The Greatest Blue Mountains Pub Crawl

This may not be your usual Blue Mountains trail, but it should definitely be on your bucket list.

The Blue Mountains in NSW is the gift that just keeps on giving, with a range of trails on offer for a variety of different interests. Whether you’re keen to increase your heart rate on one of the region’s epic hikes or read your way through the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail, there’s something for everyone.

But if neither of those is particularly up your alley, fear not – there’s another self-guided path that may just pique your interest. It may not officially be a recognised trail, but a Blue Mountains pub crawl is worthy of a weekend away in this picturesque slice of paradise.

1. Brew Mountains Brewery, Valley Heights

You’ll have to head a little ways up the mountain to start, but you’ll begin with a bang at Brew Mountains Brewery in Valley Heights. It may be nestled in an unassuming industrial area off the main road, but this microbrewery is not one to miss.

Lovers of craft beer will be spoilt for choice, with a rotating roster of unorthodox brews packed with flavour on tap. There’s your classic pale ale, but also more experimental brews like the grapefruit IPA. If you’re not a fan of beer, don’t fear. Brew Mountains makes its own cider, hard lemonade and ginger beer. Local wines are also available.

If you opt to sit inside, try to nab the comfy armchairs in the corner. Otherwise, the milk crates outside are perfect for a makeshift roundtable of mates. You can fuel up for your crawl up the mountain at the food truck; there’s one parked up outside on weekends.

Brew Mountains Brewery in Valley Height, Blue Mountains

The ever-rotating taps at Brew Mountains pour delicious ales. (Image: Time Out)

2. The Oriental Hotel, Springwood

A five-minute drive up the road and you’ll be at The Oriental Hotel. Known among locals as ‘The Ori’, this classic pub is a favourite among residents and visitors of Springwood alike.

Established in 1878, the pub has lived through multiple acquisitions, even serving as a government shelter for orphans during World War II. Embracing its historic charm, many of its Victorian details remain, from the hipped-slated roof and rendered chimneys to its pressed metal ceiling and ornate balconies.

Despite its age, The Ori serves up contemporary pub vibes and is the perfect spot for a beverage. There are 16 ever-changing beers on tap, plus a range of wines, ciders, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks on offer.

3. The Henry Hotel, Lawson

Your next stop is in the sweet town of Lawson at The Henry Hotel, another historic Blue Mountains pub. Just looking at the place will take you back in time; even more so when you walk through its doors.

The pub was originally built in 1845 and situated on 100 acres of land. These days, its perimeter is much smaller, but The Henry still maintains its traditions. Think good company, delicious food, friendly staff and cold beer.

If you’re making a weekend out of it, The Henry is also a top spot to crash. Upstairs, well-appointed rooms combine classic hotel charm with a refurbished freshness. Come for a couple of cold ones, stay for the cosy accommodation.

4. Grand View Hotel, Wentworth Falls

Next up, head into Wentworth Falls to check out the Grand View Hotel. It may not necessarily live up to its name, but it’s still a great pit stop on your Blue Mountains pub crawl.

The hotel is home to a great beer garden dotted with shrubbery, large umbrellas and ample seating options. If it’s a little too dreary outside, the restored interior exudes historic charm and is the perfect setting for a pub lunch by the fireplace.

The Grand View Hotel is located along the Great Western Highway, the main thoroughfare through the Blue Mountains. Pull in for a pint before you continue up the hill to your next stop.

5. The Bunker, Leura

Only a five-minute drive up the road (sans traffic) and you’ll be in one of the cutest towns in the Blue Mountains. Of course, we’re talking about Leura. With its boutique shops, great lookouts and cosy accommodation options, you may want to linger a little longer.

Settle in at The Bunker for a tipple or two. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Bunker is on your right as you enter Leura, just before the main street begins. Hidden among a cluster of tall pines and a sprawling garden, it’s easy to lose track of time here. Enjoy a tipple or two with views across town and undulating mountains in the distance.

Known among locals as one of the cosiest cafes in town, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re keen for a bite to eat. And if you’re after an unforgettable experience, book the Dining Dome, a private bubble-like structure with 360-degree views.

Book the Dining Dome for a one-of-a-kind experience.

6. Polar Bear of Leura

You’ll find the Polar Bear of Leura in Leura Mall on the main road in town. Nestled inside an unassuming brick building, this speakeasy-style bar is like stepping into another dimension.

Its rustic chic interior exudes charm, emitting local New York bar vibes with a cocktail list to match. Sip on a fruity and sweet Tony’s Strawberry Rose or try its namesake The Polar Bear for an explosion of flavours. Trust us, the list goes on…

There’s also an extensive list of Australian wines and craft beers to suit all tastebuds. Fancy a snack? The Mediterranean-inspired menu features everything from kavurma starters to lamb shish plates.

The interior of the cosy bar is artfully designed.

7. Mountain Culture Beer Co., Katoomba

Considered the jewel of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba is rife with bars and pubs perfect for a pub crawl. Yet only one brewery has staked its claim in town, and it’s become a stalwart both locally and nationally.

Mountain Culture Beer Co in Katoomba, Blue Mountains

The brewery is popular among locals and tourists alike. (Image: Destination NSW)

Since opening its doors in late 2019, Mountain Culture Beer Co. has steadily risen in popularity. These days, the craft brewery is packed out most weekends. Don’t let this deter you though; you’re sure to find a seat outside, on the main floor or up on the mezzanine.

With a fervent rotation of delicious craft beers, hopheads will have a heyday here. Sample oat cream IPAs, Aussie lagers or the Status Quo NEPA, voted Australia’s #1 beer in GABS Hottest 100 two years in a row. Hot tip: the fried pickles are a must.

It’s all about good beer at Mountain Culture. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Station Bar, Katoomba

Walk a couple minutes down the road and you’ll stumble into Station Bar. This kooky, cool bar is a great spot to hang, with road signs, band posters and spirit bottles lining the walls.

The place is always pumping, especially on weekends. Get amongst it with plenty of craft beers on tap, as well as extensive cocktail and wine lists. There’s also local live music on Saturday nights.

Come for the cocktails, stay for the woodfired pizza. It’s known across town as some of the best slices in the mountains, all named after local towns. The Glenbrook and Lawson are crowd pleasers.

Station Bar in Katoomba, Blue Mountains, NSW

Station Bar is known for its great drinks menu and delicious wood-fired pizza.

9. The Bootlegger Bar, Katoomba

Living up to its motto – low and slow – The Bootlegger is just across the road from Station Bar. Although, it offers up quite a different vibe. The old-fashioned interior conjures up feelings of nostalgia, warmth and relaxation.

Bootlegger Bar in Katoomba, Blue Mountains

You’ll feel warmly welcomed as soon as you enter Bootlegger.

Divvied up between two cosy floors, the smokehouse-cross-bar takes inspiration from Southern barbecue and Cajan cuisines. This results in a mouth-watering menu that should be savoured over a few hours.

The drinks menu is also worthy of your time, with premium wines, an abundance of spirits, vibrant cocktails and a variety of local and classic tap beers. Don’t be surprised if you lose track of time at Bootlegger, it’s just the way here.

Come for the good drinks, stay for the cosy vibes. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. Champagne Charlie’s, Katoomba

Situated in the heart of Katoomba, old-world glamour seemingly seeps from the walls at The Carrington, home to Champagne Charlie’s. Known as the oldest cocktail bar in town, it’s named after Lord Carrington, a notorious ‘Champagne Charlie’ (a man noted for living a life of luxury and excess).

Settle into a grand armchair near the fireplace and choose wisely from the drinks menu. Although it’s subject to seasonal changes, guests can always expect well-crafted cocktails, local craft beer and an extensive range of wines.

The elegant hotel dates back to 1883 and still maintains its historic allure to this day. If you’re looking for somewhere to rest your head, it’s also one of the best places to stay in Katoomba.

The Carrington in Katoomba, Blue Mountains

The Carrington exudes old-world charm from the outside in. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Dryridge Estate, Megalong Valley

Oenophiles, this one’s for you. Although the Blue Mountains is home to many amazing pubs and bars, dip down into the Megalong Valley and you’ll find Dryridge Estate. It is the perfect place to see the Blue Mountains from a different perspective.

The views from Dryridge are unmatched.

Veer off the Great Western Highway onto Megalong Road and you’ll eventually arrive at the winery, sitting pretty among rolling vineyards and green hills. Sit outside and you’ll be rewarded with views of sandstone escarpments that turn golden in the sunlight.

The wines produced at Dryridge Estate are especially unique thanks to the pink granite soil of the region. The best way to go about things here is the wine-tasting experience, just $15 per person for seven wine samples. Trust us, add the cheeseboard too.

The winery is known for its impeccably crafted wines.

12. Hydro Majestic, Medlow Bath

Back up on the mountain ridge, your next stop is the stunning Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath. Home to three restaurants/bars, you could hop around this stunning hotel all day long. Plus, it offers some of the best views the Blue Mountains has to offer.

Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath, Blue Mountains

You’ll be swept away by the views from the Hydro. (Image: Destination NSW)

Make your choice depending on the vibe you’re after. The Wintergarden is known for its high tea and gourmet dinner menu. The Boiler House is a separate space, offering a more laidback experience. Then there’s Salon du Thé, with its oriental design and chic furnishings.

Whether you want to check out all three or simply settle in to one, how you spend your time here is completely up to you. Either way, you’re guaranteed a good drink and a great view.

The Boiler House at Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath, Blue Mountains

The Boiler House is great for a casual meal. (Image: Destination NSW)

13. Side B Vinyl Bar, Blackheath

Nestled by Blackheath’s more traditional Gardner’s Inn, you’ll find the cool and calm Side B Vinyl Bar. And although they’re right next door to each other, the two drinking dens are worlds apart.

Side B Vinyl Bar in Blackheath, Blue Mountains

The cocktails at Side B Vinyl Bar go down a treat.

Record store by day, cocktail bar by night, Side B is truly the place to be in Blackheath. With its dim lighting, wooden accents and plush red lounges, you’ll enter a whole new world just by walking through the front door.

Spend the afternoon browsing through vinyl then settle in for a cocktail, beer or wine come evening. You’ll be whisked away by the bar’s warm buzz, which mixes perfectly with indistinct chatter and local live music.

Soak in the ambience of dim lights and smooth tunes.

14. Frankie & Mo’s, Blackheath

Unfortunately, you’ve reached your final stop on this epic Blue Mountains pub crawl. But, lucky for you, it’s ending with an absolute bang. Just off the main road and nestled into a row of residential homes, you’ll find Frankie and Mo’s.

Frankie & Mo's in Blackheath, Blue Mountains

Choose from a well-curated range of delicious local wine.

The triple threat – combining a restaurant, natural wine bar and bottle shop into one – is sure to delight. The cosy drinking den is warm and welcoming, specialising in organic, ethically farmed natural wine. The best part? If you find a bottle you love, you can take it home with you.

Time your trip to align with Frankie & Mo’s opening hours so you don’t miss out. The cellar door is open on weekends; the kitchen and bottle shop Thursday through Sunday, with hours varying. Want to extend your trip? Book into one of Blackheath’s stunning retreats to really get the lay of the land.

Settle in for an evening of cosy vibes, good wine and great company.

Memories of a childhood in Japan were the inspiration behind Aqua Ignis, a new Blue Mountains bathhouse.

A new revolutionary bathhouse in the Blue Mountains is redefining wellness by drawing on ancient bathing traditions from around the world. Aqua Ignis co-founder Taku Hjelgaard says it was the experience of visiting an onsen near his grandparents’ home in Osaka that first inspired this contemporary take on a bathhouse.

“I remember riding on a bike around the narrow winding streets of Osaka, immersing myself in these giant baths and then lying on my back in the tatami room feeling relaxed and rejuvenated,” says Taku, who was born in Japan, but raised in the UK and Australia.

“I would ride home with the wind in my hair at night through these beautiful Japanese streets. These memories are etched in my mind and ultimately inspired the creation of Aqua Ignis,” says Taku.

the front of Aqua Ignis bathhouse, Blue Mountains

Aqua Ignis is the newest bathhouse to open in the Blue Mountains.

The name Aqua Ignis draws from the Latin: Aqua (water), which represents the bath and steam room elements; and Ignis (fire), which represents the sauna. Taku says the two words capture the core experience of visiting the Blackheath bathhouse.

“It’s that interplay between hot and cold, water and heat. One of the things I really love about Japanese bathhouses is that it’s therapy for both the mind and the body. It’s engaging in a hot and cold treatment, soaking up the magnesium, and then having a really restorative rest in our beautiful spaces,” says Taku, who also works part-time as a counsellor.

Taku’s brother-in-law, Korean-German architect Siki Im was behind the transformation of the old Art Deco property that houses Aqua Ignis. Taku’s business partner, carpenter Lee Nias, was also involved in the transformation of the heritage structure. The building was reimagined as a ‘room within a room’ concept that allows for fluid transitions between spaces.

inside Aqua Ignis bathhouse, Blue Mountains

Not only does the bathhouse feature onsen-like baths, but it also has steam rooms and saunas.

Taku says Aqua Ignis also nods to Turkish hammams with its herbal-infused steam rooms.

“My business partner Lee’s heritage is a real mix. He’s part Chinese, part Indian, part Irish, part English. Our architect is Korean but lives in Germany. And my heritage is Japanese so it makes sense that we blend a lot of different global traditions together,” he says.

Both Lee and Taku grew up in the Blue Mountains and say Aqua Ignis is a way of giving back to the community. Taku says the ultimate goal is for visitors to experience a uniquely Australian form of wellness. “It’s wellness that respects diverse cultural practices while creating something entirely new,” Taku says.

“We are eternally grateful to the Blue Mountains, the people, the landscape, the trees, the water that has shaped us. Our way of giving back to community is by creating this bathhouse, which reflects the country’s rich, complex cultural landscape,” he says.

Taku says he and Lee have been consulting with a local Gundungurra woman to incorporate Indigenous Australian elements through a eucalyptus cleansing ceremony.

the sauna at Aqua Ignis bathhouse, Blue Mountains

The hot rock sauna is a nod to the European tradition.

Aqua Ignis has a hot rock sauna, herbal steam room, magnesium mineral bath, cold plunge and rest areas. Together, Taku says the treatments provide visitors with a space to reset.

You can find Aqua Ignis at 239 Great Western Highway, Blackheath, NSW

Stretch your legs on one of these hikes in the Blue Mountains. Next, enjoy a restorative session at Aqua Ignis, followed by a stay at one of these cosy Blue Mountains cabins?

The greatest Blue Mountains pub crawl