PUT A SPRINGWOOD IN YOUR STEP

Springwood is Sydney’s gateway into the mountains. It’s our gateway drug into the wilderness, and a very civilised one at that. And, being but a short drive or leisurely train ride from Sydney, you can fit in a coffee, lunch, stroll around the shops and a hike, all before curling up by a woodfire with a Horchata (mexican spiced cocoa). Or wine. Or whiskey.

After setting out in the morning, not too early (this is wilderness weekend is nothing if not genteel) stop in for a coffee at Dbl, a good vibes, good people, good coffee kind of place. And. 

Now there’s no set order in which to do these activities, but I would suggest a short stroll down the main street, and if you’re partial to a shop with a ‘hippy’, ‘gypsy’, ‘boheme’, or ‘new age’ in its name, maybe this is your main activity for the day. However if you’re out here to move your legs and get some fresh air into your lungs. Let’s go for a walk. 

After lunch back at Dbl for the Turkish Chilli Eggs, you’ve got a decision to make. There are  more bushwalks in this area you could swing a compass at, but rest assured, there’s no wrong choice. But to make it easier for you, may I suggest the Wiggins, Victory and Yondel’s Walk (complete with swimming hole and waterfall), The Valley Heights to Springwood (via the Lost World Lookout) – a longer walk so start earlier, but worth it because of the Lost World Lookout – not least of all because to me the name implies I’ll see dinosaurs. 

Now it’s time to rest your legs and quench your thirst at The Bunker, before tucking in to some honest pub fare there, or sauntering over to the Reminiscence Tapas, Whiskey and Wine Bar for something just as honest, but slightly more continental. Or for some fine dining – off to Arrana with you. 

Even if you’ve got a skerrick of energy left, I highly recommend checking out what the Blue Mountains Theatre has on while you’re there. They have a wide range and top notch quality theatre, live music, comedy, and film on offer. 

By now you’ve thoroughly earned a good night’s sleep, hopefully preceded by that night cap by the fire. What a day.