Y Travel’s Blue Mountains luxe escape
They say winter is a time for comfort and home. A slow, steady, unsurprising season that assists the process of change.
It’s no wonder we all hibernate and grizzle and eagerly await spring so we can be reborn again into a life filled with new hope and wonders.
Spring uplifts your soul, just like a good getaway with those you love. There’s no better place than to renew yourself than in the mountains where the air is fresh, the scenery stunning, and the food and wine world-class.
I contemplate this sitting on my verandah at the Echoes Boutique Resort with my husband, Craig. The golden sandstone escarpments and rainforest covered valleys of the Blue Mountains stretched out before me and I had no desire to be anywhere else.
It reminds me of the Grand Canyon, one is covered with a lush forest, while the other, its rock faces and ravines are laid bare. Both are places willing to share their secrets, if you just take the time to sit and absorb.
To understand its soul you have to go down. The Blue Mountains has a depth greater than the infamous Three Sisters. We snapped our I was here photo and then went down, 900 steps into the valley below into a forested fern bower.
We explored an emerald wonderland that belonged to us and the ancient trees. Towering sassafras and coachwood trees blocked off the sunlight and the ferns can stretched across the forest floor. They whispered their stories and we heard every enchanting word. (BTW they did not warn us about the “challenging” walk back up—not for the unfit or those with small kids.)
Now my calves hurt as rested with the view in the fresh air before dinner.
I don’t think I’ve ever stayed in a more beautiful place. Echoes is an intimate boutique hotel offering a more personal style of service and relaxation. It’s best complemented with a long, leisurely breakfast in the restaurant with panoramic views.We later chatted with our cab driver how beautiful it was.
“Yes, and you know you can get good deals to stay there on lastminute.com.au.”
We both laughed. “Actually we are staying there this weekend with lastminute. It’s awesome to hear you say that.”
Dave told us about the ‘Blue Mountains Chocolate Cafe’ on Lurline St (around the corner from Echos), where to find the best beer (Carrington Hotel) and the rave reviews Nineteen23, the degustation restaurant he was driving us to, had been getting.
Nineteen23 is located in the grand dining room of the 1920’s country house ‘Silvermere’ in Wentworth Falls.
It offers five and seven course ‘chef’s tasting’ menus featuring seasonal and locally sourced produce. Each course is paired with wines from the Blue Mountains and nearby central western region. The average price is $85 per person.
Each course is a shared plate and the servings are small, but with seven courses you don’t want them too big.
I had the opportunity to use my MasterChef judging skills and wrote the following on my menu.
Soupe du jour – The pea and garlic flavour warming to the insides. Matches the view at Echoes.
Arrow Field estate Riesling – Don’t usually like Riesling, but this one nails it.
Salad of beetroot, goats curd, candied walnuts and basil – Love the bursts of basil and walnut with the sweetness of the beetroot.
Seared scallops on vanilla bean risotto, wasabi flying fish roe – Scallops cooked perfectly. Melted in mouth, with a beautiful sweetness from creamy risotto.
Hapuka fillet, potato rosti, asparagus and micro herbs – The perfect salt combination with the fish. OMG love that rosti.
Deconstructed lemon citrus tart, lemon curd, almond pastry, blood orange sorbet, meringue – Refreshingly sweet with a burst of lemon. Palate cleansing. Tastes like an orange Sunny Boy.
Cools lot late harvest chardonnay from Orange – Perfect with the cheese and homemade lavosh.
Step aside Matt Preston. A degustation menu is not something we do a lot, but for a special occasion like a spring getaway, it’s a wonderful way to spend the evening.
The Blue Mountains has so much to offer, especially being so close to Sydney. I wanted to stay longer than two days. It was my first time to the Blue Mountains, which seems to shock others more than myself. The Three Sisters didn’t seem special enough.
When I arrived I discovered it wasn’t, but there are a million other special reasons why you should visit the Blue Mountains. There are waterfalls and rainforests, a wide variety of bushwalking tracks, and stunning views you share with no one else if you wander a little further to the left or right.
There is relaxation, adventure and rejuvenation, unbelievably good local produce, world class cafes, cosy pubs, and restaurants. It’s a foodie’s paradise.
At our Blue Mountains Regional Sampler long lunch at the Ambermere Rose Inn, we learned about, and tasted, how good the produce from this region (and other regional NSW spots) is.
Apple cider from nearby Bilpin, Pale Ale from Orange, wines from Mudgee, creamy cheese from the local goat farm, quince paste, homemade dukkah, and the most delicious olives to rival those found in the Mediterranean.
Craig devoured a hearty rabbit pie for the first time. It’s the signature dish of Ambermere along with Pheasant with pine nut and juniper berry. After years of hearing about it on MasterChef I finally tried celeriac mash, with roasted salmon. YUM!
Even though our stomachs were pushing way beyond their legal limits, we wiggled a little more room in for dessert.
Flourless Chocolate and Hazelnut cake for me and a pear and almond tart for Craig. The only thing rivalling that slice of heaven for my attention was the gorgeous country setting of the inn. The sun was beaming down, and we ate with views of the Blue Mountain escarpments and the Hartley Valley.
Ambermere was originally a Cobb & Co staging post from 1845- 1873. The current owners restored and re-opened the Georgian sandstone property in 2010 with the vision to offer a contemporary version of what was once historically on offer through their unique food and wine experience.
It was only a short getaway for Craig and I, but a deserving and enjoyable one.
We often forget to take time out to appreciate the beauty of nature and good food and wine with those we love. We often focus our travels on big city life or coastal getaways, forgetting to turn inward and experience the rejuvenation the simplicity a regional retreat can offer.
The spirit of the mountains has given me the power to continue with the new spring version of me and make my life more meaningful.
By the ocean, amazing hinterland and a cruisy hippy vibe. Take me away to the chilled out beats of ByronBay.
I’d go to Terrigal for a beachfront spa experience! Haven’t been there in years, would love hubby to see the place I once loved so much.
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I’d love to escape to Merimbula as it reminds me of childhood family holidays. I’d love to see how reality differs from my memories.
After reading this it would be the Blue Mountains! Take the girlfriend on the road in a luxe sports car (rental!) and enjoy the local produce with a bottle (or 4) of wine. Ah-mazing.
I’d have to say the same place – the Blue Mountains. It just looks so refreshing with those stunning mountains and waterfalls. I can almost smell the fresh air just looking at those pictures!
Fingal Bay, A beautiful corner of the world tucked away, bike riding, kids playing in the sand, fish n chips for dinner. Just perfect!
Those photos are sensational, so I’d say to that waterfall in the Blue Mountains! Stunning scenery, good food and great company – perfect!
I have great childhood memories of Yamba. I would love to go back ( 25 years later) with my family. I hope it is as relaxing as I remember it!
I would love to send my parents to Hunter Valley for a memorable getaway.
They have worked hard over the years and now are full time grandparents.
They have devoted all their time to family and never time for themselves.
Hunter would be a beautiful and peaceful escape for them to relax and not think about home, family and daily chores.
I have been contemplating to go either Hunter Valley where I have never been & relax & enjoy the winery, or Blue Mountains and have some fun hopefully if there is still snow.
Huskisson its close to my kids in Nowra so we could do beach and family at the same time.
Eden, because my boyfriend (now husband) and I stayed there once and I’d love to go back and relive those memories with our children.
Somewhere on the NSW coast because once we saw a humongous jellyfish on the beach and the kids want to find another one!
Yamba, back to my youth – My odometer is ticking over too Fast and Furious for my liking.
Narooma, picture perfect, heaven on earth. Such a relaxed place, catering to all the water activities I adore.
Tamworth, Ive always dreamed of going to the Country and Western Festival and always hope my dream will come true
Blue Mountains – I want to sit in a spa overlooking the mountains and enjoying the fresh crisp air!
I’d relax in Byron Bay,
Where even the whales play,
A last minute break,
Does this lady happy make!
coffs harbour, my two favourite things are beaches and bananas.
I adore Byron Bay, so much to offer for rest and play, But I would adore, having time in the Blue Mountains to really discover and explore
We’re booked into a 5 star mystery hotel in Adelaide for a Spring weekend. Rundle Mall shops, the wineries and ease of transport. Can’t wait!
Sydney’s northern beaches for father’s day. Just far enough to escape, but close enough to avoid a long drive with a toddler and a baby. 🙂
The snowy moutains, where The man from Snowy river was filmed can’t get more Australian then that. Would love to see them.
MOVED FROM NSW TO QLD 16 YEARS AGO AND HAVEN’T BEEN BACK SO ANYWHERE IN NSW WOULD BE THE PERFECT R&R BREAK!!
Kiama. A coastal town that has stayed blissfully unique. No high rise, a quaint historic shopping precinct, fishing fleet, blow hole, beautiful hinterland and more!
Coffs Harbour – I think it would be great to travel there with our toddler as there’s so much to see and do! It’s also a lot warmer than Sydney this time of year!
My perfect place to wine down is a weekend at the Hunter Valley vineyards where I have time to stop and smell the rosè!
I have never been lucky enough to visit NSW but after reading the above blog, I now soooo want to visit the Blue Mountains, it looks amazing 🙂
I’ve never had the pleasure of staying in the breathtaking Blue Mountains! I’d love to take my Kiwi husband to experience this Aussie gem!
My first anniversary is coming up! Would love to share the Aussie experience of the breathtaking Blue Mountains with my Kiwi husband! Relaxation and romance!
Sorry about the double comment! I was getting a ‘duplicate comment’ error message so I changed my post and then saw that my original had popped up ‘awaiting moderation’! I don’t mind which entry is accepted! Very glad I stumbled upon your blog, great stuf!
Thanks, Natalie
Holiday for hubby and I.
Healthy lifestyle, clear blue sky!
Luxurious retreat, a bit of fun.
Enjoying a wine under the Hunter Valley sun.
Coffs Coast at Valla, because it truly is a complete mind, body and soul R&R! It’s beyond amazing, and everything magical!
Racecourse beach on the south coast is the ultimate destination to relax and unwind.Nestled in amongst the trees on the waters edge you can sip a chardy on the balcony,watch the kangaroos play on the beach and the dolphins surf out behind them.heaven
Watching the kangaroos play and the dolphins surf while sipping a chardy on the waters edge amonst the trees down at racecourse beach.Just heaven.
I’d love to visit Jindabyne, it sounds like such an interesting place to see.
Tamworth, Merriwa, Quirindi, the towns where my husbands childhood memories grew, I’ve heard the names so many times, we’ve shared forty years and I like him to show me the bit that I missed out on !
Coffs Harbour in winter for fishing and swimming but come summer give me the mountains the Three Sisters and Katoomba scenic restful fun great walks and friendly
There is a secret waterfall in Akuna Bay, just north of Turramurra. My ideal break would be to sneak into the national park at night with our camping gear, fish for our dinner, go for a dip under the waterfall and camp overnight.
😀
Bega – I’ve been there several times and I’d love to take my two little ones as they’ve not seen any Australian state other than Victoria yet and the oldest is now 6 years old! It’s very disgraceful because they’ve been overseas but just nowhere in Australia other than our home state!
Blue Mountains Because it is nostalgic lots of people including me had their honey moon there and its beauty has not changed
The Hunter Valley is on our “bucket list” A relaxing weekend of wines, cheeses and lovely walks is the perfect getaway.
I would really love to spend time in the Blue Mountains, leave all phones, computers and ipods at home, just enjoy the sounds of nature and the beauty that is around me.
I would have to say the Blue Mountains every time the blue haze, the amazing days gives me such a blaze!
I’d like to visit the Ophir Reserve in the Orange Area because I’d like to try Fossicking and Gold Panning
The majestic, romantic and tranquil Blue Mountains, last visited 15 years ago on honeymoon, time for a last minute anniversary wish methinks!
Chillaxing in the picturesque countryside of Tilba Tilba. A place that truly rejuvenates and replenishes a stressed soul and mind.
I haven’t been to the Blue Mountains in so long and would so love to go back! The pics you took brought back so many memories.
I’d fill my short break full of hot air with a balloon ride over the Hunter and a sumptuous breakfast at Peterson’s Champagne House! Ahh-Mazing!!!
There are just sooo many beautiful places to visit up and down the coast, so it wouldn’t matter where I went as long as I could take my wonderful husband with me and we were are able to enjoy amazing food and wine and each other.
The perfect NSW spring getaway is anywhere with my husband. Berry is beautiful or Bowral, perhaps Ettalong or Kiama. But I’m dying to get away to Byron Bay.
I’ve long heard about Byron Bay from friends and family over the years, it sounds just like my kinda place! I’d love to go eventually.
The Hunter Valley, amazing scenery, beautiful wines and scrumptious food. What more could one ask for really.
I’m a complete honey fiend, so Mudgee is a must on my bucket list.
Byron Bay. Such a chilled place and by the ocean…..what more do you need….
Broken Hill – where the outback meets the arts. Visiting all the inspirational art galleries would be amazing!
I’m inspired by The Blue Mountains and the Echoes Boutique Resort it looks like and amazing place to go to do some RNR.
Blue Mountains: to rest, rest, explore, recharge, rest, eat, drink, look, see and rest. And then rest.
Bundeena, it’s so secluded, serene & beautiful. I’d hire a little cottage over looking the water take hubby, some wine and RELAX!
The Blue Mountains – away from the hustle and bustle and at one with nature.
Anywhere you cannot see (or hear) your neighbours. Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley are my favourites. Also great food!
Visiting Blue Mountains in autumn tops my bucket list. I’d explore all day, enjoying photogenic scenery galore then indulge in culinary delights. Colour me content.
I would go to Kingscliff because it’s close to Brisbane & it’s where we have lovely memories of our 2 year anniversary prior to our son being born (hint hint :)).
The Rocks in Sydney for a culturally indulgent weeknd – markets, restaurants, Sydney Theatre Company, the Opera House and the Museum of Contemporary Art all within a lesiurely stroll.
My ideal R&R break in NSW would be in Sydney – because I have relatives there who would be happy to take the kids while my husband and I truly have some time to rest and relax! Sleeping in, lazy brunches, a walk around Botanical Gardens, a massage, a stylish dinner and seeing a show at the Opera House with not a single visit to a playground or having to eat dinner at 5pm would be my ideal break!
The beautiful Hunter Valley where I would relax with my hubby with some beautiful local wine and cheese and watch the world go by
Port Stephen’s it is for me
Dolphin Watching by the sea
Paddle boarding along Shoal Bay
My perfect, relaxing holiday!
My ideal break would be in Batemans Bay – a quite area, with stunning beaches and wonderful locals. Beautiful scenery and perfect for families!
Barrington Tops – lush subtropical rainforest, crystal clear rivers, an extraordinary array of native animals and birdlife, and at night, a mesmerising sea of stars.
A fantastic getaway would have to be Hinterland NSW, the best sunrise and a room with a view for two. Giving Us Time out.
Antique shops to gastronomic delights,
Sparkling beaches & old historic sights.
Panoramic bushwalks; so hard to beat,
We just love our MOLLYMOOK retreat!!
I’d drive up the coast without a map and let the location pick me, sometimes it’s the unplanned journeys that are most rewarding.
Leura in The Blue Mountains is the place for me! Full of vintage charm & hospitality, crisp mountain air, fab antique haunts, food & wine!
Byron Bay: with the beach, the lighthouse & the locals it’s perfect. If you cant chill at BB then there’s no hope for you!
No question – the Hunter Valley! Stunning landscape, delicious food and wine, and a bit of reminiscing about my childhood. Perfection!
It’s been a really long time since I have been to Byron – would love to go back and do it properly 🙂
I don’t need country to relax, I would love to go to Sydney .
Shopping, champagne, sailing around the harbour and of course conversation with two of my best girlfriends. No kids, no hubby and no time limits!
Hunter Valley – cheese ‘n wine galore
Is a break I’d adore!
We’d leave three kids with grandma and hit the mountains for wine, cheese and solitude! Sleeping past 6am and long bushwalks with no complaining. Heaven!
I love the mountains but the sea draws me. I love the sound of the waves, the salty air and long walks on the sand.
Sofala or Hills End. My mobile provider does not work there – that is the only way I can ensure a real R&R experience. No distractions. Just destressing
Mudgee, for the food, the wine, the beautiful country people and being in the outback! Plus hubby hasn’t been and I love it!
Walking on the golden sands
Swimming in the clear blue sea
Relaxing under shady trees
Lennox Heads is a favourite for me
Byron Bay for sure
So peaceful & beautiful
The food is fantastic
The beach is amazing
King Plains Castle near Glen Innes. It’s an historic mansion and when we planned to stay there a few years ago it was unfortunately fully booked.
For a quick escape from Sydney I head to North Wollongong, they have really revamped the place, gorgeous beaches, trendy cafes, classy restaurants and a bike track that goes for miles, shhh don’t tell too many people.
The Hunter Vally I’d love to explore,
Wine, cheese and foods that I’d adore.
Amazing views, much to see;
This place would be just heavenly,
Bangalow. Close enough to beautiful Byron, but far away enough to lose myself in the hinterland of beauty.
Byron Bay hello whales, Mt Warning see the first sun, Bangalow arts and markets, Crystal Castle bliss, Brunswick Heads chillin in the beer garden X
The top of Mount Kapiter. You can see for ever(or some ten percent of the state)and yet no one knows you are there.
Sydney, to take my 5 year old son to visit Taronga Zoo and the Roar’n’Snore experience. I miss the city!
Days spent on Hawks Nest beach flying kites, enjoying a drink – something stronger than a cuppa at Tea Gardens Hotel at night, sure sounds alright.
Drowning in Aussie sunshine, beaches galore,
Surrounded by National Parks, Big Banana and more
Coffs Harbour is a destination too great to ignore.
Dad’s farm in the Wolgan Valley. It mightn’t be the Emirates Resort but it has my dad there which makes it 50 stars to me!
Somewhere beachy, somewhere blue,
I’d love anywhere because its new
but exactly where I will leave up to you..
I’d like to try Bush Walking in the Blue Mountains
Byron Bay – surf by day, chill at night… I love ‘Ruling the Waves’ and ‘Waiving the Rules’ on holiday!
Lord Howe Island staying at Arajilla Retreat to be pampered with spa treatments and fine dining, while a wonderful rainforest experience is just outside. Bliss!
Not rural, but as a Melbournite I reckon you cannot beat the Rocks with its access to your magnificent Harbour and other great attractions
Not rural, but as a Melbournite I reckon you cannot beat the Rocks with its access to your magnificent Harbour and other great attractions.
Juggling parenting and work, rest’s always overdue…
From Eden to Tweed Heads, ANY SUNNY BEACH there would do!!
Byron Bay, word of mouth speaks all.
Nature, laid back, I hear the call.
Relax, be one, feel calm, reinstall.
Let go, let down the wall.
Having read your blog, I’m hooked! I’d like to Experience the Blue Mountains too!
Living in the mountains and surrounded by bush obviously my perfect escape would be beach side in Byron Bay.
I have always wanted to go to Byron.. I am a closet hippy and would love to go soak up some rays and let that side out 🙂
Surrounded by Blue Mountains scenery,
Enjoying Echoes Boutique Resorts’ grand luxury,
Fine dining, bird calls, waterfalls, fresh air,
An R & R getaway, beyond compare!
Funnily enough mine is the Blue Mountains. I drove through there as a child and remember just thinking the place was made of magic. The quaint little town, the big green hills, the rocky outlooks. I could imagine pixies frolicking everywhere then I heard there are caves the shine and glisten. Im now 36 and have never gotten the chance to go back but I know when I get there it will take me back to the magic of my childhood!
Up to the Hunter Valley for wine,
The view is divine!
Cycling all day through it all,
We always have a ball!
burning sunset, silhouette trees,
puts stressed minds all at ease,
palm beach for some R&R TLC
so I can be calm as the still sea.
thank you for the chance to win! xx
The blue mountains! Scenery and fresh air and escaping the city….plenty of walks and chilling in the natural environment
My favourite spot is Seal Rocks in NSW, one of the last unspoiled areas left on the coast – great surfing and walks and a fabulous lighthouse.
Blue Mountains what better way to rejuvnate than being back with nature and all its glory from its mother creator
Blue mountains, because I need a bit of colour in my life 🙂
How beautiful are the Blue Mountains, I love heading up there for a relaxing weekend away. Will def check out some of the places you have suggested!
I went to Blue Mountain by Sydney day tour and it was very good experience.