G + I spent the last few days of our Christmas and New Years break in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains at the lovely hotel and spa, Lilianfels. Apparently I was last there 27 years ago but it was all new to me. I wondered why they were called the Blue Mountains and that was answered when we arrived on a beautiful sunny summer day to see the amazing blue haze that colours all the mountains. Very pretty. G took many amazing photos which I can only mirror with my non-DSLR compact Canon point-and-click :)
If you head out from Sydney, the drive takes only 90 minutes and consists of one long 90km stretch that runs under spaghetti junction (the M7), through Penrith and then right up to the sleepy hamlets of Leura and Katoomba.
On the drive up, we stopped in Leura for iced chai frappe and flower pot scones. Yes, the scones are cooked in cute little flower pots and served with homemade jam and cream. The shop that served these was called WayzGoose and is worth the visit. They did forget our order for a berry tart so don't feel the need to tip them.
On the first day in Katoomba, we took the 2 minute walk from our hotel to The Three Sisters lookout and took a lot of photos. It's a beautiful scene and one that you should take the chance to see at least once. There are many reasons to visit again but be sure to see The Three Sisters on your first visit. They'll call you back again.
The rest of our trip was spent relaxing around the hotel. There was a fancy schmancy meal at Darley's, which I will blog about soon. Stay tuned for why I think they should lose a hat.
I'd certainly visit Lilianfels again. Like their big sister hotel The Observatory, it is a classy hotel that makes you feel very at home and relaxed. With the spa and the food, you don't even need to go out and do the touristy things. Stay in and order the wagyu burger.
