Subject: Blue Mountains 'WEEKEND EXPERIENCES' - 17th July 2026

eMAILS: We now send 3 main eMails a week. 'BEST EATS' every Monday, 'WHAT'S ON' every Wednesday, and 'WEEKEND EXPERIENCES' every Friday (this email) To read past issues of the emails click here.

Winter and the School Holidays are here in the Blue Mountains… and this is when the region truly comes alive.

There’s something special about this time of year. The air is crisp, the mornings are frosted, and the valleys fill with drifting mist that turns every lookout into a moment worth pausing for. The mountains feel quieter, moodier, and deeply atmospheric.


It’s the perfect season to slow down.

Clear blue-sky days deliver some of the best bushwalking conditions of the year, with sweeping views that stretch for miles. Then, as the temperature drops, the mountains gently nudge you indoors — towards crackling fireplaces, cosy village pubs, and hearty meals that warm you from the inside out.


And winter here isn’t just about the scenery.

Across July, Yulefest brings the magic of a traditional midwinter Christmas to life — think festive feasts, mulled wine, and historic guesthouses glowing with nostalgic charm. Add in Winter Solstice celebrations, live music, storytelling, and vibrant community events, and you’ll find the mountains humming with warmth and connection.


Whether you’re chasing adventure on the trails, planning a foodie escape, or simply craving a few quiet days by the fire… winter in the Blue Mountains gives you every reason to stay a little longer.


And when you’re ready to explore it all, Ask Roz Blue Mountains is here to guide you to the very best of the region.


Use GYRO or VISITOR to find great places to see and do.


Click here to READ eMails online

SORRY, Mount Wilson and Mount Hay Road are closed.
HARTLEY is open: Hartley Valley trip

LATEST UPDATES: JOIN the Victoria Pass group and stay informed. OVER 10,000 people have already joined. Content is viewed up to 2m times a month.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY RESOURCES


Here are some resources that you may find useful

Looking for something a little different on a cool Blue Mountains weekend?


Head into Katoomba and try the DIY Hot Chocolate experience at 'The Blue Mountains Chocolate Company Pty'. Instead of just ordering a drink, you get to create your own exactly how you like it, rich, indulgent, and completely personalised.

It’s no surprise they’ve been known for their hot chocolate for over 20 years. This is more than just a drink; it’s a hands-on treat and a bit of fun rolled into one.


You’ll find them at 174 Lurline Street, Katoomba

Here: https://w3w.co/sniff.adders.emitters

Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY is a great time in the Blue Mountains for locals and visitors alike. Here are a few options:-


One Orient, Katoomba: Lunch and dinner. 18th, 25th July & 1st August 2026. A Festive 3-Course Feast with a Glass of Mulled Wine. Join us for a cozy, seasonal dining experience like no other. This festive season, we’re serving up a special 3-course set menu inspired by classic Christmas flavours, crafted with warmth and elegance. Menu: https://askroz.news/One-Orient-Yulefest-Menu


The Victoria and Albert Guesthouse, Mount Victoria, have Yulefest until 25th July. Saturday Lunch and Dinner. Traditional 4-Course Menu: Indulge in a scrumptious, full Christmas dinner. Think succulent roasted meats, seasonal winter vegetables, and decadent puddings that would make Grandma proud. More information: https://vaguesthouse.com/up-and-coming-events


Spikes Bistro Blackheath have a great Christmas in July planned for 18th July. Gather your family and friends and join us for a festive evening filled with delicious food, great company, and Christmas cheer! MORE information: https://askroz.news/Spikes-Christmas-in-July MENU: https://askroz.news/Spikes-Christmas-in-July-Menu-2026


The Blue Fox Bar + Kitchen, Lithgow, has a great Christmas in July planned for Saturday, 18th July. "It’s that time of year again!!!! 🍷 Our famous, annual Christmas in July Party is back! 🎄 Live music again by the INCREDIBLE Lueth El-thair Bior Ajak 💃🏼 Send this to your friends and book your table now before it sells out!" https://askroz.news/Blue-Fox-Christmas-in-July


FACEBOOK group: www.facebook.com/groups/bluemountainschristmasinjuly

HEADS UP: Hartley House Cafe, Hartley, is planning a one-off 'Dare Lunch'

"We’re thinking about putting on a one-off Dare Lunch at Hartley House Cafe… but before we do, we want to know if anyone is game! MORE INFO: This is NOT your average Saturday lunch.

HAVE YOU seen Cafe Lurline's new 'Breakfast without borders' menu? Chef Jackie has created some amazing meals that are available all day.

📅 Date: 18th, 25th July & 1st August 2026, Every Saturday Lunch & Dinner - REVIEW

MORE information

REVIEW by Philip Johnson

On Thursday, I attended Christopher Nolan’s epic movie The Odyssey at United Cinemas The Edge, Katoomba, and this film is HUGE. It absolutely takes advantage of The Edge’s EMX Cinema 1 screen and sound, delivering a thunderous, immersive experience.


Starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Samantha Morton, and Robert Pattinson, the film commands the giant screen with both visual power and a remarkable ensemble cast.


The Odyssey is a mythic action epic retelling Homer’s saga of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, whose ten‑year journey home after the Trojan War becomes a battle against gods, monsters, fate, and the limits of human endurance. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the film blends massive spectacle with grounded, character‑driven storytelling. Christopher Nolan makes his movies for the BIG screen, do yourself a favour and see it on a BIG SCREEN.

Be sure to follow Philip on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pjohs1627

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The official opening isn't far away.

Rex-Livingston Art + Objects

182-184 Katoomba St Katoomba NSW 2780

www.rex-livingston.com

www.facebook.com/RexLivingstonArtObjects

Thur - Sun 11am – 5pm

THE BEST HOT CHOCOLATE IN TOWN
174 Lurline St. , Katoomba

Beyond the Blacktop Adventure Tours specialises in offering a variety of exciting guided tours in the Blue Mountains region. Their services include immersive experiences such as the Army Truck Adventures, which provide a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of the area. Beyond the Blacktop aims to create memorable experiences by inviting guests to "Share The Adventure!" through their diverse tour options.

>> NEW HIKING OPTIONS

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Bon Bakery Cafe - 176 Lurline St, Katoomba 

Playing this week at The Edge! - NEW BIG SCREEN moments to be discovered with our latest releases this week. Book now at www.unitedcinemas.com.au 

HEADS UP: Pre-launch: The Blue Mountains' newest 'collective Facebook group', Discuss all things Blue Mountains. Safe, friendly and engaging. Join before the launch, immediate approval. Here

HEADS UP: During Winter, our friends at Dryridge Estate are open on Fridays from 11am. Plus the weekend.

ABOUT ASK ROZ: Ask Roz Blue Mountains is the region’s leading and most trusted source of visitor information. In January 2026 alone, content from the Ask Roz Blue Mountains Facebook page generated over 6.4 million views. Since 2020, our digital eMagazines have attracted more than 1.8 million content views, with an average of over 1,400 views every day.


Our specialised Facebook groups now bring together a community of more than 130,000 highly engaged members, collectively driving in excess of 4 million content views each month.


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