Blackheath

Blackheath is the highest town above sea level in the Blue Mountains where you can enjoy crisp mountain air, brisk walks, great food and cosy accommodation. This historic town is on an escarpment that has spectacular mountain scenery on both sides. It's one of the best places to stay if you want to enjoy some of the highlights of the Blue Mountains National Park has to offer. Govett's Leap, Evans Lookout, Grose Valley and Hargreaves Lookout are spectacular high-elevation viewing platforms from where you can observe the scenic wonder of this World Heritage Area.

Make sure you take an exhilarating, or easy, bushwalk on one of the many walking tracks from Blackheath or nearby. Stay in a quaint guesthouse, dine well in Blackheath cafes, pubs and restaurants, or play a round of golf at the Blackheath Golf Club, that's lined with cool-climate trees.

Blackheath Rhododendron Festival is held on the first weekend in November - it's a great introduction to the beauty of seasonal gardens in the area.

Historic towns further west include Hartley and Mount Victoria.