16 August 2024
11 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 away from life’s busyness.
No matter the reason for your trip, there are many resorts and hotels in the Blue Mountains, set within its charming villages, in remote bushland or perched atop escarpments with breathtaking views of the ancient mountain landscape.
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.
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 also has two swimming pools, a tennis court, a day spa and a handful of places to dine and drink, including Darley’s, which has become a Blue Mountains fine dining institution.
Address: 5-19 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba
Best for: Families, Couples, Style
This could be the Blue Mountain’s coolest accommodation. The Kyah Boutique Hotel opened in 2022 in the village of Blackheath, which has some excellent dining options and some of the best bushwalks in the Blue Mountains.
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 on-site, which has a menu centred around local produce and ingredients foraged from the kitchen garden.
But the best bit about the Kyah is the accommodation options – with hotel suites that can sleep up to four and five guests, offering affordable and stylish accommodation to families and groups of friends.
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 many years of abandonment, the historic hotel was restored to its former glory of the Art Deco era with a range of accommodation guest rooms.
It’s well worth a nostalgic visit, even if only to enjoy high tea in the Wintergarden or a cocktail in the notorious Cat’s Alley or soak up the hotel’s fascinating century-old history on a guided tour. The hotel is located in Medlow Bath, between the towns of Katoomba and Blackheath and is a charismatic 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 on-site.
The lodge’s location is central to the village of Blackheath, where you’ll find restaurants and shops, 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: 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 accommodation nestled on a 40-hectare property in the mountain village of Rydal, 45 minutes north-west of Katoomba.
It comprises five self-contained suites with views of the surrounding valley and lake, each with cosy gas log fires and spa baths.
Bunker down in your boutique suite and take advantage of the gourmet packs: self-cook breakfast, dinner and barbecue packs, picnic hampers and cheese and wine platters.
Address: 271 Sandalls Drive, Rydal
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 swimming pool, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a treetops adventure course, an ice-skating rink and a miniature train. But all the Blue Mountain’s best things to do are close by.
There are many room types to choose from, including a pet-friendly option, and multiple dining venues, including a steakhouse and fine dining restaurant, 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, north-east of Katoomba. Our two favourite cabins are the (very grown-up) Treehouse, set high in the treetops and resplendent in natural woods, and the primitive-style Enchanted Cave, which is carved out of bedrock.
Both have gorgeous views of the vast property, which is home to gorges, creeks, mountains and rainforests. From Sydney, the accommodation can be reached via the scenic Bells Line of Road, an idyllic Greater Blue Mountains road trip past orchards, with pick-your-own experiences and honesty boxes.
Address: The cabins are located on two properties in Mountain Lagoon and Berambing, near Bilpin, NSW
Best for: Luxury, Couples, Seclusion
Note: This resort is closed for the foreseeable future due to a landslide that caused ongoing accessibility challenges.
Touted as one of the country’s most luxurious stays, and part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia portfolio, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is located on more than 2800 private hectares an hour’s drive north of Katoomba.
Surrounded by rugged and peaceful bushland and the Wolgan River, the exclusive lodge is managed by One&Only and has an Australian bush aesthetic, featuring premium freestanding villas, all with a fireplace, verandah and private pool. The all-inclusive accommodation comes with extremely attentive staff, exceptional cuisine and a host of activities such as archery and horse riding, as well as a day spa.
Address: 2600 Wolgan Rd, Wolgan Valley
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. Perched on the edge of the Blue Mountains ranges and boasting views of the Nepean River delta, this adults-only retreat is wedged between the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury River and its seclusion is part of the charm.
There are just eight suites, each with deep baths and fireplaces, an on-site restaurant serving organic and local produce and a restorative spa. Guests can spend their time with zen activities such as yoga and meditation or get amongst nature bushwalking or 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, perfect for a romantic getaway.
Both feature warm timbers and stone walls, a deep indoor bathtub, a fireplace, and a mineral plunge pool with sweeping Blue Mountains views. The Lodge can sleep up to eight and has a barbecue and outdoor dining, billiards table, fireplace, kitchen and plunge pool.
All stays at Logan Brae Retreats include breakfast and a picnic on arrival, and local experiences include horse riding, bushwalking and visiting orchards and farm gates.
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 cafes and boutique shopping, and Gordon Falls is just down the road.
It’s also a quick drive to Katoomba, where the famous Three Sisters and Scenic World are located. Sleeping 10 guests, this uber-stylish stay is great for groups of friends and families (though the yard is not fenced), with a full kitchen, laundry and an open fireplace for the cooler months.
Address: Located in Leura
Best for: Mountain Views, Central Location, Affordability
Echoes Boutique Hotel sits atop one of the Blue Mountain’s sheer escarpments in Katoomba. Welcoming guests since the 1990s, the guest rooms are simple, however they are comfortable and the panoramic views from the windows and private balconies make up for the style.
Echoes Restaurant and Bar is located on site 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, a pot-belly fire inside for cooking, a projector for movies, a rain shower with a heated bathroom floor and a laundry.
It’s an easy walk from Blackheath to grab a meal or browse the shops, and at the foot of many bush trails.
Address: Located in Blackheath
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 ensuite bedrooms, which sleep 14 guests, two lounge rooms, a full kitchen, a grand verandah and original indoor fireplaces. Modern comforts have been added, such as air-conditioning, espresso machine, electric vehicle chargers, solar panels, and an infrared sauna.
Families will enjoy exploring the large property filled with old pine trees, and Blackheath village which is a short walk away.
Address: Located in Blackheath
Best for: Heritage Charm, Families, Luxury
In the heart of Leura village, Orchard Cottage is a restored heritage property that accommodates up to 10 guests and features a front verandah just begging to be sat on with a cuppa.
It’s a light-filled space with high ceilings and white interiors; the authentic French flooring adds warmth and the bespoke furnishings by the likes of Ralph Lauren and Coco Republic elevate the luxury.
Guests can cook in the galley kitchen, on the outdoor barbecue or pizza oven, or walk to one of Leura’s many restaurants.
Address: 112 Railway Pde, Leura
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