Plan a spring trip to Blue Mountains. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Blue Mountains — TL;DR
Sydney's eucalyptus-hazed escape, where the Giant Stairway meets high tea at the Hydro Majestic overlooking Megalong Valley.
Blue Mountains overview
March to May and September to November offer mild weather ideal for hiking the Giant Stairway and Grand Canyon track.
Katoomba serves as the main town hub with Aunty Ed's and the Station Bar, with Blackheath home to the Hydro Majestic and Heritage Centre, and Govetts Leap and the Grand Canyon track further into the national park.
Australian Dollar (AUD)
English; Darug and Gundungurra are the languages of the Traditional Owners.
AEST (UTC+10, UTC+11 in summer)
The Blue Mountains' dining and hospitality scene continues to blend heritage grandeur with retro Katoomba charm, with the Hydro Majestic's famous high tea overlooking Megalong Valley and Aunty Ed's retro basement bands reflecting the region's range from colonial-era elegance to laid-back mountain-town nightlife.
Where to eat, drink & do in Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains neighborhoods
Katoomba Home to Aunty Ed's retro basement restaurant and bar, and the Station Bar next to the train station.
Blackheath Home to the Hydro Majestic, one of the most famous hotels in Australia, and the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
Megalong Valley Home to the Megalong Valley Tearooms, offering fresh scones and hot tea in the beautiful countryside.
Practical info for Blue Mountains
Getting around in Blue Mountains? Katoomba serves as the main town hub with Aunty Ed's and the Station Bar, with Blackheath home to the Hydro Majestic and Heritage Centre, and Govetts Leap and the Grand Canyon track further into the national park.
When to go in Blue Mountains? March to May and September to November offer mild weather ideal for hiking the Giant Stairway and Grand Canyon track.
What's changing now in Blue Mountains? The Blue Mountains' dining and hospitality scene continues to blend heritage grandeur with retro Katoomba charm, with the Hydro Majestic's famous high tea overlooking Megalong Valley and Aunty Ed's retro basement bands reflecting the region
Seek out Govetts Leap and the Fairfax Heritage walk in Blue Mountains? Amazing views with a relatively easy walking track, less crowded than the Three Sisters lookout.
Base yourself in Katoomba in Blue Mountains? Home to Aunty Ed's retro basement restaurant and bar, and the Station Bar next to the train station. Known for main town hub, retro nightlife.