Why Honeymoon in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains give you a dramatic landscape within easy reach of Sydney. From lookouts at Echo Point, Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout, you can see layers of cliffs and valleys fading into the distance.
It is a good place for couples who enjoy walking. Trails range from short, flat clifftop paths to steep descents into valleys past waterfalls and ferns. After a day outside, you can retreat to a lodge with a log fire, a deep bath and a good dinner.
The mountains are also cooler than the coast, which makes them a nice change in summer and atmospheric in winter. If one of you is less keen on hiking, there are galleries, antique shops, gardens, spas and restaurants to fill the time. The Leura Mall village strip is a pleasant place to browse.
When to Go
Autumn, March to May, is a favorite. Days are crisp and clear, deciduous trees in Leura and Mount Wilson turn red and gold and walking conditions are ideal.
Spring, September to November, brings flowering gardens and wildflowers. Leura's garden festival in October opens private gardens to visitors.
Winter, June to August, is cold, with daytime highs around 50°F and occasional snow. Many lodges lean into the season with fireplaces and Christmas in July dinners, known locally as Yulefest.
Summer, December to February, is warm and busy with day-trippers. It is also bushfire season. Check NSW Rural Fire Service alerts before you go and follow advice if a fire is burning. Afternoon storms can also bring heavy rain.
Where to Stay
Leura and Katoomba are the most popular bases. Katoomba is the largest town, close to Echo Point and Scenic World, with more restaurants and accommodation. Leura is smaller and prettier, with tree-lined streets and boutique stays. Lilianfels Resort and Spa sits near Echo Point with mountain views and a spa.
Blackheath, higher and quieter, is a good base for hikers. The Chalets at Blackheath offer secluded cabins with fireplaces near the national park. The Kyah hotel is a stylish renovated motel with a well-regarded restaurant.
The Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath is a restored grand hotel on a clifftop, famous for its views and afternoon tea. For a more secluded all-inclusive stay, Spicers Sangoma Retreat at Bowen Mountain, on the northern edge of the area, has a handful of private suites with fireplaces and deep baths.
Romantic Things to Do
- Watch sunrise at Echo Point as the light hits the Three Sisters rock formation.
- Hike the Grand Canyon Track from Evans Lookout near Blackheath, a loop through a deep, fern-filled canyon.
- Walk the National Pass at Wentworth Falls, a historic cliffside path with waterfall views. It is steep in places.
- Ride the Scenic Railway, Skyway and Cableway at Scenic World in Katoomba.
- Visit Govetts Leap Lookout for views over the Grose Valley.
- Tour Jenolan Caves, a series of limestone caves about 90 minutes southwest of Katoomba.
- Book afternoon tea or dinner at a historic hotel.
- Spend an afternoon in Leura's cafes, galleries and gardens.
Getting There and Around
The Blue Mountains are about 100 kilometers west of Sydney. Driving takes about two hours via the M4 and Great Western Highway. Trains on the Blue Mountains Line run from Sydney's Central Station to Katoomba in around two hours, stopping at most villages.
Without a car, you can use trains and local buses or hop-on hop-off tourist buses that link lookouts. Walking between nearby attractions is possible, but distances add up.
A car gives you the most flexibility, especially for reaching trailheads, lookouts like Evans Lookout and Jenolan Caves. Roads are winding in places and fog can reduce visibility, so drive carefully, especially at night. Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk.
Food and Drink
The Blue Mountains have a lively food scene for a mountain area. Expect cozy cafes, bakeries and restaurants serving seasonal menus with local produce. Afternoon tea is a tradition, with scones, cakes and tea in historic hotels and tearooms.
For special dinners, look for restaurants in Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath. Darley's at Lilianfels is a long-running fine dining option. Many lodges also have their own dining rooms with set menus.
The nearby Megalong Valley has farm stays and wineries. The region also has a few craft breweries and distilleries. Book dinner on weekends, as restaurants fill with Sydney visitors.
Honeymoon Tips
Pack warm layers for both of you, even in summer. Temperatures can drop quickly at night and in valleys.
Wear proper hiking shoes and carry water. Many trails involve steep stairs and uneven surfaces. Check trail closures on the NSW National Parks website, as storms and fires can close tracks.
Start walks early to avoid crowds at popular lookouts, especially Echo Point. Weekday visits are quieter.
Leeches can appear on damp trails after rain. A little salt or insect repellent helps. Never feed wildlife and stay behind safety fences at cliff edges. Combine the mountains with Sydney and the Hunter Valley for a New South Wales honeymoon.
