The Best Things to Do in the Blue Mountains This Weekend
At just a 90 minute drive from Sydney, the magical Blue Mountains is a truly dreamy place to spend a weekend. Whether you’re wandering through the mist wrapped towns of Katoomba and Leura, chasing waterfalls or hiking up hills, the Blue Mountains has an abundance of activities which cater to all tastes, whether you’re there for a day trip or the full weekend.
When it comes to Blue Mountains experiences you’re options are aplenty - so peruse our top Blue Mountains attractions below and enjoy!
Where To Stay
Our favourite hotel that suits all needs would have to be Hotel Kyah in Blackheath. What was once a motel in this charming alpine village is now an elevated, modern hotel that accommodates everyone from families and couples to solo travellers. The location is the perfect base to explore the greater region, nestled between Katoomba and Mount Victoria you are a hop skip and a jump away from both the famous Three Sisters and foodie heaven.
As far as amenities go, you have everything you could need and more as Kyah has a tennis court, games room, outdoor hot tub, sauna, e-bikes and one of the coolest restaurants in town onsite - Blaq.
Read more: This is the best restaurant in Blackheath
Things To Do
To make it easy, we’ve grouped our ultimate Blue Mountains weekend activities…and oh boy are there plenty of great options to choose from!
Food & Drink
The Blue Mountains is sure to satisfy every palette. Across Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath you will find brunch spots to die for, world-class breweries and a handful of fine dining restaurants, but here are our top picks.
Breakfast & Brunch
Our favourite bakery:
The Black Cockatoo, Katoomba
Our favourite cafes:
Pomegranate, Katoomba
Hounslow, Blackheath
Honourable mentions include: Tempus (now open for breakfast!), On The Soul Side, Roasters With Altitude and Megalong Valley Tea Rooms.
Lunch & Dinner
From fine dining to casual, here are the best restaurants in the Blue Mountains for lunch and dinner.
Our favourite lunch spots (casual):
Our favourite lunch spots (a little fancier):
Megalong Restaurant, Megalong Valley
Miss Lilian, Katoomba
Echoes Restaurant, Katoomba
Our favourite dinner spots (casual):
Rustico, Katoomba
Basil Nut Cafe and Restaurant, Katoomba
Frankie & Mo’s, Blackheath
Our favourite dinner spots (a little fancier):
Read more: The best set menus under $100 in the Blue Mountains
Wineries, Pubs, Bar & Breweries
Our favourite winery:
Dryridge Estate, Megalong Valley
Our favourite pubs:
The Bowery, Katoomba
The New Ivanhoe Hotel, Blackheath
Our favourite bars:
Sublime Lounge, Leura
Elysian Bar, Leura
Our favourite breweries:
Mountain Culture Beer Co, Katoomba
Bilpin Cider, Bilpin
Activities
You don’t have to be a nature lover to fully enjoy the beauty on offer in the Blue Mountains, as there are plenty of walking trails which range from beginner to advanced which allow you to take in the full breadth of beauty regardless of partiality to hiking. Visit NSW has all the information you could possibly need on all of the infamous hiking trails in the area including accessibility, location, level of experience needed and what you can expect to see.
As for what you absolutely cannot miss during your weekender nature lover or not, see below.
The Three Sisters
Echo Point
Wentworth Falls, Katoomba Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls
Govetts Leap lookout
Go see the infamous Hanging Rock
After a nature experience that’s more rest and relaxation? Pack a picnic or simply wander around the below:
For those with kids, we highly recommend taking a ride at Scenic World. Trust us, they won’t stop talking about it!
Read more: The best Air BnB’s in the Blue Mountains you’ve never heard of
Arts & Culture
When it comes to arts and culture, don’t underestimate the small by mighty Blue Mountains. For all the art aficionados out there we suggest visiting the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre that has exhibitions for both adults and children as well as street walking tours and public programs - we recommend you look up there What’s On page beforehand to check their program so you can get the most out of your visit.
Alternatively, the Norman Lindsay Gallery is the former residence and farmlet of Australian artist Norman Lindsay, the creator of the beloved children’s book The Magic Pudding. The old family home with Lindsay’s preserved art studio is situated on heritage listed gardens, so once you’re done inside be sure to wander the property to take in the incredible views.
Read more: A Food Lover’s Weekend in Katoomba: Cafés, Bakeries & Long Lunches
Experiences - Sipping, Sitting & Shopping
Don’t particularly want to hike, have consumed your share of art and would rather enjoy a unique experience? Then we have rounded-up the best experiences that have that little twist for couples, groups or families that are unique to the Blue Mountains and not to be missed.
Tour the farm, taste some cider and meet the adorable alpacas at Bilpin Cider
Hang out in the orchard with a crisp cider and wood-fired pizza at Hillbilly Cider
Sip tea, eat cake and feel fancy at the Hydro Majestic for their legendary high tea
Shop till you drop at the Victory Theatre Antique Centre
Indulge at the legendary Japanese Bathhouse
Read more: Why the best place for High Tea is in the Mountains
There is so much to love about the Blue Mountains - so get planning, today!
Hey you! Don’t forget to finish your planning…
Review our top things to do, best places to eat or keep researching your perfect place to stay below.
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