Shops & culture
Markets, shops, bookshops, record stores and galleries, from Blackheath along the mountains.
Opening hours, prices and bookings change, so please check with each venue before you go.
Use Location to choose a town or village; categories describe activities and interests rather than locations.
Distances outside central Blackheath are broad, indicative ranges from Blackheath town centre, not live route calculations. Select “Map & reviews” for directions and an exact route.
Shops & markets
The markets run on set Sundays each month, so check dates before you plan a visit.
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Blackheath Growers Market
Monthly growers’ market
Held on the second Sunday of every month (except January), from 8am to 12 noon, with free entry. More than 60 growers bring fruit and vegetables, meats, breads, cheeses, olive oils, local wines, nuts and honey, free-range eggs, spices and condiments, plants and seedlings, and plenty of baked goods.
It’s a great way to pick up local produce for your stay.
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Born in the Blue Mountains
Women’s clothing, accessories & gifts
A long-standing boutique on the main street, selling women’s clothing and accessories, including a range of larger sizes and some children’s items, alongside gifts and local-made pieces. Customers often mention the helpful, friendly staff and the good choice of quality garments.
A pleasant place to browse if you’re after something cosy to wear on a cool mountain day, or a gift to take home.
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Harmony at Home
Homewares & gifts
A long-running homewares shop in the centre of the village, with kitchenware, gifts and a good range of Australian-themed goods such as tea towels, mugs and plates featuring native birds. It also has some clothing, including knitwear for cool mountain days.
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Magpie Up Style Market
Monthly market in Lawson
Approx. 27–34 km from Blackheath town centre
A relaxed, family-friendly market held on the third Sunday of each month (except January), from 9am to 1:30pm, with free entry. Browse collectibles, second-hand goods, local arts and crafts, books, jewellery and plants, with a foodies section serving coffee, gozleme, yum cha and BBQ.
It’s an easy walk from Lawson station.
Sista Styling Boutique
Fashion, knitwear & accessories
A colourful boutique offering women’s fashion, gifts and accessories, including warm New Zealand possum and merino knitwear. Its sister store is in Springwood.
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The Lolly Bug
Lollies, chocolates & nostalgic treats
A colourful stop with more than 2,000 varieties of sweets, chocolates and gifts, plus a playground and handmade treats. A fun detour for families and anyone with a sweet tooth.
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The Stray Whisker
Grooming, stationery & gifts
A beautifully presented shop for traditional wet-shaving and grooming supplies, run as a kind of artisanal apothecary. It also stocks lifestyle products such as pens and stationery, leather goods, traditional games and unique gift ideas, so it’s a great place to find a present.
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Twig Blackheath
Lifestyle store: fashion, homewares & gifts
An eclectic lifestyle store on the highway, with women’s fashion, homewares, gifts and treats. Look for Australiana products, sustainable eco cups and cutlery, locally made skin care, candles and, in winter, cosy woollens.
Twig also has a sister store in Lithgow and an online shop, so it’s a good stop for gifts or something warm for a cool mountain day.
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Victory Theatre Antique Centre
Antique centre & cafe
The Victory Theatre Antique Centre in Blackheath is a landmark destination, recognised as the largest antique centre west of Sydney.
First opened in 1921 as the Arcadia Picture Palace. The building was later renamed the Victory Theatre (possibly after World War II) and is easily recognised today by its bold geometric facade and an unmissable, colourful mural of Australian flora and fauna by designer Jenny Kee on its exterior wall.
The Victory Café is located at the entrance to the antique centre and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a range of dining options.
Open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day.
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Books & records
The first 11 shops are the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail, listed in trail order from Glenbrook to Lithgow (council trail map). The record stores follow.
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A Reader’s Heaven
New & preloved books in Lithgow
Approx. 31–41 km from Blackheath town centre
The last stop on the Bookshop Trail, and worth the extra travel time: a vast collection of both new and preloved books, where you’re sure to get lost among the shelves.
The couple who run it are friendly and generous with recommendations, and so devoted to the shop that they got married there.
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Blue Dragon Books
Second-hand bookshop in Glenbrook
Distance from Blackheath town centre: check route
The first stop on the Bookshop Trail, tucked into an unassuming arcade at the foot of the mountains. More than 18,000 second-hand books line the walls (and sometimes the floor), with new stock arriving almost every day and everything affordably priced.
Bring a donation and the staff may offer store credit. Before you leave, look over the handmade bookmarks and trinkets at the front desk.
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Chapters and Leaves
Teahouse & bookshop in Faulconbridge
Approx. 39–49 km from Blackheath town centre
Two favourite things combine here: tea and books. The teahouse offers over 150 teas, to sip in the shop while you read or to take home, and you can sit outside with your brew and a plate of homemade scones.
It’s locally owned and community-minded, selling a range of ‘Mountains made’ gifts and hosting book clubs, craft groups and charity events.
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Fool on the Hill Records
Second-hand & original vinyl
Approx. 15–20 km from Blackheath town centre
A cosy Leura record shop specialising in second-hand and original pressings, including Japanese pressings, with a focus on rock, jazz, soul and funk. Cassettes and t-shirts round out the shelves.
If they don’t have the record you’re after, they’ll track it down at no extra cost. You can also find them at the Glenbrook Markets on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
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Gleebooks
New & second-hand bookshops
Two Gleebooks shops face each other across the walkway of Collier’s Arcade, off Govetts Leap Road: one for new books, and one with a large range of second-hand titles. The staff will order in anything they don’t have.
Gleebooks Blackheath also hosts community events through the year, including author talks, live readings and book launches. The arcade is also home to Hat Hill Records.
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Good Earth Bookshop
Preloved books in Wentworth Falls
Approx. 19–25 km from Blackheath town centre
The cosy shop where the idea for the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail began. It’s brimming with preloved books, with a small selection of new editions, plus vintage collectables, games and toys.
It hosts book clubs, zine-making sessions and crafty get-togethers with a side of tea.
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Hat Hill Records
Independent record & hi-fi store
An independent record and hi-fi store specialising in new and collectable vinyl, along with new stereo equipment. They also buy vinyl collections and happily do trades.
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Megalong Books
General bookshop in Leura
Approx. 14–24 km from Blackheath town centre
A favourite with locals and visitors, and the quintessential bookshop: soft music, packed wooden shelves and that bookish smell. It stocks almost every genre, from gardening and cooking to history, politics, poetry and classics.
There are plenty of cosy cafes in Leura to try before you hit the trail again.
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Mr Pickwick’s Fine Old Books
Antiques & second-hand books
Approx. 11–16 km from Blackheath town centre
A double-storey Katoomba shop that has been serving antique and book lovers for around 25 years. The ground floor is full of vintage finds (clothes, homewares, toys, jewellery, furniture and art), while the real magic is downstairs in the bookshop.
There are plenty of modern novels, but also a lot of vintage, with collectors finding books dating back to the early 1800s. By the owner’s count, there are around 40,000 second-hand and antique books.
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RoseyRavelston Books
Cosy bookshop in Lawson
Approx. 27–34 km from Blackheath town centre
Like visiting your favourite grandma: classic carpets, mismatched photo frames and a big leather armchair in the corner, with an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction and rare books. It can even be hired out for private groups.
The shop is a strong advocate for refugees, and half of its profits go to local refugee charities.
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Side B Vinyl Bar
Record store by day, cocktail bar by night
By day Side B is a record store, sourcing a wide array of vinyl and specialising in first and early pressings of classic albums and rare finds.
By night the same cosy, music-centred space becomes a cocktail lounge, with regular live music and gigs.
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The Little Lost Bookshop
Two-storey bookshop in Katoomba
Approx. 11–16 km from Blackheath town centre
Hidden down Hapenny Lane among a selection of small stores, this two-storey bookshop has fiction and non-fiction downstairs, along with a good selection of Blue Mountains books. Second-hand books are upstairs.
You can also pick up board games, cards, bookmarks and unique gifts.
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The Turning Page Bookshop
New books in Springwood
Approx. 42–54 km from Blackheath town centre
A bright, homely bookshop on Springwood’s main street, with soft music and a shelf of staff favourites by the door.
There’s a tempting range of bookish extras too: bookmarks, pencil cases, tote bags, socks, stationery, cards and notebooks.
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The Velvet Fog
Vinyl records & in-store gigs
Approx. 11–16 km from Blackheath town centre
An independent Katoomba record store selling vinyl, with regular in-store gigs by local acts and its own Record Store Day celebrations. It’s directly opposite Katoomba station, so it’s an easy stop if you’re arriving or leaving by train.
If you miss the shop, look out for “The Mobile Fog”, a travelling record stall that turns up at local record fairs and markets.
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Wyrd Books
Fantasy, sci-fi & horror bookshop
Approx. 19–25 km from Blackheath town centre
A bookshop in Wentworth Falls with a specific focus on fantasy, science fiction and horror. It may not have something for everyone, but fans of those genres may find a new favourite.
The shop prioritises first-edition hardcovers, and its whole collection is catalogued on its website, so you can browse and buy even if you can’t make it in.
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First Nations culture
Discover living Aboriginal culture through guided experiences. Please check directly with the organisers for current tours, workshop dates and bookings.
Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout
Aboriginal-owned and guided cultural bushwalk
Approx. 35–45 km from Blackheath town centre
A Darug-led cultural experience exploring connection to Country. Confirm operating dates and bookings directly with the guide.
Aboriginal cultural workshops — NSW National Parks
Guided cultural workshops
Approx. 10–15 km from Blackheath town centre
Aboriginal ranger-led sessions on art, bush knowledge and connections to Country, offered by arrangement. Enquire directly about availability.
Arts & culture
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Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
Art, history and valley views
Approx. 11–16 km from Blackheath town centre
The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, located in the heart of Katoomba, is a multi-faceted hub that combines art, history, and stunning panoramic views. It is a must-see destination that encompasses several key attractions: the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, the Katoomba Library, and the “Into the Blue” World Heritage Interpretive Exhibition.
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Day Gallery
Australian art gallery
Founded in 2010 by Vincent and Helen Day, this Blackheath gallery shows Australian art from colonial times through to contemporary work by emerging artists, with an emphasis on pieces that speak to Australian culture and, often, to social and environmental issues.
Vincent and Helen are generous with their knowledge of Australian art, so it’s well worth a chat. It isn’t open every day, so check opening days before you visit.
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Gang Gang Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in Lithgow
Approx. 31–41 km from Blackheath town centre
A contemporary gallery in the heritage Old Refreshments building beside the Theatre Royal on Lithgow’s Main Street, opened in 2017. It shows contemporary art from the Blue Mountains, the Central West and further afield, in sculpture, textiles, paint, ceramics and more.
There’s a permanent collection of glassware, porcelain, timber and ironwork too, plus workshops and events. Opening days are limited, so check before you visit.
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Gary P Hayes Photography & Gallery
Landscape photography & workshops
Approx. 6–9 km from Blackheath town centre
Photographer Gary Hayes shows his landscape images of the Blue Mountains in his gallery in Mount Victoria.
He also runs photography workshops, including landscape and astrophotography, if you’d like to take home better photos of your own.
Glenbrook Cinema
Independent family-run cinema
A welcoming local cinema screening new releases and special programs. Check the current session times and booking details before making the trip.
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LOAF
Gallery, coffee shop & gift store
Approx. 19–25 km from Blackheath town centre
A female-led artist and business collective in the heart of Wentworth Falls village, combining an art gallery, an organic coffee shop and an ethically sourced gift store. It also runs an artist residency program, with studios above the cafe and the gallery in a separate building just around the corner.
It’s close to the shops, the station, and walks to Wentworth Falls Lake and the national park waterfalls, so it’s an easy stop before or after a walk.
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Lost Bear Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in Katoomba
Approx. 11–16 km from Blackheath town centre
A leading contemporary art gallery in Katoomba, set in a grand old guesthouse with 12 light-filled rooms. It shows paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass and more by acclaimed Australian artists, with a large central space for regularly changing feature exhibitions.
The gallery director, Geoff White, is well known on the Blue Mountains art scene and happy to talk about the work on show.
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Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum
Gallery, museum & gardens
Approx. 39–49 km from Blackheath town centre
The Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum is the former home of one of Australia’s most celebrated and controversial artists and writers, Norman Lindsay (1879–1969). Situated in a charming sandstone cottage surrounded by seventeen acres of magnificent gardens, the gallery is now managed by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and is a captivating blend of art, literature, and nature.
The property, which Lindsay called Springwood, was a thriving centre for bohemian artistic life for nearly sixty years. It was here that he created his iconic literary work, the children’s classic The Magic Pudding.
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