Retreat to the mountains: 10 stays in Blackheath and surrounds

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From covetable cabins to contemporary hotels, you’ll find the mountain retreat of your long weekend dreams in Blackheath.

Blackheath is the artful heartbeat of the Blue Mountains. Hemmed by spectacular World-Heritage wilderness, where hikes criss-cross bushland and heart-swelling vistas routinely gob-smack visitors, the eclectic town isn’t short on creativity. Here and in the surrounding towns, you’ll find sleek eateries, curated boutiques and galleries, and chic places to stay. From bohemian abodes to design-led cabins and polished hotels, Blackheath accommodation is as surprising as it is diverse.

1. Kyah Boutique Hotel

Best for: Grown-up escapes in ambient elegance.

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With three wings, each named after one of the Three Sisters, there’s ample space to exhale in refined style at Kyah. Guests are spread out across 46 rooms and suites, and when they’re not exploring the doorstop wilderness of the national park, they may dine at the applauded onsite restaurant and bar, Blaq, enjoy a hot tub and sauna, or have a hit of tennis within the grounds.

the bedroom at Kyah Boutique Hotel, Blackheath

The chic Kyah Boutique Hotel is accented with pastels and earthy tones. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

With a backstory that includes the revitalisation of a worn-out former motel, Kyah has invigorated both the building and Blackheath with design-led luxury.

a close-up of the bed at Kyah Boutique Hotel, Blackheath

The former 1970s motel is now an ultra-chic Palm Springs-inspired hotel. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

2. Parklands Country Gardens

Best for: Garden enthusiasts and quiet stays.

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Twenty-eight acres of meticulously maintained gardens imbues this sprawling country estate with a European grandeur, thanks to the property’s founder, John Pope, a 1900s-era department store mogul with a deep appreciation for greenery.

the Parklands Country Gardens in Blackheath

Be surrounded by lush greenery at Parklands Country Gardens.

These days, Parklands welcomes guests with loft rooms and garden suites, and a beautiful day spa. While there’s no restaurant onsite, you can enjoy bed and breakfast packages.

the living room with a fireplace at Parklands Country Gardens in Blackheath

Get cosy by the fireplace at Parklands Country Gardens.

3. Bubbletent Australia, Capertree Valley

Best for: Romance under a night sky.

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If the idea of you and your significant other, sweeping dramatic views and no one else around sounds ideal, but you’re not exactly one for camping, then this unique stay less than an hour from Blackheath is going to be your thing.

overlooking Capertee Valley at Bubbletent Australia

Marvel at the panoramic views of Capertee Valley. (Image: Mayumi Iwasaki)

Poised for magnificent scenes across the Capertree Valley, the three bubbletents, Leo, Virgo and Cancer, are luxe, transparent abodes complete with floating beds, flushing toilets and outdoor, woodfired bathtubs.

a woman relaxing in a bathtub overlooking Capertee Valley at Bubbletent Australia

An outdoor tub with a view is the holy grail of remote accommodation experiences. (Image: Destination NSW)

Watch the sun slip below the valley in a fiery finally before the moon ascends and you peep at those luminous constellations through the telescope provided.

a couple relaxing at Bubbletent Australia at night

Sleep under the stars at Bubbletent Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Turon Gates Eco Retreat

Best for: Going bush with mates or kids.

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A little under an hour from Blackheath, this Capertree Valley stay provides a stylishly rustic hideout from everyday life. Here, you can take up residence in a self-contained log cabin, glamping tent or campsite and tune into the frequency of bush life complete with birdsong and cicadas.

the Turon Gates Eco Retreat in Capertree Valley

Hear the birds sing from your self-contained log cabin.

It’s all about chilled vibes, but if you feel particularly energetic, you can also try fishing, horse riding or commandeering a canoe to explore the river.

the Eagles Nest accommodation at Turon Gates Eco Retreat, Capertree Valley

Turon Gates Eco Retreat is completely off-grid.

5. Wollemi Love Cabins, Bilpin and Mt Tomah

Best for: Anyone up for a left-of-centre stay or keen for Lord of the Rings role play.

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Full of wood-carved quirk, this collection of cabins set in two locations (both under an hour from Blackheath), are fantastical and fabulous. From the almost-bonkers Enchanted Cave to the canopy-perched Treehouse, the vast Wollemi House and the intriguing Dream Cabin complete with a secret doorway leading to a hidden room, these out-there abodes are not for those who seek extreme minimalism, but with the bush on show as the undisputed star, anyone can appreciate these tributes to the natural surroundings. 

6. Wondernest

Best for: Mini-breaking design boffins and sophisticated escapes.

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Tucked into the mountain village, this Blackheath abode is acutely stylish and infinitely pinable to your mood board. With dark exteriors beautifully contrasted with frosted foliage come winter, this timber cottage is a serene, white-and-wood study in contemporary cabin living.

the Wondernest cabin in Blackheath

Opt for a contemporary cabin stay at Wondernest.

The two-bedroom chalet has a fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor deck with garden and bush views, Instagrammable window box, and fireplace, not to mention oodles of design cred.

a look inside Wondernest accommodation with windows and balcony

Capture the views from this humble abode.

7. Casa Mia, Blackheath

Best for: Small, outdoorsy families
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Cosy times prevail at this two-bedroom wood cabin in Blackheath. Contemporary and luxe with a mountain sensibility, this light-filled stay is kept warm in winter with a wood-burning fire and double-glazing on the generously proportioned windows. With a well-appointed kitchen, barbecue and laundry, there’s everything you need to settle into a bush-fringed way of life.

sunlight reflecting through the windows at Casa Mia, Blackheath

Check into the bright and airy Casa Mia.

8. The Machinery Shed at Logan Brae Orchards

Best for: Romantic interludes.
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This farm stay planted in a working apple orchard brings a New York loft-style to a vast former shed. Sleek kitchen, picturesque outdoor bath, floor-to-almost-ceiling windows and a hard-working fireplace that roars into action to warm the open-plan space, all make this chic barn difficult to leave. Bewitching views of the beautiful Kanimbla Escarpment double down on the need to book a return stay immediately.

the exterior of The Machinery Shed at Logan Brae Orchards

The Machinery Shed is set on the grounds of a 100-year-old working apple orchard.

9. Mt Kanimbla Wilderness Experience

Best for: The one-bedroom cabins are honeymoon-perfect, while the four-bedroom Lodge suits sophisticated gatherings away and special events.
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Views from inside Hilltop Cabin Kanimbla near Blackheath

It doesn’t get more bush-luxe than this.

Just half an hour from Blackheath village is a trio of stays with eyes to Mount Kanimbla. The Lodge, the Hilltop Cabin and the Woodland Cabin are all soothingly contemporary with Australian-accented mountain style.

View from the bath at Hilltop cabin at Logan Brae

Picture yourself in the stone bath at Hilltop Cabin.

With each escape featuring its own mineral plunge pool and wood-burning fireplace, these bush-luxe lodgings are magical year-round.

the pool with a sun lounger and scenic views in the background at The Lodge, Blackheath

Relax on a sun lounger at The Lodge.

10. Little Black Cabin

Best for: Incredible views in a design-led cabin.

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Your ultimate cabin goals are realised at this architecturally stunning 120-year-old cottage with captivating views of the Megalong Valley and Escarpment. Bushwalks and Blackheath’s hub are only steps away, but you’ll feel entirely and happily untethered from regular life in this tranquil setting.

the Little Black Cabin surrounded by trees in Blackheath

The 120-year-old Little Black Cabin offers a serene spot to stay.

Vast windows to perch in, high-quality and textural tones and finishes, and a tender nod to the buildings heritage make this cabin an award-winning and covetable stay.

a woman sitting by the window at the Little Black Cabin, Blackheath

Take in the breathtaking vistas at Little Black Cabin.

Find more incredible stays read our guide to Blue Mountains accommodation.
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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The sprawling Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains has it all

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For the ultimate family-friendly accommodation in the Blue Mountains or a getaway with friends, the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains can’t be beat.

When travelling with kids, there are often a few more checkboxes to your accommodation search. The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains ticks all those with its epic offering of family-friendly facilities, from an indoor playground to an ice-skating rink to a treetop adventure course.

But it’s not just the kids who have the fun: there’s also a hip underground whiskey bar and fine dining, a golf course and a day spa, and the pretty village of Leura just a short drive away. You could say that the Fairmont Blue Mountains is a people-pleaser with all you need at your fingertips, making it the ideal place to stay with a group of friends too.

the lake at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains in autumn

The resort is adjacent to a serene lake. (Image: James Horan; Destination NSW)

Location

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is nestled in the quaint village of Leura, high up on a ridge overlooking the Jamison Valley, in the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Leura is regarded as the prettiest town in the Blue Mountains, with its leafy town centre, heritage buildings and charming cafes and boutique stores.

an aerial view looking over the Fairmont Resort in Leura and across the Jamison Valley

The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains sits atop a ridge with views overlooking Jamison Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

The town is also home to Leura Cascades and Sublime Point, a lookout with panoramic views over the blue-hazed landscape. Neighbouring suburb Katoomba, the main hub of the Blue Mountains, is an eight-minute drive away. Here you’ll find the famous Three Sisters rock formations and Scenic World, where you can take a ride on the world’s steepest passenger railway to the valley floor.

sunrise over the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, Katoomba

Catch incredible sunrise views over the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Style and character

Part of the M Gallery Hotel Collection, Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is a sprawling resort that has a cosy mountain chalet feel from the moment you enter the lobby. Think high ceilings with exposed beams, warm timber floors, red plaid rugs, alpine stone features and a fireplace, with floor-to-ceiling glass framing the mountains in the distance.

The decor and styling in the public spaces and guest rooms (a mix of black leather lounges, striped fabric lounges, heavy red curtains and beige carpet) may be a little dated, however it’s comfortable and well-kept.

a look inside the lobby at Fairmont Resort in Leura

The lobby evokes a cosy mountain chalet feel. (Image: Destination NSW)

Facilities

The Fairmont is a fully serviced resort that caters to travellers of all kinds, but it really stands out as an excellent family-friendly resort. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a basketball court, an indoor kids’ zone of soft play equipment and arcade games, an outdoor hedge maze, miniature train rides, a treetops adventure park with a climbing course and an ice-skating rink.

an outdoor pool with sun loungers at Fairmont Resort in Leura

The indoor and outdoor pools are great family-friendly additions to the resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

Phew! After all the fun with the kids, there’s a day spa to unwind. Leura Golf Club is also located on-site and features an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse. There are seven other restaurants and bar on the property, too, so there are plenty of choices to explore during your stay.

Reception is open 24 hours, there is free parking on-site and electric car charging stations, and there’s also a boutique shop where you can pick up everyday items, gifts and souvenirs.

Rooms

There are 224 rooms at the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, boasting views over the Jamison Valley or the resort’s beautiful gardens.

Accommodation includes Standard Rooms, which feature a king or twin beds, Superior Rooms which feature a king or two queen beds, and a Courtyard Room with a king or two singles and an enclosed courtyard on the ground floor overlooking the gardens. The more spacious Deluxe Balcony Rooms have high chalet ceilings and a balcony. There is also a Deluxe Spa Room with a corner spa in the bathroom.

an aerial view of the Jamison Valley from Fairmont Resort in Leura

The rooms feature breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

Families can choose the Family Suite, which comprises interconnecting rooms – a king bedroom and a twin room (sleeps four). Other suites offer more space, such as the Junior Suite, which has an open-plan lounge room with a balcony (sleeps two), a Luxury Suite, which has a lounge room and dining area (sleeps two), and a Deluxe Suite with one or two bedrooms and a marble fireplace (sleeps up to four). The Deluxe Grand Suite also has a fireplace and features two balconies (sleeps two).

The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is a pet-friendly resort too. The Pet Rooms are on the ground floor and feature an enclosed courtyard for your furry friend to stretch their legs.

Food and Drink

Jamison’s Restaurant is where buffet breakfast is served alongside an outlook of the sprawling valley and sandstone escarpments in the distance. Bi-fold windows can be opened to allow a fresh breeze in the warmer months. High tea is also served in this space daily, with kids options available.

Embers Grill is located just off the lobby and has soaring windows for captivating valley views. The intimate restaurant keeps cosy during the winter months with a fireplace and serves a steakhouse menu for lunch and dinner.

dining at Eucalypt Restaurant inside Fairmont Resort in Leura

Enjoy fine dining at Eucalypt Restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another dining venue with – you guessed it – unbeatable views is No.1 Sublime Point. This fine dining restaurant offers a five-course degustation with matching wines, inspired by seasonal produce.

Contemporary Italian cuisine is served in Azzurro Trattoria, which has a casual atmosphere and a kids’ menu for the little diners. Think family favourites such as pizza and pasta.

the Embers Restaurant inside Fairmont Resort in Leura

Dine at Embers for captivating valley views. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sublime Lounge is adjacent to the lobby and is a cosy spot for a coffee and cake or a cocktail. It has a fireplace and is open all day. While down in the basement, Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern is filled with leather chesterfields and velvet chairs and vintage curios. You can come for a drink or stay for dinner, with late night live music from Thursday to Sunday.

Leura Golf Club also features a bistro that’s open for lunch and dinner. The whole family will love the pub-style menu of burgers, steaks, salads and the like. There’s a kids menu too.

guests dining at Eucalypt Restaurant inside the Fairmont Resort & Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains

The elegant Eucalypt Restaurant delivers meals and views to remember. (Image: Destination NSW)

Experiences

The resort features Ubika Day Spa and salon, which has a range of wellness experiences for some R&R, such as massage, facials, pedicures and more.

The Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink is also located at the resort. You can book regular ice-skating sessions here or time your visit with special events such as disco nights and ice-skating shows.

a woman getting a spa treatment at Ubika Day Spa

Pamper yourself at Ubika Day Spa. (Image: Destination NSW)

As well as the ample family-friendly facilities – such as the kids’ zone, miniature train rides and treetops adventure park – the resort holds a school holiday program. The schedule is packed with fun activities such as magic shows, face painting, kids’ golf clinics and pony rides.

The resort also offers accommodation packages including a Wellness Package with day spa treatments and a Stay and Play golf package.

a morning yoga session at Fairmont Resort & Spa, Leura in the Blue Mountains

Join a morning yoga session. (Image: Destination NSW)

Accessibility

The Fairmont has accessible rooms available for guests with disabilities, located on lower ground or accessed via a lift. Guests will need to contact the resort directly to book these room types. They feature a walk-in shower with handrail. All restaurants and bars are accessible.

Family-friendly?

The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is the most family-friendly resort in the area, with a roster of fun activities and facilities for young and old alike, as well as room types to accommodate up to four guests.

Details

Best for: Family friendly accommodation with the views to match

Address: 1 Sublime Point Road, Leura NSW