You may think you’re leaving the Blue Mountains as you drive west from Blackheath, heading towards Bathurst and inland NSW. But before you descend into the valley below, there’s one last, magnificent surprise – Mount Victoria.
Not only is this the highest point of the Blue Mountains, but this tranquil little village is also the most historic and heritage-listed in the Mountains.
From antique wares to quirky gift shops and brilliant food, luxurious heritage accommodation and lodge cabins, Mount Victoria is truly an expected delight. Home to the iconic Mount Vic Flicks, it’s also the perfect place to play in the snow this Winter as well!
Have you discovered the magnificent Central West yet?
Not only is Mount Victoria ideally positioned to explore Upper Mountains attractions like The Three Sisters of Katoomba, the boutique shopping of Leura and the vast Grose Valley of Blackheath, but being the highest and westernmost village in the Mountains, it’s also uniquely placed to extend westward on a scenic looped journey.
Begin by descending the range via the original convict-built Victoria Pass, stopping by the Hartley Historic Site to take a self-guided tour and walk along the river boardwalk. Continue on to Jenolan Caves and Mayfield Garden at Oberon, before returning via Lithgow where Gang Gang Gallery is a wonderful showcase for local artists.
Be inspired by the views at the Hassans Walls lookout, before returning to Mount Victoria via Clarence, saving time for the recently reopened historic Zig Zag Railway.
Within Mount Victoria’s town centre, its history speaks volumes, from the sandstone grace of the oldest railway station in the Blue Mountains, to historic mansions and guesthouses we can enjoy today.
To learn more about the town’s past, you can book a small group walking tour with Mountains Tales. To enquire, call Sue on 0410 600 224 – you will be sure to enjoy the story of Mount Victoria.
Victoria and Albert Guesthouse
The original Mount Victoria pub, this 150-year-old heritage-listed guesthouse is in the heart of the township. The Victoria and Albert is being restored to its former grandeur, refurbished and redecorated with an array of beautiful antiques. The public lounge areas are perfect for relaxing over a glass of wine in front of an open fire. The fully licensed restaurant offers a modern spin on hearty country cooking as well as some great local wines, and all accommodation includes a wonderful continental breakfast. Featuring 26 rooms from spacious to petite, enjoy a comfortable and cosy stay with a warm and caring atmosphere.
19 Station St, Mount Victoria
T: 0488 197 429
www.vaguesthouse.com
Hotel Etico
Hotel Etico offers 16 rooms with ensuites in a beautifully renovated 19th century heritage-listed manor house, making you feel like you have stepped back in time. Open from Thursday to Sunday, it is also home to Niccolò’s restaurant, which serves rustic Italian fare from 5pm. The unique bar opens for Happy Hour at 4pm and features live music every Friday. The hotel also boasts other entertainment including trivia nights and board games galore.
Hotel Etico provides many inviting nooks with open fires to relax by with a drink in hand. All of this while being Australia’s first social enterprise hotel, powering a program aimed at developing hospitality and independent living skills for young people with disability.
11 Montgomery St, Mount Victoria
T: (02) 4787 1358
www.hoteletico.com.au
Mount Vic and Me
A fabulously quirky studio shop based in the old café on the Great Western Highway. Designer Kara Cooper’s collection of art tea towels, t-shirts, socks, greeting cards, sneakers, skirts, mugs, cushions, upholstered vintage chairs, wallpaper and fabrics is created here. The studio is a mash of colour, textures, retro fun and nostalgia – and well worth a visit. A lot of the products including greeting cards, brooches, skirts and socks have the Australian Made campaign’s tick of approval. You’ll also find an eclectic mix of other designers here that work beautifully with Mount Vic and Me. Check the website and social media pages for upcoming open studio days.
115a Great Western Highway, Mount Victoria
www.mountvicandme.com
Mount Victoria Museum
This local history museum is housed in two floors of the grand old Railway Refreshment Room at Mount Victoria Station, a heritage-listed railway station opened in 1868. The ground floor showcases local exploration, agriculture, industry, transport and natural history; while upstairs, step back in time to experience the manager’s bedroom and lounge room displayed with period furniture and domestic paraphernalia. Venture on to the medical room to view some unique objects and equipment. There is something of interest for everyone with rooms dedicated to technology (photography and instruments), fashion, dioramas, taxidermy and education. Open 12 noon to 3pm Saturdays and most public holidays. Group bookings available seven days.
Mount Victoria Station 35a Station St, Mount Victoria
T: 0407 248 620
www.mtvicmuseum.com.au
Closeburn House
Built in the late 1800s, Closeburn House is an indulgent boutique guesthouse that continues a century-long tradition of hospitality. Extensively renovated, this beautiful, adults-only mountain retreat offers stylish and contemporary accommodation with understated luxury and comfort. It features eight spacious guest suites decorated with calming colour palettes chosen from the hues of the mountains, ensuite bathrooms with bath, sumptuous iKOU amenities and walls adorned with original artworks of local landscapes. And being fully licensed, you can enjoy a glass of regional wine whilst relaxing in the richly decorated lounge, sun-filled conservatory and library. All stays include a sensational two-course à la carte breakfast.
2 Closeburn Dr, Mount Victoria
T: 0490 831 451
Bookings: www.closeburnhouse.com.au
Larsen’s Cottages
These sweet heritage-listed terraced cottages were built in 1880 by Henry Lawson’s father, Norwegian-born miner Niels Hertzberg Larsen. The cottages have preserved some of their original features that harmonise with the modern comforts of country-style kitchens and bathrooms. Each cottage has a private front veranda and private rear patio, and share a large meandering cottage garden with seasonal plants and trees. Each cottage has three bedrooms, the third a delightful attic set up with a single bed and accessed via a steep staircase – definitely worth the adventure! The loungerooms have cosy seating, with a Yotul wood burning combustion fire, and a basket of wood, instructions for lighting, setting a great experience. 30-32 Montgomery St, Mount Victoria
T: 0439 936 098
www.larsenscottages.com.au
Cedar Lodge Cabins
Set high in the village of Mount Victoria in a beautiful bushland garden, these cosy, pet-friendly cabins are the perfect place to base your mountain adventure. All cabins have ensuite bathrooms, heating and fully-equipped kitchens with stovettes, microwaves and fridges. There are family cabins that sleep up to five, while the double cabins feature a king-sized bed. For your romantic getaway, why not indulge yourself in one of our deluxe spa cabins with the latest electric log fires and lovely bushland views. All linen and towels are provided in all our cabins, so all you need to do is bring yourself, warm clothes and your favourite treats.
42 Great Western Highway, Mount Victoria
T: (02) 4787 125
6 cedarlodgecabins.net
Gang Gang Gallery
Located within a light-filled c.1908 building opposite the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park on Lithgow’s Main Street, Gang Gang Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that holds regular exhibitions, music events and workshops along with pop-ups to support emerging or re-emerging artists from the Greater Blue Mountains and Central West regions, as well as the rest of Australia. The gallery has a focus on pieces from all traditions, expressionist to abstract, in a multitude of mediums including sculpture, textile, paint and ceramic, and provides a meeting, celebration and conversation space for the community to consider art and the impact it has on our lives. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10.30am to 4.30pm.
206 Main Street, Lithgow
T: 0408 514 440
gggallery.com.au
Hartley Historic Site
Step back in time with a visit to Hartley Historic Village and explore the rich colonial past of explorers and convicts who ventured west of the Blue Mountains. Peruse local Indigenous artwork at the Kew-Y-Ahn Aboriginal Art Gallery or delve into our fascinating convict past on a self-guided tour through the historic Hartley Courthouse. You may be one of the lucky ones and spot a platypus as you wander down the River Lett along our stunning river boardwalk. A delight for both history and nature lovers alike, Hartley has a range of activities and accommodation options available to explore on site. Dogs on-leash are welcome.
Great Western Highway, Hartley
T: (02) 6355 2117
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/hartley-historic-site
Victoria Tearooms
Introducing Victoria Tea Rooms in Mount Victoria - a warm fire, gorgeous relaxing decor, fabulous Devonshire teas, the best coffee you’ll find anywhere, hot scones with jam and cream, home-cooked soups and cakes, great music, even better company. Definitely worth the drive or a short train trip to visit us. Previously known as the Bay Tree Café, our venue has been providing the best café experience to Mount Victoria locals and visitors for many, many decades. Come and pop in for an amazing experience which you’ll remember forever.
26 Station Street, Mount Victoria
T: 0466 977 185
victoriatearooms.com.au
This article is sponsored bv Blue Mountains Tourism
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