The loft studios are upstairs (with the balconies), and the one-bed apartments are ground level (with patios) — all with the magnificent backdrop of trees...
I always like to think I do things a little bit differently, and this is what Aaron and Tanya who run The Falls Mountain Retreat obviously think too. The Blue Mountains is a well known weekend escape destination for Sydneysiders, as its just a couple of hours from the city, and is a beautiful national park. But it tends towards the traditional when it comes to accommodation (yes, we're talking the dreaded chintz here!), and so while ironically we like a dash of chintz in the city (Simpsons of Potts Point), we actually didn't want it out in the countryside. The Falls is a set of modern purpose built apartments and was a perfect place for us to stay in the Blue Mountains.
Don't be put off by the drive to the Blue Mountains — it is as spectacularly dull as the views are magnificent when you get there. Also, watch out for the toll motorways — some of which you might need to set up an account for on the phone after you get there (M7), as there are no toll booths! Whichever way to get to the Blue Mountains by road (and there is the option of the train too), you will probably end up on a dull motorway, but bear with it — it's not for long, and just means you can get to the Blue Mountains quicker.
The autumn colours of the trees make your short drive down Falls Road an absolute pleasure
Finding The Falls Mountain Retreat is easy, even in the downpour we had (we are the rain conjurers!). With a turn off from the main road at Wentworth Falls, a few minutes drive down the beautiful tree laden Avenue brings you to the driveway. We visited in autumn (April) and the trees were totally spoiling us with their fabulous colours. Who needs New England when you can have this!
The welcome we received on our wet afternoon was fantastically warm — literally too, as Tanya had the fire going in the office — after all it was below 20 degrees, so the fire is very necessary if you are Australian ;-) Who cares if it wasn't really cold by Pommie standards — it was lovely in there, and I wasn't complaining. The good news was that we could check in right away, even though we were early. Obviously, this can't be guaranteed, but I know now that every effort is made so wherever possible this can happen.
The Retreat itself looks like a little housing development — complete with landscaped water feature in the driveway and parking area. I wasn't sure right away that I liked it, as it is very 'new' and does look a little too 'organised', but I forgot all about that the minute I was inside our loft — it was really lovely.
The ultimate holiday luxury — you get balconies at both ends of your studio!
Each 'unit' is a 2 bedroom apartment, but set-up so that it can be let separately as both a loft unit (studio upstairs), and a one bedroom apartment (downstairs). We had opted for a loft which of course was upstairs (have to mention, because of suitcase lugging requirements). But having the upstairs loft meant that we had a balcony front and back — the latter being huge, and looking directly into the woods dropping away down the hillside below.
I had made slight logistical error in that I hadn't realised that the loft apartments don't have laundry facilities (the 1 bed and 2 bed apartments do). But this was no matter for Tanya, who happily let us into the vacant apartment below our loft and let us use the full laundry in there while it wasn't occupied.
The nicest thing was arriving to a welcoming fire and a warm apartment. Yes, I know we didn't really need the fire, but it's like the spa-bath — you can't not make use of it, as it's right there! There is a spa in every single apartment at the Falls Mountain Retreat, and it's a proper 2 person side-by-side seating arrangement too. Perfect for all that post-mountain-trail-walking-bathing.
The longer route to the Conservation Hut Café takes you past the Wentworth Falls Lookout and this stunning view. Then it was a fifteen minute stomp along the path through the trees to the café and a deserved afternoon (cream!) tea.
The smoothies at the Blue Mist Café proved rather difficult to resist for some, even after the huge and delicious cooked breakfast...Andy and Alex enjoy a smoothie moment!
The Falls Mountain Retreat is entirely self-catering, so you need to plan ahead on that front for things to eat for breakfast and other meals. However, for breakfast and lunch (and I think dinner a couple of evenings a week in summer) the Conservation Hut Café is a pleasant 8-minute stroll away. Ambling past lots of lovely cottages in a wide street of beautiful trees brings to you the Conservation Hut, which is a great eatery that I have to say we managed to sample the lunch and afternoon tea of (on separate occasions I must add!). Both times it was delicious, and if I hadn't thought it was too much, we would have gone there for breakfast too (as it was, we tried the Blue Mist Café in Wentworth Falls for breakfast, and were delighted with the incredible smoothies and enormous cooked platters!).
While on the subject of food then, the Thai takeaway in Wentworth Falls has to have a mention — quite possibly the best Thai takeaway I have ever had! Delicious!
So back inside the apartments, I have to say that the décor is very nice. Furniture is modern, but not so modern that it stops being comfortable. The look is contemporary rather than overly 'designed' — furniture is interesting and well made. The kitchen is very small in the studios, so if you are planning a culinary feast or a stay of more than a couple of days then it would be worth considering an apartment to get a full-size kitchen.
Yes it was a bit chilly, but one flick of a switch and the beautiful real flame gas fire was blazing — making a cosy and warm dining area.
That said, the kitchen had everything we needed. Andy also was very impressed with the carpet! Considering we were tramping in and out of the apartment with not so clean footwear, the carpet was spotless — a definite sign of quality and attention to detail we think.
The best thing about the Falls Mountain Retreat, though, is its location — you can literally walk out the door, and be on a number of walking trails in a couple of minutes (see map of the area). The main towns of the Blue Mountains are more built-up, so that is why staying here works so well. Your amenities are at the nearby town (Katoomba), but you are staying in the countryside (or a street away from it!).
Planning Your Trip
Go to Australia for just two weeks... are you insane?
And not all the walks are for serious hikers — we managed a few strolls out that were scenic, but not exhausting. If you have the time, you could easily spend 4-5 days here exploring nearby and walking out on various trails from the door.
One of the main attractions in the Blue Mountains is 'Scenic World' (I know, cheesy — but does what it says on the tin!). Don't be put off by the tourist trap sounding name — this is a great attraction, and worth a visit. But remember that every tour bus in the Blue Mountains will end up here at some point, so plan accordingly — get there early (or late) before (or after) the tours. We noticed that most tours arrived from 10am, and they all do the 'rides' in a particular order — railway down, cable car up. So all you need to do is reverse the travel direction — we did cable car down (us and 2 other people) and then the railway up (3 other people). Both times the cable car and railway were full in the opposite direction with a tour bus load.
The easy way to explore the rainforest (especially with a buggy!) — the sun dappled boardwalks at Scenic World (it is worth you getting up early to enjoy them uncrowded).
I would also recommend taking the Skyway ride first, so you can get a good tramp about on the glass floor (its an 'Elector-Sceni' floor apparently!). If you have kids with you (or like hurtling up and down an incline railway) you can buy a ticket that allows you to go on all the 'rides' as much as you want in a day, which might be a good idea if they need entertaining!
When in the countryside, be a bit different we say, and forget the heritage properties — instead get a fresh modern apartment at The Falls Mountain Retreat, and revel in the great setting, sprawl on the comfy furniture, sink in the spa bath and toast by that fire... stock the fridge with some great wine and order a Thai take-away!
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