The Hydro Majestic is the Blue Mountain’s Most Iconic Stay

As far as legendary hotels go, the Hydro Majestic is one of the best known, with accommodation that blends history and glamour.

When you look up grand historic hotels in the Blue Mountains, chances are the Hydro Majestic will be high up on the list. This historic hotel has welcomed guests since 1904, initially offering weird and wonderful hydropathic treatments as the first health retreat in Australia and attracting famous guests such as Dame Nellie Melba and Sir Edmund Barton.

The following century saw it repurposed as a hospital during the war, destroyed by fire and rebuilt with buildings added, and then it fell into disrepair. The once famous Blue Mountains hotel lay dormant for a while until a multi-million-dollar refurbishment restored the glamour of its heyday, and in 2014 the Hydro Majestic reopened to much fanfare.

Aerial view of Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — The hotel is positioned in the picturesque Blue Mountains.

Location

The Hydro Majestic has one of the Blue Mountains’ best views, sitting on the edge of an escarpment in the town of Medlow Bath, a name that nods to the hotel’s history as a health and wellness resort.

The hotel affords panoramic views over the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park and Megalong Valley. Medlow Bath is located between the towns of Blackheath and Katoomba (home to the Three Sisters and Scenic World), an easy five- and 10-minute drive respectively.

an aerial view of the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — The hotel sits on the edge of an escarpment with commanding views of Megalong Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

Style and character

A stay at this historic Blue Mountains hotel will transport you to the early 20th century through a mix of architectural designs, from Victorian to Art Deco, and opulent interior styling. The Hydro Majestic was originally built in 1903 for Australia’s rich and famous, with the ornate domed ceiling of the Casino Ballroom shipped in from Chicago, gilded features and artworks collected from all over the world.

When the Hydro Majestic reopened in 2014, much of these original features had been restored by a team of heritage experts, its grand façade painted a fresh white, and its public spaces filled with velvet furniture, bespoke pendants, decorative carpets and wallpapers, and touches of gold.

the exterior view of the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains — The art deco-inspired Hydro Majestic Hotel is rich in heritage. (Image: Destination NSW)

Facilities

The Hydro Majestic features four dining and drinking venues, the Hydro Majestic Pavilion, which doubles as a history space for Hydro Majestic memorabilia and a providore that sells gourmet Blue Mountains food and wine.

The hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool, spa or other fitness facilities, however its sister hotels do – Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa and Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges, which are part of The Escarpment Group.

The Hydro Majestic reception is open from 7 am to 11 pm daily and complimentary parking is available onsite.

the Hydro Majestic Pavilion in the Blue Mountains — Explore the interactive living history on display at the Hydro Majestic Pavilion. (Image: Destination NSW)

Rooms

The Medlow Bath hotel has 67 guest rooms, all designed with a monochromatic palette, Appelles bathroom amenities, free wi-fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.

In the Belgravia Wing, accommodation ranges from the Heritage Rooms, which feature a queen bed or two singles and a walk-in or shower over bath and the cosy Heritage Valley View Rooms that have views over the Megalong Valley.

The Belgravia Rooms are larger with views of either the gardens or valley. The Belgravia Valley View Suite has a corner spa and sitting area, and The Belgravia Deluxe Room features a bay window and a separate shower.

the hotel reception at Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — Step into the elegantly refurbished Hydro Majestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

In the Hargravia Wing, there are Hargravia Valley View Rooms that have a more traditional heritage style, which continues in the Majestic Wing where an extra touch of glamour is added with chandeliers and gold trimmings.

The Majestic Valley View Rooms feature a marble bathroom, while the Majestic Valley View Suite is the largest on the property at 38 square metres and features a king bed, spa bath and separate living area.

The Delmonte Wing was the last section of the hotel to be renovated and sits adjacent to the Hydro Pavilion. The rooms in this section are styled in an Art Deco aesthetic and feature a king bed, with shower over the bath.

Food and drink

Full buffet breakfast is served in the Belgravia Lobby Lounge; also a cosy spot for an aperitif.

The light-filled Wintergarden is the Hydro Majestic’s premier restaurant. With lavish interiors and panoramic windows capturing views over the Megalong Valley, the setting can’t be beat for fine dining with a set menu of modern Australian cuisine. It’s one of the Blue Mountain’s best high teas too, with an eastern, western and children’s version served daily, with tea, cocktails or sparkling.

a couple looking out the panoramic view of Megalong Valley while enjoying high tea at Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — Take in panoramic views while enjoying a remarkable high tea experience at the light-filled Wintergarden. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Salon du The is a tearoom and bar that runs along a corridor of the hotel that was infamously once called Cat’s Alley – named for the mistresses who would linger here. It has a rich red colour scheme and oriental design, views over the valley, and serves bar snacks and beverages.

The Boiler House Restaurant is a casual dining spot, serving pizzas, pastas, fish and chips and the like. As with most of the public areas, it also boasts incredible views over the Megalong Valley.

Cat's Alley at Hydro Majestic — The tearoom and bar was formerly known as Cat’s Alley.

Experiences

The Hydro Majestic Pavilion is described as a ‘living history space’ and is where you can enjoy or take home unique food and wines from the Blue Mountains and surrounding regions.

There’s also a display of the Hydro Majestic’s fascinating history, featuring old photos and stories of the hotel, as well as memorabilia including tableware, art, furniture and even bizarre hydropathic instruments used during the early days.

the casino at Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — One of Hydro Majestic’s highlights is the ornate domed ceiling of the Casino Ballroom. (Image: Destination NSW)

There are daily history tours that run at 11 am and 3 pm from the Casino Lobby. Learn about the hotel’s history, hear about its eccentric founder Mark Foy, and see its grand rooms and spaces. The guided tour runs for 45 minutes and costs $10 per person; bookings are essential.

There are also packages available, which include touring around the Blue Mountains in a vintage car to really immerse yourself in yesteryear.

Accessibility

Accessible rooms are available in the Delmonte Wing, which has lift access. Contact the hotel to enquire about booking one of these rooms. The Wintergarden, Belgravia Lobby and Boiler House are located on the ground level and are suitable for people in a wheelchair.

Family-friendly?

The hotel is family-friendly, with children’s menus available at the restaurants, however, the rooms are very small and can only accommodate two people.

Details

Best for: A luxurious escape in the Blue Mountains

Address: 52/88 Great Western Highway, Medlow Bath NSW

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

A stay at the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains is one for the books