With their verdant eucalyptus forests making the air shimmer, giving these beautiful mountains their name, you know there will be plenty of gorgeous scenery to help relax you when you head out to the Blue Mountains.
Leura
Just ninety minutes out of Sydney, thevintagecharmsofLeura will make you feel as though you’ve already gotten away from it all. With plenty of colonial charm and European foliage, whether you’re there for spring blossoms or autumn leaves you’re sure to be impressed. Picturesque cottages and cute shopsmake everycornerInstagram-worthy, and whether you love antiques,bohemianinspiredhomewares or handcrafted souvenirs there is plenty to explore here. For a delightful and delicious dose of whimsy, visit the world’s largest private collection of teapotswhile enjoying aDevonshire tea at Bygone Beauties, home of the Treasured Teapot Museum.Katoomba
Your next stop is Katoomba, which is all about the scenery. They have made iteasy to enjoyKatoomba’s views from every angle at Scenic World – there’s the scenic railway with an exciting fifty-two-degree incline and rotating seats,the ScenicCablewayandtheScenic Skyway. From them, you’ll seethebest ofKatoomba’s numerous natural wonders, from theThreeSisters toKatoomba Falls along with all the other delights of the sea, forest and sky. If you’d like a taste of refined country living, make time for somefine diningatDarley’sRestaurantin theLilianfels Resort and Spa. The heritage home is more than a hundred years old and has been restored in grand style to host this widely acclaimed restaurant. Splurge on the seven-course degustation menu for a truly unforgettable meal.Lithgow
Encircled by no less than seven national parks, Lithgow is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty.TheWollemi National park is home to several endangered species, including wallabies, platypus and theWollemi Pine, a “living dinosaur” of a plant that’s been around for more than one hundred million years. You can see propagated pinesatMtTomah Botanic Gardens. The Gardens of Stone National Park is also worth a look to see some of Australia’s most unique scenery in the form of amazing “Pagoda” rock formations. If fishing is your thing, you can try getting atrout atTuron National park – their guided fishing tours ensure you’re staying within the national park’s rules. If you want to make a weekend of it, the parks aredotted with well appointed camping sites.Wisemans Ferry
Nestled on a dramatic bend of the Hawkesbury River is the small town of Wisemans Ferry. Apart from a ride on the ferry itself there’s plenty more to explore here – check out the Convict Trail, which allows you to enjoy a stroll along one of Australia’s oldest colonial-era structures. There’s a number of easy walks perfect for people of all ages. If you prefer an indoor activity you can feast your eyes on the creations of local artists and craftspeople at the Ferry Artists Gallery – the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir of your travels. If you’re feeling peckish you can enjoy some hearty old fashioned pub food at Wiseman’s Inn – tuck into a steak as you watch the river roll by.Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash
