[image]
[title]Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you need to be stuck indoors. In fact, the colder months are an ideal time to take a day trip to the Blue Mountains when it's at its cosiest. Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the region is best known for its scenic mountains, forest paths and lookouts, all of which are in their full glory in autumn. If you ask us, it's an ideal way to spend the time off with the upcoming April public holidays.
Breathe in the crisp mountain air at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, where the grounds are awash in colour and crunchy autumnal leaves are underfoot. Divided into four distinct areas with connected pathways designed for wandering, each section features several themed gardens, lawns, pavilions and secluded benches so you can sit back and take it all in.
Not only does the garden make for the perfect spot to partake in some leaf viewing, with a riot of yellow, gold and red leaves worth peeping, but there’s also a collection of cool-climate plants on display. Featuring more than 36,000 plants including rare species, the garden plays an integral role in the conservation of plants from a range of ecosystems in Australia.
Surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage Area wilderness, spend some time enjoying the many walking trails, with everything from garden loops to woodland strolls available, or immerse yourself in the rainforest tracks for some well-deserved forest bathing. For a rare glimpse at the garden after dark, join in on an Astronomy Tour, where you’ll get an unpolluted look at the gorgeous night sky with astrophycisist Dr Ángel Lopez -Sanchez.
These school holidays, kids can get their hands dirty uncovering the secrets of leaves, flowers and plant adaptations at the 90-minute Budding Botanist class. They’ll conduct fun experiments before creating their own herbarium pressing for a beautiful botanical keepsake to take home.
Trust us when we say your trip isn't complete without a pit stop at the Bell Bird Café. Score a seat out on the deck and feel instant serene looking over the scenic mountain range. Coffee is a must to get your fingers toasty warm and the menu spans brunch favourites like chilli scrambled egges and avocado and feta on toast to lunch classics like steak sandwiches and calamari. On your way out, duck into The Garden Shop inside the Visitor Centre for beautiful Asutraliana-inspired gifts, homewares and more botanic goodies.
Find out more about autumn at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah here.