Blackheath Village & Surrounds
Our favourite places in and around Blackheath: where to eat, walk, shop and unwind. Discover more across the Blue Mountains in the other guides.
From the cottage it’s a 10–15 minute walk to Blackheath town centre and train station (approx. 1.5 km), or a 3 minute drive.
Everything on this page is in or close to Blackheath, and it also appears in the fuller guides. Opening hours, prices and bookings change, so please check with each venue before you go.
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.
Eat & drink
Cafes, delis and restaurants in the village, plus the pubs. Many places keep limited hours, so check before you go.
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Altitude Delicatessen
Deli & cafe
A popular deli and cafe on Blackheath’s main street, known for fresh, generous sandwiches, good coffee and milkshakes. It’s open seven days a week, with gluten-free and vegetarian options, so it’s a handy stop for breakfast, a lunch to take on a walk, or a snack.
The egg and (lots of) bacon roll is always yummy.
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Ates Blackheath
Restaurant & wine bar
Ates is a destination for sophisticated dining, specialising in Mediterranean-inspired share plates cooked in a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven. The focus is on seasonal, locally-sourced produce, creating delicious dishes with rich, smoky flavor.
It’s an intimate, warm space (literally, thanks to the oven and the terracotta walls!) and also operates as a wine bar with a carefully selected list of mostly NSW wines.
Blackheath Bakery Patisserie
Classic bakery, pies and sweet treats
A traditional local bakery for bread, pies, sausage rolls and cakes. Handy for picking up something to enjoy while exploring Blackheath.
Blackheath Fish & Chips
Classic fish and chips in the village
A longstanding family-run fish-and-chip shop offering a casual takeaway option in Blackheath.
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BLAQ
Modern Australian restaurant & bar
Set inside the stylish Kyah Boutique Hotel, Blaq is a must-visit for foodies. This award-winning restaurant offers Modern Australian cuisine with a strong focus on hyper-local, seasonal produce—much of it grown in their onsite garden. They also boast an incredible wine list featuring 100% NSW wines.
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Blue Mountains Sushi
Japanese & sushi
A small, family-run Japanese restaurant on the highway that visitors consistently describe as homely and good value, with fresh sushi and generous portions. Dishes that come up again and again include the crispy chicken sushi roll, crispy prawn dumplings, chicken karaage and katsu, tempura prawns, soft-shell crab, udon and miso soup, and oyakodon.
It’s casual and good for kids, with dine-in, takeaway and kerbside pickup, and it’s BYO. It’s a handy lunch or dinner stop on the highway.
Butter
Cafe & curated shop
A cosy cafe and shop in Blackheath village, combining coffee and a creative brunch menu with a selection of handmade and locally made goods. A relaxed stop for breakfast, a bite to eat or a browse.
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Choc A Latte
Licensed cafe
A relaxed licensed cafe on the highway serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and desserts, with gluten-free and vegetarian options and takeaway available. It has seating for about 40 and tends to stay open later in the afternoon than most of Blackheath’s cafes.
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Frankie & Mo’s Wine Shop & Bar
Natural wines, seasonal food & bottle shop
An intimate wine bar and bottle shop run by local winemakers Bob and Tom Colman. Discover natural, organic and low-intervention wines, a changing by-the-glass selection and a seasonal, vegetable-forward menu. A lovely choice for an evening in Blackheath.
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Gardners Inn Hotel
Historic pub & bistro
Dating back to 1831, the Gardners Inn is one of the oldest hotels in Australia and a true Blackheath landmark. It’s a cozy, historic spot perfect for a hearty pub feed and a cold beer.
The recently renovated Gardners Inn Bistro serves up classic Australian pub fare, including steaks, burgers, Chicken Parmigiana, and their famous Beef and Guinness Pot Pie.
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Hounslow
Cafe by day, cocktails by night
A contemporary Australian cafe in Collier’s Arcade, next to Gleebooks, serving healthy, vegetarian-friendly breakfasts and lunches such as a BLAT sandwich, a vegan mushroom toastie, a big brekkie and a salmon bagel. In the evenings it switches to cocktails.
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Ho’s Palace
Chinese & seafood restaurant
A long-running, family-run Chinese restaurant, in business since the 1980s and run by owners Sam and Aileen, with Hong Kong roots. The decor is wonderfully traditional, and the old-school Australian-Chinese menu has plenty of favourites, such as sizzling Mongolian lamb, sweet and sour pork, sizzling garlic prawns, special fried rice, spring rolls and dim sims.
It’s licensed, with Chinese beer on the list, and takeaway is available. It’s also the only Chinese restaurant in the village, so it can be busy at weekends.
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Mr Tom’s Wood Fired Pizza
Mobile Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza
Mobile wood-fired pizzas, usually served on Thursday evenings on the lawn outside Blackheath Fitness Centre — about a five-minute walk from Portree Cottage — and on Friday evenings at the Katoomba Falls kiosk. Times and locations can vary with the seasons, so check Mr Tom’s Facebook or Instagram for the latest schedule, locations, menu and other details before heading out.
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New Ivanhoe Hotel
Art Deco pub & bistro
A classic example of late Art Deco architecture, the Ivanhoe is the heart of Blackheath’s pub scene. Recently renovated, the bistro serves up generous, affordable pub classics made with locally-sourced ingredients, including burgers, steaks, ribs, and fresh seafood.
It’s a cozy, welcoming spot, especially during winter when their open log fires are burning. They also host live music and offer a great selection of local beers and wine.
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Osteria 2785
Italian restaurant
For a memorable meal, visit this charming restaurant which offers an authentic Italian dining experience right here in Blackheath. Osteria 2785 specialises in traditional, rustic Italian cuisine using locally sourced produce.
Must-try dishes often include their house-made pasta like the Lamb Ragu and Gorgonzola Gnocchi. They are also highly rated for their generous portions and excellent gluten-free and vegan options.
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Pomelo Cafe
Cafe with an Asian-Italian twist
A cosy, friendly cafe on the highway, with local artwork on the walls and a menu that mixes cafe classics with Asian and Italian influences. You’ll find all-day breakfast (eggs benedict, poached eggs, avo and fetta with hummus) alongside udon, katsu, rice bowls such as spicy beef or salmon, Tom Yum prawn fusilli and Thai chicken curry.
Visitors rate the coffee and the generous portions, and there are plenty of vegetarian options, so it’s an easy all-rounder for a group with mixed tastes.
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Sanguinary Cafe
Speciality coffee & toasties
A quirky little cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, consistently singled out by locals and visitors for some of the best coffee in the Blue Mountains, made with Toby’s Estate beans. It opens early, welcomes dogs and has a friendly owner-run feel.
The food is cooked fresh in-house: toasties (the caprese is a favourite), breakfast rolls, pulled pork sandwiches and home-baked treats like carrot cake, with a good range of teas too. It’s a favourite for an early start before a walk.
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Side B Vinyl Bar
Cocktail bar by night, record store by day
By night Side B is a cozy, intimate cocktail lounge built around good vibes, good cocktails and curated music, with regular live music and gigs. The drinks focus is on a sophisticated selection of cocktails, and other drinks and food are detailed on their website.
By day it’s a record store, specialising in first and early pressings of classic albums and rare finds.
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Thai Silk Restaurant
Thai restaurant (BYO)
A well-liked local Thai restaurant, tucked into a converted house in a back street just around the corner from the main strip. It’s BYO, with a varied menu that includes plenty of fish and seafood and vegan-friendly options, and takeaway is available.
Booking is a good idea at weekends and during holidays.
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This Little Piggy Deli
Gourmet deli & cafe
A gourmet deli and cafe with a European touch, a good stop for coffee and delicious fare to eat in or take away. It has a smaller set of opening days than the other delis, so check before you go.
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Walks & nature
Lookouts and walks start close to Blackheath town centre, on the edge of the Blue Mountains National Park.
Anvil Rock Lookout
Grose Valley lookout
Approx. 8–12 km from Blackheath town centre
Anvil Rock offers sweeping views towards Mount Banks and the Grose Valley, with a short walk from the parking area. Access is via unsealed roads; check road and park conditions before setting out.
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Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
Your gateway to the World Heritage park
Approx. 2–5 km from Blackheath town centre
The Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), serves as the official, fully accessible hub for exploring the Blue Mountains National Park. Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed Christmas Day), it is the essential first stop for any visitor, providing expert advice, maps, and details on walking tracks and park conditions. It features interpretive displays on Aboriginal heritage, local history, and wildlife, as well as the permanent ‘Outside In’ exhibition. Crucially, the Centre is the starting point for the easy Fairfax Heritage walking track leading directly to the stunning Govetts Leap Lookout.
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Campbell Rhododendron Gardens
Gardens, ponds & picnic areas
This unique 18.3-hectare garden showcases exotic rhododendrons, azaleas, and maples planted thoughtfully amongst the native Australian eucalypts and bushland. It’s a peaceful place to wander, with easy walking tracks, ponds, and picnic areas.
Cliff Top Walking Track
Grose Valley clifftop walk
Starts approx. 3–6 km from Blackheath town centre
A scenic walking track connecting Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout, with sweeping views over the Grose Valley, heathlands and waterfalls. The 6 km return walk takes around 3–3½ hours and includes steps and steep sections; check current track alerts.
Colliers Causeway
Cliffside walking route
A memorable cliff-hugging section of the Porters Pass and Centennial Glen walking area, with sandstone overhangs and rugged scenery. This is a more demanding bushwalk, not a casual lookout stroll; check track conditions and choose a route suited to your experience.
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Evans Lookout
Lookout & walking-track base
Approx. 4–7 km from Blackheath town centre
Evans Lookout offers a breathtaking, easily accessible, and grand introduction to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, with dramatic views of the vast Grose Valley and its sheer sandstone cliffs. A particularly spectacular destination at sunrise and sunset, the lookout serves as a key base for bushwalkers. Its main trails include the historic Grand Canyon Track, a world-class rainforest adventure, and the Cliff Top Walking Track, a stunning escarpment walk to Govetts Leap.
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Govetts Leap Lookout
Lookout over the Grose Valley
Approx. 3–6 km from Blackheath town centre
Govetts Leap Lookout is one of the most famous and spectacular vantage points in the Blue Mountains, offering breathtaking, panoramic views across the deep, vast Grose Valley and the surrounding sandstone wilderness.
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Grand Canyon Walking Track
Walking track: 6.3 km circuit
Approx. 4–8 km from Blackheath town centre
Often described as one of Australia’s best day hikes, the Grand Canyon Track is a world-class, historic circuit that descends deep into a breathtaking, fern-filled gorge.
This is a spectacular 6.3 km circuit that takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete and is classified as a challenging (Grade 3) hike.
Hanging Rock (Baltzer Lookout)
Wilderness lookout & ridge walk
Follow the Burramoko Ridge trail through bushland towards the dramatic, unfenced Baltzer Lookout overlooking the Grose Wilderness. Suitable for a longer walk or mountain-bike outing; keep well away from exposed cliff edges and check conditions before visiting.
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Memorial Park
Park, playgrounds & pool
Blackheath Memorial Park is a premier family-friendly destination in the Upper Blue Mountains, blending recreational fun with natural beauty. It’s a great picnic spot with kids play-areas galore! The recently restored Red Rocket climbing frame and slide is a favourite, complemented by a new water play area and multiple heritage playgrounds. Visitors can also feed the ducks at the pond, or visit Blackheath Pool for a refreshing swim in the summer months.
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Porters Pass
Slot canyons and hidden waterfalls
Approx. 2–5 km from Blackheath town centre
The Porters Pass Circuit (incorporating Colliers Causeway and Centennial Glen) is a fantastic, but often overlooked, 5.2 km loop walk in the Blue Mountains, offering an incredible variety of scenery packed into a short distance. Taking approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete, the trail is classified as Moderate due to its rough terrain, numerous stairs, and steep sections. Hikers are richly rewarded by exploring spectacular rainforest gullies, walking along cliff edges, and discovering the hike’s hidden gem: the “incredible Grotto” at Centennial Glen, which features a slot canyon waterfall and plunge pool.
Pulpit Rock Lookout
Panoramic Grose Valley lookout
Approx. 5–9 km from Blackheath town centre
A dramatic multi-level lookout with spectacular views across the Grose Valley. Reopened in 2026 after restoration works; the lookout is approximately 400 m on foot from the carpark, reached via partly unsealed roads. Check park alerts before visiting.
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Shops, art & culture
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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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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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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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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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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.
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 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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Things to do
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Aqua Ignis Bathhouse
Japanese-style bathhouse
A beautiful Japanese-style bathhouse offering a boutique wellness experience right here in Blackheath. Aqua Ignis is the perfect spot to unwind and detox after a big mountain walk.
Booking: It is essential to book your session in advance online as this is a popular spot with limited capacity.
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Blackheath Golf and Community Club
18-hole golf course & bistro
Approx. 1.3 km from Portree Cottage
Blackheath Golf Club is an 18-hole, Par 69 parkland course nestled beside the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. As one of the highest golf courses in the country, it is renowned for its natural beauty, where you play among vibrant flora like rhododendrons, maples, and azaleas, with native fauna often spotted along the fairways.
The course features an undulating footprint and elevation changes that add a challenging element to the game, ensuring a rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Bistro & Restaurant: An on-site restaurant caters to all occasions, from casual meals to weddings and corporate events.
Bar & Lounge: The clubhouse includes a bar and a comfortable lounge area, featuring a warm slow combustion fire.
Blue Mountains Iyengar Yoga Studio
Yoga classes for all experience levels
An established local yoga studio offering Iyengar yoga classes for beginners through to experienced students, with in-studio and online options. Check the current timetable and book directly with the studio.
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Logan Brae Orchards
Historic pies and seasonal views
Approx. 5–7 km from Blackheath town centre
The Logan Brae Orchard is a charming, century-old apple orchard renowned as a mandatory seasonal stop for any Blue Mountains visitor. This rustic, family-run establishment is only open during apple season, typically from March to July, and operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The visitor experience is centered on the Orchard Shop, where guests flock to buy the orchard’s famous products: hand-picked apples, its iconic homemade Apple Pies, and the highly-praised Hot Spiced Apple Juice. Its location on the Shipley Plateau offers a stunning backdrop, with a public lookout providing breathtaking views over the escarpment and valley.
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Getting around
Blackheath train station is approximately 1.5 km from the cottage (around a 15–20 minute walk), with trains along the Blue Mountains line. For taxis, pre-booking is wise, especially at weekends.
13cabs
Taxi bookings by phone, app or online
Book a taxi by phone, via the 13cabs app or online. Enter your Blackheath pickup address to check whether a vehicle is available for your journey; local coverage may vary.
Blackheath Train Station
Blue Mountains Line · NSW TrainLink
Approx. 1.5 km from Portree Cottage
Rail connections towards Katoomba, Sydney and Lithgow. Check Transport for NSW for current departure times and service updates.
Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
Hop-on hop-off sightseeing around Katoomba and Leura
Approx. 10–15 km from Blackheath town centre to Katoomba
A sightseeing bus service for attractions around Katoomba and Leura, including lookouts and Scenic World. It does not operate as a local Blackheath town bus; check the timetable and boarding stops.
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Katoomba Taxis
Local taxi co-operative
The local taxi co-operative (Katoomba Leura Radio Cabs), serving the Blue Mountains and including wheelchair-accessible cabs. Weekend transport is often available but should be pre-booked.
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Festivals & seasonal events
Blackheath’s own celebrations are featured here. For events across the wider Blue Mountains, browse the Festivals & events guide.
BArtS Handmade Christmas Market
Christmas gifts & local artwork · December
A seasonal market showcasing handmade ceramics, prints, paintings and gifts by local artists. Check for the next confirmed event date.
Blackheath Chamber Music Festival
Annual chamber music festival · April
An intimate annual autumn festival featuring acclaimed Australian classical musicians and chamber music performances. The next festival is scheduled for 16–18 April 2027; check the official program and tickets before visiting.
Blackheath Rhododendron Festival
Spring festival in Blackheath
A much-loved Blackheath community festival celebrating spring, with a parade and activities around the village. Check the festival program for this year’s dates and details.