Things to do in the Blue Mountains: Places to Dine, Shop, Explore & Unwind

A two-hour drive from the Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains is the perfect getaway for city slickers. With its stunning scenery, crisp mountain air and charming venues, it’s an ideal spot for a whole weekend of unadulterated holiday bliss.

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Ates

Named after the Turkish word for 'fire', the cuisine at Ates is centered around their 150-year-old woodfired oven. At this new eatery, expect traditional dishes and flavours presented in new and exciting ways. One dish we have our eye on is the octopus grilled over charcoal with almond tarator, capers and cabernet sauvignon vinegar...delicious!

33 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath

Pick up Some Wholesome Baked Treats

Famed for its gourmet offering, the local bakeries are nothing short of incredible. Bakehouse on Wentworth is famous for its handmade organic sourdough (try the olive and rosemary), but people travel far and wide for the gourmet pies, tarts and pastries, too. With locations dotted around the Mountains, your fix is never too far. At Hominy Bakery their potato sourdough is legendary, and it usually sells out so we suggest calling ahead to reserve a loaf. And since the 80s, Blackheath Bakery Patisserie has been whipping German baked goods like pretzels, jam doughnuts, brot and crumbles. With storefronts in Lawson and Katoomba, we highly suggest you pop into Black Cockatoo Bakery to pick up a baked treat that has been lovingly made using organic and sustainable ingredients. 

Boiler House Restaurant

Overlooking the Megalong Valley and boasting a menu powered by the best local produce, it's no wonder Bolier House Restaurant at the Hydro Majestic is a renowned dining destination in its own right. Make sure you book a table close to the windows so you can take in a sumptuous view with your delicious meal.

52-88 Great Western Highway, Medlow Bath

The Megalong Valley Tearooms

In the 20s and 30s, the Megalong Valley was home to nine tearooms. Today, there’s just a handful left and it’s well-worth a visit. As you look over the rugged mountains, you’ll be served Devonshire tea and scones with clotted cream.

824 Megalong Road, Megalong Valley

Treat Yourself to Sweet Chocolatey Treats

If you love sugar and confectionary delights, then the Blue Mountains has got you covered. Stock up on handcrafted chocolates at local institution, Josophan’s Fine Chocolates. For a hit of sugary nostalgia, head to The Candy Store to pick up some freckles, sherbet bombs, and colourful confectionery from around the world. At Blue Mountains Chocolate Company, you’ll find handmade Belgian chocolates dotted with local ingredients. Treat yourself to decadent delights at the café, then burn them off with a short stroll to the Three Sisters.

iKOU

This Blue Mountains-based brand has become increasingly popular since its inception in 2007. iKOU is home to all things wellness, self-care and organic. From their skincare and body treatments, to home fragrance range and herbal teas, you will find something to treat yourself with.

126 Leura Mall, Leura

Blackheath Growers Market

Held on the second Sunday of every month, this bustling market has 60 stalls selling the best produce the region has to offer: think fruits, veggies, free-range eggs, meats, bread, cheeses, olive oils and wine.

Corner of Great Western Highway & Gardiner Crescent, Blackheath

Papinelle

For beautiful nighties, robes, loungewear and PJ sets, look no further than Papinelle. Boasting a range of styles, prints and fabrics, you'll have a tough time trying to decide what to buy. If it were us, we would be ordering one of Papinelle's cosy sets. Chic and comfortable.

Shop 5, 152-160 Leura Mall, Leura

Shop Direct from the Producer

Thanks to its fresh, bountiful produce, the Blue Mountains is a hotspot for foodies.  In Lawson, Lyttleton Stores houses PanTree Produce, an organic grocery store selling fresh produce as well as an array of organic, gluten-free and dairy-free treats. If you have a long weekend to explore the mountains, visit the Logan Brae Orchard, a charming apple orchard that dishes up great views as well as the most delicious apple pie.

Explore Leura Village

Edwardian shopfronts and cherry blossom trees, Leura Mall, is a captivating village filled with boutique stores, art galleries, antiques and a selection of cafes and restaurants that would rival Sydney's. One of the top things to do in the Blue Mountains, Leura charms with its grand old homes, intimate cottages, clifftop walks and lustful gardens. 

Stop by the Dryridge Estate Cellar Door, Megalong Valley

This boutique vineyard produces some of the best local mountain wine. Cheers to that! While you’re sipping, tuck into a cheese platter and soak up the valley views. 

226 Aspinall Road, Megalong Valley

Wander the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

Perched on the peak of a mountain (Mount Tomah), it’s Australia’s highest botanic garden. There are 28 hectares to explore, and they’re full of cool-climate plants and native fauna.

Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah

Take a Cheeky Detour to Mount Wilson

It’s a little bit off the beaten track, but this heritage garden village is a postcard vision. Think bushland and rainforest, historic houses, grand gardens, canyons and hiking trails. While you’re there, stroll the Wynnes Rocks Trail and the Yengo Sculpture Gardens.

Tackle the Blue Mountains’ best hikes

A hiker’s paradise, the Blue Mountains boast stunning trails of varying lengths and difficulties, so lace up your runners and choose one you’re comfortable with. The Round Walking Track and Govett’s Leap Lookout will take you 1-2 hours, while the Grand Canyon Walk and National Pass are a little more challenging.

Ubika Day Spa

Occupying the beautiful Fairmont Resort & Spa in the Blue Mountains, Ubika Day Spa provides the space for you to truly 'rejuvenate, relax, restore and revitalise'. Offering a range of treatments for your next pamper session, you will leave feeling like you're walking on air. This wellness haven promises more than just stunning scenery – restorative treatments including massages, high-performance facials and pampering body treatments will transform you into a picture of health. 

1 Sublime Point Road, Leura 

Happy Buddha Retreat

Just 1.5 hours outside Sydney, escape to the Blue Mountains for a rejuvenating stay at the Happy Buddha Retreat. Running three retreats each week, for three days and two nights you'll connect with nature through their range of uplifting workshops and classes. Immerse yourself in yoga, meditation, drumming circles and self-guided bush walks. Don't worry about food, you can expect health-conscious vegetarian meals that taste as good as they look. This is one health retreat in NSW you need to be booking in to. 

50 Railway Parade, Wentworth Falls