Any experiences please of the Blue Mountains in Aus?

[ChocoFroggie]

Hello MN. DD and her boyfriend are holidaying in Sydney over the Christmas period, and I want to treat them to a night or two in the Blue Mountains for a Christmas present. But I've never been, and so I don't know if two nights are better or one night is enough, what's fun to do there for young people, where they should stay etc etc. Would be very grateful for any tips or experiences. They'll have the use of a cousin's car, so can drive themselves.

TIA.

@ChocoFroggie ask Mumsnet to move this to the Australian and NZ topic.

But it’s bedtime here now so you may not get replies until tomorrow.

Ok thank you ! I did consider posting there but it seemed to me more about visa enquiries. I'll give it a go

I went many years ago (so very hazy memory). But I would say two nights rather than one. I remember it being really lovely, and I remember going on a funicular-type thing, but nothing else more specific that would help, sorry!

Sounds like Katoomba...

It is lovely but sadly not been there for many years so hopefully local current posters will appear shortly.

We went many years ago at Christmas but the weather was really bad at the time and the mountains were immersed in cloud, so sadly didn’t see anything on our trip .. it’s meant to be lovely though and I’m sure someone more helpful will be along with suggestions soon.

My DH grew up near the Blue Mountains so we have visited a lot when back in Australia. We have stayed at Lilianfels hotel in Katoomba. It’s very nice. You can ask to book the scenic rooms overlooking the valley but be aware the weather can sometimes bring fog in. There is still the Scenic Railway operating in Katoomba which has the funicular and some nice paths to walk and enjoy the scenery. We also like to go up to Leura for a mooch. Some nice shops and cafes etc.

I absolutely loved the Blue Mountains, so atmospheric and one of the highlights of several trips to Australia. Ideally at least two nights, depending on how much they like hiking.

Went in February, terrible rain storm that day and hardly saw a thing.

That's what I was going to recommend, but from a long time ago. It was orient-express, then sold to a lively couple who built a boutique hotel chain in nsw. Then sold again in 2023. Very close to the funicular.

I did a walk when I visited (was 28) and it was amazing. Saw herds of kangaroos. Beautiful scenery. Don’t remember much else about scenery because I got off with the guide so my attention was elsewhere!

We were there for three nights in July. Absolutely beautiful- we loved it! We stayed at the Metropole Hotel in Katoomba. It was a great location for exploring - Wentworth Falls, Three Sisters, Scenic World, Laura town centre, there was also a market on when we were there. Plenty of lovely places to eat and have a drink too. Definitely recommend a trip there and 2 nights would be best. Hope they enjoy!

Thanks so much for these recommendations. I'm bumping in the hope of catching the Aussie/New Zealand crowd.

I've been to the blue mountains many times, lived in Sydney for 8.5 years, we stayed at Lilianfels and ate at Darleys the weekend we got engaged. Lilianfels is pretty expensive though. At Katoomba almost all the restaurants are up by the train station which is 2.5km from echo point and the start of the walk trails. If Lilianfels is out of budget I would explore accommodation options a bit closer to town, so they can walk out to get dinner rather than having to take the car. I would definitely recommend a two night visit, but it depends how long they have for their entire Australia trip and if they like walking, and are fine with the steps involved in a descending and climbing back up out of the valley. Non-walking activities are Jenolan caves, scenic world with cable car and funicular (mentioned by lots of people above), blue mountains botanic gardens, the Japanese bath house, Norman lindsey gallery and there are loads of lookouts you can access walking only a few 100m.

Thank you all again for this info - it's very helpful. Lilianfels is a bit more than I was hoping to spend, so I'm grateful for any other recommendations

The BM are beautiful. The 3 sisters is the highlight, I think. Definitely 2 nights.

There are plenty of lovely-looking Airbnbs in the area. They might be more affordable than hotels, and standards are high.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g261618-Activities-Katoomba_Blue_Mountains_New_South_Wales.html

Thanks for these, and the link. It does look wonderful- feeling quite envious 😄