Natalie's Guidebook
Local Culture
Entertainment and Art
Mt Victoria. Whilst this cinema has upgraded its technology the charm of the old days flickers remains. Interesting program and their hand scooped ice cream and homemade cakes are delicious. Tea is served in a cup!
88 locals recommend
Mount Vic Flicks
2A Harley AveMt Victoria. Whilst this cinema has upgraded its technology the charm of the old days flickers remains. Interesting program and their hand scooped ice cream and homemade cakes are delicious. Tea is served in a cup!
Katoomba: I love catching up with friends in the lounge room. Especially in winter when the fire is roaring.
85 locals recommend
The Carrington Hotel
15-47 Katoomba StKatoomba: I love catching up with friends in the lounge room. Especially in winter when the fire is roaring.
Katoomba: It’s the best gallery in the mountains. Say hi to my friend Geoff.
27 locals recommend
Lost Bear Gallery
98 Lurline StKatoomba: It’s the best gallery in the mountains. Say hi to my friend Geoff.
Katoomba: Coffee is good. Great views. Interesting exhibitions and special events. Be sure to make time to check out the World Heritage room, a permanent exhibition.
112 locals recommend
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
30 Parke StKatoomba: Coffee is good. Great views. Interesting exhibitions and special events. Be sure to make time to check out the World Heritage room, a permanent exhibition.
I love our library and you might too. Right next door is the cultural centre too.
12 locals recommend
Katoomba Library
30 Parke StI love our library and you might too. Right next door is the cultural centre too.
Sightseeing
Leura: Everglades was designed and built by master Gardiner Paul Sorensen. Inspiring and magical. A 10 minute walk from the wee cottage.
13 locals recommend
Everglades Historic House and Gardens
37 Everglades AvenueLeura: Everglades was designed and built by master Gardiner Paul Sorensen. Inspiring and magical. A 10 minute walk from the wee cottage.
I recommend you do the earliest tour so as to avoid the larger groups that arrive by bus. Drive carefully and slow down to avoid the precious Wildlife on the road.
99 locals recommend
Jenolan Caves
4655 Jenolan Caves RdI recommend you do the earliest tour so as to avoid the larger groups that arrive by bus. Drive carefully and slow down to avoid the precious Wildlife on the road.
Located in Mt Tomah, Entry is free. A beautiful and inspiring landscape. Cafe on site. Parts of the garden were effected by 2019 fires however much remains. We’d love you to support the history and importance of this botanical garden.
108 locals recommend
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Bells Line of RoadLocated in Mt Tomah, Entry is free. A beautiful and inspiring landscape. Cafe on site. Parts of the garden were effected by 2019 fires however much remains. We’d love you to support the history and importance of this botanical garden.
Katoomba: Settle down at least half an hour before evening and watch the sun set with views across Megalong Kanimbla. A lovely spot to have a picnic dinner or snacks prior to dining out.
16 locals recommend
Cahill's Lookout
258-276 Cliff DrKatoomba: Settle down at least half an hour before evening and watch the sun set with views across Megalong Kanimbla. A lovely spot to have a picnic dinner or snacks prior to dining out.
Magical, charming and awe inspiring. Go early because this spectacular garden takes ALL day and wear comfortable walking shoes. I love to start with breakfast and a glass of something bubbly. Tip: Follow all pathways and hints of pathways and you will be rewarded.
67 locals recommend
Mayfield Garden
530 Mayfield RdMagical, charming and awe inspiring. Go early because this spectacular garden takes ALL day and wear comfortable walking shoes. I love to start with breakfast and a glass of something bubbly. Tip: Follow all pathways and hints of pathways and you will be rewarded.
Yoga Pool Spa Sauna
Leura: Yoga Saturday and Sunday mornings 8am cost $10. Byo towel and water. Yoga mat supplied.
Gym pool spa sauna facilities available to visitors. Cost $15
10 locals recommend
Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains - MGallery by Sofitel
1 Sublime Point RdLeura: Yoga Saturday and Sunday mornings 8am cost $10. Byo towel and water. Yoga mat supplied.
Gym pool spa sauna facilities available to visitors. Cost $15
the Sauna is a great way to warm to your bones. Pool and gym facilities available to visitors.
15 locals recommend
Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre
Catalina Avenuethe Sauna is a great way to warm to your bones. Pool and gym facilities available to visitors.
Day pass $55. You can use the pool spa and gym. Best to phone first.
13 locals recommend
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
19 Lilianfels AveDay pass $55. You can use the pool spa and gym. Best to phone first.
Food scene
Located near Echo Point a lovely place to dine and I recommend the Prince Henry cliff walk either before or after dining.
9 locals recommend
Miss Lilian Tea House
19 Lilianfels AveLocated near Echo Point a lovely place to dine and I recommend the Prince Henry cliff walk either before or after dining.
I love the decor and recommend lunch or early dining and try to book a table near the window for a great view. They will serve you food in the cocktail bar, but ask sweetly 😉
55 locals recommend
Avalon Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
18 Katoomba StI love the decor and recommend lunch or early dining and try to book a table near the window for a great view. They will serve you food in the cocktail bar, but ask sweetly 😉
Leura: A choice of roaring fires or sit in the garden with western sunset views. Play a game of Pool then enjoy a meal. It’s the same menu and same price regardless of whether you sit in the formal or relaxed dining areas.
51 locals recommend
Alexandra Hotel Leura
62 Great Western HwyLeura: A choice of roaring fires or sit in the garden with western sunset views. Play a game of Pool then enjoy a meal. It’s the same menu and same price regardless of whether you sit in the formal or relaxed dining areas.
Byo with no corkage charge. Fresh delicious food and sweet service.
21 locals recommend
Sanwiye Korean Restaurant
177 Katoomba StByo with no corkage charge. Fresh delicious food and sweet service.
Formerly the home ground site of Paul Sorensen, garden architect. Sadly the magnificent gardens have been carved into residential lots and its history largely destroyed, the glass house is a pretty spot to have coffee and food.
13 locals recommend
Sorensens Glasshouse & Gardens
8 Herbert StFormerly the home ground site of Paul Sorensen, garden architect. Sadly the magnificent gardens have been carved into residential lots and its history largely destroyed, the glass house is a pretty spot to have coffee and food.
Leura: Good coffee and comfy seating. I enjoy grabbing a stool at the window and watching the passer bys.
42 locals recommend
Red Door Cafe
134 Leura MallLeura: Good coffee and comfy seating. I enjoy grabbing a stool at the window and watching the passer bys.
Katoomba: I recommend for The bespoke carpentry, fireplace and wholesome food.
50 locals recommend
Yellow Deli
214 Katoomba StKatoomba: I recommend for The bespoke carpentry, fireplace and wholesome food.
Whilst I have not been myself, I hear the view is stunning and the food and wine service excellent. As well, the drive to Megalong Valley is enjoyable albeit the road narrow and many corners.
54 locals recommend
Dryridge Estate - Blue Mountains Winery - Megalong Valley
226 Aspinall RdWhilst I have not been myself, I hear the view is stunning and the food and wine service excellent. As well, the drive to Megalong Valley is enjoyable albeit the road narrow and many corners.
Cocktails Wine Food
A convivial space in which to enjoy the company of a friend. Good wine. Great cocktails. If it’s cold be sure to sit tucked away from opening door lest you be blasted by a Polar wind.
21 locals recommend
Polar Bear Of Leura
139 Leura MallA convivial space in which to enjoy the company of a friend. Good wine. Great cocktails. If it’s cold be sure to sit tucked away from opening door lest you be blasted by a Polar wind.
Avalon Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
18 Katoomba StCosy cocktail bar. Check out the quirky toilets.
Walks and Scenic Lookouts
Sit in the peace of Pool of Siloam and look for yabbies in Lyrebird Dell.
13 locals recommend
Gordon Falls Lookout
Gordon Falls LookoutSit in the peace of Pool of Siloam and look for yabbies in Lyrebird Dell.
Leura Forest is magical. For a four hour trek, I recommend you enter from the walking track opposite The now closed Rooster Restaurant. And exit via the Skyway. There is a cost for this ride so remember to take some money. Or for the very fit, walk up Furber Stairs for free.
Or for a shorter trek, you can enter Leura Forest from the Giant Stairwell at Echo Point. Then walk to The Skyway or around to Leura Falls.
Lila Falls-Leura Forest Walking Track
Lila Falls-Leura Forest Walking TrackLeura Forest is magical. For a four hour trek, I recommend you enter from the walking track opposite The now closed Rooster Restaurant. And exit via the Skyway. There is a cost for this ride so remember to take some money. Or for the very fit, walk up Furber Stairs for free.
Or for a shorter trek, you can enter Leura Forest from the Giant Stairwell at Echo Point. Then walk to The Skyway or around to Leura Falls.
Leura Cascades Walking Track
Leura Cascades Walking TrackIt can be busy here during the day. I recommend early or late walk.
Take a night trip and you’ll probably see bats and perhaps a fox. Again, it’s busy here during the day and I recommend either an early morning visit or evening visit.
39 locals recommend
Echo Point Motor Inn
18 Echo Point RdTake a night trip and you’ll probably see bats and perhaps a fox. Again, it’s busy here during the day and I recommend either an early morning visit or evening visit.
I like to walk from the Furber Stairs however taking the Golden Stairs takes less time. Magical and you will be rewarded once you reach the Ruined Castle by great views and a slightly scary climb up the rocks.
Ruined Castle
I like to walk from the Furber Stairs however taking the Golden Stairs takes less time. Magical and you will be rewarded once you reach the Ruined Castle by great views and a slightly scary climb up the rocks.
The spectacular Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk is now complete and is open to the public to view.
The 1.3km walk gives visitors access to a unique, night-time viewing experience of outstanding natural features such as Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, Katoomba Falls and Katoomba Cascades. At certain vantage points you can also see the Three Sisters lit up.
The experience connects other previously lit areas, and has new lighting from the top of the Katoomba Falls Kiosk car park, around Reid’s Plateau and down to the Duke and Duchess lookout.
All the lights turn on at dusk and flood lights are turned off at 10pm.
12 locals recommend
Katoomba Falls
The spectacular Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk is now complete and is open to the public to view.
The 1.3km walk gives visitors access to a unique, night-time viewing experience of outstanding natural features such as Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, Katoomba Falls and Katoomba Cascades. At certain vantage points you can also see the Three Sisters lit up.
The experience connects other previously lit areas, and has new lighting from the top of the Katoomba Falls Kiosk car park, around Reid’s Plateau and down to the Duke and Duchess lookout.
All the lights turn on at dusk and flood lights are turned off at 10pm.
City advice
What to pack
Even in summer, bring a warm jacket
A warm coat, hat or beanie, gloves and warm socks will help make your stay pleasant. Don’t worry if you don’t have the right gear, we’ve got many fabulous second hand curiosity shops who stock warm clothing. Eg Blackheaths Victory Theatre.
Getting around
Trains Taxis and Buses
Trains run every hour, more during peak times. Katoomba taxis 0247 821311. Katoomba RSL has a free shuttle bus. Try the local public bus. It’s cheaper than The Explorer and you can catch it in Craigend Street cnr of Holmes 3 mins walk from the wee house, turn right. Refer to www.cdcbus.com.au/blue-mtns-timetables-and-maps
Getting around
Bluemtns.com.au
This is a good website for local and community news
Getting around
bluemtns
Bluemtns.com.au This is a good website for local and community information
Customs and culture
Community website
Check out bluemtns.com.au for local and community info