Experience the Blue Mountains
Set within a world heritage-listed national park, the Blue Mountains boast stunning lookouts and breathtaking waterfalls, grand hotels and cosy B&Bs, National Trust gardens, fantastic food, crisp mountain air, markets, galleries and artisans, and a string of townships each with its own charm.
The Three Sisters are famous the world over, but there is so much more to explore, all less than two hours from Sydney.
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Katoomba is an easy 90min journey (~100km) by car via the M4 & Great Western Highway.
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Sydney Trains operate regularly between Central Station and Katoomba Station on the Blue Mountains Line. The Festival venues are less than five minutes' walk from the Station.
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There are no direct buses from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. However, once you’re here, the Blue Mountains has an Explorer Bus if you want to take in the sights around Katoomba and Leura.
Stay
Encounters with wildlife at a campground in the bush, grocery shopping with locals for a self-catered cottage or leave it all to your hosts at an historic guesthouse, hotel or resort. The Blue Mountains is your home away from home. Note that No 14 Lovel Street is offering not only offering discounts for Festival guests, but on the Festival weekend itself, is reserved exclusively for people attending the Festival.
KATOOMBA
Perched on the very edge of the Blue Mountains escarpment, the 4½-star Echoes Boutique Hotel is located just 200m from one of the most recognisable landmarks on Earth - the Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point.
BLACKHEATH
Located within a spectacular 28-acre heritage property, Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges is the perfect retreat for pampering and indulgence.
KATOOMBA
Luxurious surrounds, indulgent pampering and fine dining surrounded by the natural harmony of pristine wilderness, exquisite gardens and boutique shopping. Welcome to the only 5-star resort in the Blue Mountains.
MEDLOW BATH
Discover the Hydro Majestic Hotel's art deco grandeur, set in the stunning World Heritage Blue Mountains, offering gourmet dining and luxurious stays.
KATOOMBA
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or action-filled adventure, Echo Point Village has a range of quality, self-contained and spacious accommodation choices – from the Echo Point Villas, Three Sisters Cottage to the astonishing Blue View House.
KATOOMBA
Stay in the heart of Katoomba, just a short walk from the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival, close to family friendly and fine dining restaurants, and the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains.
KATOOMBA
Stay in the heart of Katoomba, just a short walk from the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival, in this outstanding, character-filled property, close to quaint cafes, top restaurants and eclectic boutiques.
KATOOMBA
Just 200 metres from the iconic Echo Point Lookout, overlooking the stunning Three Sisters, Echo Point Discovery Motel is a conveniently close base to stay for Blue Mountains adventurers and bush walkers.
KATOOMBA
The Metropole Guesthouse provides guests with exceptional old-fashioned customer service and care, just 2-minutes walk from the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
KATOOMBA
A place of timeless elegance, restored to its former grandeur, The Carrington Hotel is where treasured memories of the past can be relived and memories for the future created.
KATOOMBA
Welcoming guests since 1913, No.14 Lovel St is a unique guesthouse and private holiday rental in the beautiful Blue Mountains; full of traditional character, cosy and comfortable.
LEURA
Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains is the pinnacle of upscale accommodation in Leura offering 224 spacious rooms and suites that reflect the tranquil atmosphere of the Blue Mountains’ natural surrounds.
MEGALONG VALLEY
Werriberri offers six self-contained cottages set within 180 acres of bushland on Gundungurra country, in the lush Megalong Valley, perfect for your next family or romantic weekend getaway.
WENTWORTH FALLS
Nestled in 4 acres of glorious grounds, this beautifully situated 4.5-star contemporary retreat sits on the edge of the National Park, just a leisurely stroll from Wentworth Falls’ famous lookouts, waterfalls & walking tracks.
KATOOMBA
The historic Hotel Mountain Heritage in the Blue Mountains offers premium Katoomba accommodation and spectacular views of pristine World Heritage wilderness.
Play
Swap city lights for stars. From waterfalls to basement level bars, the Blue Mountains is brimming with attractions and activities for every mood, season and fitness level.
LEURA
On the edge of the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains National Park now stands award winning Ubika Day Spa, one of the largest purpose-built day spa facilities in Australia. The UBIKA Spa menu features a diverse selection of therapies for both men and women that help regenerate and restore.
WENTWORTH FALLS
Embark on a captivating space journey led by an Astronomer in the timeless beauty of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains dark skies.
LEURA
Step inside a winter wonderland. A brand-new playground has arrived and is perfect for those who love to skate, want to learn, or just have some fun.
KATOOMBA
Located in the heart of Katoomba, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre encompasses the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, Katoomba Library and “Into the Blue”, an interactive exhibition that explores the history and natural landscape of the mountains.
KATOOMBA
Nestled in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World offers a self-guided nature-based experience like no other. Less than two hours from Sydney and open every day of the year, Scenic World is a must-see destination with epic rides and views.
MOUNT VICTORIA
Built in 1934, the cinema is a window into the golden age of Australian country picture theatre culture.
FAULCONBRIDGE
Explore the former home of prolific and controversial artist Norman Lindsay, while enjoying a day of art and gardens in a historic Blue Mountains location.
Wine and Dine
The food’s so fresh at our Blue Mountains eateries you can almost taste a tang of eucalyptus in every bite. That’s because the duck breast is house-aged and mushrooms homegrown, the pinot grigio is made right here and chestnuts are picked in our backyard. And remember that Mountains food is best served with a locally made brew – beer, wine, cider, spirits, kombucha, tea or coffee.
MEDLOW BATH
With magnificent Megalong Valley views, exceptional artworks and an outstanding menu of regional produce, the funky Boiler House Restaurant at The Hydro Majestic takes casual dining to the escarpment edge.
MELOW BATH
From our famous high tea to gourmet dinners, all meals at the Wintergarden Restaurant are served with complimentary majestic views over the magnificent Megalong Valley.
KATOOMBA
Surrounded by the timeless romance of a refurbished heritage building, guests of Darley’s Restaurant indulge in culinary artistry and excellence every time they dine at the hatted establishment.
KATOOMBA
Echoes Restaurant’s gastronomical experience is as much about the smorgasbord of multicultural influences brought to its kitchen by a global staff as it is about showcasing nature’s local and regional bounty.
KATOOMBA & LAWSON
The Mountains’ best speciality sourdough bakery offering a range of dairy, soy and sugar-free vegan-friendly loaves as well as croissants, with specialty coffee courtesy of Single O.
KATOOMBA
Mountain Culture’s Katoomba Brewpub is housed in a restored 1900s heritage-listed building and is now home to award-winning beers.
KATOOMBA
The Gallery Café, situated within the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, is the perfect place to catch up with friends or take a break whilst visiting the Art Gallery.
LEURA
Searching for a dining experience that appeals to the entire family? Visit the Leura Golf Club Bistro and savor uncomplicated clubhouse-style cuisine while taking in the scenic view of the 18th green.
LEURA
Whether it is a weekend away, date night, or a catch up with friends, head on into Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern, a refined, quirky whiskey bar hidden in the basement of the iconic Fairmont Resort.
LEURA
No.1 Sublime Pt., is housed beautifully overlooking the picturesque Jamison Valley, offering modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on handmade elements.
MEGALONG VALLEY
Dryridge Estate’s Cellar Door boasts some of the best views of the Blue Mountains and offers the best location to enjoy a delicious cheese plate and a glass of wine.
MEGALONG VALLEY
Established in 1956, the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms has proudly served up scones and apple pie to generations of Blue Mountains residents and guests.
KATOOMBA
Panoramic views over World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park, coupled with foreground views of the historic townscapes of Katoomba and Leura make Jamison Views restaurant a truly unique dining experience.
LEURA
Embers Grill offers a selection of premium steakhouse cuts basted with aromatics and seared with perfection. Soak in the Blue Mountains view as you dine overlooking the stunning Jamison Valley.
MEGALONG VALLEY
Megalong Restaurant is set up amidst the LOT 101 farm and vegetable gardens, offering 360-degree views of escarpment and bushland.
Browse
MEDLOW BATH
Celebrate the spirit of traditional showground pavilions and experience a taste of the Blue Mountains at the Hydro Majestic Pavilion interactive "living" history, retail and café space.
KATOOMBA
The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Shop showcases an extensive range creative gifts, homewares, stationery, books and children’s toys, carefully selected to complement gallery exhibitions and the Blue Mountains region.
LEURA
Josophan’s fine chocolates are handcrafted onsite in Leura and freshly made using Fair Trade certified chocolates and fresh flavour infusions, and without the use of artificial flavours or preservatives.
LAWSON
Managed by a couple of avid readers and their dog Echo (who serves as their quality control expert), this social enterprise bookshop combines their love of reading with their passion for supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
LEURA
As well as a large selection of fiction and non-fiction books on all subjects, this bookshop carries a wide variety of books about the Blue Mountains.
BLACKHEATH
Gleebooks is Australia's favourite independent bookshop for over 40 years.
WENTWORTH FALLS
The Good Earth Bookshop sells preloved books, games and toys, a curated selection of new books and a range of unique book related items.
SPRINGWOOD
The Turning Page Bookshop is a local Blue Mountains institution and celebrated 40 years of continuous operation in Springwood in 2023.
KATOOMBA
Sometimes when you're packing for a trip, you feel quite sure you have forgotten something but can’t quite remember what it is. The Little Lost Bookshop is a bit like that. A place full of old thoughts, strange ideas and beautiful books.
KATOOMBA
A fixture in Katoomba for over 20 years, The Hattery offers an extensive range of hats and accessories, with permanent stock including iconic Australian brands Akubra and Barmah.