Beyond the familiar: hidden gems of the upper Blue Mountains

Beyond the busy lookouts and well-worn tourist trail, the Blue Mountains is full of places many visitors never discover. Some of the best can be found in the upper Blue Mountains villages of Blackheath and Mount Victoria.

From giant caves and hidden canyons to local markets, village shops and unexpected places to eat, here are some of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains. 

Hikes and lookouts 

The Grotto and Centennial Glen

While Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout draw most visitors to Blackheath, Centennial Glen and the Grotto rewards those willing to step off the main tourist trail.

If the name conjures up images of a fairytale, just wait until you see it. Narrow canyon walls open onto a hidden plunge pool, framed by ferns and sandstone cliffs.

Arrive mid-morning, and you'll catch shafts of sunlight spilling into the canyon, transforming an already unexpected corner of the Blue Mountains into something that feels almost otherworldly.

Cox's Cave

About halfway along the track to Cox's Cave, you'll find a 20-rung steel ladder leading to a narrow opening in the cliff. Climb up, crawl through, follow the track, and you'll emerge beneath a vast overhang high above the valley below.

The views are reason enough to make the walk, but it's the sense of discovery that sets Cox's Cave apart. For a few moments, you’ll feel less like a visitor and more like an explorer.

Wind Eroded Cave

Nature has spent millions of years sculpting the sandstone here. The smooth curves and weathered rock offer a glimpse into the forces that shaped the Blue Mountains long before walking tracks, lookouts and villages arrived. 

Hat Hill

For views without the crowds, Hat Hill is hard to beat. Follow the short but steep track to the trig point at the summit, where 360-degree views stretch across the surrounding wilderness.

Pack a picnic and time your visit for sunset. It's on the way to Wind Eroded Cave, making it easy to combine two lesser-known gems in a single afternoon. 

Hargraves Lookout

Ask locals where to watch the sunset, and Hargraves Lookout is likely to feature near the top of the list. Come on the right afternoon, and you may even find yourself sharing the view with a handful of paragliders, quietly circling above the valley on rising air currents.

Blackheath Rhododendron Gardens

Every autumn, visitors flock to Blackheath in search of fiery red and golden deciduous trees. While most tourists crowd the village streets, those in the know head to the Blackheath Rhododendron Gardens.

In autumn, these volunteer-run gardens become a patchwork of red, orange and gold just calling for the camera. Return in October and the rhododendrons that give the gardens their name take centre stage, bursting with soft pinks, vivid reds, deep purples, and rich oranges.

Food and drink

Logan Brae Orchard

You may think you’ve tasted apple juice. But then you taste Logan Brae Orchard apple juice and realise your tastebuds have been lying to you.

Located on the road into Megalong Valley, Logan Brae Orchard is known for its homemade apple pies, freshly bottled juice and apples picked fresh from the farm. Open Saturdays from February to early June.

Dryridge Estate

A vineyard in the Blue Mountains? Yes, really. Surrounded by rolling vines and escarpment views, Dryridge Estate offers a different side of the mountains. Settle in for a wine tasting, complemented by a Cheese & Charcuterie Board or traditional Ploughmans. It’s dog friendly so get ready to be entertained by resident vineyard dogs Angus and George, who take their role as unofficial hosts very seriously.

Spikes Bistro, Blackheath Golf Club

If a pub meal is your thing, head to Spikes Bistro at Blackheath Golf Club. Away from the bustle of the village and overlooking the greens, it offers generous portions, reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu combines club favourites with Sri Lankan influences. It's the sort of place locals return to regularly, but many visitors never discover.

Shopping, activities, and local finds

Mount Vic and Me

The best souvenirs are the ones you can't find anywhere else. At Mount Vic and Me, local designer Kara Cooper fills the shelves with her own illustrations and creations, alongside carefully selected gifts, vintage finds and homewares. Quirky, full of character and guaranteed to make you smile. Just like Mount Victoria village itself. 

Blackheath Growers Market

Held on the second Sunday of each month, the Blackheath Growers Market is as much a community gathering as it is a place to shop. Expect fresh fruit and vegetables, baked treats, plants, preserves and plenty of opportunities to chat directly with growers and makers.

Grab a coffee, handmade dumplings, a pie or something from one of the many food stalls, then join the locals spread across the lawns enjoying the live music.

One Rack Pre-Loved Clothing Market

If your idea of treasure hunting involves vintage denim, retro dresses, and one-off finds, time your visit around the One Rack Pre-Loved Clothing Market. Held fortnightly in Blackheath, this market combines vintage fashion, quality second-hand clothing, coffee, food and live music.

Mount Vic Flicks

We hate to break it to you, but the Blue Mountains aren't always sunshine and views. Sometimes it's fog, drizzle and an excuse to spend a few hours curled up indoors.

When that happens, locals head to Mount Vic Flicks. On colder days, you can settle into your seat with homemade soup served in a chipped mug and a freshly baked bread roll. Add a good film, and the weather outside suddenly becomes part of the experience rather than something to escape.