8 Reasons To Make The Blue Mountains Your Next Vacation Destination

It's quirky and different and a refreshing break from city life. Only a 1 hour drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is the ultimate vacation spot.

1. The Three Sisters

Richard Stanley / Via rastanley.com.au

Not only is it a beautiful view, but the Three Sisters are also a part of Aboriginal history. According to the legend, three sisters fell in love with three brothers from an opposing tribe, but they were forbidden to marry. A war broke out between the tribes and, to keep the sisters safe, a witchdocter turned them to stone. It's pretty much the Australian version of Romeo and Juliet!

2. The food

Via theage.com.au

The mountains have a huge following for the slow food movement resulting in quality, artisan food products. Go to Hominy Bakery for yummy pastries and genuine sourdough bread, Josephan's for handmade chocolates, The Carrington Cellars for local wines and food, or go for some fine dining at Silks Brasserie, Solitary restaurant or Darley's restaurant.

3. The festivals

Benpearse2015 / Via wordpress.com

You ain't never seen a festival quite like Winter Magic. The weirdest of the weird comes out for this celebration of the winter solstice in June each year, with a huge parade, hundreds of stalls lining the streets, and everyone dressed up in quirky costumes to boot!

4. The bushwalks

Via lightslant.wordpress.com

If you're one for breathtaking scenery with your exercise, the Blue Mountains is undoubtedly the place for you

5. No but seriously... the bushwalks

Gary P Hayes / Via garyphayes.com

6. The steepest railroad IN THE WORLD

Via scenicworld.com.au

The Blue Mountains is really proud of this one. Go to Scenic World to ride the railway, do a few bushwalks and ride the skyway while you're there. And if you want to get really crazy, put your seat into 'Cliffhanger' mode while riding the railway #daredevil

7. The shopping

Via visitnsw.com

If you want original items, the mountains has some great spots. Leura Mall is the hotspot for Blue Mountains shopping. It's hardly a mall though in the modern sense of the world, but a picturesque strip of boutiques, galleries and cafes, lined with cherry blossoms. Circus, Mrs Peel Modern Vintage, Megalong Books, The Cat's Meow and Ophelia's Emporium are some standouts. Also, visit in October for Leura Fair!

8. It looks even better in the snow!

Via news.com.au

And yes, it does snow!

In short, if you want stunning scenery, a unique experience, good food and shopping, then where else would you really even consider?