Each year, as the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky and the longest night of the year settles over the Blue Mountains, Katoomba transforms. Streets fill with creative arts and music, cloaked figures move through the mist, and a sense of ancient ritual blends seamlessly with modern creativity. This is the Winter Magic Festival, held on June 20 this year - the winter solstice - and it is one of Australia’s most distinctive cultural events.
Blue Mountains Stories
Find out the best of what our destination has to offer.
by Keira BlackwellImage: Athithan Vignakaran
Only an hour and a half from Sydney, the Bells Line of Road winds through Bilpin, Berambing and Mount Wilson, a scenic drive that invites you into apple country, mountain air and farm-fresh flavours.