.. not the ones that you're thinking about!
The Blue Mountains National Park is world famous for good reason. The Blue Mountains is also a city within a National Park and has a lot to offer as well. Like a lesser known sibling to a famous actor, it's often overlooked unless in association with the famous one.
There are so many things to do, see, eat & drink (that's another post or 10!); but there are also lots of places & ways to explore within the region to stretch your legs. Here are some alternative ideas to the National Park. Try something different and maybe discover a new favourite way to getaway.
Katoomba & Leura
Let's start with exploring Katoomba and Leura. See the Google map route that I've included in the slideshow above. Starting at No.14 Lovel St, you can cover 18.9km and see all of the following (with plenty of rest stops available!):
The Gully interpretive walk is an approx. 1km easy walk that also tells the story of The Gully, the largest Aboriginal place in NSW.
Going back through Katoomba, just off Waratah Street is The Street Art Walk. Make sure you go all the way up and back as there are artworks in every nook & cranny.
Scenic World. With a Discover Pass, you can enjoy birds eye view from the Scenic Skyway (you can now also climb on TOP of the Skyway if you dare!), the world's steepest Railway and 500m elevated boardwalk between the Railway and Cableway stations.
Echo Point and the Three Sisters need no introduction.
Kiah Lookout and Honeymoon Lookout are easily accessible on the way to Leura.
Near Elysian Rock and Olympian Rock Lookouts is Leuralla Toy & Railway Museum is the Southern Hemisphere's largest collection of its kind, housed in an historic early 20th century mansion, set in lush, 5 hectare award-winning gardens.
Everglades House & Gardens has sweeping views over Jamison Valley to Mt Solitary. There are 5.2 hectares of gracefully designed gardens, including the tranquil reflection pool, the grotto pool and walk the winding paths down the terraced gardens.
Back through the streets of Leura, maybe stop off for a bite to eat on the way, and recharge at No.14 Lovel St.
“Great atmosphere and a comfy room”
Wentworth Falls Lake
From Wentworth Falls railway station, Wentworth Falls Lake is a 1km walk, via Sinclair Crescent (which also has a beautiful Autumn colour canopy). Grab some snacks in the village before setting off, or try Lovebites Coffee Co. food truck at the Lake (Thu-Sun). The loop around the Lake is 3.7km.
“Great little home away from home.”
Bike Hire & Self Guided Tours
Blue Mountains Biking Adventures have a bike hire service, as well as set tours. They have the latest mountain electric E-Bikes, which use a battery and motor to assist you when you are pedalling, so you don’t have to rely solely on your own power. This allows riders of all fitness levels to ride together and cover 20-30km. You could easily do my Leura / Katoomba route and more!
“A great and welcoming host, and had plenty of local tips”
Mount Wilson Autumn Colour
Autumn is a very popular time in the Mountains for the Autumn colour (not at all in National Park as natives are not deciduous). The big private gardens of Mount Wilson are only open for two seasons a year - Autumn and Spring - and are really magical to explore. Also pictured above is Windyridge Garden, which sits on just shy of 5 acres
Spend a day working your way around Breenhold Gardens, comprising over 40 hectares of heritage listed gardens and parklands. It is one of the largest privately owned and extensive garden estates in Australia. Breenhold’s several lookouts also offer stunning views over the adjoining Blue Mountains National Park.
“We loved that it felt somewhere in between a guesthouse and a hostel, with the virtues of both.”
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
At 1,000 metres above sea level, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah overlooks the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and boasts stunning panoramic views. A walk around this 28 hectare estate is a botanic journey. You can also join a guided Nature Therapy walk. Originating from Japan, Shinrin-yoku (or forest therapy) is a preventative health practice that improves wellbeing by immersing your senses in nature. This guided experience is designed to increase your mental and physical health by reducing stress levels and lowering your pulse and blood pressure.
“A very special place — we didn’t want to leave!”
Mayfield Garden
Beyond Blue Mountains region, but worth the day trip is Mayfield Garden. Open year-round (only closed 25 & 26 December), it covers 16 hectares (40 acres). The Hawkins’ Family Garden is the private garden area of the Hawkins family, which is an additional 49 hectares (120 acres) beyond Mayfield Garden. The whole Hawkins’ Family Garden is only open to visitors for 16 days during four seasonal festivals. Mayfield Garden is just under 1.5hrs drive from No.14 Lovel St in Katoomba.
“I visit Katoomba quite often and if No14 were not available, I'd postpone my trip to another weekend.”
Book direct now for best price guarantee
Plan your getaway. Embrace the plot twists and make the most of unplanned Mountains memories! Book your room at No.14 Lovel St direct and save with our best price guarantee.
NSW residents can also use the Stay Vouchers and Parents Vouchers.
info@14LovelSt.com
(02) 4782 7104