19 November 2024
9 mins Read
Named for the subtle blue haze that has settled over its landscape – from the evaporating oils of the eucalypt trees in its lush forests – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is a must-visit destination.
Families will have a fun-filled stay, visiting the famous Three Sisters and riding the steepest passenger train in the world; it’s an idyllic place for a romantic getaway with crisp mountain air and cosy fireplaces to snuggle before; it’s a bushwalking mecca, with sheer sandstone escarpments, deep valleys and gushing waterfalls; and the perfect location to take a reset.
Best for: Couples, heritage charm, central location
When it comes to the best location to stay in the Blue Mountains, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa can’t be beat. This historic hotel sits on an escarpment overlooking the Jamison Valley, just a 500-metre walk to the Three Sisters and Scenic World and in Katoomba, where you’ll find plenty of places to dine, too.
The hotel is housed within a heritage-listed homestead and its style reflects this old-world charm, with decorative wallpapers and traditional furnishings. While there are ample things to do in Katoomba, the hotel has two swimming pools, a tennis court, day spa and handful of places to dine and drink, so you’ll be forgiven for not wanting to leave.
Address: 5-19 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba
Best for: Families, couples, style
This could be the Blue Mountains’ coolest accommodation. The Kyah Boutique Hotel opened in 2022 in Blackheath, which has some excellent dining options and some great bushwalks. But the best bit about Kyah its range – with affordable and stylish rooms for families and groups of friends.
With a style inspired by Palm Springs but with its Australian mountain surroundings in mind, The Kyah is all soothing earthy and pastel tones, curves and accents of gold. There’s a restaurant onsite, which has a menu centred around local produce and ingredients from the garden.
Address: 13-17 Brightlands Ave, Blackheath
Best for: Heritage charm, luxury, mountain views
Teetering on the edge of an escarpment with breathtaking views of Megalong Valley, Hydro Majestic is the mountain’s most iconic stay. Reopening in 2014 after years of abandonment, the historic hotel was restored to its former glory, with a range of stylish guest rooms.
It’s well worth a visit, even if only to enjoy high tea in the Wintergarden or a cocktail in the notorious Cats Alley. The hotel is located in Medlow Bath, between the towns of Katoomba and Blackheath, and is a great base to explore the best things to do in the Blue Mountains.
Address: 52-88 Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath
Best for: Heritage charm, families, couples
Set on 11 hectares of manicured gardens, Parklands in Blackheath is both a romantic escape for couples and a comfy stay for families. The suites can sleep up to four people and ooze country charm, with fireplaces and bay windows overlooking the leafy grounds.
Breakfast is served in the sun-lit Lakeview Breakfast Room and there is also a tranquil day spa onsite. The lodge’s location is central to the village of Blackheath and is close to many bushwalking tracks, such as the spectacular Govetts Leap Lookout just down the road.
Address: 132 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath
Best for: Families, mountain views, affordability
Located in the charming town of Leura, the Fairmont is arguably the most family-friendly resort in the Blue Mountains. You could easily spend your entire stay at the resort, flitting between the pool, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, jungle gym, arcade games and miniature train.
There are many room types to choose from, including an epic Family Suite, multiple dining venues, a cosy lobby lounge and an underground whisky bar. There’s also an 18-hole course for golf lovers.
Address: 1 Sublime Point Road, Leura
Best for: Couples, seclusion, unique accommodation
Step into a real-life fairytale at the Love Cabins, set across 240 hectares of private bushland near Bilpin. The Treehouse is a favourite stay, set high in the treetops and resplendent in natural woods, with an incredible outdoor spa, too.
From Sydney, the Love Cabins can be reached via the scenic Bells Line of Road, an idyllic Blue Mountains road trip that will take you past apple cideries, roadside shops and lookouts with incredible views.
Address: The cabins are located on two properties in Mountain Lagoon and Berambing, near Bilpin
Best for: Couples, adults-only, luxury
Sangoma is named after the Zulu word for healer, which indicates what a stay at Spicers Sangoma is all about. Wedged between the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury River, the seclusion of this adults-only retreat is all part of the charm.
There are just eight suites, each with deep baths and fireplaces, an onsite restaurant serving local produce and a restorative spa. Guests can spend their time with zen activities such as yoga and meditation or bushwalking and canyoning.
Address: 70 Grandview Lane, Bowen Mountain
Best for: Couples, families, mountain views
Logan Brae Retreats is set on 14 hectares atop Mt Kanimbla, located west of Blackheath. There are two cabins, Hilltop Cabin and Woodlands Cabin, both perfect for a romantic getaway.
Each cabin features warm timbers and stone walls, a deep indoor bathtub, fireplace and mineral plunge pool with sweeping views. The Lodge can sleep up to eight and has a barbecue with outdoor dining, billiards table, fireplace, kitchen and private plunge pool. All stays include breakfast and a picnic on arrival.
Address: 43 Megalong Place, Kanimbla
Best for: Families, mountain views, style
Its name will give you a hint to its location, located high on an escarpment in the Blue Mountains with views of Mt Solitary and the Three Sisters. Cloud Parade is a short walk to the quaint town of Leura, which is home to an abundance of boutique shops, and Gordon Falls is just down the road.
Sleeping 10 guests, this uber-stylish stay is great for groups of friends and families, with a full kitchen, laundry and open fireplace for the cooler months. It’s also a quick drive to Katoomba, where families can spend the day at Scenic World.
Address: Leura (address given upon booking confirmation)
Best for: Mountain views, central location, affordability
Echoes Boutique Hotel sits atop one of a sheer escarpment on theedge of Katoomba. Welcoming guests since the 1990s, the guest rooms are simple and comfortable, with panoramic views from private balconies making up for the style. Echoes Restaurant and Bar is located onsite and serves a menu of Australian cuisine with Asian influences.
Address: 3 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba
Best for: Couples, seclusion, style
This 120-year-old cottage was restored and given an architectural makeover to become a sleek tiny stay. Sleeping just two guests, the Little Black Cabin has views of the Megalong Valley, an outdoor fireplace, projector for movies, rain shower with heated bathroom floor and laundry. It’s an easy walk into Blackheath to grab a meal or browse the shops, and at the foot of many bush trails.
Address: Blackheath (address given upon booking confirmation)
Best for: Heritage charm, families, groups
Built in 1888, this charming home is state heritage-listed and has been restored to its original glory, with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and curios, vibrant colours and decorative wallpapers.
There are seven en suite bedrooms which sleep 14 guests, two lounge rooms, a full kitchen, grand verandah and original indoor fireplaces. Modern comforts have been added such as air-conditioning, an espresso machine, electric vehicle chargers, solar panels and an infrared sauna.
Address: Blackheath (address given upon booking confirmation)
Best for: Heritage charm, families, luxury
In the heart of Leura, Orchard Cottage is a restored heritage property that accommodates up to 10 guests. It’s a light-filled space with high ceilings and white interiors; the authentic French flooring adds warmth and the bespoke furnishings elevate the luxury.
Guests can cook in the galley kitchen, on the outdoor barbecue or pizza oven, or walk into town to dine. The adorable front verandah is just begging to be sat on with a cuppa.
Address: 112 Railway Pde, Leura
Best for: Couples, adults-only, seclusion
Dreaming of a romantic escape to the country where it feels like you’re the only two people on Earth? Eagle View Escape is an adults-only stay nestled on a 40-hectare property in Rydal, 45 minutes north-west of Katoomba.
It comprises five self-contained suites with views of the surrounding valley and lake, each with cosy fireplaces and spa baths. Bunker down in your boutique suite and take advantage of the self-cook packs and picnic hampers, as well as cheese and wine platters.
Address: 271 Sandalls Drive, Rydal
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