Don’t Delay Your Stay: A complete travel guide to visiting Blackheath
Perched above one million hectares of rugged wilderness is the highest village in the Blue Mountains. Here’s what to do and see in Blackheath.
Welcome to Don’t Delay Your Stay, news.com.au’s campaign to support communities hard hit by this summer’s devastating bushfires. Many of these regions rely on tourism so one of the best ways to help is to visit and spend time in some of the most beautiful parts of our great country.
Perched above one million hectares of rugged wilderness is the highest village in the Blue Mountains: Blackheath.
It is also one of the most dramatically beautiful destinations in the region.
Some points of interest around Blackheath were closed during the worst of the bushfires but have since reopened and are ready for visitors.
Those spots include Govetts Leap lookout, Evans lookout and Fairfax Track. The Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, a wealth of information about the region and its long history, is also up and running.
Another local gem that’s back in action in Blackheath is the spectacular Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, just outside the town centre.
Covering 18.5 hectares of mountain bushland, the Gardens boasts exotic plants like rhododendrons, azaleas and maples, as well as native varieties.
About one third of the gardens was destroyed by bushfire but there are big plans for restoration, and visitors are warmly welcome — just don’t walk behind the red tape.
The gardens are gorgeous all year round, with each season offering something different.
April to May will be the best time for deciduous trees and camellias.
While you’re in Blackheath, sample the fantastic coffee at Anonymous Cafe and hunt for treasures at the Victory Theatre Antique Centre — billed as the largest antiques centre west of Sydney. If you’re in town on the second Sunday of the month, you’ll be able to catch the Blackheath Growers Market.
Five minutes from Blackheath by car is the spectacular Hydro Majestic hotel at Medlow Bath, which overlooks the stunning Megalong Valley. As well as being a sensational place to stay in the Blue Mountains — or even to just take in the view — the Hydro Majestic is holding its annual Roaring 20s Festival in February, which it hopes will help support the struggling region.