“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of spirit” – American novelist Edward Abbey advocates of experiences in nature. And a blue-tinged expanse of eucalyptus-covered valleys is a wilderness that could quickly become a necessity. The Blue Mountains are a classic example of a temperate Australian rainforest. Home to squawking cockatoos, kangaroos, and even a handful of endangered koalas, the mountains are the perfect place to indulge and reconnect with nature.

Located only 50km inland from coastal Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is an accessible solace of nature in New South Wales. The Blue Mountains are close enough to residential suburbs to warrant a day trip. However, the mountains also boasts facilities and attractions to keep you easily entertained and relaxed for a week. In fact, with all the options of things to do, see, eat, and drink, it’s best to plan a trip to the Blue Mountains in advance. To help you with your planning, here’s our Blue Mountains destination guide.

Blue Mountains: What to See and Do

1. Visit scenic viewpoints

If you do nothing else in the Blue Mountains, visiting some of its scenic viewpoints demands a place on your itinerary.

The Blue Mountain is famed for its viewpoints, especially its platform overlooking The Three Sisters in Katoomba. Named Echo Point, this viewpoint is best combined with sunrise or sunset for an ultra-luxurious and romantic atmosphere. When you do visit, try to avoid peak tourist hours. While Echo Point is popular for a reason, you can have a more serene experience at quieter times.

Other notable viewpoints include the Sublime Point Lookout, Lincoln’s, and Pulpit Rock. For Lincoln’s and Pulpit Rock, you can expect a short walk of less than fifteen minutes. However, for Sublime Point Lookout, it is recommendable to allow 45-minutes to reach the viewpoint.

Of course, if 45-minutes sounds like the better option for you, you may wish to consider the Blue Mountain’s ample hiking routes.

2. Go hiking

To immerse fully into the wilderness, it doesn’t get more stimulating than hiking through temperate rainforest. Spotting wildlife, listening to therapeutic bird calls, and admiring stunning (and often private) views epitomises natural luxury.

In terms of popular routes, Wentworth Falls takes the cookie. Short, steep, and sweet, the route takes you down a flight of steps to the base of the Wentworth waterfall. At a 1.4km return hike, Wentworth Falls is ideal for those short on time or looking for a leisurely hike. Since there are multiple other viewpoints on the route, there are plenty of scenic places to stop for a breather and picnic.

The Grand Canyon is another favourite. The 6.5km circuit entails a photogenic rock path consisting of sections of chunky stepping stones to cross streams. For a rainforest atmosphere with plenty of moss, shrubbery, and streams, the Grand Canyon hike is a picturesque option.

3. Take a tour to Newnes’ glow worms.

Add an excursion to the Newnes glow worm tunnel to your Blue Mountains itinerary for a unique natural phenomenon. Technically located in Wollemi National Park, which sits next to the Blue Mountains, the glow worms spectacularly light up a 400m disused railway tunnel.

Visitors can opt to book a tour or explore the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track unguided. The route is a 2km return walk, taking between 1 and 2 hours to complete. When visiting unguided, remember that a torch is necessary, as there is no light inside the tunnel.

4. Treat yourself to a wine tasting experience.

When in pursuit of luxury, you can never go amiss with a wine tasting experience. Fortunately, the Blue Mountains has a great collection of wineries to dedicate an afternoon. 

For wine tasting and valley views combined, Dryridge Estate is an excellent winery for your list. The estate produces a wide variety of wines, including Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rieslings. And, if you want to relieve yourself of choosing a designated driver, the estate offers luxury onsite accommodation. Opt to stay in the Homestead or choose the Sunrise Lodge for a splash of extra seclusion and romance.

If you are looking for a rarer wine tasting experience, Blue Mountains Stargazing offers a divine wine and stargazing combination package. Hosted at Dryride Estate, you can explore the skies with the help of an astrophysicist and top-spec telescope on select dates. Followed up by a culinary platter and guided vino experience, wine tasting doesn’t get much more indulgent.

5. Japanese bathhouse.

After hiking and the overwhelming beauty of the national park, it’s only kind to treat yourself with a little bit of rejuvenation. A taste of Japan in the secludes of Australian rainforest is not something you expect, but it should rank highly on your itinerary list.

Bathe indoors or outdoors in the elements – Sparadise has multiple soaking styles to enjoy, communally or individually. Onsen visitors also enjoy access to herbal steam rooms, a zen garden, and a traditional Tea Room to refresh out of water. For an extra bit of luxury, you can also book a private bath to soak in complete solitude as you admire the views over the valley.

 Blue Mountains: Where to Stay

1. One & Only Wolgan Valley

A little further North from Katoomba, the One & Only Wolgan Valley resort is situated between the Wollemi and Blue Mountains National Parks. Close by to Newnes; it is perfect for those wishing to embrace complete seclusion and incorporate a trip to the Glow Worm Tunnel.

At the One & Only Wolgan Valley, guests can expect top-tier luxury, with special attention to the provision of private facilities. The ‘room’ options consist of varying private villas, each featuring a private temperature-controlled pool and veranda. Ranging from one to three bedrooms, the property suits most group sizes, from extended family or friends to a couple seeking a quiet break.

The property is situated on 2,600 hectares of private conservation land – ideally facilitating convenient outdoor experiences. For equestrians, you can head to One & Only Wolgan Valley’s onsite stables to explore the bushlands on horseback. Alternatively, embark on a nocturnal bushwalk to heighten your chances of seeing some of Australia’s most elusive wildlife.

Address: 2600 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley, NSW, 2790, Australia

Website: Luxury Resorts in Australia | Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley (oneandonlyresorts.com)

2. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa

Conveniently located in Katoomba, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa offer luxury accommodation and easy access to The Three Sisters. Lilianfel’s location makes it a great option for those wanting a mountain-village atmosphere, with plenty of nature but still lots of independent shops and cafes to enjoy.

Guests can also enjoy proximity to Lilianfel’s spa, with a renowned spa onsite for treatments and facility use. Whether you choose a soak therapy, massage, or facial, very little beats the spa after a day of exploration.

Aside from location and facilities, Lilianfels’ extent of room choice highlights it as a top property in the Blue Mountains region. Guests can decide between rooms such as the Deluxe Spa Room, Resort View King Studio, or the Executive Valley View Suite. The 89 rooms all abide by a ‘traditional design with sumptuous, soft and lush furnishings’. Think comfort at no expense spared.

Address: 5-19 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba, NSW, 2780, Australia

Website: Lilianfels Resort & Spa

3. Spicers Sangoma Retreat

Spicers Sangoma Retreat is our answer for five-star accommodation with its impressive proximity of nature to the forefront of guest experience.

Guests can choose from a number of purpose-designed suites to best suit their desired experience. The Tent Suite is a particularly popular option and an ideal glamping experience to end all glamping. Built from safari-style canvas, the ‘tent’ has floor-to-ceiling windows for maximised views and natural lighting. And, with a king-sized bed, rainwater shower, freestanding bathtub, and a feature chandelier, it’s safe to say no sacrifices are made.

On the property, guests can also take advantage of high-star facilities such as the Amara Restaurant and Spa Anise. The Spicers Sangoma Retreat flies far from under the radar and was a 2021 recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. The retreat’s optional experiences quickly justify its glowing reputation. You may find yourself in a private yoga session, canyoning in the national park, or participating in a wine and watercolour painting class.

Address: 70 Grandview Lane, Bowen Mountain, NSW, 2753, Australia,

Website: Spicers Sangoma Retreat – Luxury Retreat – Blue Mountains, NSW – Spicers Retreats

Blue Mountains: Wining and Dining

1. Darley’s Restaurant, Katoomba

If you don’t stay at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, you should aim to visit its onsite Darley’s Restaurant.

Darley’s offers innovative fine dining with views over the National Park and the property’s private English gardens. Guests are seated in a large, traditional dining room, grandly decorated to retain a sense of the 100-year-old property’s original elegance. You can expect stone fireplaces, ‘crystal chandeliers’, comfortable ‘plush furnishings’, and plenty of artwork to provide a thoughtful conversation starter.

Darley’s tasting menu is styled across three courses, including an entrée, main, optional side, and a dessert. If dishes like lavender sorbet with ‘35% Ivory Chocolate Mousse’, or grilled octopus with prosciutto and marjoram, catch your eye – Darley’s is up your street.

For those pursuing a luxury culinary experience in the Blue Mountains, start with a tasting menu and fine dining experience at Darley’s Restaurant.

2. Yellow Deli, Katoomba

Perhaps it’s a coffee you are craving. Or a light café meal as opposed to a three-course meal? The Yellow Deli Café is the perfect place to stop by in Katoomba for a taste of hippie living and rustic dining.

Stepping over the threshold feels akin to entering a magical treehouse. All the interior is wooden, down to the panelling, mezzanine balcony, seating booths, and railings. Much of the wood used is kept in its original shape, creating unique features like a standing tree table.

And the Yellow Deli’s menu is just as quirky. Classics such as the smoked chicken sandwich lull you into a false sense of security before you notice sandwiches like the yellow submarine (featuring a mystery spread of the week) and even a dandelion latte.

If you want to indulge in a unique, fun dining experience, the Yellow Deli has our recommendation. Perfect for an unusual coffee and a lunch with an atmosphere, it is a top café for your list.

3. Pins on Lurline, Katoomba

A 19th century build, Pins on Lurline has been part of Katoomba’s community since its infancy. The property has been a school, guesthouse, and tearoom – now offering guests historic fine dining.

With a focus on modern Australian cuisine, guests can enjoy either a six-course tasting menu or a degustation menu set across ten courses. Each dish is an absolute creative delight, with mastermind creations like ricotta-filled zucchini flowers and gin-cured salmon.

For added luxury, you can opt for an additional wine pairing package. Pins on Lurline has a massive focus on sourcing local produce and regional wines, making it a great place to dine and fully immerse yourself in the Blue Mountains.

If you are looking for an extended culinary experience, the Pins on Lurline’s degustation menu highlights the venue as an excellent choice. For creative dishes and dedicated culinary exploration, Pins on Lurline is a place to visit.

When visiting the Blue Mountains, we believe that wilderness can be a luxury and a necessity of spirit. With an innovative culinary scene, five-star luxury resorts, and accommodation – all within the secluded beauty of the National Park, is there any reason not to visit? In the Blue Mountains, luxury and nature walk hand in hand.