Escape, Discover & Explore

If you can draw yourself away from the open fire, native birds and landscaped gardens of Maple View you’ll find and endless array of things to do in the Blue Mountains. From sightseeing to shopping, wine tasting to bush walking and dining to caving, the Blue Mountains has it all. We’ve listed a few suggestions for you below, some of our favourite things to do. This is by no means an exhaustive list but just a taster to get you in the mood!


Scenic Spots & Lookouts

With so many great spots to see we recommend checking out the NSW National Parks and Wildlife website here . Here a just a few of our favourites that are all pretty close to home (less than a 10 minute drive);

  • GOVETTS LEAP LOOKOUT (Blackheath); Easy access with views of sandstone escarpments, sheer cliff walls, deep canyons and tall waterfalls.

  • ECHO POINT LOOKOUT (Katoomba); Easy access, the famous Echo Point lookout has stunning views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters.

  • EVANS LOOKOUT (Blackheath); Easy access with incredible sunrise and sunset views. It's also the starting point for several scenic day walks.

  • PULPIT ROCK LOOKOUT (Blackheath); Easy access. This multi-tiered lookout juts out on a blade of rock set high above the Grose Valley.

  • SUBLIME POINT LOOKOUT (Leura); Medium access, offering sensational views of the Jamison Valley (popular with picnickers and birdwatchers).


Bushwalks

There are many walks to chose from of varying difficulty levels. Check out the NSW National Parks and Wildlife website here . Here a just a few of our favourites;

  • GRAND CANYON TRACK (Blackheath); 6km loop, 3-4 hours

    Depart Evans lookout to be met with waterfalls, creeks and endless views.

  • THREE SISTERS WALK (Katoomba); 1km loop, 30-40 minutes

    This easy walk offers some of the most iconic views in Blue Mountains.

  • WENTWORTH FALLS TRACK (Wentworth Falls); 1.4km loop, 45-60 minutes

    This track rewards walkers with grand valley views from Fletchers lookout and takes you to the top of the Wentworth Falls waterfall.

  • SCENIC RAILWAY WALKING TRACK (Katoomba); 2.4km loop, 1-1.5 hours

    A more challenging walk this track offers panoramic views, waterfalls, birdwatching and a visit to Katoomba Falls.


Local Excursions

  • STREET ART WALK (Beverly Place, Katoomba); Not what you’d expect to stumble upon however it’s well worth taking a stroll down this incredible rear laneway where you’ll find a dynamic, community-driven outdoor gallery.

  • EVERGLADES HOUSE & GARDENS (37 Everglades Ave, Leura); A heritage listed Art Deco house featuring a tranquil reflection pool, a grotto and winding paths down a terraced garden boasting stunning valley views.

  • NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY (14 Norman Lindsay Cres, Faulconbridge); Norman Lindsay’s former home now housing some of his most prized works. Discover the birthplace of the children’s classic, The Magic Pudding.

  • HARTLEY HISTORIC VILLAGE (The Old Bathurst Rd, Hartley); This historic inland settlement boasts heritage listed sandstone buildings and is located in the Hartley Historic Site. The village also offers a gallery, cafe and tours.


Garden Wonderland

A short 30 minute drive from Medlow Bath you’ll find Mount Wilson. Mount Wilson is a village famous for its magnificent cool climate exotic private gardens and stately houses. Many gardens are open all year round with some opening only through Spring and Autumn. Check out the Mt Wilson website for details on all the gardens, walks and other things to do in this picturesque town. Here are three of our favourite gardens;

  • NOOROO GARDEN (11-15 Church Ln, Mount Wilson);

    Nooroo Garden showcases the beauty and spectacle of plant and flower species from around the world as well as Australian native plants. Open Spring & Autumn and select weekends - check website for details.

  • WINDYRIDGE GARDEN (25 Queens Ave, Mount Wilson);

    Windyridge was voted as one of Australia's most beautiful gardens. This privately held garden is located in historic Mount Wilson and also boasts a cold climate nursery. Open everyday - check website for details.

  • BEBEAH GARDEN (60 The Avenue, Mount Wilson);

    Bebeah is one of the original large garden estates of Mount Wilson and was established in 1880. It’s an important and rare example of a formal country garden estate. Open daily - check website for details.


For the Kids (big & small)

  • SCENIC WORLD (Violet St &, Cliff Dr, Katoomba); Besides offering breathtaking views of the the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley you’ll also find the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest incline railway, a glass-floored cable car suspended 270 metres high and much more. Great for the whole family, you’ll need at least half a day to explore all on offer.

  • CENTENNIAL GLEN STABLES (448 Kanimbla Dr, Blackheath); Horse riding and pony rides for young and old in the beautiful Kanimbla Valley.

  • MEDLOW BATH PARK (Railway Pde, Medlow Bath); Only a 5-7 minute walk from the house and it’s FREE! Play equipment and a full sized tennis court.


Half & Full Day Trips

  • JENOLAN CAVES (4655 Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan) [1hr 10m drive];

    A huge, 300 cave system with 10 caves adapted with paths and lighting. Suitable for all fitness levels there’s also an abundance of native wildlife. There’s a restaurant and cafe and they serve a fantastic high tea.

  • MAYFIELD GARDEN (530 Mayfield Rd, Oberon) [1hr 20m drive];

    Mayfield Garden is a privately owned, cool climate botanical garden situated in Oberon. It is one of the world's largest privately owned gardens set over 2,000 hectares. Open all year, Spring & Autumn is the best time to visit.

  • BLUE MOUNTAINS BOTANIC GARDEN (Bells Line Rd, Mt Tomah) [40m drive];

    At 1,000 metres above sea level, the 28 hectare garden overlooks the greater Blue Mountains world heritage area and boasts stunning panoramic views. Pack a picnic or eat at the bistro.


Wine Tasting

Megalong Valley is home to two outstanding boutique vineyards. Why not visit the cellar door and enjoy a cheese platter while taking in the magnificent valley views? Only 30 minutes drive from Medlow Bath you can either self-drive or book a local taxi or wine tour.

  • DRYRIDGE ESTATE (226 Aspinall Road, Megalong Valley);

    We highly recommend enjoying a ploughman’s lunch while enjoying some of the best views of the valley. Don’t forget to say hello to resident dogs, George & Angus! Bookings highly recommended.

  • MEGALONG CREEK ESTATE (Aspinall Road, Megalong Valley);

    Their current temporary cellar door is a unique, re-purposed shipping container with a purpose built tasting bar and beautiful views of the majestic Megalong Valley. Take in the views and even spot some alpacas grazing in the distance!


Shopping

The Blue Mountains has a wide variety of shopping options with each village having its own unique shopping precinct. We highly recommend exploring the high street on foot and discovering your own hidden gems. Here are just a few of our favourite spots (this list doesn’t really scratch the surface);

  • VICTORY ANTIQUE CENTRE (Blackheath); You’ll find a vast array of treasures in an old theatre. There’s also a cafe serving great coffee and food

  • JOSOPHAN’S FINE CHOCOLATES (Leura Mall); The most extraordinary chocolate made in store and the BEST hot chocolate in the mountains.

  • TEDDY SINCLAIR (Leura); a unique boutique, selling a range of accessories and unusual gifts. Look out for their home grown blue Mountains products.

  • LA BELLA CASA HOME (Leura); A homewares concept store filled with quirky finds, on-trend homewares and great style.

  • MR PICKWICK’S ANTIQUES (86 Katoomba St, Katoomba); You never know what you’ll discover at this one-of-a-kind antique store!

  • LOST BEAR GALLERY (98 Lurline St, Katoomba); If you’re looking for contemporary, Australian art this is the place for you.


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