It only takes one trip to the Blue Mountains to understand its appeal. Home to many picturesque villages and towns where towering mountains and lively streets meet, the region is packed with natural wonders, waterfalls, and ancient places that provide much-needed respite from the fast pace of city life. Plus, the convenience of its location makes it all the more alluring for Sydneysiders. Among its most popular above-sea-level getaways is the lovely town of Blackheath — a combination of stunning lookouts, quaint cafes, boutique-lined streets, surrounding walking trails, and ample mountain views. Here is everything you need to see, eat, and do on a weekend rendezvous to Blackheath.
Blackheath, Blue Mountains
A lively hub of outdoor and cultural activities, Blackheath presents an ideal getaway, within easy reach of Sydney. The tourist town punches above its weight when it comes to eclectic outdoor offerings with some of the very best of the Blue Mountains region on its doorstep. Visitors can stroll its tree-lined streets and enjoy the local shopping and dining scene or traverse its walking trails, hikes, and outdoor offerings. Here’s how to make the most of the area.
1. Walk the Grand Canyon Track
The 6km Grand Canyon Track is one of the most popular walking trails in all of Australia and for good reason. The route is filled with hidden waterfalls, a picturesque rainforest setting, native flora, and wonderful views. Start your walk at the brilliant Evans Lookout with vistas of Grose Valley and beyond and continue on the beautifully lush trail.
Other can’t-miss points of interest in the area include the dramatic Burramoko Ridge or Hanging Rock trail which is about a 10km return track, or the 1.8km Walls Cave Track for a shorter albeit equally lovely route. The spectacular Grand Cliff Top Walk starts on the main street of Blackheath and winds past some of the best lookouts, waterfalls, and quaint villages in the Blue Mountains. You can walk this route in shorter sections for a few hours or tackle the complete 19km track to enjoy its full splendour.
2. Visit the Victory Theatre Antique Centre
Lovers of antiques, vintage goods, and collectibles are spoilt for choice in Blackheath’s Victory Theatre Antique Centre. This giant shopping spot can be found in a 1915 Art Deco double-storeyed picture palace and is one of the major highlights in the area with items from the 19th and 20th centuries on offer. Around 50 dealers set up shop across two floors with goods on sale ranging from vintage and retro clothing, art and posters, jewellery, timepieces, and much more. It’s one of the largest antique centres in the Blue Mountains, so you’ll be hard-pressed to not find something unique to take home.
3. Head to the Blue Mountains National Park
The Blackheath area of the expansive Blue Mountains National Park has all the necessary characteristics and features for the nature lover like some of the most photogenic spots in the area including famous lookouts such as Govetts Leap, Wentworth Falls, and Evans Lookout. This part of the national park also includes the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre where you can get all the local advice you need on nearby walking tracks, Aboriginal heritage, local flora and fauna, and much more. Get more information here.
4. Discover the charming local cafes and bakeries
If your idea of the perfect trip is to people-watch in a quiet cafe, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Blackheath. Stop by Victory Café in the foyer of the same 1915 building as the Victory Theatre Antique Centre and enjoy a cup of coffee and brunch or while away the hours at the famous Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, a meandering 15-minute drive from Blackheath, through a rainforest. Nestled amidst the sandstone escarpment of the Blue Mountains, the charming spot dishes out hearty country fare including scones, apple pie, toasties, and more in a lovely bush setting.
Other popular cafes and restaurants in the area include Bakehouse on Wentworth which serves excellent coffee, This Little Piggy Deli for organic teas, sandwiches, and home-cooked meals, and Ates Mediterranean Restaurant & Wine Bar for a more upscale experience.
5. Check out the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens
The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens are one of the Blue Mountains’ most popular with a striking display of exotic rhododendrons, azaleas, maples and deciduous trees, and more. Spring and autumn are peak seasons to enjoy the colours but the gardens are beautiful (and open) all year round. The popular Lodge Rhodo Tea Room on site is also open for a few weeks in October and November and serves some of the best “Aussie Cream Teas” in the Blue Mountains. Read more about the garden here.
Blackheath is also famous for the Annual Rhododendron Festival that takes place in November transforming the streets with markets, entertainment, music and more.
6. Shop at the local market
The Blackheath Growers Market which takes place on the second Sunday of each month offers some of the best regional food and produce from the area. Fill your bags with a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, local wines, honey, plants, and baked goods in a lively market atmosphere. The markets take place from 8am to noon and around 60 vendors and producers set up shop.
The best time to visit Blackheath
Blackheath is a popular year-round destination offering distinct seasons and pleasant climates so when you visit depends on your personal preference. With an altitude of 1,065 metres, it is the highest town in the Blue Mountains so winter is a great time to visit if you want to discover the stunning walking and biking trails. The town is also ablaze with colour during autumn and spring blooms from September to November. Read more about Blackheath and find overnight stays here.
Getting there
Blackheath is a short 1.5-hour drive from Sydney and just a 15-minute drive from Katoomba, so you can explore both towns on the same day if you’re short on time. It’s also easily accessible via public transport with direct trains available from Central Station to Blackheath Station. This would take you around 2 hours.