This charming town in the Blue Mountains is home to a magical bath house – and one of the most famous hikes in Australia

Time Out

17 hours ago

Standing majestically beneath an ethereal blue haze to the west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains region is one the most beloved daytrip destinations and weekender options for Sydneysiders, and for very good reason. Within the stunning prehistoric valleys, you'll find magical swimming holes and spectacular hikes, and in the towns that punctuate the region you'll find perfect pubs, adorable cafes and a good handful of day spas where you can warm your bones post-hike.If you've only got one day to spend in the Blue Mountains, we'd recommend spending it in Blackheath. This charming, creative town has it all: vintage stores, cosy bars, a sprawling country pub, a magical bath house, a few excellent eateries and easy access to a heap of the area's best hikes (including the Grand Canyon Walk – one of the most famous hiking trails in the whole of Australia).
Where is Blackheath?
On the very edge of the Jamison Valley, Blackheath sits 115 kilometres west of Sydney, bordering the stunning Blue Mountains National Park. At 1,065 metres above sea level, it's one of the highest towns in the Blue Mountains.
How do you get to Blackheath?
The drive from Sydney takes around one and a half hours – an easy drive along the Great Western Highway, passing through some of the area's other popular towns. No car? No problem. Travelling by train is just as easy – jump on the Blue Mountains Line at Central and you'll arrive at Blackheath Station in 2 hours, 13 minutes.
Where can you do in Blackheath?
Within the town centre, you'll find vintage shops packed with treasures (including the huge Victory Theatre Antique Centre), a funky vinyl bar (Side B) and not one but two outposts of Glebe Books (one stocking new releases, and one dedicated to second-hand reads). Just off the main street, you'll also find a gorgeous Japanese-inspired bathhouse housed within a heritage-listed 100-year-old building.
The key appeal of the region is, of course, the mountains themselves – and Blackheath offers easy access to some of the very best hikes in the area. Make your way to Evans Head Lookout, then take the historic, heritage-listed Grand Canyon Walking Track through the breathtaking fern-filled canyon, passing over fairytale creeks and under vast sandstone walls. There are plenty of other amazing walks in the area, but if you're looking for a reliably spectacular hike, this one is your best bet – though don't expect to have it to yourselves. Want to see the sights without the walk? A 20 minute drive from the centre of town, you'll find Scenic World – the famous mountains activity hub, home to the steepest railway in the world and a cable car suspended across the valley.
Best café in Blackheath?
Located in the arcade just off the main street, Hounslow is known as the town's best café. The coffee here is consistently good, and the breakfasts (options range from edamame fritters to a stacked bacon and egg roll) are hearty enough to set you up for a big day of hiking. If the sun is shining and you're just looking for a coffee and a sweet treat, we'd suggest heading to 71 Evans Lookout Road. Here, you'll find the Blue Mountains outpost of Carriageworks Farmers Market fave Altitude Coffee Roasters – an adorable coffee cart parked in a suburban garden offering on-point flat whites and yummy baked goods (opening hours vary, so check their Instagram to make sure you can get your fix).
Where are the best places to eat in Blackheath?
For such a small place, Blackheath packs a punch when it comes to excellent dining options. In the heart of town, you'll find Ates – which has earned a place among the best restaurants in the Blue Mountains for its produce-driven, Mediterranean-inspired share plates and woodfired approach. Across the road, you'll find Frankie and Mo's: a warm, buzzy, delightfully unpretentious natural wine bar. Within the buttercup-yellow dining room, you'll be poured delicious, low-intervention drops from local winemakers (including the owners themselves, father-and-son duo Tom and Bob Colman) and presented with a blackboard menu that changes daily based on what's in season. Their Chefs in Residence program sees them working with talented new chefs every month, so you'll have the joy of trying something different every time you visit. Just outside of town, Blaq is another brilliant option, with two celebrated Mexican chefs at the helm.
Best places to stay in Blackheath
If you're visiting with a big group, your best bet is to browse the Airbnb options in the area – some of our favourite options include this mountaintop lodge and this luxe romantic cabin.
On one of the main roads into town, you'll find Kyah: a converted motel that's now home to 46 carefully renovated rooms, plus a hot tub, tennis court and an excellent on-site restaurant (Blaq, as mentioned above).
For a truly magical stay, book a night or two at Chalets at Blackheath: a beyond-beautiful boutique hotel comprising four standalone cabins (plus a gorgeous, light-flooded communal library) hiding in the bush. A stay here doesn't come cheap, but it's so worth it if you've got the money to play with.
These are the best glamping sites in NSW.