LIFE & CULTURE

48 Hours In The Blue Mountains: Where To Sleep, Eat, Drink and Play

Oh, and hike.

The NSW Blue Mountains region is one of the most popular getaway areas for a weekender. Chances are, you’ve visited many a time, from when you were a child on school excursions through to now, with a partner or friends. There are so many things to do, it can be overwhelming. From hikes to bushwalking, cafe culture to restaurants, the area is teeming with activities.

Luckily for you, we recently visited the area and tried plenty of excellent activities that will give you more than enough things to do on your next weekender in the Blue Mountains. Here are our top tips.

STAY: Airbnbs

airbnb

Nothing could be cosier for a winter weekender than an Airbnb – think fireplaces, comfy beds and your own space to cook comfort food (and drink a few bottles of vino). The Blue Mountains is full of gorgeous Airbnb cottages through to huge properties built for energising group weekenders – like this cosy home in Leura, as seen in the image above, or for something more rural, this exceptional vineyard property in the Megalong Valley.

VISIT: Dryridge Estate

dryridge

Could this vineyard have the best view in Australia? Dryridge Estate is pretty damn spectacular, overlooking Megalong Valley with its towering cliff faces as a backdrop. Sip on some of the delicious drops produced here, and it’s practically a must to team them with a cheese and charcuterie board. You deserve it. The best bit? Dogs are welcome.

EAT: Scones at Megalong Valley Tea Rooms

scones

Is there anything more afternoon-perfect than warm scones with jam and cream? Megalong Valley Tea Rooms do these very, very well – all with a stunning farmland backdrop or, if you’re feeling the chill, a warm fireplace to thaw out at. Not into scones? They also do a damn good apple pie – with a fifty-year-old recipe that remains unchanged.

DRINK: Hydro Majestic

hydro majestic

One of the best-kept Blue Mountains secrets is the reception area of the Hydro Majestic Hotel. You’ve likely driven past and admired the view, which only becomes more breathtaking once you enter the venue. Sit at one of the floor-to-ceiling windows and sip some wine as the sun goes down, or if it’s warm enough, take your beverage out onto the patio area to enjoy the crisp mountain air.

bushwalk

DO: A Blue Mountains Bushwalk

This one is obvious – if you don’t visit the Blue Mountains and go for an invigorating bushwalk, did you really visit the Blue Mountains? But which bushwalk, you ask? A few of our firm favourites: the Grand Canyon Track in Blackheath to tick off waterfalls, gullies and challenging stairs, the Federal Pass track in Leura for both scenic views and dense forest, and the classic Three Sisters Walk if you’re not feeling like a big hike.

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