Blog

Blog

Stories, walks, lookouts and seasonal guides from Leura and the wider Blue Mountains.

  • Moving to Blue Mountains? Here are the Top things to consider

    Moving to Blue Mountains? Here are the Top things to consider

    Moving from Sydney to the Blue Mountains (Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba etc.) can offer some awesome lifestyle advantages over Sydney. Natural beauty, climate and relaxed vibes are the main reason that attracts people to this region. The Upper Blue Mountains is a haven of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, globally recognized for its spectacular landscapes.…

  • Things to Do in the Blue Mountains on a Rainy Day (Indoors, Cafes & Where to Stay)

    Things to Do in the Blue Mountains on a Rainy Day (Indoors, Cafes & Where to Stay)

    A rainy day in the Blue Mountains isn’t a disappointment — it’s a different kind of magic. Mist clings to the valleys, waterfalls roar louder, and the rainforest turns an almost neon green. Whether you’re sheltering in a cosy cafe in Leura, soaking in a bathhouse, or browsing galleries in Katoomba, there’s no shortage of…

  • Katoomba Urban Art Trail

    Katoomba Urban Art Trail

    Take yourself on a self-guided tour of the vibrant and intriguing urban art around Katoomba town centre. Maps can be viewed or downloaded below, or you can pick up a hard copy from the Cultural Centre reception desk. Supported by the Australian Government’s Culture, Heritage and Arts, Regional Tourism (CHART) program. Perfect urban adventure for…

  • Wollemi National Park: Escape to a World Heritage Wilderness

    Wollemi National Park: Escape to a World Heritage Wilderness

    Just a few hours from Sydney lies a place that feels a million miles away. As part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wollemi is a true gem, offering vast, unspoiled wilderness that will capture your heart and awaken your spirit of adventure and exploration. In fact it is the biggest forest wilderness…

  • Beyond the Bowl:  Hakatamon a Sydney Institution (and a bit of Ramen History)

    Beyond the Bowl: Hakatamon a Sydney Institution (and a bit of Ramen History)

    TLDR; if you go to their stores in Sydney CBD or Chatswood, do yourself a favor, get Tonkotsu with burnt/black garlic (signature) or spicy signature. Ramen has few ingredients, tonkotsu (broth soup), chashu (braised pork), bamboo shallots, seasoned boiled egg… but the overall effect is just awesome! Sydney’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, and…

  • Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains: Complete Hiking Guide (Parking, Tips & Where to Stay)

    Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains: Complete Hiking Guide (Parking, Tips & Where to Stay)

    Quick Stats Distance 6.3 km loop Time 3–6 hours Grade Grade 3 – Moderate (steep descent/ascent) Dogs ❌ Not permitted Cost Free Start Evans Lookout Rd, Blackheath NSW 2785 The Grand Canyon Track in Blackheath is one of the finest walks in the Blue Mountains — and I’d argue, in all of Australia. Not because…

  • Autumn in Leura, Blue Mountains: Fall Colours Guide (Best Spots, Timing & Where to Stay)

    Autumn in Leura, Blue Mountains: Fall Colours Guide (Best Spots, Timing & Where to Stay)

    Quick Season Summary Peak colour Mid-April to late May Best spots Leura Mall, Everglades, Campbell Rhododendron Gardens Temperature 5–15°C days, colder nights — pack layers Drive from Sydney ~1.5 hours Entry costs Everglades $15 adult / most others free When people think Blue Mountains in autumn, they think Katoomba. But locals know better — Leura…

  • When Darkness Falls: A Different Kind of Magic at Scenic World

    When Darkness Falls: A Different Kind of Magic at Scenic World

    Scenic World in Katoomba is a Blue Mountains icon, a must-do for anyone wanting to soak in the breathtaking vistas of towering sandstone cliffs, lush rainforest valleys, and cascading waterfalls. We have visited Scenic World a couple of times during the day, each experience leaving me awestruck. But recently, I had the chance to experience…