Top 5 Autumn escape activities
Where better to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life than the Blue Mountains? The spectacular mountains, vast valleys and intimate guest houses combine to entice guests to unwind and explore the region.
With so many activities to choose from it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve decided to do some of the heavy lifting for you. Here are our top 5 ideas to help you plan your Autumn escape in the Blue Mountains.
Dinner for Two
Watching the sun set over the gorgeous tree lined streets of Leura with a drink in one hand and a pre-dinner snack in the other is one of the great Autumn experiences in the Mountains.
Flemish Flavours Restaurant is one of the local hot spots and yes, the view from the garden terrace is exactly as described.
Owners Wim and Claire are inspired by Belgian tradition, and chef Wim’s cooking has been refined in some of the best restaurants in Europe. The result is great food, excellent service and a fantastic wine list all served in a relaxed atmosphere.
And what’s a great Belgian restaurant without a great selection of beers I hear you ask? Fear not, these guys have it sorted – the hard part is choosing which of the 20 Belgian beers to start with.
Photos by Justin Morrissey.
Cinema the Way it Used to be
You know a place is the real deal when your cup of tea is served in a ceramic mug and home-made soup is on the menu at the candy bar.
Walking through the front door of Mount Vic Flicks is like stepping back in time.
Owners Kirsten Mulholland and Adam Cousins are known for their eclectic programming which includes a great mix of arthouse, classic and new release films.
So, forget the multiplex and head over to Mount Vic Flicks and experience cinema the way it used to be.
Explore the Cultural Centre
Perched at the highest point of Katoomba, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre offers a range of things to see and do.
The centre is home to the World Heritage Exhibition – Into the Blue. Your senses are heightened as you walk into a darkened room, with a satellite map of the Greater Blue Mountains region laid out under your feet, covering the entire floor.
Wander across to the opposite side of the Cultural Centre to the City Art Gallery which will exhibit Sculpture Otherwise from April 7 – May 7 as part of Sculpture at Scenic World. Entry is free with your Sculpture at Scenic World ticket. Click here to book online.
If this has all been thirsty work, there’s a café on site and a great viewing platform with stunning views of the valley beyond.
Lang Ea KA-BOOM! (2015)
Image: Keith Maxwell
Immerse yourself in nature and world class art
Sculpture at Scenic World 2017 celebrates its sixth year of transforming the natural Jurassic rainforest into an outdoor art gallery, complete with world-class sculptures.
An independent panel has selected over 30 highly accomplished artworks by local, interstate and international artists.
Held over 30 days from April 7 – May 7, the exhibition offers exciting opportunities for art lovers to engage with art in a spectacular setting.
Tickets include access to Sculpture Otherwise, unlimited rides on the Scenic Railway, Cablecar, Skyway and Walkway, plus entry to Sculpture Otherwise at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.
Enjoy a drink by the fire
A nightcap in the warm glow of a fireplace is one of the more indulgent benefits of visiting the mountains at this time of year.
The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba is one of the gems of the Mountains. Travel back in time and experience the old-world charm of this grand 19th century hotel and enjoy a fireside drink in the hotels lounge.
A number of exclusive accommodation packages are available during the Sculpture at Scenic World exhibition, starting from $249 per couple. Packages include an Unlimited Discovery Pass, accommodation, breakfast, free Wi-Fi and more.
