Boutique hotels in Blue Mountains
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Blue Mountains Private Safaris Luxury Swag Camp
- Style
- Intimate upscale bush camp
- Setting
- Scenic river valley
Blue Mountains Overview
Australia
- Countryside
- Soaring sandstone peaks
- Country life
- Natural highs
Could there be a greater distinction between the city of Sydney, an hour or so's drive away, and the majestic landscape and ribbon of quaint villages that make up the Blue Mountains?
And just as its visage (majestic pleateaus, gorges and bush) couldn’t be more different, neither could the vibe: laid-back, sleepy almost, where days are spent hiking and antiquing, and nights are spent fireside, making the most of the food and wine culture. Tourists flock the Blue Mountains National Park, and hub towns Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls, but there are hundreds of quieter trails away from the postcard sights. Oh, and the reason they’re called the Blue Mountains: the vapour emitted by the eucalyptus trees does produce a slightly purple haze.
Beautifully Blue Mountains
Living fossils: The Wollemi Pine, considered a dinosaur tree, was believed to have died out many years ago, but in 1994 a small pocket of them was found in a narrow canyon in the Wollemi National Park. To protect the naturally occurring trees, the exact location of the site is a closely guarded secret but you can see younger specimens at the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden (www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au).
Local knowledge
- Taxis
- Several cab companies service different parts of the Blue Mountains. From Wentworth Falls to Mount Victoria, try Katoomba Radio Cabs (+61 (0)2 4782 1311); between Hazelbrook and Lawson, call Blue Mountains Taxi Cabs (+61 (0)2 4759 3000).
- Tipping culture
- Like most parts of Australia, tipping is not expected, although leaving a 10 per cent gratuity is always appreciated.
- Siesta and Fiesta
- Most stores open seven days a week, often from 10am. After 10pm you’ll be lucky to find a kitchen open anywhere in the Mountains, and pubs and bars will base closing time on how many punters are still buying drinks.
- Packing tips
- A worn-in pair of hiking boots, plenty of memory cards for your camera (to document the views) and an alarm clock so you can get up for one of the spectacular sunrises.
- Recommended reads
- Norman Lindsay’s classic children’s picture book The Magic Pudding was written in 1917 to settle an argument with his friend Bertram Stevens about whether children would rather read about fairies or food. Food won. After Sydney was colonised, many tried to cross the natural barrier of the Mountains to access the fertile plains beyond, but it wasn’t until May 1813 that Gregory Blaxland, William Wentworth and William Lawson made it. Blaxland-Lawson-Wentworth 1813 by Joanna Armour tells their story.
- Cuisine
- The rugged terrain dotted by a series of fertile ridges has seen small operations flourish, predominantly fruit and vegetable growers. The region has also been influenced by the Slow Food Movement and in March 2007 was granted Cittaslow status. The results can be found throughout the area, with growers, makers and chefs promoting local produce.
- Regional specialities
- Cool-climate crops, including apples, nuts and berries, and wine.
- Currency
- Australian dollars (AU$).
- Time zone
- GMT +10 hours.
- Dialling codes
- The international code for Australia is 61. Blue Mountains: 02 (drop the zero if calling from overseas).
- Do go/don't go
- The Mountains cool climate makes for a refreshing summer retreat, but chillier winter days can still be sunny with blue skies (or atmospherically misty), plus you'll find trails and lookouts less crowded. Weekends are busy with day-trippers from the city, but even during winter when the temperature really drops, it’s still worth visiting to experience Yulefest (also called Christmas in July).
Don't go home without
Exploring the offerings on display at the Blackheath Growers Market, held on the second Sunday of every month. Take home fresh produce, cheese, bread, fresh pasta, homemade condiments and locally produced olive oil.
