Hi guys, Monique here from the Australian Weekenders. The legends from New Life on the Road have asked us to do a guest blog for them on our favourite place in NSW………. now that is a tough one but honestly, there is one place we just can’t get enough of no matter how many times we go.
The Blue Mountains A Full Blown Love Affair – where we share a few of our favorite things. The Mountains is just a short drive from Sydney and is the ultimate NSW weekender in our eyes. Breathtaking views, stunning hikes, fantastic food, boutique shops and a vibe like nowhere else, if you haven’t been yet, you just have to go! I am going to give you a beginners guide to The Blue Mountains…….. you’re welcome 😉
Hikes
Grand Canyon
If you want a bit of everything, this hike is a great place to start. Lush bush, water crossings, a dark tunnel and much more. This loop track is a great hike to introduce you to the wonders of the Blue Mountains.
Find more walking tracks in NSW
Minniehaha Falls
It’s a hot summers day in the mountains and you want a swim. This hike is short and steep and boy is there a stunning reward at the end. I don’t want to spoil it but bring swimmers and a camera.
Hanging Rock
When you are on this trail it doesn’t really feel all that special and I think that’s what makes it so amazing when you pop out at the end and see hanging rock. This view will take your breath away. Maybe one to skip if you are afraid of heights.
What about cycling tracks? Here is Burramoko Ridge Hanging Rock Trail
Lockleys Pylon
Stunning from start to finish and not steep either which is rare in the mountains. In spring, you will be even more spoilt with wildflowers galore.
Do You Like Walking? There is a great walking track “Lockleys Pylon Walking Track“
Adventure
Canyoning
Somewhat early on in our relationship, Nick told me we were going on a relaxing trip to the mountains. What he didn’t tell me is that we were booked to go canyoning. Back then, this was not something I would have chosen to do but as it turns out, Nick knew me better than I knew myself! We did the Empress Falls Canyon (beginner tour) and it blew my mind, I was in absolute awe of the scenery and nothing makes you feel more alive than abseiling down a huge waterfall.
You have to try this! Want to be able to confidently Abseil down the Canyon? Here is a great course for everyone that is keen to learn!
Jenolan Caves
Childlike wonder is the first thing that comes to mind. Jenolan caves is one of my favourite places in the world. These cave systems are full to the brim with jewels of the earth. The guided tours are fun, informative and beautiful.
Food
The Yellow Deli
DELICIOUS! This is our brunch spot absolutely every time we visit the mountains. The food is fresh, tasty and so affordable. The décor in this café has you feeling like you’re in a little treehouse.
Eucalypt
If you are a closet lover of fine dining (we are), this restaurant will not disappoint. It is the perfect spot to celebrate something special or just spoil yourself because, let’s be honest, you deserve it right!
Papadino’s
We LOVE Italian food. You know a place is good when you have to wait outside with lots of others who are eager to get a table every time you go (even in the freezing cold). It is worth the wait! After a big day hiking, our absolute favourite meal is the pasta al forno, my mouth is watering as I write this, it’s that good!
Luxury
Sparadise
A Japanese bathhouse in the Blue Mountains…… yep! Nothing beats soaking your sore muscles after a big day of adventuring while you watch the sun set over Lake Lyall.
Spa Sublime
Another favourite pamper is Spa Sublime. Don’t be fooled, the day spa is not just an activity for one, the couples treatments are……. well, SUBLIME!
Accommodation
The Fairmont
Is there anything this resort doesn’t have? It is a fantastic place to stay because you can truly unwind and if you don’t want to leave you don’t have to. They have hikes at their doorstep, a golf course, dining options,a day spa, a cinema, pool, incredible facilities for kids and so much more. A one stop shop in all the best ways.
In My View
We have stayed here a few times now and it is a favourite for many reasons. The accommodation only has 2 spa suites so it is nice and quiet, the hosts are amazing, the accommodation is super comfy, the views are sensational and it is so central to Katoomba.
Eagle View Escape
This place is SO romantic. This accommodation overlooks Lake Lyall and is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with your partner. When we stayed here there were also baby alpacas (I love animals so much).
This is just a little highlight reel of some of our tried and tested favourites but if there is one thing we love most about the Blue Mountains, it is that it continues to surprise us with new experiences each time we return. I hope this starts off your love affair with this incredible destination.
If you love Australian travel, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram as theaustralianweekenders
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Thanks you Monique and Nick from The Australian Weekenders for sharing your guide to the Blue Mountains. We have been there before but now we are keen to go back and explore more.
Have You Visited The Blue Mountains – What Is Your Favorite Thing To Do There?
Cheers
Lisa
I came across the wonder that is The Blue Mountains couple of weeks ago, doing some research for my next trip to Australia and have been obsessed with it ever since.
I love Avatar and it reminds me so much of the floating mountains, so I’m just gonna pretend they are it, haha. 🙂
Thanks for all the great tips and info, can’t wait to be there and see it with my own eyes.
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At some point in our relationship, Nick told me we were going on a relaxing trip to the mountains. What he didn’t tell me was that we were booked for canyoning. Back then, this wasn’t something I would choose to do but as it turned out, Nick knew better than I knew myself. We did the Empress falls canyon (startup tour) and it blew my mind, I was so scared about looking at this place and nothing makes you feel more healthy than sitting under a big waterfall.
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wow what an amazing experience! Would love to try canyoning and the Empress Falls Canyon sounds like It was an adventure. We love waterfalls – love anything to do with water 😉