New South Wales (Sydney Region)

Mount Victoria
Secluded and homely Mount Victoria, one train stop on from Blackheath, is the last mountain settlement proper, and the only one with an authentic, unspoilt village feel. There's a great old pub, the Imperial, and the best scones on the mountain at the Bay Tree Tea Shop. Mount Victoria is also fondly regarded for its quaint tiny cinema, Mount Vic Flicks, Harley Avenue, off Station Street (tel 4787 1577), in a public hall, where the patron introduces the varied films and defends his choice (Thurs-Sun, daily during school holidays; cheaper tickets Thurs). 
Several antique shops and a cluttered antiquarian and secondhand bookshop are worth a browse. Some short walks start from the Fairy Bower Picnic area, a ten-minute walk from the Great Western Highway via Mount Piddington Road: get details from any Blue Mountains tourist office.

Accommodation and Eating

  • Victoria and Albert Guesthouse Station St. Classy but friendly place with Art Deco features. Rooms are large and there's a bar, civilized verandah café (Thurs-Sun 10am-5pm), highly recommended restaurant (dinner nightly) in a wonderful old dining room, pool, spa and sauna. Breakfast included.
  • Hotel Imperial Station St. Good-value, filling and tasty bistro meals can be eaten in the foyer, ballroom, verandah or garden of this classic old-fashioned country-style pub. Meals daily 8am-8.30pm. Spa and en-suite rooms, shared bathroom options, and backpacker rooms.
  • Bay Tree Tea Shop Station St. 10.30am-5pm; closed Wed-Fri. Family-run place in a converted Victorian cottage, and the best place in the mountains for scones and pots of real leaf tea.