Blue Mountains 2019

A training course for Tracey in Sydney gave us the opportunity to travel down early and visit the iconic Blue Mountains, about 2 hours drive to the west of the NSW state capital.

After a comfortable flight with Virgin Australia, we picked up the hire car, a Subaru Forester, at the domestic terminal in Sydney. An easy drive of saw us arrive at our lodgings in Katoomba just after dark.

We stayed in a nice little AirBnB on the main street leading to Echo Point.

Our digs for the weekend – very warm once the fie was started

After settling in, we needed dinner. A quick scan identified a suitable restaurant and, would you believe it, right across the road! Pins on Lurline – what a fantastic experience. We chose the small degustation with matching wines. Food was sensational and the wines great. We could certainly recommend this place.

This is the place to dine in Katoomba – Pins on Lurline
Absolutely delicious!

Friday saw us out or an early drive and walk down to Echo Point to view the Three Sisters. and Jamison Valley. We were not disappointed. First a quick stop for photos at Honeymooners Bridge.

Tracey with stunning scenery at Honeymooners Bridge behind her

Next to see the Three Sisters

The Three Sisters!
The view across the valley to Scenic World

We were intending to visit Scenic World but the Skyway was not operating so we decided to defer that for another day. So, after a quick breakfast at the local cafe, it was a drive to Leura to visit the Leura Cascades. The scenery was stunning.

A cave formed from a fossilised tree – Tracey recalled visiting many years earlier!
The first stage of Leura Cascades
An old stone bridge crosses the river.
The beautiful rainforest provided a shady walk down to the main cascades
The cascades in all their glory.
Where the waters plunge into the Jamison Valley
A Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo surveys the valley

The morning concluded with a visit to the quaint village of Leura – a mecca for both tourists and locals alike. Tracey was in her element with all the boutiques and gift shops. Several potential purchases were identified.

When in the Blue Mountains, a visit to the Hydro Majestic Hotel complex is a must. We drove the 5kms from Katoomba to Medlow Bath to enjoy our pre-booked High Tea. We ordered one of each of the Wintergarden and Eastern High Teas to share. Coupled these with a glass of bubbly. The scenery from our windowside table was magnificent!

Arriving at the Hydro Majestic
The entrance to the Wintergarden Room for High Tea
Ready to go
The view was amazing
Taking it all in
Fine food and wine
The room decked out for a Christmas in July theme
Relaxing after in the foyer
Fine looking couple in the foyer.

A visit to the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba is a must. In winter, they serve a fabulous mulled wine. Sat on the balcony, enjoying the wine and crisp air.

The Carrington Hotel Katoomba
Unlocking the door to the mulled wine bar

A night in with a great pizza from the Station Bar, a movie and great company