Exploring these Blue Mountains towns' natural beauty, culture, and culinary offerings may require more than just a weekend.

Some of the notable towns in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains in Australia are known for their charming villages, cafes, and expansive valleys that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Travelling along the Great Western Highway, deciding on a village to stop in for the night or a meal can be difficult.

Leura and Katoomba are popular destinations for Blue Mountain tours from Sydney, but many other towns are worth visiting.

Glenbrook

Glenbrook should be your initial port of call when heading up to the Blue Mountains. This town boasts a community feel, featuring a high street with cafes and boutiques. Snag a brekkie or a cuppa at either 2773, the cafe renowned for its petting zoo; The Church, a cosy cafe nestled within the old village church; or Kickaboom, Glenbrook's trendy new espresso bar.

 Dive into the ancient allure of Glenbrook Cinema for a flick and a choc-top.

Lawson

Positioned midway up the mountains, Lawson is an ideal spot for travellers to take a breather and engage in some physical activities following a lengthy journey. Set off on a hike through a section of untouched rainforest along the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit. Or, if you fancy a cycle, tackle the 27-km Oaks Trail bike path in the adjacent Woodford, which circles back to Glenbrook. This full-day endeavour is splendid for families seeking adventure.

Leura

Leura epitomizes the pinnacle of mountain village splendour, featuring some of the finest retail experiences in the highlands. Here, you're greeted by an impressive array of edible delights, home goods, vintage finds, and chic boutiques showcasing a blend of acclaimed brands.

A short tour further along the way uncovers the Art Deco-styled Everglades Historic House and Gardens. Pack a picnic to relish on the verdant slopes, or ideally, plan your visit to coincide with the open-air Shakespeare performances by Sport for Jove during the summer.

A recommended activity in Leura is to visit the Candy Store and try some of their delicious sweets before leaving.

Wentworth Falls

Ancient pine trees adorn the streets of Wentworth Falls, where a historic railway station still makes its mark, and a selection of patisseries and cafes serve a European taste amid the mountain air.

Seize a chilly day by tucking yourself into a snug nook at Fed café with a hot brew before popping over to Wentworth Fall's Bakery Patisserie Schwarz for a toasty pretzel on the run.

Drive to Kings Tableland lookout to savour your pretzel while soaking in one of the most stunning views the Blue Mountains offer.

Wentworth Falls Lake awaits just around the bend, boasting an idyllic park with playgrounds and barbies ready for a sizzle.

 A brief bushwalk will lead you to Empress Falls, a majestic 30-metre waterfall that lives up to its regal name.

Katoomba

The town of Katoomba showcases the creativity of the mountains through its knitted wool, unique stores, and eclectic atmosphere. Visitors can explore the area and enjoy a hot chocolate at the Gingerbread House.

The Three Sisters overlook the Jamison Valley, and visitors can experience a thrilling ride on the world's steepest railway at Scenic World.

Visitors to Scenic World in the Blue Mountains can explore the rainforest boardwalk and ride the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. As a Green Travel Leader, Scenic World offers a responsible way to experience the area's natural beauty.

One recommendation is to stay at the Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa for a weekend getaway. This boutique hotel offers an award-winning spa and a historic formal English garden. Consider dining at the award-winning fine diner Darley's Restaurant for a special treat.

Medlow Bath

Tucked away between Katoomba and Blackheath, Medlow Bath boasts the renowned Hydro Majestic Hotel as its main attraction, a spot so subtle you might miss it if you're not paying attention.

Perched beside the highway with the Megalong Valley stretching out below, the hotel radiates a charming blend of old-time elegance and romance, with its superb exterior promising an even more majestic experience inside.

Sink into the luxurious seating and indulge in a decadent high tea while soaking up the breathtaking views.

Adjacent to it, the historic Boiler House Restaurant offers a laid-back dining atmosphere, yet it doesn't skimp on the mesmerizing valley vistas.

A must: Enjoying high tea at the Hydro Majestic.

Blackheath

Blackheath welcomes visitors with unparalleled small-town charm. Nestled at the summit of the mountains, its historic essence makes it a prime destination for antique enthusiasts. To discover vintage gems, go to the Victory Theatre Antique Centre & Café to find your prize. Blackheath is also celebrated for its lovely gardens, including the Campbell. Secure a spot by the window at the Anonymous Cafe, enjoy some of the finest coffee the area offers, and pick a seasonal, locally sourced dish or sweet from their menu.

Mount Tomah

G'day, and a warm welcome to the garden gem of the Blue Mountains. The community of Mount Tomah faced significant challenges due to the catastrophic bushfires of 2019, making it a prime time to visit and support the recovery of local enterprises in this stunning locale.

 Dedicate a few hours to meandering through The Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. Even though the recent fires consumed nearly 80% of its terrain, ample lush landscape remains for your exploration.

Treat yourself to freshly baked scones at The Potager Mount Tomah, a terrace café within the gardens that offers an unmatched panoramic view of the encompassing valley.

Bilpin

Bilpin, a village brimming with more apples than folk, is the orchard heartland in the mountains. It lies near Mt Tomah and the journey winds along the scenic Bells Line of Road.

Renowned for its Bilpin Cider Co, guests are welcome to explore the birthplace of its cider at the Cellar Door, as well as visiting the origins of Hillbilly Cider right at the Shed Door.

Invest your dosh at the Bilpin Apple Pie Cottage Orchard cafe before meandering to The Hive, where you can load up on the delicious Bilpin honey.

 Peek into the pastoral dream that is Bilpin Fruit Bowl Farm, freshly opened post-bushfires. You'll likely encounter the genial Tadrosse clan and their young ones, who run the orchards and stock their charming shop with an array of apple pies and cakes, sure to entice.

Wolgan Valley

Wolgan Valley is a secluded region in the Blue Mountains, surrounded by bushland-covered cliffs.

Visitors can explore the expansive valley and reach remote areas of the region by booking a safari drive tour. Additionally, Wolgan Valley Stables provides guided horseback riding classes for a unique experience exploring the grasslands and valleys.

One recommended activity is staying at the luxurious Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley in the valley's grasslands, a five-star experience that will leave a lasting impression.