright And Balanced Living, BlackheathA wellness oasis (naturopathy, herbal medicine, massage, breathwork, women’s circles)www.brightandbalancedliving.com.au

Crystal havenColliers Crystals, Blackheathhttps://collierscrystals.com.au

Blue Spirit Yoga, Leurahttp://www.bluespirityoga.com.au

Japanese Bath House, South BowenfelsIt’s decor has a 70’s vibe these day, but its worth a fun visit!http://www.japanesebathhouse.com.au/bathhouse.asp

Sanctuary Skin & Beauty, Leurahttps://www.sanctuaryskinandbeauty.com.au/massage-treatments

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GETTING THERE

Fly into Sydney and hire a car, the mountains are approx. 2.5hr drive from the airport.

EXTRA TIPS

Have a look at Katoomba Co-Op for the health conscious grocery shopper.http://bmfoodcoop.org.au

Markets are abundant in the Blue Mountains!http://www.bluemts.com.au/whatson/?catid=4

One not to miss though: Blackheath Growers Market – every first Sunday of the month

Antique shops are everywhere and plenty of gems to be found! Most of the great antique shops are along the highway and tucked into each village.

Op shops are also everywhere, in each major village there is at least one wonderful treasure trove op shop.

Sculpture @ Scenic World- stroll the rainforest floor amidst sculpture installations- annually April- May

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And why, you ask - do these mountain ridges appear blue?

All those beautiful Eucalyptus trees fill the atmosphere with fine droplets of oil, which, in combination with dust and water vapour, scatter rays of light that are predominantly blue in colour.

Or, it could just be another piece of mountain magic X

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