Subject: Blue Mountains 'WEEKEND EXPERIENCES' - 18th August 2026

SPRING into the Blue Mountains


Spring has arrived in the Blue Mountains, bringing brighter days, fresh blooms and a renewed sense of adventure across the region. This weekend is a busy one.


It is a wonderful time to get outdoors for a spectacular bushwalk, take in the views from a sweeping lookout, enjoy a long lunch in the sunshine, or settle in for a relaxed weekend escape. From colourful gardens and cool-climate nature to great food, local events and memorable places to stay, spring is the perfect season to experience the very best of the Mountains.


Ask Roz Blue Mountains is here to help you discover the region’s best places to stay, eat, explore and experience this spring. Use GYRO or VISITOR to find great places to see and do.

SORRY, Mount Wilson, Mount Hay Road and Narrow Neck (cars) are closed.
HARTLEY is open: Hartley Valley trip

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).

>> Click here to READ this and other eMails online

OPENED AFTER 6+ YEARS CLOSED: After being closed for over 6 years, Pulpit Rock, Blackheath has reopened after an expensive upgrade, and we visited this morning. MORE INFORMATION Here: w3w.co/glasses.backstroke.enforce

The Mid-Mountains Garden Festival will be open this weekend


This year, 11 gardens line the trail from Linden to Lawson, offering visitors a diverse range of home gardens, from historic heritage estates and cool-climate cottage gardens to sustainable, family-oriented spaces and whimsical sanctuaries.


MORE info: www.midmountainsgardenfestival.com

TICKETS: www.midmountainsgardenfestival.com/tickets

MAP: Interactive map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mJB9StERPFXFukSE7 - Save it to your phone's home screen.

DAFFODIL AT RYDAL is on the weekend - September 19th & 20th Rydal NSW - MORE info

LATEST UPDATES: JOIN the Victoria Pass group and stay informed. OVER 11,000 people have already joined. Content is viewed up to 2 million times a month.

SPRING EXHIBITION: Spring has arrived at Rex-Livingston in Katoomba with ceramics by Rebecca Verpoorten-Laws & paintings by Kjell Daniel Everingham Check the details for exhibition dates and opening reception. MORE information


18 September to 11 October '26

IMAGE: Rebecca Verpoorten-Laws, Pomegranate Bowl, terracotta, sgraffito, slip, oxide,earthenware glaze, 63 x 52 x 21cm,

Rex-Livingston Art + Objects

182-184 Katoomba St Katoomba NSW 2780

www.rex-livingston.com

www.facebook.com/RexLivingstonArtObjects

Thur - Sun 11am – 5pm.

🔥 SMOKE STACK SUNDAYS IS BACK! 🔥


This month we’re going bigger with the Three Lil Pigs 🐷🐷🐷

  • 🥓 Pork belly

  • 🐷 Pulled pork

  • 🌭 Smoked pork sausage

Last time we sold out in just a few hours… so this time we’re going bigger!

If you want to get your hands on the Smoke Stack Sunday special, get in early and book your table now. 👀🔥 Don’t wait until it’s too late — we’ll see you Sunday at Ziggy’s Kitchen!

38 williwa st Portland 2847

1 YEAR IN OUR NEW HOME!


The Blue Mountains Chocolate Company have officially been in their new location for ONE WHOLE YEAR!

"To celebrate on Monday 21st September, we’re giving you a little something sweet:

  •  FREE small coffee with any cake purchase!

Come celebrate with us and enjoy some cake, chocolate and coffee while you’re here! Thank you for making our first year in our new home so special. We’re so grateful for all your support!"

Open 10am - 6pm 7 days
174 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 

“Australia’s Own Bocelli” Comes to the Blue Mountains in a Spectacular Tribute Concert Starring International Tenor Paul Ettore Tabone


BLUE MOUNTAINS THEATRE – Sunday 27 September 2026 – 3PM 

Tickets: www.paultabone.com ALSO here


International lyric tenor Paul Ettore Tabone brings audiences a powerful and emotional concert event celebrating the music of Andrea Bocelli in Paul Tabone Salutes Andrea Bocelli. 


Described by the BBC as “Australia’s own Bocelli” and praised by Theatre Direct as “a powerhouse voice that could fill a stadium”, Tabone brings extraordinary vocal power and emotional depth to this spectacular tribute to one of the world’s most beloved voices.

The Old City Bank Bar & Brasserie


Casual dining with pub-style classics every day of the week. Bar & Beer Garden open for lunch from noon. Brasserie open for dinner from 6:00pm - Dinner bookings recommended. Live music Friday & Saturday nights. https://thecarrington.com.au/dine-drink/old-city-bank/

Movie Night on the Greens

Saturday 3 October 2026

Greens open 6:30 pm | Movie starts 7 pm

Panthers Glenbrook

FREE entry: There will also be $5 pizza slices, plus popcorn, ice cream and grazing plates available to purchase on the night. Booking here

The Metropole Halloween


Saturday 31st October: 4.00 - 9.00 PM

Bookings required

More information 


This Halloween, the historic Metropole Katoomba is getting a haunting transformation.


Step inside our historic guesthouse for an immersive, family-friendly Halloween experience filled with ghostly characters, eerie hallways, gothic décor and a few surprises lurking around every corner.


Explore the hotel as roaming zombies and undead hotel staff bring the building to life (or perhaps back from the dead). Follow the trick-or-treat trail, have your fortune revealed with a tarot reading, visit our Halloween face-painting station and discover themed activities throughout the hotel.


Come dressed for the occasion, with prizes up for grabs for the best adult, child and family costumes.


Expect atmospheric lighting, cobweb-covered rooms, swirling bats, fog, strange sounds and plenty of photo opportunities as The Metropole becomes a haunted hotel for one night only.

DID YOU KNOW, The Wayzgoose Diner was voted the 'Best Cafe' in Leura in 2026? There burgers are amazing.

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

DID YOU KNOW the Victoria & Albert Guesthouse, Mount Victoria, is open for breakfast and lunch from 8am, 7 days a week.

MORE information

THE WIZARDS EXPRESS IS BACK at the Zig Zag Railway, and this year, the magic is bigger than ever on Saturday, 3 October 2026.


On Saturday 3 October, Zig Zag Railway transforms into a world of magic, mystery and adventure for one epic day.


Board the Wizards Express, be sorted into one of five Academy Houses and step into a full day of magical classes including Potions, Pyromantics, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Ancient Runes, Trackology and Zuggle Studies.


Saturday 3 October 2026

Zig Zag Railway, Clarence

Precinct open from 9am


BOOKINGS and MORE information here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4133095163661672

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 

Draft National Parks Establishment Plan - Have your say


The NSW Government is seeking community feedback on the draft National Parks Establishment Plan (the draft plan).


National parks play an important role in conserving biodiversity and protecting cultural heritage across NSW.


The draft plan updates the current National Parks Establishment Plan (2008), providing a clear framework for growing the national park estate to protect NSW's unique natural and cultural heritage for future generations. This includes how land will be assessed and prioritised for future investment.


Your feedback will help shape the final plan by making sure a range of community perspectives and knowledge are considered.

https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/NPWS-est-plan

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 content 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.


Gyro: www.gyro.askroz.com.au
Create your own Experiences: www.askroz.news/BM-Experiences

VISITOR eMag: www.askroz.news/ARBM-Visitor

Mount Victoria eMag: www.askroz.news/Mount-Victoria-NSW

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