Fuel up your morning walk for a memorable experience.
The Little Piggy Deli, located in Blackheath, is the ideal place to satisfy your snack cravings and stock up on picnic supplies. What should I order? Maybe a slice of Crozier blue and artisan lavish. Perhaps a Colombian Coffee and a piece of freshly baked mud cake. A loaf of Bilpin Sourdough with thinly sliced cold cut is a must. There are also a variety of meals that can be taken to go, such as hearty soups, risotto, and pies. Spread a picnic mat on the ground and enjoy with friends.
After the crew has had their fill of the mountain scenery, it’s time to get moving. The 6km Cliff Top Walking Track is one of the most breathtaking walks. It departs from GovettsLeap. Check the NSW National Parks website to ensure it’s open. Nature’s drama unfolds with sandstone escarpments and sheer cliffs. Deep canyons are also present. It’s a great trail for winter mornings, as the sun is coming from the East. You might see a king parrot or yellow-tailed cockatoo as you walk through the dense heathland.
Afternoon: local brews, artistic views
A 1.8km trek through the wilderness is thirsty work. Set your GPS to Katoomba, and stop by the local brewery Mountain Culture Beer Co. for a beer. Owners DJ and Harriet McCready love a quirky beer name. Try a Poppin’ Pilsner or a Be Kind Rewind NEIPA. Collectors queue to buy the latest creations. Moon Dust Stout is a great choice, as it combines smooth cocoa notes and coffee with a touch of caramel. Scenic Route Session Hazy has a zesty citrus flavor. The sun is out, so pull up some stools and enjoy the beer on the deck. If it’s cold, you can find a seat in the historic 1912 house.
After you’ve been fed and hydrated, take a stroll to Beverly Place in Katoomba. You’d be forgiven for believing you’ve fallen into a world of fantasy where street art adorns the sky. Katoomba is home to an alfresco art hub where buildings are covered in eye-popping murals. The creations of local and international artists are patchwork in color. They’re big and small, and they’re always evolving. Each one tells a story, like Matt Adnate from Melbourne, who created the Wagana dancer, which captures the intense gaze and movement of an Indigenous performer. Mandy Schone Alter’s floral display is a spectacular explosion of yellow, baby blue, and purple. Be sure to have your camera ready for a photo in front of the bundle of flowers. Schone-Salter also created cutouts of people that are pasted all over Beverly Place.
Street Art Walk, Katoomba
Galleryone88 Fine Arts is a multi-story, sun-kissed space in Katoomba that showcases paintings and prints through a dynamic list of exhibits. Pigeon Lane is a small performing arts venue that will transport you to New York City. This is a place of exposed bricks and red velvet curtains where you can enjoy live music, whether it’s classical violin or guitar jams, accompanied by Victor Peralta, who is your chef and gallery curator.
Evening: Smoked Meats and High Spirits
The Bootlegger Smokehouse and Bar offers a wide variety of smoked meats that Southern American and Cajun cuisine inspire. Think pulled pork, brisket, and racks of pork with pickles, slaw, and corn. Up in Smoke is a cocktail made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Ardberg 10-year-old Scotch, fortified hickory maple syrup, and black walnut bitters. There are also whisky and gin flight options. You can order a colorful teapot featuring Blue Mountains Gin made by local distillery Karu. If you’d like to take home a souvenir, stop by the distillery and pick up the complex gin, with layers of ruby grapefruit and lemon myrtle, or the chipotle-flavored vodka, with lime zest and spice.