Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAFE
FRESH ESPRESSO & FOOD BAR $
rainforest-alliance, fair-trade coffee served at Fresh attracts a devoted local following. Ex-
cellent all-day breakfasts are popular, too. The Katoomba branch is small and tightly
packed with tables but the Leura branch on the corner of Megalong St and the Mall has
plenty of space.
ASHCROFTS$$$
OFFLINE MAP
( 4787 8297;
www.ashcrofts.com
; 18 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath; 2-/3-courses $75/88; dinner Wed-Sun,
lunch Sun)
Chef Corinne Evatt has been wooing locals and visitors alike with her flavour-
some, globally inspired dishes for the past decade. The wine list is among the best in the
mountains and service is exemplary.
MODERN AUSTRALIAN
SLEEPING IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
The Blue Mountains is the home of the comfy B&B, welcoming city escapees for weekend retreats. Many
places require a minimum two-night stay at the weekend; during the week, they tend to be more flexible and
much cheaper.
Leura; r $175-195; ) This fine Edwardian cottage offers four-poster beds, manicured gardens, cane fur-
niture on the verandah, an open fire and a snug lounge. There's also a self-contained cottage for families.
Blackheath; from $165) These secluded, ecofriendly cabins (all with composting toilets and wood burners, and
one with a rainwater hot tub) are lodged so deeply in the bottlebrush you'll have to bump into one to find it. A
purist might argue against the TVs, but that's a minor quibble. There's bird feeding daily at 8.30am. The cabins
easily sleep two adults and two children.
Katoomba; dm $30-32, r without/with bathroom $90/100; ) The austere art deco exterior of this much-
lauded hostel belies its cavernous, sparkling innards. Dorms and family rooms are spotlessly bright; common
areas have more beanbags than bums. Extras include a pinball machine, pool tables, open fires, a giant chess
set, central heating, barbecues and curry nights. Clued-up staff are on hand to help you get the most out of your
Blue Mountains experience. Hard to fault.
