Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MEDLOW BATH
150km (93 miles) W of Sydney; 6km (3
3
⁄
4
miles) E of Katoomba
In between Katoomba and Blackheath, Medlow Bath is a cozy place, with its
own railway station, a secondhand bookstore, and a few properties hidden
between the trees. Its one claim to fame is the
Hydro Majestic Hotel
(
&
02/
4788 1002
), a must-do stop for any visitor to the Blue Mountains. The historic
Hydro Majestic has fabulous views over the Megalong Valley; the best time to
appreciate the views is at sunset with a drink on the terrace. Otherwise, it sells
Devonshire tea all day, and plenty of cakes, snacks, coffee, and tea.
WHERE TO STAY
Mercure Grand Hydro Majestic Hotel
This, the most famous of all
the hotels in the Blue Mountains, was built in 1904 by Mark Foy, a retail baron,
world traveler, sportsman, and hypochondriac. Once called “A Palace in the
Wilderness,” this former health resort underwent a huge renovation and was
reopened in late 2001 in the style Mr. Foy might have liked. The long, white-
washed building, with great bushland views from the restaurant and many of its
more expensive rooms, is reminiscent of those grand hotels that were all the rage
in Queen Victoria's time. The standard rooms, called Heritage Rooms, are fur-
nished in Art Deco style and have views of the garden. The similar Gallery
Rooms have slightly better views, some with valley glimpses. Cloister Rooms,
mostly in another wing, are decorated in both Art Deco and Edwardian (think
country style), and have sweeping valley views. Some of these have Jacuzzis.
Rooms in the Delmonte Wing are decorated in French provincial style, and also
have views. The suites are truly sumptuous.
Medlow Bath, NSW 2780.
&
02/4788 1002.
Fax 02/4788 1063. www.hydromajestic.com.au. 84 units. Her-
itage rooms A$250-A$290 (US$163-US$189); Gallery Rooms A$290-A$330 (US$189-US$215); Cloister
Rooms A$330-A$370 (US$215-US$241); Cloister Room with Jacuzzi A$370-A$410 (US$241-US$267);
$A830-A$1070 (US$540-US$696) suite. Higher rates Fri-Sat. All rates include breakfast. Extra person A$30
(US$20). Ask about great packages. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; 2 outdoor lighted tennis courts;
health club; tour desk; limited room service; croquet lawn; English lawn bowls. In room:TV, minibar, coffee-
maker, hair dryer.
BLACKHEATH
114km (71 miles) W of Sydney; 14km (8
3
⁄
4
miles) W of Katoomba
Blackheath is the highest town in the Blue Mountains at 1,049m (3,441 ft.).
The
Three Brothers
at Blackheath are not as big or as famous as the Three Sis-
ters in Katoomba, but you can climb two of them for fabulous views. Or you
could try the
Cliff Walk
from
Evans Lookout
to
Govetts Leap
(named after a
surveyor who mapped the region in the 1830s), where there are magnificent
views over the
Grose Valley
and
Bridal Veil Falls.
The 1
1
⁄
2
-hour tramp passes
through banksia, gum, and wattle forests, with spectacular views of peaks and
valleys. If you want a guide while you're in the area contact
Blue Mountains
Magic
(
&
02/4787 6354;
www.bluemts.com.au), based in Blackheath. The
guide, Phil Foster, is a trained botanist.
Blackheath itself has some interesting tearooms and antiques shops.
GETTING THERE
The Great Western Highway takes motorists west from
Katoomba to Blackheath. CityRail trains also stop at Blackheath.
VISITOR INFORMATION The Heritage Centre
(
&
02/4787 8877;
www.
npws.nsw.gov.au), operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is located
close to Govetts Leap Lookout on Govetts Leap Road. It has information on
