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Best places to stay in the Blue Mountains

There are eight connected national parks which make up the Blue Mountains region, but most of the best places to stay in the Blue Mountains are around Katoomba and the Jamison Valley, in the Blue Mountains National Park.

Blue MountainsImage by Hans Braxmeier from P

There’s a hazy, blue magic to many views of the Blue Mountains, but it’s not just your imagination and the morning sunlight, there really is something in the air: a fine mist mixed with eucalyptus oil. Most views also include plenty of breathtakingly sheer drops into lush valleys and random wedges of sandstone positioned like precarious islands above the rainforest canopy below.

The Blue Mountains are only just inland from Sydney, a comfortably short drive or train ride away, and within the commuting belt for some. But if you don’t stay overnight you’ll miss the most magical views, those of the region at sunset and sunrise.

Spicers Sangoma Retreat

As well as admiring the views from the numerous lookouts - Echo Point being the most famous, there’s also plenty of exploring to be done here, and as well as entering the deep, cool valleys there are some spectacular caves to ‘discover’. The Blue Mountains also boasts a Skyway gondola, with a glass floor, and the Scenic railway, which is supposed to be the world’s steepest railway, inching down a 52 degree incline. There are also several Aboriginal Cultural Centres and a number of art galleries - this is where the celebrated Australian artist Norman Lindsay lived.

Katoomba is the largest town in the mountains, and it’s quite a charmer, with an Art Deco main street and plenty of nice places to eat. The Blue Mountains is a popular spot for a romantic escape for Sydney-siders. Our pick of the best places to stay in the Blue Mountains are perfect for a luxury break with outstanding views and all will suit keen foodies too.

Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains

For jaw-dropping views

Lilianfels

  • Lilianfels in in Katoomba, in the heart of the Blue Mountains National Park. The whole hotel looks like a welcoming homestead, with 85 light and airy rooms with fantastic views across the Jamison Valley. There’s an indoor pool, and outdoor pool and a spa and tennis courts, and there’s an award winning restaurant.

For a luxury retreat

Wlogan Valley Resort and Spa

  • Spicers Sangoma Retreat is a much smaller property, with only five luxurious suites, and an ecological bent. Each suite has a private plunge pool, a huge Philipe Stark bathtub for two and a private terrace. There’s also seasonal food served.
  • Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa is set amid 7000 acres of conservation and wildlife reserve. Interiors are stunning, plus there's a spa for pampering and much much more. A back to nature delight for those with deep pockets!

For foodies

Echoes Boutique Resort

  • An in between option is the 12 room Echoes Boutique Resort, a luxury hotel which also overlooks the Jamison Valley. There’s a spa, pool, sauna and an award winning restaurant.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in the Blue Mountains for you? Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in the Blue Mountains, expand your search to include all our New South Wales recommendations or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa New South Wales from £808

    Back to Nature
    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
    Restaurant  -  Australian cuisine featuring locally sourced, seasonal and organic (where possible) ingredients.
    Secluded setting  -  Set in Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area between two national parks
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Mr & Mrs Smith

    Set in the Blue Mountains on a conservation and wildlife reserve of over 7000 acres, Wolgan Valley Resort takes extravagance to the next level. Accommodation in private villas each boasting a swimming pool, courtyard garden and panoramic views. Perfect for a luxury, back to nature escape. See More

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  • Spicers Sangoma Retreat New South Wales 5 rooms from £311

    Views  -  Stunning views - on a clear day you can see the Sydney skyline!
    Back to Nature
    Swimming Pool  -  Infinity edge, private plunge pools in some suites
    Outstanding location  -  Set high up in the Blue Mountains
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews

    High in the Blue Mountains, this eco retreat offers five luxurious suites with private plunge pools, terraces & stunning views. Chic interiors with dark wood feature walls & huge Philipe Stark bathtubs for two. Food is seasonal, local and organic. An idyllyic spot for total rejuvenation. See More

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  • Lilianfels New South Wales 85 rooms from £107

    Spa  -  Lilianfels day spa offers a wide range of pampering treatments
    Views  -  Situated on edge of Jamison Valley
    Restaurant  -  Award winning Darleys restaurant
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor and outdoor
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Situated in the heart of the Blue Mountains National Park. Rooms are large and light, with fantastic views across Jamison Valley. With a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts & award winning restaurant this hotel combines country style and luxury and offers plenty for the whole family. See More

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  • Echoes Boutique Resort New South Wales 12 rooms from £335

    Views  -  Breathtaking views over Jamison Valley
    Foodies  -  Award winning restaurant
    Sights nearby  -  Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens - Mt Tomah, Waradah Aboriginal Centre, Jenolan Caves
    Tennis  -  Floodlit courts
    TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Fodors, Kiwi Collection

    Situated in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, this luxury hotel offers spectacular rooms with views out to the Jamison Valley. A gym, sauna, pool and spa make for a relaxing stay. An ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Tuesday, 27th July 2021