What do you get when you bring two legends together - in this case Santa Claus and the magical Blue Mountains? You get a festival with its roots in one country and its branches in another.
Up at the 1000-metre mark, they say it all began with the Irish when a band of nostalgic visitors found in the Blue Mountains the sort of crisp, clear winter climate that reminded them of Ireland.
One chilly night in 1980, they were relaxing at the Mountain Heritage Country House Retreat at Katoomba in front of the hospitably roaring log fires. Understandably their thoughts to home. Host and owner Garry Crockett, listened as they remembered the snowy Christmases at home. It's not the same here, they all agreed.
Crockett, Irish by heritage himself, decided there was no reason why an Australian Christmas could not be snowy. He decided to re-create a winter Christmas atmosphere at Mountain Heritage.
Assuring his other guests this was no 'Irish joke' he sourced a Christmas tree and decorations (no easy feat mid-year) and prepared a feast of traditional foods. Of course it was such a success that it caught the interest of other places. soon becoming a mountain tradition.
Now known as Yulefest it warms the hearts of visitors to the Blue Mountains in the winter months of June, July and August. While the Mountain Heritage has just celebrated its 21st anniversary of that first Yulefest, many other places now also follow suit, and Santa, mulled wine, Christmas pudding and carol singing are part of the Mountains' annual calendar. And it makes sense. After all, this time spans the winter solstice in this hemisphere, just as Christmas in December does in the northern.
Because of the mountain chill, most activities take place indoors, and often at your own accommodation as who wants to stagger home through the frost and snow after a hearty 'Christmas' dinner? Package prices usually include at least the one big Yule meal, others keep you full and happy for your entire stay.
Accommodation suits all styles and budgets, although the Blue Mountains have become known for quality guesthouses in great locations. Lilianfels, an Orient-Express Hotel, Katoomba, and Peppers Fairmont Resort in Leura, are two premier hotels. Other places participating in Yulefest include Felton Woods Manor, just 300 metres from the renowned Jamison Valley and Three Sisters, Gardner's Inn in the heart of the Blackheath village, and Hotel Imperial (circa 1878) at Mount Victoria, and winner of the coveted AHA Award for Best Country Tourist Hotel. Of course the Hydro Majestic Hotel after its recent multi-million dollar facelift is always popular, and further away historic Jenolan Caves House makes a good base for visitors who want to explore the caves.
Other places include Leura House, the Mercure Resort, set on 4.5 acres of old English gardens, Norwood Guest House at Blackheath, The Carrington, also magnificently restored, The Comet Inn at Hartley Vale and central to Mount Victoria, Lithgow and Mount Wilson, The Manor House in Mount Victoria, and the old world charm of The Metropole Guesthouse in Katoomba
At Kubba Roonga Guest House at Blackheath, during the months of June, July and August, Yulefest on Saturday evenings, the two-night accommodation package includes the special Yulefest four-course dinner, a visit from Santa, carols and mulled wine by the log fires. There is even a very good chance of getting to participate in a good old-fashioned snow-ball fight ! Groups of up to 30 are the specialty here, although couples and families are also welcome.
The Hotel Imperial has seen a lot of Christmases, and quite a few Yulefests since it began in 1878. Here the merrymaking is along the lines of the northern medieval revels, including a hot English Christmas-style dinner and entertainment tinged with a distinctly Australian and Blue Mountains flavour.
The Hotel Imperial's Yulefest Package includes a three-course Saturday night dinner in the famous Leadlight Restaurant accompanied by mulled wine and hors d'oeuvres. There's a show and singalong, a visit from Santa, and then time to dance the night away in the Old Vic Ballroom. Full Australian country breakfasts get you back to reality on Saturday and Sunday.
Summer or winter, the Blue Mountains have something for everyone, but Yulefest offers the gift of a truly wintry Christmas.
Spend a night at one of the Peppers' properties and enjoy a complimentary breakfast when you book with your NRMA Member Card. Find out more...
Bromlea B would be my choice of accommodation in the mountains. Close to great restaurants without being in the heart of Katoomba.
Paula, North Avoca.
A great family event, if you choose the middle of July you're more likely to get snow fall, which will make this a truly magical White Christmas.
Brett, Tamworth.
Moments B at 86 Fletcher Street, Wentworth Falls, is a great place to stay if you're heading up to the mountains. It is right on the cliff edge and all the rooms have fantastic views. It is great if you want to do some bushwalking - there are dozens of tracks that leave from the National Parks Conservation Hut (the cafe serves great breakfasts) just next door. Ph (02) 4757 4455 or check out http://www.bluemts.com.au/moments/moments.asp.
LeeA, Bronte
4WD
