Girls long weekend to Sydney/Katoomba

Old Jun 23rd, 2015, 05:05 PM
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Girls long weekend to Sydney/Katoomba

Hi friends,

I am just starting to put together another long weekend for my girlfriends and myself. Last year we were seven all up and headed for Melbourne, where we had an amazing time.

This time I'm thinking Sydney and the Blue Mountains, but not sure. I'm planning 4 days/3 nights. Was thinking of transferring directly from airport to Katoomba for maybe 2 nights. Then back to Sydney where I was thinking some walks might be nice. Now I do remember that a number of you have offered some ideas for walks before - not too long and I think sort of inner cityish?

I was originally thinking of staying at Caves House at Jenolan but not sure any more - we do like a nice feed but the restaurant there doesn't seem to have an inspiring menu. Though we do like staying at older type establishments. So now I'm thinking of staying in Katoomba/Leura and just doing a day trip to the Caves. A visit to the three sisters, a little bit of bush walking. Then back to Sydney hopefully to fit in a quick trip to Bondi - is there a train to take us out there? And just a walking type tour. No shopping!

Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Cheers
Stormbird
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Old Jun 23rd, 2015, 08:28 PM
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Leura's better than Katoomba to stay in IMO. That said, it rather depends on what type of accommodation you're after.

The Carrington is a charming old hotel & usually has some good deals going.
Right in the centre of Katoomba.

Don't even think about the Hydro Majestic - the new owners couldn't run a b.....el if the Fleet was in town. And it's far too expensive. Ok for a meal in The Boiler Room to check out the views.

Jenolan Caves - lovely, but a bit isolated from everything else. I'd only include it if I had a good 2-3 days in the Blue Mountains.

Some good deals on Airbnb & Stayz, too. Configurations for a larger group might be tricky. I was there last month with 3 friends & will dig out my notes for you. There were a couple of nice looking places that really catered for 6+ people.

Best food - Silks. $$ but not OTT
Good daytime nosh -Leura Gourmet Deli. Great views from their back room ( walk past the counter).
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Old Jun 24th, 2015, 02:33 PM
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I'd go with Leura, also.

and will we catch you in Sydney?
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Old Jun 24th, 2015, 05:26 PM
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That's a good idea
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Old Jun 25th, 2015, 09:20 PM
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Hi there Stormbird,

Sounds like a fun trip.

As per comments above I would stay in Leura for the classic Blue Mountains experience. Jenolan Caves is nice for a short visit but honestly not a great option for overnight stay. Fairmont Resort in Leura is very nice and you can do day trips from there, or hire a local tour guide (Like me ) to show you the area.

Restaurant ideas: The Garage, Silks, Hydro Majestic and amazing pies at Wentworth Bakehouse.

For Sydney some classic walks are: Bay walk at Drummoyne, Bondi to Bronte walk, Spit to Manly walk, Rocks to Woolloomooloo.

Let me know if I can help with anything else.

Cheers, Scott.
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Old Jun 28th, 2015, 10:29 PM
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To get to Bondi catch a bus from the city or bondi junction train station. You can do a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee and then catch the bus back to the city.
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Old Jun 29th, 2015, 02:16 AM
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Hi All - thanks for the help to date. I think Leura will be a big tick. We have a couple of girls who haven't seen the Jenolan Caves so I think we will pop that into the schedule. So we'll look at doing two nights at Leura and will incorporate a bit of a bushwalk at Blue Mountains, three sisters, scenic railway.I think it will be a busy two days. But that's okay.

I like the idea of training it out to Bondi and doing the walk and catching the bus back to the city. So just re Bondi and pardon my ignorance but are there trendy fashion shops, gift shops, lots of lovely places to eat etc?

Now that leaves a night and say half a day in Sydney. We'll check out what shows might be on and to be honest I have never, ever seen a performance at The Opera House. But for the big smoke I'll get some input from the girls.

I'm not sure if I'll have time for a GTG catch up. Could the girls come along also?

In the meantime, I like the way things are shaping up!
Keep the suggestions coming lovely friends.
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Old Jun 30th, 2015, 04:56 AM
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We're fairly broadminded here (as you know) Bring the girls along.

We had a good meet and greet at the cafe in the Museum of Contemporary Art a couple of months ago.
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Old Jun 30th, 2015, 03:56 PM
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Yes I was there last year Margo - it was a great GTG and I know you'll love the girls and they'll love you. They're all ratbags like me!

We'll see how everything pans out!
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Old Jul 1st, 2015, 03:36 AM
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Storm bird in was in the blue mountains a few weeks ago. We stayed at Lillianfels, but it's expensive if you want single rooms, which we did. We had a great breakfast at the Leura Gourmet Deli (mentioned by Bokhara2). Leura's Mai. Street is good for a stroll, there's a delicious chocolate shop called Josephans, plus numerous other shops that are good for poking your nose into, with no obligation to purchase.

We also had a really good high tea at the hydro majestic, I'd recommend it. We didn't eat at Silks, and I wish we had.

Hope we can catch up again in Sydney, your friends would probably enjoy the MCA cafe, as long as there isn't a block of flats parked out the front again!
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Old Jul 1st, 2015, 04:43 AM
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Thanks for that info Cathie. Just checked out the Silks menu and the food sounds divine. Lilanfels looks interesting also. AND I do love a gorgeous high tea. I think the Blue Mountains is sounding like a lovely destination.

We girls are catching up in September in Brisbane to see Strictly Ballroom and staying at Treasury Casino (the old building- very quaint like the Windsor I think) and then lunch at Jamies Italian on the Sunday so there will be plenty of time for talking about the trip next year!
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Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 04:07 AM
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Will you have a car? I stayed at The Old Leura Dairy which is a serious of houses in different configurations all made of recycled products. I loved it there but it is a few mins walk from town centre. Check it out on the web.
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Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 05:42 PM
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I don't think so Schnauzer - I can get a transfer for 7 people from airport to Leura/Katoomba for $260 - pretty happy with that.
I was thinking we could just catch the daily bus over to the Jenolan Caves and then just cab it around the place in Leura if necessary.
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Old Jul 4th, 2015, 02:45 AM
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Stormbird my daughters and I are looking forward to seeing Strictly Ballroom in September too.

Hope you have a great time too.
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Old Jul 4th, 2015, 03:51 AM
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We're all really excited about seeing it October_Fun. We must catch up some time you know? Are you in Brisbane - or are you up on the Sunny Coast?
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Old Jul 4th, 2015, 07:05 PM
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Stormbird I am just outside of Toowoomba but make occasional trips to both coasts and Brisbane.

Strictly Ballroom was a favourite movie when the girls were little. They loved it. As soon as they announced the stage play the girls have been waiting for it to come to Brisbane.
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Old Jul 4th, 2015, 08:18 PM
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Oh now for some reason I thought you were a Brissie or Sunnie Coast girl. No matter I love Toowoomba and will actually be heading up there in about two weeks. I'm organising a weekend in August for a group of friends - we've booked out Vacy Hall and I'm really looking forward to it. I just have to do some recon on a restaurant there, where I hope to have dinner - have you ever dined at the Turkish restaurant Sofra by any chance?

Maybe when I know my movements October_Fun I could give you a shout out to see if we can catch up for a coffee or lunch or similar?
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Old Jul 4th, 2015, 10:02 PM
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Stormbird I would love to meet you.

I haven't been to Sofra myself (my DH is not adventurous with food) but I have spoken to a few people who have enjoyed it. I think it would be a nice place to eat and chat and laugh with your friends.

Just remember, bring your woollens. Unless there is no wind and lots of sun you will definitely need them. August = westerly winds.

If there is anything I can help you with for your weekend just yell.
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