A luxe stay at Echoes in the Blue Mountains delivers unbeatable views

Lara Picone Lara Picone
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Drop your bags and absorb the incredible Jamison Valley views from your room at the luxe Echoes Blue Mountains.

From watching the rich sandstone of the Jamison Valley illuminated at sunrise and sunset to gazing at the mist drifting across the forest below on rainy days, Echoes Blue Mountains offers guests more than a luxury stay, it also showcases the magnificence of the Blue Mountains in high definition. Rooms with views, refined dining and elegant amenities all add to an escape that heavily suggests re-booking.

Location

Dramatic valley vistas await guests at this boutique hotel where the beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park unfurls from dawn to dusk in a parade of shifting colours and light.

the view of Jamison Valley from Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Echoes Boutique Hotel looks out over the Jamison Valley.

Set on the escarpment at Echo Point in Katoomba, you’ll find averting your eyes from the landscape a hard task, but once you do, your close proximity to the charming mountain town places fantastic eateries, bushwalks and entertainment close at hand.

the Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel at dusk
Check into the elegant Echoes Boutique Hotel.

Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney but totally immersed in nature, Echoes Boutique Hotel makes slipping into a relaxed state of mind entirely attainable for weekend jaunts.

the garden steps at Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Relax in the gardens that overlook the sprawling valley below.

Style and character

The incredible site at Echo Point has been occupied since the 1940s, when it was built as a retreat for Christian Nurses. Falling into disrepair in the ’80s, the homestead was eventually demolished and the three-storey Echoes guesthouse built in its place, embodying a contemporary style with Federation flourishes.

the cliff top gardens at Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel, Katoomba
The three-storey boutique hotel embodies contemporary style with Federation flourishes.

Since then, there have been a handful of iterations of the guesthouse until it evolved into the luxurious 4.5-star boutique hotel it is today. Each room is bequeathed vast panoramas of the Jamison Valley beyond and the onsite restaurant and function room also make the most of the hotel’s extraordinary position on the precipice of the escarpment. 

the corner view suite balcony overlooking the Blue Mountains
Every corner boasts panoramic views of the scenic Blue Mountains.

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Facilities

Hedonistic pleasures are catered for here at the onsite day spa, where weary limbs can be indulged in massage therapy, soak therapy and other treatments to enhance wellbeing.

the couples treatment room at the day spa in Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Get yourself pampered at the spa.

Naturally, with its boundlessly beautiful location, Echoes also caters to weddings, where the views may threaten to upstage the bride. There are also conference facilities for discerning corporate events.

the lobby and staircase at Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
The lobby features a majestic staircase.

While the hotel doesn’t have its own pool or gymnasium, guests are welcome to complimentary access to the facilities of next-door sister hotel, Lilianfels Resort & Spa.

Rooms

There are no bad rooms at Echoes, with each opening out onto that scene-stealing Blue Mountains panorama. Whether you’re in a Corner View, Suite or Cliff View, Deluxe View or Grand Deluxe View room, you’ll awake to serenity beyond.

scenic views of the Blue Mountains from the Cliff View Room Balcony, Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Take in the sweeping views of the Blue Mountains from your Cliff View balcony.

Elegantly styled in a contemporary aesthetic and mountain charm, every room is named after a notable Australian explorer and differs slightly in colour palette and furnishings.

a look inside the Corner View Suite, Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
The Corner View Suite comes with contemporary furnishings.

All enjoy the expected mod-cons of a 4.5-star hotel, including wi-fi and Appelles bathroom products, marble bathrooms and rainhead showers.

the bathroom at the Cliff View Room, Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Complete with marble bathrooms, the Cliff View Room is a luxe lover’s dream.

Food and drink

Although Echoes’ attention-seeking vistas are an undeniable drawcard for a stay here, it’s not the only reason to check-in. The hotel is also home to the wonderfully worthy fine dining Echoes Restaurant and Bar, where guests and day-trippers can sit down to well-executed modern Australian fare, such as grass-fed Riverina lamb backstrap and five-spiced duck breast.

the Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel restaurant terrace
Dine at Echoes Restaurant and Bar for incredible views and food to match.

Of course, meals are backdropped by that eye-drawing view and served alongside a fine wine list. Also open to non-guests, the popular restaurant can quickly fill up, so make sure you book ahead.

a close-up shot of the Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel restaurant terrace
Eye-drawing views provide scenic entertainment during your meal.

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Experiences

Stays here are often aglow with the aura of a special occasion, be it a honeymoon, babymoon, event birthday or engagement, so to make the experience as special as possible, Echoes has a range of packages to lean into the moment. From an Indulgence Package to a Babymoon Package and Gourmet Getaway Package, these bundles ensure you don’t miss out on any of the best bits. 

Access for guests with disabilities?

Unfortunately, there’s no access to rooms, suites or the restaurant for those with limited mobility.

Family-friendly?

The suites and grand deluxe rooms can sleep up to two adults and two children, however, while the hotel is family-friendly to a point, there’s not a lot to entertain young kids, making it more of a couple’s escape.

the external view of Echoes Boutique Hotel
Echoes Boutique Hotel is the perfect couple’s escape.

Details

While check in time isn’t until 3pm, on the flipside, you have until 11am to check out, which means you can enjoy those views from your bed with a lazy sleep in.

the corner view suite bedroom with a window
Enjoy the views from your bed.

Address: 3 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba; echoeshotel.com.au
Contact: (02) 4782 1966
Cost: Rates for the Deluxe View Room start at $386 per night.

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Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

    Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

    Winter on the NSW South Coast

    Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

    Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

    two people standing in front of kiama blowhole
    See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

    Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

    Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast
    Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery. Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

    Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda, and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

    End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines.

    The Sebel Kiama exterior
    Sleep by the harbour.

    Winter on the Mid-North Coast

    A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

    First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

    Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast
    Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

    Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines, where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

    port macquarie koala hospital
    Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala. Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

    Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

    At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie, right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

    bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie
    Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

    Winter on the Central Coast

    On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

    The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk, an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

    Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

    a humpback whale breaching on the central coast
    Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park. Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

    If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast, a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery, where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

    Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

    woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
    Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal, which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

    Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores, between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

    restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast
    Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Winter in Wollongong

    Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

    If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

    Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

    monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple
    Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch. Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

    The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong. A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery, which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

    monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park
    Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

    As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen. It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

    Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

    Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
    Fall asleep listening to the waves.

    Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.