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Four diners at a chic Blue Mountains restaurant
Arrana Restaurant | Photograph: Cassandra HannaganArrana

How to have a perfect weekend in the Blue Mountains without going bushwalking

The Blue Mountains have a lot more to offer beyond the glories of nature. Here's our itinerary on where to shop, eat and play in the Blue Mountains without having to put on your hiking boots

By Time Out in association with Destination NSW and Blue Mountains City Council
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As you gaze out over the Jamison Valley – the lush, rolling canopies of gum trees stretching out to the horizon, proud sandstone cliffs emerging from treetops, the sound of distant waterfalls gently carried on the breeze – it’s hard to believe that the seemingly untouched heart of the Blue Mountains is less than two hours from the urban jungle of Sydney’s busy CBD. 

One of the best ways to explore this stunning wilderness is on one of the numerous bushwalks that crisscross the 11,400 square kilometre region; there are trails to suit all abilities, from eager beginners to seasoned hikers. 

But if your bunions are aching at the thought of schlepping through the woods, worry not. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this beautiful part of New South Wales that don’t involve extreme amounts of cardio. Leave those hiking boots at home and head out on this perfect Blue Mountains weekender without breaking a sweat.

Echo PointEcho Point | Photograph: Cassandra Hannagan

Friday 

Evening

It’s an easy drive west of Metropolitan Sydney to reach the first port of call for most visitors to the Blue Mountains – its most populous town, Katoomba. Within a very small footprint, you’ll find wonders both natural and culinary at this popular tourist hotspot. First things first: watching the sunset at Echo Point, as the last rays of the day dance over the faces of the Three Sisters, is a must. You can even enjoy a drink as you enjoy this daily spectacle from the nearby Bar NSW at the Lookout, located a stone's throw from Echo Point. 

It really is one of the most breathtaking vantage points anywhere on the Jamison Valley, and requires very little effort to reach, especially if you choose to stay the night at the Echoes Boutique Hotel, just a short walk from the lookout. The smaller sister hotel of the oh-so-fancy Lilianfels Resort and Spa next door, Echoes also has a superb restaurant, serving Asian-inspired cuisine. Opt for a table by the window or, weather permitting, on the outdoor terrace to enjoy uninterrupted views over the valley while you dine. 

Little Niche NoshLittle Niche Nosh | Photograph: Cassandra Hannagan

Saturday 

Morning 

At Leura café Little Niche Nosh you can fuel up with a cruelty-free breakfast that won’t shortchange you on flavour. Everything on the all-vegan menu is made fresh daily, and wherever possible, uses local produce. (Top tip: Little Niche Nosh’s vegan desserts and cakes are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, so be sure to pick up some to go).

While you’re in the neighbourhood, drop into iKOU and stock up on Aussie-made beauty products. This family-run business is now an internationally recognised spa brand, but their Leura store is where it all started, back in 2007.

Now you’ve taken care of your body, it’s time to do a little something for your soul. Katoomba’s Lost Bear Gallery champions contemporary art by Australian artists across a vast array of disciplines, including sculpture, painting, glass art and ceramics. There are works for sale, but visitors are also welcome to simply view the collections on display.

Lost Bear GalleryLost Bear Gallery | Photograph: Cassandra Hannagan

Afternoon

The Blue Mountains is a foodie’s paradise, with a glut of local businesses selling all manner of top quality yummies. The Whisk and Pin Gourmet Gallery is essentially a one-stop-shop for all your Blue Mountains produce needs. Primarily, it’s a wholesalers, connecting local producers with retailers across the state, but it also welcomes guests to visit its on-site bakery and warehouse and sample its wares.

Just a short stroll west from there, you’ll find the cool and quirky concept space, Steep St. This café-cum-gallery-cum-retail venture is a great place to discover under-the-radar artisan-made goods, while enjoying a cup or two of Steep St’s range of loose-leaf teas.

But as the sun will be well over the yardarm by now, you may be in the mood to drink something a little stronger. Located in a beautifully restored heritage hall that originally housed the presses for the local Blue Mountains newspaper back in 1912, the Mountain Culture Beer Co is a craft ‘brewpub’ pulling signature suds and limited-edition brews daily, from midday to 9pm, making it the perfect place for an afternoon pint.

Whisk and Pin Gourmet GalleryThe Whisk and Pin Gourmet Gallery | Photograph: Cassandra Hannagan

Evening

There’s such a wealth of great accommodation options available that it’s worth hotel hopping while you’re in the Blue Mountains. Check-in for your second night up the road from Katoomba near Wentworth Falls at the Silvermere Guesthouse. Bijou guest cottages are hugely popular throughout the Blue Mountains, and this 1923-built period residence, just a stone's throw from Wentworth Falls Lake, is one of the region's most charming examples. For your evening meal, Silvermere’s in-house restaurant, Silk’s Brasserie, is a local favourite, specialising in hearty Euro-inspired dishes (there’s also a vegan menu available). However, no gourmand worth their black salt should visit the Blue Mountains and pass up a trip to the multi-Hatted Darley’s Restaurant and Bar in Katoomba. Situated on the grounds of the Lilianfels Resort near Echo Point, this elegant dining room is dripping with olde-worlde charm, while its menu heroes modern Australian cuisine.

The Falls StoreThe Falls Store | Photograph: Cassandra Hannagan

Sunday 

Start your last morning in the Blue Mountains at one of Leura's most striking spaces, Sorensen's Glasshouse and Gardens. You'll find delicious, healthy brekkie options on its menu, featuring it's own house-grown produce. Once you're fed and watered, there's time to catch one more glimpse at that mighty mountain panorama. The Wentworth Falls Track's Lookout is by far the easiest to reach – easily accessible by road, and just a short stroll from parking with no arduous stairs or steep climbs to worry about. 

With the arvo approaching, it's time to bid a fond farewell and head back east towards Sydney, taking in some of the lovely towns that punctuate the route back to the city along the Great Western Highway. At Wentworth Falls you can shop for gifts at the Falls Store by Orson & Blake, a trove of jewellery, ceramics, lights, soaps and candles. Stop off for a slap-up lunch in Springwood at Arrana – if you’re in the mood to really spoil yourself, opt for the seven-course Marri Menu, which marries bush ingredients such as finger lime, bunya nut, aniseed myrtle and kakadu plum with influences from both western and eastern traditions. 

After such a mighty feast, you’ll probably be in need of something to perk you up for the last stretch of your journey. The best brews in the Blues can be found in Glenbrook at Kickaboom, which offers a range of speciality roasts for true caffeine aficionados, expertly prepared by its in-house baristas.

Find out more about the Blue Mountains at www.visitbluemountains.com.au and visitnsw.com.

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