Katoomba vs. Leura vs ... ????
 

I'm seeing listings of Blue Mountains accommodations in Katoomba, Leura, Blackheath, and Bathurst. What are the pros and cons of staying in these different areas as a base for visiting the Blue Mountains?

The plan: fly to Sydney (from Auckland, so jet lag's not an issue)--arriving around 10:30AM on Monday, Nov. 10th; p/u rental car and drive to Blue Mountains. Tuesday or Wednesday, drive to Jenolan Caves. Thursday afternoon, drive back to Sydney.

Any suggestions?
Thanks!!!

Personally, I like the village atmosphere of Leura better than Katoomba. Great coffee shop / deli in the Main Street with fabulous views over the valley.

If the Hydro Majestic at Meadlow Bath has re-opened by then, it would be worth a night.

Bathurst isn't in the Blue Mountains - it's about 90 mins west of Leura. Old gold mining, farming & grazing area.

Sometime when you're here in April, think about a loop out to Orange, through interesting little towns of Canowindra, Carcoar, Millthorpe.

Orange Food Week is terrific - usually around the middle of April.

http://www.orangefoodweek.com.au/

Just thinking about Jenolan Caves - be aware the road is very narrow & windy in places & can be slow if you get stuck behind a tour bus.

I'd suggest you go up to the BM via the Great Western Highway. Through the "explorer" towns - Blaxland, Wentworth.
Back via the Bells Line of Road & The Botanic Gardens, Bilpin. That's a drive
to gladden your heart. The other one is just a highway :)

Have fun Songdoc'

Thanks SO much for that GREAT info.
I'll definitely take your advice re: the routes--and am checking Leura hotels.

The Hydro Majestic looks FANTASTIC. I'm guessing it would be out of my budget--
but I'd love to at least take a look. Seems they're not taking reservations yet.

Thanks, again!

The Hydro Majestic might have some opening specials, Somgdoc. If nothing else, go & have morning /afternoon tea
there.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the new owners have done with it. It's such a beautiful old place & has been crying out for someone with deep pockets & an aesthetic eye to restore it to its former glory.

It was "this" close to being burnt down a few years ago by bushfire which took an outbuilding & came right up to the escarpment immediately in front of the long gallery. It was a mighty effort by the firefighters to save it.

And you're always welcome :)

I'll definitely plan to check it out. I'll be there early November--and will post.
And ... thanks, again!

Come back via Bells Line of Road, and have lunch at the restaurant at Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens. On weekends you'll need a reservation.

I really appreciated all the suggestions. FYI, I booked the Hotel Blue in Katoomba. $80/night -- including breakfast.