Peak experiences: A guide to the Blue Mountains in winter

Elise Hanslip

on June 13, 2024 at 3:00pm

Blue Mountains bound? Chuck your beanie and hiking boots in a bag and prepare for mountains of fun just one hour drive from Sydney. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park has 1.03 million hectares of greenery-filled gorges lined with sandstone plateau to explore year-round.

Though you could trek through the national park all trip long and not run out of walking trails to wander, be sure to also include the welcoming towns, rolling vineyards, luxurious hotels, creative cultural activities, and adrenaline-sparking adventures from your bucket list.

Want to say hi to Jack Frost? Experience a true-blue Aussie winter with a snow-dusted visit in the towns topping the hills. Keep reading for our peak experiences and places to stay to make the most of the Blue Mountains.

Blackheath

Welcome to Blackheath, the geographically highest town within the Blue Mountains. Leave your worries at sea level and head 1,065m above – where your odds of stress are nil, and odds of snowy selfies are sky-high.

After frolicking in the frost, warm up your heart (and stomach) at Frankie and Mo’s with their locally produced organic wine. Book in for a wine tasting on the weekend to learn about natural wine production and discover your new favourite drops.

Stay at Logan Brae Orchards for a home amongst the apple trees. Spend nights soaking in a treetop bath under the stars and days wandering through orchards and beyond to nearby walking trails. Don’t leave without crunching into a fresh apple or homemade apple pie March through June.

Whether you’re a snow chaser, wine enthusiast, or simply in need of a bubble bath, pack your gloves and sense of wonder for this town above the clouds.

Katoomba

If you’re searching for the heart and soul of the Blue Mountains, you’ll find Katoomba, the region’s main town. Though there are many smaller towns that prove to be exceptional day trips nearby, Katoomba holds its throne as the cultural headliner of the area.

If you think you’ll miss out on urban flair in this natural wonderland, think again! The Katoomba Street Art Walk will dazzle you with epic murals from nationally recognised artists, and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre offers a generous dose of history and art with the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery and Into the Blue interactive exhibition.

Winter wanderers, rejoice! Although Katoomba is not the highest town in the Blue Mountains, it still enjoys its own dusting of snow during the colder months, offering you the rare chance to throw a snowball in Australia.

Is Katoomba your base for mountain trails and hiking treks? You’ll want to stay in a resort with a spa to relax the muscles in between peaks. Book a room at Hotel Mountain Heritage or Lilianfels Resort & Spa to add a drop of luxury into your nature escape. Don’t forget to arrange for a massage or two, your legs will thank you.

Blue Mountains National Park

Though the Blue Mountains National Park is only an hour's drive from Sydney, you’ll feel transported to a whole new world.

Start your adventure with the easy-breezy Three Sisters Walk offering prime views of the infamous rock trio before searching for a little more thrill at Scenic World Blue Mountains – your gateway to adrenaline-fuelled adventure and photo moments.

Experience heart-pounding views from the southern hemisphere’s steepest aerial cable car 270m above the Jamison Valley, or choo-choose to take the world’s steepest railway up the mountain and admire the scenery from the tracks. Feast your eyes on the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and Mount Solitary in one trip all without breaking a sweat.

Would you rather soak in the scenes on foot? Stroll along kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks, perfect for pretending you’re in a peaceful nature documentary.

Medlow Bath

Seek indulgence in the Blue Mountains and you’ll find Medlow Bath. First stop – Hydro Majestic – the oldest and most grand hotel in the region where high tea isn’t just a meal, it’s an event.

You’ll feel like royalty as you sip tea (or French Champagne) and munch on scones with the opulent backdrop of the hotel’s art deco architecture amidst the Blue Mountains’ eucalypts. If you’re looking to treat yourself, make sure to book a room and keep the glamorous vibes going for more than the afternoon.

After consuming an impressive number of homemade pastries at high tea, burn off the calories along Coachwood Glen Nature Trail, offering a delightful short walk among lush vines and vibrant fungi.

If you can bear to leave the natural glamour of Medlow Bath, there are a couple of nearby vineyards with your name on them such as Megalong Creek Estate and Dryridge Estate. Who says you can’t make a high tea progressive with a winery tour?