For early travellers, the only place to stop for a drink was along the old highway, where rough drops were served at colonial inns. Now we’ve carved out a different route, featuring everything from roasteries to wineries. Find cider from a century-old orchard, beers brewed down canyons and spirits infused with local botanicals for a true taste of the Mountains.

What could be a better way to start a crisp morning than strolling in the sunshine, gathering farm-fresh produce or stocking up on unique handcrafted gifts as you sip on a barista-pulled coffee while a busker entertains nearby?

Just off the Great Western Highway near the village of Leura, where the World Heritage-listed national park meets the community, east meets the oldest continuous culture on earth in a yin and yang of harmony, kinship and respect.

A former school on 12ha of natural Australian bushland within the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, Sinofield Edu-Retreat is a gem hidden in plain sight.

Restaurants in famous venues often rest in the love diners have for the building itself.

So it was with some trepidation that we placed the first fork of food in our mouths at Jamison Views Restaurant at Hotel Mountain Heritage, one of the grand heritage hotels for which the region has become renowned. 

Grace. Humility. Wisdom. Community. Responsibility. Service.

You don’t just become an Aboriginal Elder by reaching a certain age.