Ultimate Travel Guide: The Blue Mountains

My Facebook feed is constantly filled with snaps of friends in Mykonos, food-grams of meals in Japan and videos of moments shared in Vietnam. Now although these places are all magnificent and I do admit the updates give me major FOMO, what about our own backyard? There are so many majestic places in Australia that all we need is a weekend away to experience. One of those places is the Blue Mountains. We’ve all heard of places like the Three Sisters and Jenolan Caves, but where are some of the quiet treasures of the Blue Mountains? The places that are so breathtaking that you forget to even take your phone out to snap it up because your eyes are too busy doing so. Below is my little guide of what to squeeze into a weekend away in the Blue Mountains.

Note: You need a car and a bae (whether that be your actual bae or that bestie you share the same intimate moments with anyway).

Megalong Tea Gardens

Maybe it’s just my eternal love for food, but I truly feel a holiday isn’t complete without a mouthwatering unforgettable meal. So make sure you don’t miss a pit stop at the Megalong Valley Tearooms. It’s a 15-minute drive from Blackheath and has a reputation for having some of the best scones in the Blue Mountains – which my taste buds back! My suggestions (if you can fit it all in) – Ploughmans Lunch, Traditional Shepherds Pie and of course the scones to finish with!

Dry Ridge Estate

Smack bang in the middle of Megalong Valley you’ll find the amazing thing that is Dry Ridge. The property is an Instagram lover’s paradise at every angle. Not only can you stay at the Sunrise Lodge, which has everything you need for a romantic weekend away (great spot of a proposal boys ‘hint, hint’), but the property also has a winery and is located in the middle of the Six Foot Track (I chat a bit more about that below). You can choose to enjoy brekkie on the front porch while taking in the views, hop into the spa, sit by the fireplace or walk over to the cellar where you sample the wines on offer while munching on their incredible cheese and cold meat board!

Six Foot Track

Now if you’re like me, not a complete fitness freak though can also walk a good few kms without passing out, then you need to experience a snippet of Six Foot Track. The complete track is about 44 kms but don’t panic, there is a great section that’s about 2 kms in length and highlights the best part of the hike. Drive over to Dry Ridge Estate and join the trail, continuing all the way to Bowtells Swing Bridge. This suspension bridge is a stunning feature of the walk that helps travellers cross the Coxs River when the water runs high. Taking into consideration walking time, taking some snaps and enjoying a packed feed on side of the bridge you need about 4 hours for the journey.

Hargraves Lookout

There are hundreds of lookouts all over the Blue Mountains so it’s hard to know which ones to visit and which to save for a hopeful next time. One I would recommend which I received a recommendation for is Hargraves Lookout. This special place is a 10-minute drive from Blackheath and will be keeping you for a few hours.  There are a few fenced off areas to lookout from but make sure you make your way down the open area (be careful) and experience the lookout from a whole different angle. I’ve also been told on a clear night you can see millions of stars when you look over! A small shelter has been built where you can sit down for a small BBQ using a rustic coal plate so make sure you bring some supplies (as you can read I am always thinking about a food friendly option). 

Perry's Lookdown

In a world of incredible lookouts, it feels like the lookdowns are being quite neglected. Perry’s Lookdown is a hidden gem in the Blue Mountains that shows off everything that is incredible about this place. It’s a spot where only your eyes can really capture the beauty of it all but it’s worth getting the camera out. If you’re feeling a bit daring you can camp next to the lookout for the night and anticipate the incredible sunrise I was told about when there.

Hanging Rock

It’s all in the name really. Hanging Rock is a cliff edge off Baltzer Lookout in the Blue Mountains that looks like it can snap at any moment and fall into the pits of the forest below it. That may sound a bit scary but there is quite an incredible view from and around it. It takes you about 3 hours to do the full walk there and back, with some of it being unfenced and a bit tricky, though very much worth it. The pictures don’t do it justice!

Nikolina is a media obsessed 23-year-old who works in all areas of radio. She produces the Sydney Breakfast show Mike E and Emma, hosts her own Drive Program and is one half of the duo that is Adam and Nikolina for iHeartRadio. In the small amount of spare time she has she loves nothing more than devouring a good cheese board, having a few cranberry vodkas with friends and binge-watching Jane the Virgin. Follow her adventures on Instagram @nikolinak or via her website.

The views, opinions and positions expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and are meant as travel inspiration only. They do not reflect the opinions of Cover-More Insurance. You should always read the PDS available from your travel insurance provider to understand the limits, exclusions and conditions of your policy and to ensure any activities you undertake are covered by your policy.