Your Cheat Sheet to the Blue Mountains

Weave your way through the Blue Mountains to discover sublime waterfalls, creeks and caves, before exploring the quaint towns of Blackheath, Leura and Katoomba.

What to do

First point of call should be Echo Point lookout, home of the famed geological formation, the Three Sisters. Descend the 800 steps to the valley floor or float between cliff tops on the Scenic Skyway. Take a trail ride on horseback through the picturesque Megalong Valley or get your heart racing with adrenalin-pumping activities, such as abseiling and canyoning, thanks to Blue Mountains Adventure Company. Head back to civilisation at historic Leura Village, which features a mix of boutique shops, antiques and restaurants.

Eat and drink

Trendy eatery Leura Garage is celebrated for its organic pizza and generously stacked meat board. Experience modern Australian flavours at Silk’s Brasserie in Leura or splurge on a three-course degustation menu at Darleys.

Where to stay

Parklands Country Garden & Lodges is a Hamptons-style country retreat with garden suites or loft accommodation. Each room has an ornate gas fireplace, which will be put to good use during the cooler months. The Parklands Spa offers a broad range of treatments, such as hot-stone massages, facials and body wraps. Alternatively, the upmarket Spicers Sangoma Retreat is a stunning boutique resort set on Bowen Mountain at the foothills of The Blue Mountains.

This piece was originally published in 2015 and has been updated.