The Best Things to do in the Blue Mountains

A two-hour drive from the Sydney CBD, the Blue Mountains is the perfect getaway for city slickers. Stunning scenery, crisp mountain air and cosy venues galore make it an ideal spot for a weekend of unadulterated bliss.

There really is so much to keep you occupied. And the best thing about spending a whole weekend in the Blue Mountains is that you can take your time with all of it. Embrace your arty side, get outdoors, savour the historic surroundings and get amongst the cultural scene. 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 centred around their 150-year-old woodfired oven. At this 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

BLAQ

BLAQ at The Kyah, nestled in the heart of the Blue Mountains, is undeniably among the finest restaurants in the region. Its contemporary atmosphere, coupled with a menu boasting innovative flavours, captivates diners. From farm-to-table ingredients to impeccable service, BLAQ excels in delivering a gastronomic adventure that is simply unparalleled.

13-17 Brightlands Avenue, Blackheath

Pick Up Some Wholesome Baked Treats

Famed for its gourmet offering, the local bakeries in the Blue Mountains 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 in Katoomba, 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. 

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 a cuppa at The Megalong Valley Tearooms is 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

Score Some 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.

Mountain Culture Brew Pub

Mountain Culture's Status Quo Pale Ale has been voted Australia's #1 beer for two years running. If that's not enough reason to visit this cosy brewpub, the nostalgic delights coming from the kitchen are. Fries and curry sauce, classic burgers and potato gems are just a few of the bites on offer. The restored heritage building offers plenty of places to park your tush, including a pup-friendly outdoor deck ideal for watching the sun set.

23 - 25 Parke Street, Katoomba

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, Blackheath Growers Market is a bustling event with 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 and 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. 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

With 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. 

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

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.

Blue Mountains Sauna 

The Blue Mountains Sauna is the perfect place to hang out after a day of hiking. Your entry covers you for two hours of access to the Finnish sauna and cold plunge as well as multiple chill out areas for between sessions. There's a cosy tea lounge where you can hydrate, and you'll also be supplied with a pair of slippers and a bench towel. The whole experience is deeply relaxing so prepare for the best night of sleep you've ever had! 

7 Quinns Avenue, Leura 

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 Retreats

Just 1.5 hours outside Sydney, escape to the Blue Mountains for a rejuvenating stay at the Happy Buddha Retreats. 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 into. 

50 Railway Parade, Wentworth Falls

Conscious Beauty Therapist

Located in the heart of Katoomba, the Conscious Beauty Therapist offers a range of holistic treatments designed to nourish both the body and mind. With a deep understanding of Ayurvedic treatments, owner Bec offers treatments that you won't find at your stock standard beautician. From crystal healing facials to therapeutic massage, each treatment is tailored to the individual, using only the finest natural and organic products. 

29 Ada Street, Katoomba

Art Gallery Hop

For a culture fix, immerse yourself in the Blue Mountains’ thriving arts scene. The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre has a rotating roster of exhibitions, while the heritage Norman Lindsay Gallery provides a retrospective of the acclaimed artist, and Lost Bear Gallery always showcases the best in Australian art.

Katoomba's Gallery ONE88 showcases everything from contemporary and indigenous works to performing arts, and Australian contemporary art specialists Day Gallery are currently showcasing Somewhere in the Mountains by Rhett Brewer.

Learn About the Aboriginal History & Heritage of the Blue Mountains

The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is located within the Ngurra (Country) of the Darkinjung, Darug, Dharawal, Gundungurra, Wanaruah and Wiradjuri peoples. Steeped in indigenous history, the Blue Mountains' rich heritage is apparent in the architecture and community spirit.

To view one of the best showcases of Aboriginal rock art in the region, head to Red Hands Cave. For a more extensive look into the history and flora and fauna of the region, stop into the National Parks and Wildlife Service Heritage Centre.

Street Art Walk

Even while you are sightseeing, you can experience the Blue Mountains' Street Art Walk. Sydney doesn’t have the monopoly on great local street art, in fact, the Blue Mountains have churned out some pretty impressive pieces as part of the Street Art Walk, displayed in Katoomba's Beverly Place. Expect world-standard street art, covering all aerosol disciplines and a great mix of styles.

Beverly Place, Katoomba

Lennox Bridge

This Glenbrook monument is the oldest stone arch bridge on the Australian mainland and was built in 1833 by unskilled convict labourer David Lennox. Lennox Bridge shares a connection with the past and is also a good photo opportunity.

Mitchell Pass, Glenbrook

Mount Victoria Museum

The Mount Victoria Museum is the perfect spot to catch some culture and history with relics dating back decades, to bygone eras. They have a range of collections to admire, from textiles and music, to convict relics and tools, that both grown-ups and kids find absolutely fascinating.

35A Station Street, Mount Victoria

Kyah Boutique Hotel

The bohemian Blue Mountains village of Blackheath has welcomed Kyah Boutique Hotel, a 1970s-era motel that has been reimagined with a ‘luxe’ touch. The 46-room, family-owned hotel sits on two exquisite acres, embodying everything travellers desire in a modern mountain retreat.

More cutting-edge than kitsch, Kyah Boutique Hotel is what happens when fresh mountain air collides with Palm Springs-inspired design. Think on-trend archways, curves and cutaway interiors; Art Deco-inspired furnishings and an abundance of space, resulting in an elegant (but playful) escape from suburbia. Be sure to book in for dinner at the on-site restaurant BLAQ for a hyper-local feast. 

13-17 Brightlands Avenue, Blackheath

Lilianfels Resort & Spa

Gorgeous views over the Jamison Valley is just the start of what this stunning resort has to offer. The country house resort is cosy yet grand, with a Victorian-era lounge (which serves high tea), library, day spa, billiards room, indoor swimming pool and warming fireplaces. It is everything you could want in a luxury Blue Mountains accommodation. Oh, and did we mention they also have a multi-award-winning restaurant, Darleys, whose degustation may just be the highlight of your trip. 

Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba

Loved this edit of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains and after more inspo for cosy winter escapes? Check out our edit of the 6 best winter getaways in NSW and our wrap of the very best winter escapes in Australia to tick off your bucket list.