Winter in the Blue Mountains signals the start of one of its biggest attractions – Yulefest. So why go all that way to Europe for Christmas when it’s right in our backyard? For over 20 years Yulefest has rewarded visitors to the Blue Mountains with a European-style Christmas complete with Santa, gifts and, if you’re lucky, snow.
The winter mountain climate is perfect for sipping eggnog by the fire and tucking into roast turkey followed by pudding, and every year from the beginning of June until the end of August, dozens of mountain hotels, resorts and guesthouses join in the Yulefest spirit, offering traditional Christmas dinners with all the trimmings. For a selection of Yulefest packages visit Blue Mountains Wonderland or Blue Mountains Australia.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
It’s not just Yulefest that attracts people to the mountains in winter. The cooler weather makes for good bushwalking. The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area comprises 1.03 million hectares of wilderness, with many bushwalking tracks to choose from. You can stick to the cliff top walks, which are kinder on the knees and offer great views of the sandstone cliffs and sweeping valleys, or you can brave thigh-burning descents into rainforest glades and valley floors.
There are walks to suit all levels and abilities, as well as rock-climbing, caving, canyoning and mountain biking for the more intrepid. You can venture off the beaten track and not see another soul, or head to the more touristy attractions like Katoomba’s Three Sisters, where you can walk 300 metres down the 890 steps of the Giant Stairway.
The climate is perfect for sipping eggnog and tucking into roast turkey
The National Parks and Wildlife Service conducts National Parks Discovery Walks throughout the year, which include bird watching, animal viewing, sightseeing, cultural activities and more. Call 4787 8877.
At nearby Scenic World, the steepest incline railway in the world delivers you into a canyon older than Grand Canyon.
At the base you can take a 2.5km walk signposted with information on local flora and fauna. Scenic World’s glass-floored cable car takes up to 74 people on a 330-metre journey, hovering over 200 metres above the Jamison Valley.
Lovers of history and architecture can enjoy a self-guided walking tour around Leura. The tour leads you to the town’s lovingly restored 19th-century homes and landmark buildings. You can find out more in Patricia Salgado’s book Leura Blue Mountains Walking Tour & Guidebook, which also lists special attractions, recreational options and events. Available from Megalong Books in Leura, the Travel Book Store in Sydney or email pat@leurabluemountains.com.
Another must is a tour of Jenolan Caves at Oberon, one of the world’s most magnificent limestone cave systems, with nine caves open to the public and tours operating every day.
If you’re visiting on the third or fourth Saturday of the month, don’t miss the Jenolan Caves Concert Series held in the Cathedral Chamber, part of the Jenolan Caves. Music ranges from classics by Bach to Hungarian gypsy favourites. For more information call 6359 3911.
And if you can’t make it to the Blue Mountains in winter, head there in spring for the Leura Gardens Festival, where the gardens of this elegant town offer a display of spring beauty. It’s on this year from September 30–October 8.
SHOPPING
When the mountain mists roll in, rug up and chill out with a wander around weekend markets, arts and crafts shops, antique stores, museums and galleries unique to villages like Leura, Wentworth Falls, Blackheath and Mount Victoria.
The 30th Annual Springwood Art Show is on from August 4–6, 2006, and has gained a reputation as one of the most outstanding events in the Blue Mountains, with over 1000 pieces on display and for sale. For more information call 4751 2111 and ask to speak to Linda.
Train buffs will love Trains, Planes and Automobiles at Mount Victoria and the collection of trains and antique toys at Leuralla Toy and Railway Museum at Leura, while chocoholics will love Katoomba’s legendary Paragon Cafe and its soul-nourishing hot chocolate with thick cream.
NIGHT LIFE
Mountain nights are made for curling up in front of an open fire, but that’s not to say there’s no nightlife if you choose to venture outdoors. You can hear live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights at Hillcrest Restaurant in Leura; head to Katoomba and watch the latest show at The Clarendon; enjoy dinner and live music at Triselies Restaurant; or watch a blockbuster on the six-storey screen at The Edge cinema. Alternatively, drive to Mount Victoria and catch a movie at the charming Mount Vic Flicks, an old-fashioned cinema.
HOW TO GET THERE AND WHERE TO STAY
NRMA’s Travel Planner plots your route, no matter where you live, and has suggestions for things to see and do along the way. You can also book your accommodation, whether it be cosy bush cabins and cottages, friendly B&Bs, economical backpackers or upmarket resorts and hotels, some with discounts for Members.
The historic villages of Hartley and Little Hartley, 120km west of Sydney, are also worth a visit.
Here you’ll find 17 historic buildings, including Hartley Courthouse, St Bernard’s Church and Presbytery, the Farmer’s Inn, Ivy Cottage, the Shamrock Inn and the Royal Hotel, all built in the 1800s.
Stop for lunch at Hartley Valley Teahouse on the Great Western Highway, a cedar cottage with wide verandahs and a cosy interior. Next door is a gallery showing arts, crafts and a selection of eclectic teapots. There are also four alpaca studs in the area and all host farm tours.
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