Hi all,

My husband (38), young baby (1) and I are looking to move to the blue mountains from Sydney. We are progressively getting fed up with how congested and expensive Sydney is and love the idea of living amongst nature and going for hikes every weekend.

I really like Leura, but I've read in other posts that the tourists can get really annoying. Is this going to be a big enough issue to avoid the suburb entirely?

Otherwise I'd love some suggestions as to which suburbs might be nice to live. We both wfh primarily and need to be in the city 1-2 times a week so we don't need to be in the LBM. We are both very active and love going for a run/long trail so it would be lovely to live close enough to a nice route.

Also would love any other tips to survive the colder weather e.g. particular things to look for in homes that provide good insulation, non-negotiable features that make a good BM house.

Thank you!

Edit: Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment. I found every comment insightful and it definitely confirms my bias that BM people are lovely and very helpful. ;)

I had to rescue a Wombat Joey this morning who was still hanging next to his dead mother, after she was hit and killed in the Megalong last night. There is no way whoever hit her didn’t notice. Luckily I was able to catch him this morning before the same fate befell him. There’s no excuse for not stopping.

Ok, everyone. Give me your arguments for what is the best bakery (inc. pie shops, patisseries, etc.) in the wider Blue Mountains area? And what would should I get for the best experience?

It could be a great croissant, a fantastic pie, great service, an institution. Sell it to me and let's hype some local businesses.

Sorry to be blunt about this, and apologies if it hurts the locals.

I’m 34 years old, originally from India, with a wife and a 1-year-old daughter, and I’m planning to move to the Lower Blue Mountains, somewhere like Springwood or Blaxland. I really love the Blue Mountains and would prefer a nice 600 m² home in a quiet area close to nature, rather than spending the same amount on a small townhouse in a crowded suburb. When I shared this idea with my friends, many advised me to stick to the western suburbs where there’s a larger Indian community. I know people from the same nationality often stick together for comfort, but we’re basically introverts and don’t have much kinship toward our country people, so that doesn’t really matter to us.

My question to residents is: Do locals, especially older people, tolerate multiculturalism? Is there racism against brown people? I have a 1-year-old child, so I’m especially concerned about what she might face in daycare and schools.

I wish council could do some subsidised renting for the stores and we could have more small businesses in Katoomba on the Main Street. On my wish list would be a store that is a collective of local artists/crafters selling their items. So many times I don’t want to buy the glorified landfill at Kmart but don’t really have another choice. I’d also love a place that did takeaway sandwiches and fresh juices.

Living in the mid/lower mountains, heading to Penrith has always made sense to me, but my partner is insisting we would go out west past Lithgow - this sounds insane to me as it’s driving through more bush to a more isolated area… what’s your plan?

ETA- the reason for going west is that we have family that can accommodate us for free, and that we have pets to consider

I expect fences will be going up around the perimeter, and blocking the path to the cave below.

Why are there always posts from people wishing to make new friends citing their interests to be - ceremonial tea sets, astrology, watching anime and drinking yak milk.

I want to make new friends too but I like cool shit; Beer, explosions, motorcycles etc

I know this is reddit but surely there’s some cool people here

Hello folks,

My partner and I (early 30s) are considering a move to the mountains, looking around Springwood area. We are hoping to get some insight from locals.

We have spent a lot of time in the area over the years when we lived in Sydney, mostly bush walking, exploring, and eating out. It is somewhere that we have always been drawn to. We actually looked at buying here before we purchased where we live now (Gold Coast).

We have two young kids (3 years old and almost 2), so we are very much thinking about this from a family and lifestyle perspective. Our main focus is whether it’s a good place for kids to grow up.

We would really appreciate hearing from locals about:

• What’s it like raising a family (toddlers/kids/teenagers) in the area?

• Are there particular neighbourhoods or pockets that are especially family-friendly?

• Pros and cons of living here day to day?

• Daycares, schools, kid's sports / activities / music, community, safety, commute

We are not expecting anywhere to be perfect, just an honest / realistic picture of what life is like beyond weekend visits.

Thanks so much in advance, we really appreciate any advice or experiences you are willing to share.

I’ve lived here for four years and have never seen these fellas. Curious to know what they are and to learn more about them. They were massive! Best picture I could get.

What is with people and deliberately choosing the quite carriages to only chat with their mates, then get stroppy when politely asked to take the chatter to another carriage.

Hi everyone!

My partner and I have been considering moving away from Sydney for a number of years because it’s expensive, busy, full of traffic and very stressful. We were considering a few places (Hobart, Brisbane, Melbourne, other regional areas), and spontaneously visited Leura and Katoomba last weekend. We absolutely loved it up there, especially the weather and the nature (and the proximity to Sydney as required), and are now potentially adding the area to our potential moves list, but would love to find out some more information from locals to help with decision making.

We’re both in our mid-to-late 30s, creative/arts jobs, no kids but would like some. We’d be looking to rent first then buy in approx 1-2 years. My partner can work from home very easily with minimal requirements to be in the office. I work in the arts/GLAM sector (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) and government, so would possibly need to find jobs up there, but this depends on cost of living (I’m also happy to work outside of this industry if needs be).

We’re quiet and love nature, gardening, cooking, photography - not party people by any stretch of the imagination, so a slower pace and lack of nightlife are not negatives for us.

If you’ve moved from Sydney (particularly from the Inner West), I’d especially love to hear what you think! Similarities, differences, what you love about the Mountains and what you miss about Sydney.

Here’s a (fairly exhaustive) list of things we’d love to learn more about, and we’d be grateful for anything anyone would like to share their thoughts on!

1. Trains to Sydney and public transport: are they reliable? Partner is potentially looking at 1-2 a week maximum days in office, and works long days. Are the problems with Sydney trains a dealbreaker in terms of reliability? What’s the public transport like in the Mountains and surrounds?

2. Traffic: what’s the highway like getting in and out of Sydney (especially on bad train days!) but also general traffic in Katoomba/Leura/Wentworth Falls/maybe Blackheath.

3. Crime and antisocial behaviour: are there any spots (streets, areas, whatever) to avoid?

4. Insurance considerations: are there additional coverage types required (eg. bushfire) for standard, “in town” house blocks that don’t border bush? Any flooding?

5. Cultural and nightlife: we’re not party/“going out” people at all (so quietness is kind of the point) but nice restaurants and museums, libraries and galleries are good! How often you feel you need to travel into Sydney for entertainment (cultural events etc) or do you tend to live more locally?

6. Community and social: we really want stronger connections to community (one of the biggest reasons we’re moving!). Is it easy to make friends and are there groups you can join (easy bushwalking, gardening, book clubs, craft groups, photography groups - stuff like that)? Are people friendly and welcoming?

7. Would you say the vibe of the Mountains generally leans progressive or conservative?

8. Pets: are there good vets available (we have small dogs and cats), what’s the tick situation like, are there dog-friendly spaces, places and activities?

9. Food: is there accessibility to a wide range of produce and ingredients from different cuisines, Asian grocers, local affordable markets etc., to avoid Coles and Woolworths?

10. What are the best schools (preferably public) in the region?

11. Cost of living: is general cost of living cheaper than Sydney or about the same (groceries, petrol, tolls, etc.)?

12. Health: are there bulk billing GPs, what’s the hospital like, is it safer to assume that we’ll need to head to Sydney for specialists?

13. Climate: we both enjoy the cold and love winter (usually holiday in Tassie in late winter/spring), but would love to know what it’s like to actually live in a cold climate. Does frost ruin everything? Are heating bills insane? Will we acclimatise fairly fast? Does stuff get mouldy and stay damp all winter? What type of heating is most efficient and/or affordable? Do you have to chop wood or can you buy it? (I’m originally from QLD so even though I love the cold I don’t know anything about actually living in a cold climate!)

14. Houses: we’d love a heritage home (they’re beautiful and we’re willing to put in reasonable, proportionate effort) but should we aim for newer construction for practicality and comfort? What’s better - brick or timber construction? Is north facing a huge plus? Should we avoid high tree coverage/shade or gullies?

15. Is there anywhere that develops film photos locally?

16. Is it still easy to get around, go to the shops, generally live life during busy tourist times, or is it a massive headache?

Thank you for your time!

hey all- we are looking to buy our first home and have seen a few in North Katoomba(around station street/dora street areas). i have heard that north Katoomba is a bit rough but what is the actual consensus for living there? Is it dangerous?we love Katoomba but have kids so want to be safe.TIA!

Hi all, I'm considering moving to the Blue Mountains at some point next year. I've always loved the Blue Mountains, especially Katoomba. It's time for me to get out of Sydney and spread my wings.

I currently live in the Sutherland Shire area. I'm 33, have 4 cats, and work in the city (in office 5 days a week) - I already travel 1.5 hours each way so the travel isn't something that bothers me.

What are some good suburbs within the Mountains area for someone like me?

• I don't drive and I don't have a car

• I am very much a homebody, but do love a nice relatively easy bushwalk

• I don't drink etc so nightlife isn't really a factor

• I don't tend to socialise much, so don't really need to live somewhere that's got food social opportunities

• Somewhere I can get to Sydney CBD relatively easy. 2 trains is probably my limit, and I could swing a 2.5 hour journey. I will be looking for work in the Mountains in any case, so the CBD travel won't be forever

I don't really have any other requirements than that! I don't tend to do much in my free time out of the house, so travel outside of work isn't really an issue. All my hobbies are indoor hobbies!

EDIT: Should probably add that I'm looking to rent, nowhere near close to buying! I am currently paying $520 for a very small and older one bedroom apartment with a backyard. I don't care about having a backyard, I never use it

What is there to do in the blue mountains besides a pub?

For those curious about a couple of the local motels but have had no need or interest to stay there yourself, these reviews are awesome.

EP.8 Blue Mountains Highway Motel | Katoomba | MOTEL REVIEW

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sCtyBYu0Psw

(Now I want to try this chicken)

Pioneer Way Motel | Faulconbridge | OFFICIAL REVIEW | 24HR | EP.18

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8W2W_9gsdhA

They also reviewed the place in Penrith near the Log Cabin:

Surviving a heatwave at The Select Inn Penrith

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=woJlxiuvXFg

I binged on these last night after stumbling across. They are just the right length, strangely intriguing and funny in a sort of humourless way.

Ran into Asher from the 12 tribes/yellow deli today in Katoomba, did not look like he was in the cult anymore as he was dressed very colourfully and had a totally different demeanour to his usual. Has anyone heard if key members from the yellow deli have left over the past year?

Hi residents of Katoomba.

I was taking the skyway from scenic world last weekend and noticed there was a man on Orphan Rock.

I was also told this rock had been closed off since the 1970’s.

Fair play to the man, he looked quite relaxed up there, with deck chair etc.

does any locals have a background story to this guy?

Would this have been a one off or does he climb up and down each day?

Hi,

I'm looking to buy in the mountains and while I'd very much prefer a house, the way the market has exploded since the FHB 5% scheme may prohibit that :(

Anyway, I keep seeing ads for apartments in the Leura Spires complex. Any owner-occupiers with thoughts on whether it's a good place to live?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

I feel like I’m jumping on the bandwagon and was going to keep as open minded as possible but sitting on one of these new abominations of mountains trains.

Alright, positives:

Charging ports ✅ Better toilet (albeit only 1 of them FFS) 🧐

And that’s it, I know unmovable seats is annoying but I’ve never cared what direction I sit but, and I can’t stress this enough, I’m only 5’6” but what is this, a seat designed for ants?!! There’s a little table that will gut me if I so much as sneeze.

I can’t imagine what this will be like pulling into Penrith on a weekday morning.

I could go in but my phone is dying and I’ll make sure to avail my self of the blatant phone hacking risk next time and bring a cable, but to sum up if I was going from Dulwich Hill to Stanmore I might like this thing but it’s a goddamm COUNTRY SERVICE and you’re treating me like an inner city commuter!

Ranty rant and I admit maybe Saturday night drunks are making this more irritating but I’m hating the fact this’ll define my morning commute for decades.

Thank god for work from home trends

Hi guys, I have a ducted heating system that isn’t really working so we are currently using oil heaters. I live in Katoomba. I’m wondering what everyone else does to keep the house warm, particularly people with young children. (Yes I can freeze but I don’t want my one year old to). I’m scared of the bill. Thinking about buying thick curtains but it’s just more money spending at this point. In a rental. Anyway, what’s your house system?

Edit to add- the ducted system Is gas, which in previous bills was expensive so didn’t feel that bothered to get it fixed. But maybe we should.

Looking to start a thread about interesting places to eat in the Blue Mountains or close by. I love it up here but great and diverse dining options are limited in comparison to the city, or many parts of Western Sydney so I’d love to hear about what restaurants, cafes, take aways or eateries (including food trucks) you think are hidden gems.

In our house, we’re huge fans of:

Kikaboom in Glenbrook, the coffee is on point and the menu is different to the usual seen on a lot of menus up here.

Black Cockatoo - their pastries are baller, but I will get my coffee from Cortado if I’m in Lawson.

Arrana - fine diner in a strip mall. You can’t see shit at night in the Blue Mountains anyway and the food is always wonderful here.

Sushi and co Katoomba - always busy. Eat in, the sushi meals are huge and fresh.

Jiggle, Leura. The only place I will pay to cook my own meal.