When it comes to touring the Blue Mountains, you really can’t go past the Blue Mountains Heritage Trail. Last week we travelled the Lower Blue Mountains section of the trail, and this week we tackle the Upper Blue Mountains section.
Blue Mountains Historical Society & Tarella Cottage
The first stop on the journey is just a short drive from all of our Mountain Whispers properties at the Blue Mountains Historical Society. Established in 1946 by the Blue Mountains City Council, the Society is now based out of Tarella Cottage. Tarella Cottage was built in 1890 by John McLaughlin. A solicitor and Member of the Legislative Assembly in Sydney, Tarella was to be a holiday cottage for his family to escape the city heat.
Tarella Cottage contains a collection of items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Open to the public on the last Sunday of every month from 10am – 4pm this is a lovely place to get started on your heritage trail.
Everglades Historic House & Gardens
Next up is a stop at one of the loveliest gardens in the Blue Mountains. The Everglades Historic House & Gardens is a National Trust Property located in Leura. This art deco house is set on 13 acres of styled gardens and bushland. The house was built in 1923 and the gardens constructed in 1930 and are some of the best inter-war gardens in the country.
Walk through the gardens and discover the Reflection Pool, and the Grotto Pool as well as views across the Jamison Valley and Mt Solitary. It won’t take you long to discover why the Everglades Historic House & Gardens is a favourite locations for brides and photographers.
Paragon Cafe
The Paragon Cafe is steeped in history. First starting as the Paragon Cafe and Oyster Palace in 1916, the Paragon attracted the interest in those looking for a late supper after attending the various shows and dances around Katoomba. In 1921, the Paragon was advertised as a Sundae & Candy Shop.
The Paragon underwent expansion in 1926 and included an elegant private supper room and a change room for ‘the girls’ working in the cafe at the time. The banquet hall was built in 1934 and the “Blue Room” in 1936 opening for private functions.
Today, the Paragon has retained it’s art deco cafe with a chocolaterie and bakery in the upper sections of the cafe.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre is home to the City Art Gallery and World Heritage Exhibition. Take some time to check out the various exhibitions within the Art Gallery, visit a summer Artisan market or check out the Street Art Walk.
You’ll find some lovely handcrafted gifts in the gift shop, and the Cultural Centre Cafe is the perfect place to stop for lunch before heading on your way.
Scenic World
Scenic World is a must see in the Blue Mountains, whether you follow the heritage trail or not. Located in Katoomba, is a great place to take in the views and take a look at a miners camp as well as experiencing the Blue Mountains like never before on the skyway, cableway and railway.
The Scenic Railway is the steepest passenger railway in the world with a 52 degree incline. With glass roofed carriages and views of the rainforest, this 310m ride through the rainforest is a must do while visiting Scenic World. Another must do is the Scenic Cableway and the Scenic Skyway.
You could almost spend a whole day at Scenic World exploring and taking in the rainforest. It’s well worth stopping by.
Mount Victoria & District Historical Society Museum
Last on the list for the Upper Blue Mountains section of the heritage trail is the Mount Victoria & District Historical Society Museum. Located in Mount Victoria the museum is home to a large collection of local history including the crossing of the Blue Mountains and early settlement.
Spread across 16 rooms over 2 levels of a heritage listed sandstone building, this is a great way to check out some of the local history. Open weekends and public and school holidays between 12pm – 3pm, it’s a great way to finish this section of the heritage trail.
All sections of the Upper Blue Mountains Heritage Trail are close to Mountain Whispers, and it’s the perfect way to spend a few hours (or the whole day) discovering the area.
Once you’ve seen everything, head back to your Mountain Whispers cottage and relax by the fire while your private chef serves up a great meal.
Book your Mountain Whispers accommodation today on 1300 721 321 , and explore the Upper Blue Mountains Heritage Trail.
*Main image – Scenic World
