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Blue Mountains: 12 Sights to Discover by Bike
There's a wealth of iconic spots waiting to be explored on a Blue Mountains e-bike adventure.
Here's a rundown of 12 must-see destinations in the upper and central hub of the Blue Mountains, perfect for discovering at your own pace.
1. Cahills Lookout
Cahills Lookout, with its stunning views of the Megalong Valley and the cliffs of Narrow Neck. Watch for rock climbers on Boars Head, where modern Australian rock climbing was pioneered a century ago.
Views into the Megalong Valley from North's Lookout above Nellies Glen | Linda Murden
2. Chase Waterfalls
Katoomba Falls, Leura Cascades, Gordon Falls, Minnehaha Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Wentworth Falls, Empress Falls – water helped carve out the Blue Mountains over millions of years and this place is famed for the waterfalls that gush from the escarpment. Some of these falls are also home to one of the world’s rarest plants – the dwarf mountain pine.
Spectacular Empress Falls in the Blue Mountains | David Hill
3. The Gully
From the 1890s through to the 1950s, The Gully was an Aboriginal community on the outskirts of Katoomba. Today, it is a peaceful and spiritual place with great signage to help you understand more about the Indigenous people of the Blue Mountains.
4. Scenic World
What’s not to love about the world’s steepest railway (52 degrees!) at Scenic World in Katoomba? This breathtaking adventure also lets you explore the mining history of the Blue Mountains as the railway was first built in the 1880s to haul coal and oil shale from the Jamison Valley.
5. Echo Point
Echo Point is the place to take in the majesty of the Jamison Valley, Mount Solitary, the cliffs of Kings Tableland and those towers of sandstone, the Three Sisters.
Cycling in the Blue Mountains | Tim Charody
6. Exotic Gardens
The Blue Mountains are famous for their cold-climate gardens that put on stunning displays of colour in spring and autumn. The heritage-listed Everglades in Leura and Blackheath Rhododendron Garden are favourites.
7. Art Galleries & Centres
The Blue Mountains are blessed to be home to many artists and art galleries that display their work. Lost Bear, Gallery 188 and Falls Gallery are favourites. And don’t miss the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre in Katoomba, which boasts art exhibitions, a library, a café, stunning views, great gifts and a permanent exhibition showcasing the Blue Mountains’ World Heritage values.
8. Short Hikes
Don’t be afraid to lock up your bike and take a short bushwalk. I recommend the Prince Henry Cliff Walk between Leura and Katoomba, Govetts Leap to the Braeside Walk in Blackheath. In my home village of Wentworth Falls, I love the Charles Darwin Walk, the Overcliff/Undercliff Track and the Valley of the Waters Track.
The view of the spectacular Grose Valley from Govetts Leap | Greg Lees
9. Foods & Restaurants
There are plenty of great food and drink options in Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath. Try Mountain Culture for craft beers, Station Bar for pizzas, Basil Nut for modern Asian, Leura Deli for brekkie and gelato, Hominy and Black Cockatoo for bread, the Alexandra Hotel, Family Hotel and Ivanhoe Hotel for pub grub, Champagne Charlie’s in the Carrington Hotel for cocktails, Bakehouse on Wentworth and Bakery Patisserie Schwarz for cakes and pies, Laughing Elephant for bahn mi, Altitude Deli for killer sandwiches of all sorts. Locals are eagerly awaiting the reopening of famed Greek café the Paragon for its chocolates and milkshakes.
10. Where to make a splash
If it’s hot, a swim in Wentworth Falls Lake, Katoomba Pool or Blackheath Pool is a great way to cool down. If it’s cold, Blue Mountains Sauna in Leura is a real treat.
11. Local Parks
Local parks are also a delight to visit to picnic, daydream or read a book. Try Myoori Park in Wentworth Falls, Lone Pine Memorial and Peace Park in Leura, Kingsford Smith Park in Katoomba and Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park.
12. Carrington Hotel
Much of the tourism development in the upper Blue Mountains took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s and some wonderful architecture remains a legacy of this time. A must-see is the Carrington Hotel, built on the main street of Katoomba in 1882. Another bonus gem is the streetscape of Leura Mall.
Ready to pedal your way around the Blue Mountains? Check out the Blue Mountains Cycle.
Words by Dan Lewis
