Retreat to the mountains: 10 stays in Blackheath and surrounds

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From covetable cabins to contemporary hotels, you’ll find the mountain retreat of your long weekend dreams in Blackheath.

Blackheath is the artful heartbeat of the Blue Mountains. Hemmed by spectacular World-Heritage wilderness, where hikes criss-cross bushland and heart-swelling vistas routinely gob-smack visitors, the eclectic town isn’t short on creativity. Here and in the surrounding towns, you’ll find sleek eateries, curated boutiques and galleries, and chic places to stay. From bohemian abodes to design-led cabins and polished hotels, Blackheath accommodation is as surprising as it is diverse.

1. Kyah Boutique Hotel

Best for: Grown-up escapes in ambient elegance.

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With three wings, each named after one of the Three Sisters, there’s ample space to exhale in refined style at Kyah. Guests are spread out across 46 rooms and suites , and when they’re not exploring the doorstop wilderness of the national park, they may dine at the applauded onsite restaurant and bar, Blaq, enjoy a hot tub and sauna, or have a hit of tennis within the grounds.

the bedroom at Kyah Boutique Hotel, Blackheath
The chic Kyah Boutique Hotel is accented with pastels and earthy tones. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

With a backstory that includes the revitalisation of a worn-out former motel, Kyah has invigorated both the building and Blackheath with design-led luxury.

a close-up of the bed at Kyah Boutique Hotel, Blackheath
The former 1970s motel is now an ultra-chic Palm Springs-inspired hotel. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

2. Parklands Country Gardens

Best for: Garden enthusiasts and quiet stays.

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Twenty-eight acres of meticulously maintained gardens imbues this sprawling country estate with a European grandeur, thanks to the property’s founder, John Pope, a 1900s-era department store mogul with a deep appreciation for greenery.

the Parklands Country Gardens in Blackheath
Be surrounded by lush greenery at Parklands Country Gardens.

These days, Parklands  welcomes guests with loft rooms and garden suites, and a beautiful day spa. While there’s no restaurant onsite, you can enjoy bed and breakfast packages.

the living room with a fireplace at Parklands Country Gardens in Blackheath
Get cosy by the fireplace at Parklands Country Gardens.

3. Bubbletent Australia, Capertree Valley

Best for: Romance under a night sky.

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If the idea of you and your significant other, sweeping dramatic views and no one else around sounds ideal, but you’re not exactly one for camping, then this unique stay less than an hour from Blackheath is going to be your thing.

overlooking Capertee Valley at Bubbletent Australia
Marvel at the panoramic views of Capertee Valley. (Image: Mayumi Iwasaki)

Poised for magnificent scenes across the Capertree Valley, the three bubbletents , Leo, Virgo and Cancer, are luxe, transparent abodes complete with floating beds, flushing toilets and outdoor, woodfired bathtubs.

a woman relaxing in a bathtub overlooking Capertee Valley at Bubbletent Australia
An outdoor tub with a view is the holy grail of remote accommodation experiences. (Image: Destination NSW)

Watch the sun slip below the valley in a fiery finally before the moon ascends and you peep at those luminous constellations through the telescope provided.

a couple relaxing at Bubbletent Australia at night
Sleep under the stars at Bubbletent Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Turon Gates Eco Retreat

Best for: Going bush with mates or kids.

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A little under an hour from Blackheath, this Capertree Valley stay  provides a stylishly rustic hideout from everyday life. Here, you can take up residence in a self-contained log cabin, glamping tent or campsite and tune into the frequency of bush life complete with birdsong and cicadas.

the Turon Gates Eco Retreat in Capertree Valley
Hear the birds sing from your self-contained log cabin.

It’s all about chilled vibes, but if you feel particularly energetic, you can also try fishing, horse riding or commandeering a canoe to explore the river.

the Eagles Nest accommodation at Turon Gates Eco Retreat, Capertree Valley
Turon Gates Eco Retreat is completely off-grid.

5. Wollemi Love Cabins, Bilpin and Mt Tomah

Best for: Anyone up for a left-of-centre stay or keen for Lord of the Rings role play.

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Full of wood-carved quirk, this collection of cabins  set in two locations (both under an hour from Blackheath), are fantastical and fabulous. From the almost-bonkers Enchanted Cave to the canopy-perched Treehouse, the vast Wollemi House and the intriguing Dream Cabin complete with a secret doorway leading to a hidden room, these out-there abodes are not for those who seek extreme minimalism, but with the bush on show as the undisputed star, anyone can appreciate these tributes to the natural surroundings. 

6. Wondernest

Best for: Mini-breaking design boffins and sophisticated escapes.

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Tucked into the mountain village, this Blackheath abode  is acutely stylish and infinitely pinable to your mood board. With dark exteriors beautifully contrasted with frosted foliage come winter, this timber cottage is a serene, white-and-wood study in contemporary cabin living.

the Wondernest cabin in Blackheath
Opt for a contemporary cabin stay at Wondernest.

The two-bedroom chalet has a fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor deck with garden and bush views, Instagrammable window box, and fireplace, not to mention oodles of design cred.

a look inside Wondernest accommodation with windows and balcony
Capture the views from this humble abode.

7. Casa Mia, Blackheath

Best for: Small, outdoorsy families
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Cosy times prevail at this two-bedroom wood cabin  in Blackheath. Contemporary and luxe with a mountain sensibility, this light-filled stay is kept warm in winter with a wood-burning fire and double-glazing on the generously proportioned windows. With a well-appointed kitchen, barbecue and laundry, there’s everything you need to settle into a bush-fringed way of life.

sunlight reflecting through the windows at Casa Mia, Blackheath
Check into the bright and airy Casa Mia.

8. The Machinery Shed at Logan Brae Orchards

Best for: Romantic interludes.
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This farm stay  planted in a working apple orchard brings a New York loft-style to a vast former shed. Sleek kitchen, picturesque outdoor bath, floor-to-almost-ceiling windows and a hard-working fireplace that roars into action to warm the open-plan space, all make this chic barn difficult to leave. Bewitching views of the beautiful Kanimbla Escarpment double down on the need to book a return stay immediately.

the exterior of The Machinery Shed at Logan Brae Orchards
The Machinery Shed is set on the grounds of a 100-year-old working apple orchard.

9. Mt Kanimbla Wilderness Experience

Best for: The one-bedroom cabins are honeymoon-perfect, while the four-bedroom Lodge suits sophisticated gatherings away and special events.
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Views from inside Hilltop Cabin Kanimbla near Blackheath
It doesn’t get more bush-luxe than this.

Just half an hour from Blackheath village is a trio of stays with eyes to Mount Kanimbla. The Lodge, the Hilltop Cabin and the Woodland Cabin  are all soothingly contemporary with Australian-accented mountain style.

View from the bath at Hilltop cabin at Logan Brae
Picture yourself in the stone bath at Hilltop Cabin.

With each escape featuring its own mineral plunge pool and wood-burning fireplace, these bush-luxe lodgings are magical year-round.

the pool with a sun lounger and scenic views in the background at The Lodge, Blackheath
Relax on a sun lounger at The Lodge.

10. Little Black Cabin

Best for: Incredible views in a design-led cabin.

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Your ultimate cabin goals are realised at this architecturally stunning 120-year-old cottage  with captivating views of the Megalong Valley and Escarpment. Bushwalks and Blackheath’s hub are only steps away, but you’ll feel entirely and happily untethered from regular life in this tranquil setting.

the Little Black Cabin surrounded by trees in Blackheath
The 120-year-old Little Black Cabin offers a serene spot to stay.

Vast windows to perch in, high-quality and textural tones and finishes, and a tender nod to the buildings heritage make this cabin an award-winning and covetable stay.

a woman sitting by the window at the Little Black Cabin, Blackheath
Take in the breathtaking vistas at Little Black Cabin.
Find more incredible stays read our guide to Blue Mountains accommodation.
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Shellharbour Marina
Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven
Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog
Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Cicada Luxury Camping
Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.