BY SOPHIE KEPREOTES
Before my recent trip to the Blue Mountains, I wasn’t really sure what to expect (much to my Mum’s
disappointment I don’t really remember our family holiday…I was super young FYI). Turns out there are loads more reasons to visit the
Blue Mountains other than to check out those three sisters, like... eating, and...
1. It is only a 3-hour drive
from Newcastle, making it the perfect weekend getaway.
2. No matter where you stay, it's only ever a short drive/walk to one of these views.
3. The foodie scene is on point, with a ridiculous number of cafes, restaurants and delis to choose from.
4. It's super easy to get around, there are a few different suburbs, the main ones being Blackheath, Leura and Katoomba, all
about 10 mins drive from one another.
5. And for the more adventurous types, there are plenty of outdoor activities for you as well.
Whilst I am definitely no expert (after just 2 nights) I've put together a list of places I went to that I think you will like.
ACCOMMODATION
Old Leura Dairy
Our accommodation in Leura was just as beautiful as Leura itself.
Old Leura Dairy is made up of 6 different cottages depending on the number
of people you are staying with. We stayed in the Studio, which is built from 80% recycled material. This super cute space was full of so much character
and included a kitchenette, bath, Wi-Fi and a sunny courtyard.
Where: 61 Kings Road, Leura
Nomadic Belle
My
kind of camping- glamping! Nomadic Belle is the only way to sleep outdoors. Arriving at Perrys Lockdown Campground in Blackheath our tent
was pitched and bubbles ready to be popped. The crisp white linen, throws, rugs and cushions have ruined me for old school camping forever. The
indoor fire place keeps you cosy at night, there were even fairy lights! All we had to do was bring our own cheese plate and more wine (of course).
Where: The Nomadic Tents can be pitched just about anywhere, and the team definitely know all the best spots.
FOOD
Cassiopeia
Warning:
do not be put off by this café’s minimalist menu! Cassiopeia café is all about keeping it simple; specialty coffee,
toast and a few sweets. And they do it bloody well! Hands down the best avocado on toast I have ever had and their very own roasted coffee was
a small cup of heaven. This is the perfect place to start your day before exploring the rest of the Blue Mountains.
We ate: Avocado on toast…de-lish!
Where: 79 Lurline Street, Katoomba
Anonymous Café
Between the hikes, the lookouts
and exploring the Blue Mountains, Anonymous café became the perfect fuel stop for lunch. Located on the Great Western Highway as you drive into Blackheath,
it is hard to miss. The warm, modern interior was matched with their smooth coffee and seriously good-
lookin food!
We ate: Anonymous mixed plate with corned beef, prosciutto and carved ham. Smoked Cheddar, Brie and Blue cheese, house-made pickles and compote.
Served with fig and caraway soda bread. It was as delicious, as it was Insta-worthy.
Lamb burger with beetroot chutney, cucumber, baby spinach, tomato and garlic sauce.
Where: 237-238 Great Western Highway, Blackheath
Yellow Deli
A
favourite with locals and tourists, the warm, wooden interior, small booths and nooks
hidden throughout give it that
cosy kind of feel. The café is run by a community of people who all live together and whose motto is “ …you’ll feel you’ve been transported
to a simpler time…” The menu includes delicious burgers, salads and a soup of the day.
We ate: The Deli Lamb: Lamb, onions, lettuce, tomato and cucumber with honey garlic sauce on a wholemeal egg bun.
The Deli Rose: Roast beef, corned beef, hot pepper and provolone cheese, onions, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard on an onion roll.
Where: 214 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
Station Bar
Located next to Katoomba’s Train station (the name kind of gives that one away!), Station Bar was probably as close to
the nightlife as we saw. With a wide range of people of all ages the bar had a section to suit everyone: a restaurant area, a more casual booth
area, the bar itself and an outdoor courtyard. This warm and inviting bar focuses on good pizzas, craft beer and live music.
We drank: Cosmopolitan Cocktails
Where: 287 Bathurst Road, Katoomba
Victory Theatre
This building itself was worth the visit.
The Victory building was built in 1915 and opened in 1921 as a 999-seat cinema. With the café in the foyer, you can then walk through into the antique
centre and an art gallery.
We ate: The
Victory big breakfast: bacon, egg, sausages, hash browns and toast, and r
icotta pancakes with blueberry compote.
Where: 17-19 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath
Leura Garage
Recommended by Jo at The Old Leura Dairy, our
last night was spent at Leura Garage for dinner. The open-planned space had everything from wine,
trees
and tyres decorating its interior. The place was full to capacity so I would definitely recommend booking in advance. The outdoor seating would be
the ideal spot for lunch, soaking up the sunshine.
We ate: Six
Cheese pizza- Feta, Buffalo Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, scamorza, provolone (as a self confessed pizza enthusiast this was one of the best I’ve ever
had)
Shoestring fries with house made aioli and rosemary
Macadamia and sticky date pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream
Where: 84 Railway Parade, Leura
Leura Gourmet
We came across this
café by chance as we were wondering down Leura’s main street. The front of the store is quite deceiving. You
walk
in
to
a deli shopfront with everything from gelato, smoothies, salads,
honey
and cheese. However, it isn’t until you look past the deli that you notice the café and ceiling high windows looking out over Leura towards the
back, so beautiful. Perfect place to pick up your afternoon cheese and wine supplies!
We ate: Unfortunately
we already had lunch plans, but we couldn’t resist a green tea and hot chocolate before we left.
Where: 159 Leura Mall, Leura
Rubyfruit Bakery
Although this was not, unfortunately, a place we had time to eat at, we still decided to
call past
and I think it's definitely worth a mention. This tiny little bakery is hidden behind Leura Mall and was completely packed out! For all the vegans
out there this is your ultimate place! There is no need to ask if an item has dairy in it, or if there is a vegan variation available or only just
having one or two things to choose from because Rubyfruit is COMPLETELY VEGAN! Literally everything from cupcakes, cheesecake, cookies,
pies, frittatas, wraps and burgers!
Where: Shop 10 166-168 Leura Mall, Leura
Bon Ton
Sitting at the bottom of Leura mall it offers a small, intimate dining area inside by the fire, high tables and stalls near the bar and a huge outdoor
garden, which would be perfect for the warmer months. The wait staff were very attentive and the meals were ah-mazing!
We ate: Gnocchi Romaine with porcini mushroom ragu, tomato salsa and shaved grana
Wild mushroom arancini, tomato relish, crisp pancetta
Where: 192 Leura Mall, corner Megalong Street, Leura
LOOKOUTS & HIKES
Scenic World
The ultimate tourist spot. From here you can check out the views by cable cart, train or Skycar. We, however, decided to sit back with a drink and
enjoy the views from the café.
Undercliff Track
Rather than walking back along the Wentworth Falls
track
we took the Undercliff Track and we could not stop taking
photos along the way, so beautiful!
Cliff Walk
While you are near Scenic World there are more great lookouts. The cliff walk is a short 10 minute walk, with amazing views the whole way. From here you
can also continue for about 40 minutes to reach The Three Sisters.
Eagle Hawk Lookout
We found this lookout by chance as we were driving past Scenic World and it was prime position for viewing The Three Sisters.
Govetts Leap
Once there the Bridal Veil track is about a 15-minute walk to a beautiful lookout that looks out towards Pulpit Rock Lookout.
Pulpit Rock
Hands down my
favourite
lookout of the trip, an absolute must. Breathtaking!
Anvil Lookout
Only a short 10-minute walk to the lookout, I even managed to walk it without wearing my active wear. Amazing views and ideal for the less athletic types!
Wentworth Falls Track
Once you arrive at the beginning of the Wentworth Falls Track there are plenty of walking track options depending on your capabilities and how hard
you want to make your hike. The Wentworth Track itself is about a
1 hour
walk and a popular tourist hot spot. The views a spectacular and well worth the visit.
If you're a mad walker/hiker and want to know about all the tracks and trails visit the Blue Mountains
National Parks website.
