Retreat to the mountains: 10 Stays In Blackheath & Surrounds

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)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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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.

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

Where the vines tell a story

A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food. — Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

At the table

A flat lay of a steak. — Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

From the source

A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish. — Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

Mark your calendar

A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith. — Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.

Retreat to the mountains: 10 stays in Blackheath and surrounds

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

1. Kyah Boutique Hotel

2. Parklands Country Gardens

3. Bubbletent Australia, Capertree Valley

4. Turon Gates Eco Retreat

5. Wollemi Love Cabins, Bilpin and Mt Tomah

6. Wondernest

7. Casa Mia, Blackheath

8. The Machinery Shed at Logan Brae Orchards

9. Mt Kanimbla Wilderness Experience

10. Little Black Cabin

Find more incredible stays read our guide to Blue Mountains accommodation.

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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar

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

1. Kyah Boutique Hotel

2. Parklands Country Gardens

3. Bubbletent Australia, Capertree Valley

AI Prompt

4. Turon Gates Eco Retreat

5. Wollemi Love Cabins, Bilpin and Mt Tomah

6. Wondernest

7. Casa Mia, Blackheath

8. The Machinery Shed at Logan Brae Orchards

9. Mt Kanimbla Wilderness Experience

10. Little Black Cabin

Find more incredible stays read our guide to Blue Mountains accommodation.

14 incredible Katoomba stays to try for yourself

The cosiest Blue Mountains cabins to escape to now

Iconic Blue Mountains hotel reopens after a luxury transformation

Blue Mountains accommodation: 21 stunning places to book now

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

Where the vines tell a story

At the table

From the source

Mark your calendar