Things to See & Do
The famous World Heritage listed natural wonders of the Blue Mountains National Park, walks and adventures in the great outdoors are truly awesome - but that's not all! In fact, Annette has written a book on all the other wonderful experiences awaiting you in the Blue Mountains. Get your copy of Out of the Blue as the essential guide to tours, workshops, guided adventures, eats & drinks, shopping, slow fashion, creative communities...
A to B and See
Walk, run, cycle, be shown by us locals: however you get from A to B you'll see some spectacular World Heritage listed scenery along the way!
LET THE LOCALS SHOW YOU
Beyond the Blacktop Adventure Tours has both Army Truck Adventures and 4WD tours. Click here to book.
WALK
Check National Parks website for alerts on track work, closed areas etc.
RUN
With many running events throughout the year, the biggest of all has to be Ultra Trail Australia. We sell out as soon as they announce the each year's dates (well before tickets go on sale). Check Running Wild for other BM events.
CYCLE
BYO or hire a bike and self guided tour from Blue Mountains Biking Adventures. They also have E-Bike tours, motor to assist you when you are pedalling, so you don’t have to rely solely on your own power. You can cover 15 to 65km on an e-bike!
...and after a day rambling, racing, or riding; head back to No.14 to recharge.
Pictured: Dan & Beck, @travelmademedoit
ReYOUvenate
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
Disconnect from hectic modern life and reconnect with nature. Spending time in nature is known to decrease stress and promote wellbeing. There is no shortage of meditative landscapes to enjoy in the Blue Mountains! As well as bushwalks, you can explore the famous gardens such as Everglades in Leura, Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens at Mt Tomah, Mt Wilson gardens, or Mayfield Gardens.
DAY SPAS
Whether after getting out and about on the trails, or just spend your whole trip being pampered, There are several options for you to reYOU in the Mountains.
Just a few minutes walk from No.14 is Spa Sublime. Private, secluded and exquisitely beautiful, the multi-award winning Spa Sublime is a wonderful day spa experience.
Other options:
Blue Mountains Sparadise Japanese Bath House and Spa
YOGA
You may be a yoga teacher who wants to use No.14 as your base for a getaway (as Sharka Yoga often does, while hiring The Inner Space studio for her classes), or just like to attend casual classes or workshops at local studios as part of your getaway:
Blue Mountains Iyengar Yoga Studio, Blackheath
Happy Buddha Yoga, Wentworth Falls
Kalimna @ Kurrara Guesthouse, Katoomba, Evelyn runs a regular Sat/Sun classes and you can hire her studio.
SAUNA
Blue Mountains Sauna is a public Finnish sauna and cold plunge for all genders and ages, located in Leura. At the rear of the LostLane building, which includes cafe, skate shop & ramp, and indoor rock climbing gym.
...and after a restorative day, head back to No.14 to reflect.
TIME TRAVEL
Art Deco / Vintage vibe - decades
Jenolan Caves - millions
Jenolan Caves are the largest, most spectacular and most famous caves in Australia. Explore the world's oldest caves - one of the most outstanding cave systems in the world.
Aboriginal history - thousands
Dharug, Gundungurra, Wanaruah, Tharawal, Darkinjung and Wiradjuri people are the traditional custodians of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. No.14 Lovel St is on Gundungurra Country. Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal land.
Red Hands Cave in Blue Mountains National Park is one of the best showcases of Aboriginal rock art in the Blue Mountains. It's reached via Red Hands Cave loop walking track. Although it’s thought to have been painted between 500 and 1600 years ago, you can still see the vibrant, earthy colours
19th-20th Century - Victorian & Art Deco
The 'Grand Old Lady' of the Blue Mountains, The Carrington is a local landmark. It proudly stands as the only 19th-century grand resort hotel still in operation in New South Wales.
Owning a car was a luxury. In 1927, one in every four Australian families was fortunate enough to own a car. This meant that Sydneysiders had the opportunity to escape the city for a fabulous weekend in Katoomba, which was nicknamed the 'Playground of the Commonwealth'. There are many examples of Victorian and Art Deco architecture throughout the Mountains. It's also a vintage lovers shopping paradise with so many vintage and antique stores to explore.
...and after day of revisiting times gone by, head back to No.14 to rest.
Pictured: Red Hands Cave, Glenbrook
VERTICAL VIEWS
With its breathtaking views, rockclimbing, canyoning, and abseiling are perfect activities for the outdoor enthusiast in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Listed site, and for good reason. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something new to discover every time you visit. So grab your gear and get ready to explore the magnificent Blue Mountains in a whole new way.
Check out these local experts:
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Australian School of Mountaineering
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Blue Mountains Adventure Co
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Blue Mountains Climbing School
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High'n'Wild
...and after a rugged day, head back to No.14 to recharge.
Pictured: Australian School Mountaineering, Butterbox Canyon
CHANGE OF 'ART
The Blue Mountains has long been an inspiration for all kinds of artists. Galleries of local artists abound. Just walking around our neighbourhoods, you'll find street art gems; including the dedicated Street Art Walk. If art's not your thing, it's a great option for rainy days... and you might just find what art IS your thing ;)
Glenbrook
Hare St Gallery
Springwood
Braemar Gallery
Faulconbridge
The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum
Wentworth Falls
Falls Gallery
Katoomba
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, including the Into the Blue exhibition Gallery NWC
John Wilson Gallery
Lost Bear Gallery
Rex Livingston
Blackheath
Day Gallery
Mount Victoria
Gary P Hayes Photography
Hartley
Talisman Gallery
...and after a rich day, head back to No.14 to reflect.
Pictured: The Street Art Walk
MORE DAYS
Jenolan Caves
Many people come to the Mountains with the misconception that Jenolan Caves is closer to Katoomba. The Caves are about 1.5 hours' drive from Katoomba. If you don't have your own car, at the moment there is no other way to get there.
...and after a day of roaming, head back to No.14 to recharge.
Pictured: Jenolan Caves day trip