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.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.