Fast facts
- Historic guesthouses in beautiful tableland setting
- Highest point of the Blue Mountains
- 130 km west of Sydney, population 900
Why go there
Enjoy the ambience of a town that has had its glory days but is now in a more reflective mood. There’s a lot of history here to uncover and it’s a pleasant place to spend a few days to take in the scenery, good food and stay in a choice of quality accommodations.
History
Originally known as One Tree Hill, the town was marked on an early map of the region dating from 1834. It was named by the first Surveyor General, Sir Thomas Mitchell, but was renamed Mount Victoria in 1876 when the post office was built.
The railway from Sydney terminated here at the end of the 19th century. At this time Sydneysiders would retreat to their holiday homes or guesthouses for a cool retreat in the summer and the crisp mountain air in winter.
Things to do
- Have a meal at the ornate Imperial Hotel, Australia’s first tourist hotel.
- Head to Grand View Road, to the Sunset Rock Lookout over Wilsons Gully.
- Follow the heritage walk around the town to see the Victoria and Albert Guest House, Hotel Mount Victoria, the historic post office, Toll Keeper's Cottage and Toll Bar House.
Don’t miss
- The Kanimbla Valley Walking Tracks, which take in Pulpit Rock, Bede’s Lookout, Reinitz Pass and Ross Cave.
- The array of buildings and boutique shops selling antiques, craft and bric-a-brac in Station Street.
- The walking track that will take you to Victoria Falls.
- Mount Victoria Historical Museum located in the old refreshment rooms at the Railway Station.
- First release films at Mount Vic Flicks.
