Holiday houses in Bilpin

The Blue Mountains, which get their name from the eucalyptus that blankets the mountain tops, serve as the backdrop to Bilpin, a charming nature retreat 90 minutes west of Sydney. Along Bells Line of Road, the main thoroughfare that cuts through the town, you’ll find independent shops, cosy cafes, and flourishing fruit orchards. Well-known as the fruit basket of New South Wales, Bilpin offers many opportunities to pick your own produce in one of the many orchards where the sweet aroma of apples, plums, and peaches wafts through the air. And a trip here isn’t complete until you’ve sampled the goods from one of the town’s famous cideries.

At dusk, locals head to Rigby Hill to watch the sunset and marvel at the view of the stunning sandstone cliffs, lush mountain tops, and forest-filled valleys below. Before you leave town, be sure to learn about the history and culture of the Indigenous peoples, specifically the Gundungurra and Darug tribes that first inhabited the Blue Mountains region.

September through November and March through May boast balmy weather and bright blue skies. As many of the activities and sights in Bilpin take place outdoors, these months are ideal for enjoying all the town has to offer without having to endure extreme temperatures. Scorching temperatures typically peak between December and February, but if you don’t mind some heat, December is the best time to catch the spectacular display of fireflies and glowworms that light up the night with their mesmerizing bioluminescence. Around June, the temperatures start to dip. If you plan to visit between the months of June and August, be sure to pack extra layers to keep warm. During autumn, prepare to feast your eyes on the beautiful shades of crimson, sepia, and amber leaves.

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is a cool-climate garden that spans 252 hectares within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the sweet melodies of birdsong, the delicate fragrance of the flowers that perfume the air, and a magnificent panoramic view of the Blue Mountains. Curated gardens comprise 28 hectares of land and feature hundreds of plant species from around the world and a range of local fauna. Different parts of the gardens bloom depending on the season, so you’re in for a treat regardless of what time of year you visit.

Walls Lookout

Just a 20-minute drive from Bilpin, and only a few minutes away from Rigby Hill, you’ll find Walls Lookout. It takes roughly an hour to walk along the two-kilometre path to reach the lookout point, though you’re rewarded with majestic views of the Grose Valley and the surrounding cliffs and deep valleys. While it’s not a demanding hike, it’s still a good idea to bring a pair of sturdy shoes. Walls Lookout makes for an incredible spot to watch the sunset.

Cathedral of Ferns

Pack a picnic with your favourite local produce, or grab some take away from a nearby cafe and head toward Mount Wilson for a restorative 10-minute stroll through the Cathedral of Ferns. Nuzzled under a canopy of colossal trees is a gorgeous path brimming with massive ferns. Once you’ve taken in the lush foliage and tranquil soundscape of birdsong, find a spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy the treats you brought along.