The most romantic things to do in the Blue Mountains

Lush bushland, beautiful mountains and boutique villages – the Blue Mountains region is the perfect backdrop to a romantic weekend away.

Create unforgettable memories in one of Australia’s most pristine settings, filled to the brim with romantic ideas to add to your itinerary. But if you need some inspiration, set your sights on the below.

High Tea at the historical Hydro Majestic’s Wintergarden Restaurant

Spend your afternoon gazing into each other’s eyes, yes, but also gazing at panoramic views over the Megalong Valley.

Hydro Majestic is one of Australia’s most iconic historic hotels. It’s also known for having some of the best views in the Blue Mountains. A winner on both fronts.

Get comfy in a plush chair, sip sparkling wine and indulge on finger sandwiches, fresh scones and decadent pastries – all served on a traditional triple-tiered stand. A fireplace adds warmth in autumn and winter.

And if you eat and drink yourself into a forgivable frenzy, the on-site rooms are art-deco inspired, and perfect for continuing the romance into the evening.

Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — High Tea with a view.

Walk through Everglades Gardens

Pack a picnic lunch and set your sights on a romantic walk through the Everglades Gardens .

Tucked into the iconic village of Leura, this Art Deco expanse was designed and built in the 1930s by Danish-born landscaper Paul Sorensen. Now owned by the National Trust, the 5.2 acre property is a playground of lush green slopes, tranquil pools, fragrant flowerbeds and winding pathways. For your summer trip exploring the San Juan Mountains, treat yourself to one of the best Hotels in Ouray CO to make your trip all the more memorable.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, find a hill on the edge of the Jamison Valley escarpment to perch on. Or, if you’d prefer, take a seat at the on-site tearooms – with interiors that would leave Jane Austen envious.

Set your sights on a romantic walk through the Everglades Gardens.

Spend a night at Wolgan Valley

Could we really write a list of loved-up musings and not make mention of one of the most romantic places on Earth?

Touted as one of the country’s most luxurious stays, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is set among more than 2800 private hectares of rugged and peaceful bushland cut through by the Wolgan River.

The well-appointed freestanding villas all feature a fireplace, veranda and private pool (naturally). Not to mention the pampering treatments at the One&Only Spa, wildlife safaris, nature walks and heritage tours.

If you weren’t in love when you arrived, this accommodation will have you declaring your affection for each other in no time.

One & Only Woglan Valley — Little needs to be said about the beauty of Wolgan Valley.

Catch a movie at the Mount Victoria Cinema

Ditch the blockbuster cinema experience for a more boutique, cosy one at Mount Victoria Cinema .

Built in 1934, this treasured icon is a window into the golden age of Australian country picture theatre culture. They have an eclectic array of quality films on the roster – from Australia and abroad including arthouse and children’s films, new releases and classics.

The venue and parking facilities are wheelchair accessible. The snack bar serves up an array of homemade choc tops, hot soup and more.

Blue Mountains Cinema — The golden age of cinema awaits.

Do some cider tasting

Bilpin – known as the Land of the Mountain Apple – houses a plentiful supply of quality fresh cider, all of which can be perused at your leisure.

Surrounded by World Heritage listed mountains, majestic rivers and six national parks, the fertile soil, mountain elevation and mild climate have all contributed to Bilpin’s reputation as one of Australia’s premium orchard growing regions.

Nowhere is that more prevalent than the orchards of the Bilpin Cider Co . Founded by Sean Prendergast in 2011, a trip here is a lesson in both the iconic drink, and the region’s bountiful history.

Stop at the cellar door to taste some of their varieties (including non-alcoholic!) and also take the time to roam the orchard – its home to some friendly sheep and alpaca.

Snag a bargain at a vintage shop

From Leura, to Katoomba and Blackheath, there are an array of hotspots all over the Blue Mountains to satiate your shopping fix.

The Cat’s Meow features semi-abstract artworks, craftworks, furniture and trinkets. There’s the Leura Toy Shop (a major hit with kids) and a famously antiquated Candy Store in which rows of tantalisingly transparent jars loaded with traditional candies, liquorice and chocolates generate a constant flow of giddy clientele.

Leuralla, a bright, white 19th-century mansion ringed by gardens and overlooking the Jamison Valley, is jam-packed with fabulous toys from the last century.

If you love the thrill of a vintage find, drop by the Victory Theatre Antique Centre & Café and pick up a treasure. Or perhaps rare books are more your thing? Find one at Mr Pickwick’s in Katoomba. Discover homewares at Maison Montage and fashion and footwear at Trumps (Spanish shoes? Yes please!).

For the ultimate shopping experience, head to Lyttleton Stores at Lawson. This historic collection of buildings, established in 1884, has morphed into a sustainable living nook, with organic produce grown on site as well as a range of locally sourced items, including art and pottery. They also run workshops for sustainable living, including indigo dyeing and cheese making workshops.

Take a helicopter tour

Sometimes, an aerial view is the best way to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of a landscape. With the vast size of the Blue Mountains, a scenic flight lets you cover maximum terrain in minimum time.

There are plenty of operators that will take you on your journey, veering you through the stunning plateaus, cliffs and valley landscapes, expertly dodging the eucalyptus trees. Experience the Three Sisters, Katoomba, Megalong Valley, Jamison Valley and the Warragamba Catchment in ways you would never otherwise be able to.

Blue Mountains aerial — Marvel at the mountains from above.

Find your Zen at the Japanese Bath House

No loved-up couple could resist the powers of this incredible Japanese Bath House .

Also known as ‘Sparadise’, this is the place to go when you’re looking for a bit of relaxation in the mountains. Visitors are encouraged to surrender to the beauty of nature and take in every tranquil opportunity that presents itself.

There are private and public onsens – a staple in Japanese bathing culture. You’ll also find relaxation baths, spa treatments, a private Buro and a tea room. Everything you and your SO could ever need.

Japanese Spa House Blue Mountains — Your spa experience will be unparalleled here.

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.