Five Jam-Packed Itineraries for Couples Getaways in the Blue Mountains

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Romance has a lot to answer for. We're big fans of love, but when it comes to getaways for two, the chilled champers, heart-shaped chocolate and rose petal-strewn room combo isn't the only exciting activity a couple can get up to.

In fact, if you're visiting somewhere as scenic, celebrated and overflowing with things to see, do, eat and experience as the Blue Mountains, holing up in a cabin in the woods means that you're missing out on half the fun. Whether you and your favourite are foodies, art and design lovers, history buffs, outdoorsy types or unashamedly enthusiastic tourists, we've come up with five jam-packed itineraries for your next couples trip to the Blueys.

Darley's.

FOR FOODIES

We're not just talking about food — we're talking about food with a killer view. So you'd best make sure Scenic World's EATS270 is on your agenda, because who doesn't want to devour a lunch of angus beef burgers while perched 270 metres above the ground and looking out over the Jamison Valley?

Grabbing brekkie on the verandah at The Conservation Hut, tucking into Vesta's rustic mountain menu, and going casual at Leura Garage are also a must, particularly if you're after hearty, tasty comfort dishes. So is dropping by The Hydro Majestic, where you'll find high tea served in the Wintergarden, yum cha and cocktails at Salon Du, and pizza and pasta at The Boiler House. And as for washing it all down — well, that's where dinner and drinks at Silk's Brasserie and Native Kitchen and Bar comes in.

Then, as far as holing of up for the night is concerned, you can't go past Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant. The fact that it boasts award-winning fine dining establishment Darley's on the premises isn't a coincidence.

FOR OUTDOORSY TYPES

Seriously, where do we start? Bushwalks, waterfalls, big batches of pretty plant life — the Blue Mountains have it all, plus abseiling and Segway tours as well.

First, why not get your feet pumping by moseying along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Furber Stairs, the Great Round Walk or the Scenic Walkway (2.4 kilometres of elevated boardwalk through pristine rainforest), all of which start at Scenic World (which has free all-day parking). Or, even if the weather isn't too warm, you can stare at the majesty of Leura Cascades, Minnehaha Falls and Wentworth Falls. Anyone after something a bit more vertical and adventurous should get in touch with the Katoomba-based Australian School of Mountaineering, who run courses and trips all year round. And those keen on a dose of Indigenous culture can tour cave painting and rock carving sites — either as part of a group, or by heading to Blue Mountains National Park.

After all that active fun, well, there's only one place to stay. We know we said that these itineraries weren't just above love — but who can pass up the chance to get up close to nature and sleep in a Love Cabins treehouse or teepee with their significant other?

The Carrington.

FOR HISTORY BUFFS

Every Aussie school kid learned about Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth crossing the Blue Mountains back in 1813, but there's more history in these towering rock formations than that. In fact, following in their footsteps via coach is just one of many history tours on offer. Why not head out on an authentic Aboriginal walkabout, enjoy a heritage and art walk, or visit the more mysterious and even ghostly hotspots in the area?

Diving into the region's past at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre is also a great way to get acquainted with the ol' Blueys. Check out the Into the Blue exhibition, a treasure trove of info for newcomers. Or, perhaps you'd like an old school experience of the entertaining kind, like catching a movie at Mount Vic Flicks. They really don't make cinemas like this back in the city.

Of course, even bunking down for the night is a historical affair if you stay in the right place. Given that The Carrington first opened back in 1883, avoiding the past there is impossible (even if you spend too long in their new craft brewery, which is due to open in late 2016).

Gary P Hayes.

FOR CLASSIC SIGHTSEERS

Never met a tourist attraction — be it a wildlife park or a historical village — that you haven't wanted to take a selfie at? Then the Blue Mountains is the place for you. Soon, your Facebook profile can boast snaps taken from the steepest railway incline in the world, as well as pics inside the most spectacular caves in Australia. C'mon, you know that's exactly what you want to do.

For the former, Scenic World is your must-visit destination — and for gliding on the glass-bottomed Skyway, descending down Jamison Valley via the Scenic Railway, and meandering along a rainforest walkway. As for the latter, we're talking about the Jenolan Caves, of course. They're one of the area's most popular spots for a reason.

And no visit up the mountains would be complete without a trip to the Three Sisters. Indeed, checking out their floodlit expanses at night is a bucket list moment. In fact, staying at the nearby Lillianfels Resort and Spa and making an evening of it is highly recommended.

BMCC.

FOR ART AND DESIGN LOVERS

If the Blue Mountains seem like the kind of place that artists would flock to, that's because it is. Iconic Aussie artist Norman Lindsay was one of the area's most famous residents, with the Norman Lindsay Galley and Museum showcasing his work. If you've seen the Elle Macpherson and Hugh Grant-starring flick Sirens, you'll know that there's more to his output than The Magic Pudding.

First stop, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre. Then explore Australian art history at one of the many Indigenous arts centres, and grab a few gifts to take home from the Waradah Aboriginal Gallery. Elsewhere, you'll find ace fashion courtesy of Leura's Mrs Peel and Little Wing Clothing — and Glenbrook's Late September, as well. Expect antiques aplenty at Macarthur's Arcade in Katoomba and the Victory Theatre Antique Centre in Blackheath, contemporary art at the Blue Mountains City Art Galley, and even a street art walk through the Beverly Place precinct. Oh, and there's a teapot museum too, if that's your kind of thing.

Then, spend the evening in a Heritage Room at The Hydro Majestic. With their art deco fitouts, they're practically works of art themselves.

Top image: Gary P Hayes.