Blue Mountains Stories

From breathtaking country escapes to world-class walks and restorative wellness, the Blue Mountains has plenty to celebrate in Australian Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.There are few places that capture the spirit of an Australian escape quite like the Blue Mountains. With its dramatic sandstone escarpments, deep green valleys, charming mountain villages and an abundance of experiences to nourish both body and soul, it's little wonder the region continues to capture the hearts of travellers.

Get ready for a prehistoric adventure in the Blue Mountains, with Dinosaur Valley returning to Scenic World from 26 September 2026.

Spring in the Blue Mountains just got a whole lot more Bavarian. On Saturday 24 October, 11am–8pm, The Carrington Hotel will once again transform into a lively village square for one of the Mountains’ most-loved annual events — and 2026 promises to be the biggest yet.Think the sound of oompah bands drifting through the crisp mountain air, the clink of steins, the scent of sizzling bratwurst, and the happy hum of a crowd ready to dance. Whether you’re a seasoned Oktoberfest-goer or it’s your first time, you’ll be swept up in the spirit.

This spring, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre invites visitors to experience two thought-provoking exhibitions that explore creativity, memory and the stories that connect us. Opening together on Friday 25 September, The Dobell Drawing Prize and Unbound by Lee Mitchell offer a compelling double bill for art lovers and curious travellers alike.

As the orchards around Bilpin burst into blossom, there's no better time to make the drive up the mountain to Bilpin Cider. Spring transforms this beloved cidery into its prettiest self, with the scenic route past blooming trees and green paddocks setting the tone for a slower, sun-soaked visit. This is a place shaped by its surroundings, where the land, the produce and the people make for a welcome that's as warm as the season.

Some places simply have a story. The Hydro Majestic has hundreds.Perched dramatically above the Megalong Valley, the iconic Hydro Majestic is far more than a grand hotel. It is a living archive of the Blue Mountains, a place where every corridor, artefact and view tells part of the remarkable story that shaped the region.