The mountain retreat you’ll never want to leave – Parklands, NSW

If you’re visiting Sydney or you’re lucky enough to live here, a stay in the Blue Mountains is a must. With incredible views out over our bit of Australia’s biggest mountain range, quaint townships and some great eating options, the only thing missing is a place to stay. And we’ve got that wrapped up!

We love visiting the Blue Mountains, 90 minutes west of Sydney city. It’s a beautiful section of the Great Dividing Range, which runs 3,700km from the Grampians near Melbourne to the Cape York Peninsular in Northern Queensland.

We visited this beautiful alpine part of New South Wales recently to check out some of the amazing views and try some of the local restaurants. We’ve heard the bushwalks around Blackheath are exceptional too (thanks Sammie), but we didn’t have enough time. And it was too cold. Yes, we’re wimps.

Where to stay in the Blue Mountains, NSW

Most people head straight for the Katoomba when they go to the Blue Mountains. It makes sense – Katoomba is the biggest town in this part of the Blue Mountains and is where you get the best view of the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

However, it’s not the only place with something to offer around here.

Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges, Blackheath

We weren’t sure what to expect from our stay at the Parklands Retreat. We’d never stayed so far into the mountains before, either staying in the pretty town of Leura or in Katoomba itself.

Just outside town (but still in walking distance), the Parklands is on its own property and comprises of 7 cottages set around a main homestead and spa.

We stayed in one of the Loft Rooms, which has appointed with its own living area, LED TVs, an enormous and very comfy bed and a much-appreciated open fire.

The fire’s gas powered too, so heat is instantaneous and doesn’t need constant maintenance.

The room runs through the whole lodge, so there are views front and back with a dreamy looking nook under one of the bay windows perfect for relaxing with a good book.

The whole room is beautifully styled and there are little touches everywhere that sing of a well-thought out design.

The homestead and spa are similarly styled with furniture and decoration that suit this country manor house.

The light, airy dining room has views out over the grounds where you can watch the ducks waddle up and down while you’re enjoying the complimentary breakfast, and the drawing room is only missing a game of chess, a balloon of cognac and a fine cigar.

The breakfast options are a little limited, though the fruit buffet is great and there is a pastry basket begging to be plundered.

Ordering from the breakfast menu will see you happy with omelettes, egg on toast or a cooked breakfast – though this seems to be just served from the small buffet of cooked items next to the fruit section.

If you want more than the buffet, don’t bother with the cooked breakfast; go with the omelette instead.

Gluten free options are available here.

Over all, our time in the Parklands was excellent. The town of Blackheath is surprisingly full of dining potential for its size.

And it’s really not that far from some of our favourite views of the Blue Mountains or the township of Medlow Bath, where you can have an incredible high tea at the Hydro Majestic.

Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges is definitely the place to stay for a romantic weekender or a getaway with friends.

Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges

132 Govetts Leap Road
Blackheath
NSW 2785
W: parklands.com.au

Fb: @countrygardensandlodges
Tw: @parklandslodges
Ig: @parklandslodges

Tip: If you’re arriving after about 4pm, phone ahead so there’s someone at reception waiting for you.

Where do you go for a romantic getaway? Tell us in the comments!

Images by Mrs Romance using an Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera.

We stayed at the Parklands as guests of Destination NSW.