Stay, Play, Read & Taste
The Blue Mountains is justifiably world famous. Set within a world heritage-listed national park, the Blue Mountains boasst stunning lookouts, grand houses, National Trust gardens, fantastic food, crisp mountain air, heritage hotels, galleries and artisans, and a string of townships each with its own charm. Katoomba is 1.5 hours’ drive from Sydney or a two-hour train ride from Central Station.
The Three Sisters rock formations are famous the world over, but The Blue Mountains are so much more than that. With 26 villages scattered throughout an area the size of Switzerland – if you’re looking for something exciting to do, just look a little deeper ...
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Katoomba is an easy 90min journey (~100km) by car via the M4 & Great Western Highway.
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Sydney Trains operate between Central Station and Katoomba Station on the Blue Mountains Line.
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There are no direct buses from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. However, once you’re here, the Blue Mountains has an Explorer Bus if you want to take in the sights around Katoomba and Leura.
Stay
The Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival have the pleasure of partnering with the iconic Carrington Hotel for the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival in 2023, and most events will be held at this location.
A place of timeless elegance, restored to its former grandeur, The Carrington Hotel is where treasured memories of the past can be relived and memories for the future created. Located in the centre of Katoomba, and only 5 minutes from the Katoomba Railway Station, the heritage-listed 4.5 star Carrington Hotel offers a range of guest rooms.
https://thecarrington.com.au
Katoomba
Set amongst 180 acres of bushland, Werriberri self-contained cottages are the perfect romantic getaway or family adventure. https://werriberri.com.au
Megalong Valley
This two-acre property has been given a Palm Springs-inspired makeover with art deco-styled rooms and a touch of modern luxury. https://www.thekyah.com.au
Blackheath
Kurrara Guesthouse
A beautifully restored 1902 Katoomba bed & breakfast with 8 guest rooms – perfect for a romantic getaway. https://www.kurraraguesthouse.com.au
Katoomba
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
Situated on the edge of the dramatic Jamison Valley in Leura, The Fairmont provides upscale accommodation and leisure facilities. https://www.fairmontresort.com.au
Leura
Welcoming guests since 1913, No.14 Lovel St is a full house rental or guesthouse, less than 10 minutes walk from Festival venues. https://www.14lovelst.com/
Katoomba
Boasting a fascinating history, art-deco charm and old-world ambience, this 4.5 star hotel is only 15 minutes walk from the Festival. https://palaisroyale.com.au
Katoomba
Luxurious surrounds, indulgent pampering and fine dining surrounded by the natural harmony of pristine wilderness. https://www.lilianfels.com.au
Katoomba
Exquisitely refurbished, the Hydro Majestic Hotel’s status as the grandest of the grand hotels of the Blue Mountains is the stuff of legends. https://www.hydromajestic.com.au
Medlow Bath
Play
Swap city lights for stars. From waterfalls to basement level bars, the Blue Mountains is brimming with attractions and activities for every mood, season and fitness level.
The iconic Skyway. The world’s steepest railway. The Southern Hemisphere’s steepest aerial cableway and much more. https://scenicworld.com.au
Katoomba
Explore Katoomba and Leura at your own pace, and hop on and off wherever you like, for as long as you like, with 29 stops. https://www.explorerbus.com.au
Katoomba to Leura
From the cosy heritage building to the freshly baked treats and tea in china cups, the experience is as memorable as the movies themselves. https://mountvicflicks.com.au
Mount Victoria
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
The Cultural Centre is home to the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, Katoomba Library and the Into the Blue interactive exhibition. https://rb.gy/mpqjw
Katoomba
Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink
A 600-square-meter indoor winter wonderland, located at The Fairmont Resort, is the ideal all-weather activity for the whole family. https://rb.gy/s7di2
Leura
A must-see heritage residence for lovers of Art Deco architecture, surrounded by gracefully designed and stunning historic gardens. https://rb.gy/996qh
Leura
Read
Blackheath
Leura
Springwood
Katoomba
Taste
The food’s so fresh at our Blue Mountains eateries you can almost taste a tang of eucalyptus in every bite. That’s because the duck breast is house-aged and mushrooms homegrown, the pinot grigio is made right here and chestnuts are picked in our backyard. And remember that Mountains food is best served with a locally made brew – beer, wine, cider, spirits, kombucha, tea or coffee.
The Co-op is proud to sell good, clean food that doesn't cost the earth. Fresh, organic fruit and veg and local produce – grown right here in the Blue Mountains. https://bmfoodcoop.org.au/
Katoomba
Set amidst the LOT 101 farm in the Megalong Valley, this restaurant offers 360-degree views of escarpment and bushland. https://megalongrestaurant.com.au
Megalong Valley
Established in 1956, the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms have proudly served up their legendary scones and famous apple pie for generations. https://rb.gy/ej68u
Megalong Valley
Renowned for making the best pies in the Blue Mountains, Mountain High Pies also makes a great cup of coffee and offers tempting sweet treats. https://mountainhighpies.com.au
Wentworth Falls
Katoomba
Katoomba
Katoomba
Katoomba
Medlow Bath
Katoomba
Katoomba
Katoomba
Megalong Valley
Leura
Katoomba, Emu Plains
Katoomba