Blue Mountains Getaway

 Simon and I got away for a quick stay in the Blue Mountains.

A stop in Leura for lunch and a browse through the shops, a walk near the 3 sisters, a drink at the Mountain Co Brewery then we arrived at our hotel. We stayed at The Chalets in Blackheath. A lovely chalet surrounded by the bush.

It was cosy and the perfect winter stay with a log fire, big bath tub and takeaway delivered from the local Thai place for dinner. Perfect!

It was so peaceful and so good to get away and be surrounded by nature. We were blessed with blue skies so we got to do a few easy walking trails too. 

A mini break in the Mountains.

As part of my birthday celebrations Simon and I booked a 2 night mini break in a cosy cottage in the Blue Mountains. Just located out of Lithgow is "Kookawood" a little slice of heaven tucked away amongst the trees. We had an amazing break sitting in front of the fire, going for a stroll through the bush but mainly enjoying the peace and quiet and the beautiful surroundings.  It was nice to slow down. A highlight was definitely having an outdoor bath with a stunning view over the mountains, the water was piping hot and it was bliss!

Here are a few photos from our mini break in the mountains.....

On our drive up we stopped for lunch and a browse around the shops at Leura and a quick peek at the 3 sisters.

We followed our directions and turned onto a dirt road, drove through the trees and discovered Kookawood. It is such a beautiful place!

Every corner is filled with vintage finds, the armchairs are cosy and there are snuggly throws everywhere to wrap yourself in. We had brought all our food and drink supplies along with us so we bunkered down, lit the fire and enjoyed this wonderful space. The sunset that night was stunning!

There are 2 bedrooms, 1 downstairs and 1 upstairs. We chose the one upstairs in the loft space to sleep in as the hot air from the fire and heating rose up and warmed the space nicely. The bathroom and kitchen have everything you need. You can really just bring your food supplies and you are set.

The next morning was a beautiful sunny, crisp morning. We slept in and then pottered around a bit before deciding to take a bath outside. I was a bit unsure to start as I thought it might have been too chilly but the bath is deep, the water is hot and it is so private and quiet. It was so relaxing.

We then had a wander around the property, said hello to the cows and just took it easy. We had no inclination to get out and about to explore, we were just happy to hang around the house. Around 4pm we started up the fire pit and enjoyed a drink around the fire. Later we lit the bbq for dinner that night and had the best steak sandwiches. Everything tastes better in that fresh mountain air!

We truly had an amazing stay and headed home feeling rested and refreshed. This little house in the mountains was everything we wanted for a winter mountain break and the fact it was only less than 2 hours away from us was great! If you want more info on Kookawood you can find it here

Turning 40 has started off being pretty wonderful so far!

Have you got a Winter break booked in anywhere? Been to the Blue Mountains lately?

10/52 - 2015

A portrait of my sons, once  a week, every week in 2015

Our Blue Mountain Weekend away

Noah 

Jasper

Finn

A weekend in the Blue Mountains.

On the weekend we drove up to the Blue Mountains to catch up with some family and check out a few of the local sites. To go from the beach to the mountains in a couple of hours is amazing. 

I love that we have all of these beautiful spots so close to Sydney. 

We arrived at Leura around lunchtime and popped into Leura Garage for a quick bite. The floral wall was stunning and the food was pretty good too ;)

We then drove to Echo Point and had a look at the Three Sisters. 

The view is breath taking. All that green!

Of course I had to take a photo of the 3 brothers and the 3 sisters!

 The streets of Leura are lovely and green with lots of interesting shops to browse and cute restaurants to pop into.

We had a browse in all of the shops in the main street of Leura and finished up in the lolly shop

Lots of lollies from our childhoods here!

It was a hot day in the mountains so we decided to head to The Fairmont Resort where we were staying for a swim to cool off. The resort is reminiscent of a country lodge and is really set up for families. They had an indoor and outdoor pool, 2 games rooms, tennis courts, a mini outdoor maze, train rides and movie nights.

Every Saturday afternoon they have a train ride that does a couple of laps of the carpark. 

The boys were happy with that although it would have been nice if they did a tour of the grounds as they are gorgeous and so big.

We decided for dinner in the buffet restaurant as it was quick with the kids. The food was really fresh and lovely and lots of local produce was used. The pumpkin soup was delish!

The dessert buffet was the perfect finishing touch.

After an after dinner run around in the games room we got the kids settled for bed. 

We were all in the same family room which had 2 double beds for us to share. They were so comfortable we all slept in until 9am the next morning. Thank you black out curtains!

After a leisurely breakfast (another fab buffet spread) we headed off for a bit more sight seeing and drove to Medlow Bath to the Hydro Majestic which has recently undergone a huge refurbishment.

We were having lunch in the Boiler House Cafe but as we were a little early it gave us a chance to have a look inside the main restaurant and Pavilion and a wander around the grounds. It was all stunning!

The fresh white really pops against the blue sky and green of the trees.

(Boiler House Cafe)

They also do an amazing High Tea in the most beautiful room overlooking the Megalong Valley. 

I will definitely be coming back to do this!

(Wintergarden - High Tea)

We had a great weekend in the Blue Mountains but of course there is so much more to see and do.

You tend to forget these amazing places so close to home. 

We will be back to do more soon!

Have you been up to the Blue Mountains recently?

Where do you stay? What are your favourite places to visit?