Carnarvon Gorge

Darley's in Katoomba

Located in one of your options for accommodation, Lilianfels Resort and Spa, is Darley’s. Darley’s is known as the queen of the mountains for its award-winning cuisine and formal English gardens. With the choice of a five or seven-course menu, you will leave stuffed to the brim and your palate fully satisfied.

Miss Lilian Tea House in Katoomba

Authentic and casual Asian dining located in the heart of Katoomba. Miss Lilian Tea House combines the best produce in the region to create flavourful comfort foods from Asia. Steamed dumplings, beef Pho and more are available to fill your belly to satisfaction.

Silk’s Brasserie in Leura

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Silk’s Brasserie in Leura. High ceilings and a checkerboard floor will have you feeling right at home without being too stuffy. Two and three-course meals are available with a wide variety of options within each course to customise them to fit your style. In addition, they have an incredible choice of wines that you may wish to try.

Eucalypt in Leura

If you are looking for finer dining with modern Australian cuisine and an extensive choice of wines, then Eucalypt is the perfect restaurant for you. An intimate setting was created to provide you with a comfortable atmosphere to indulge in a four-course or seven-course meal. This is the place to get a real taste of what Australian-style dining is all about.

Piedmont Inn in Blackheath

This is one of our favourites as your dinner is included one night at a local Italian restaurant, the Piedmont Inn, on the self-guided trips. This restaurant is a comfy and family favourite, specialising in pizza and pasta. Top it off with a delectable dessert, and you will be carb-ready for your next day's walk on your self-guided walking trip. In addition, this restaurant is BYO; as in, bring your own alcohol of choice. Located just down the way, it is the perfect evening stroll.

Thai Silk in Blackheath

If your self-guided walking holiday begins on a Monday, then the normal dining option will be closed. Therefore, dinner this night will be at a local Thai restaurant, Thai Silk. Located just down the road, turn right on Govett’s Leap Road and then right again onto Wentworth Street. Thai Silk will be located 100 metres down on the left-hand side. You will find a $30 voucher per person to spend on food and beverages; in addition, you can bring your own booze. Thai Silk has a vast menu with a plethora of choices that will leave you full and satisfied.

Echoes

Has possibly the best view of any restaurant in the Blue Mountains. Perched way above the Jamison Valley, enjoy superb food as you soak in the gorgeous views. Asian and contemporary Australian cuisine are on offer, and a vast wine list to enjoy. We eat here each day on the guided Blue Mountains Grand Traverse walk. Breakfast is particularly special as you can witness the dawn as the sun comes up over the sea from the east, lighting up the unique red escarpments this place is famous for.

Carnarvon Gorge experiences a diverse climate. Currently, in early May, the weather is generally pleasant with warm days averaging around 25°C and cooler nights, dropping to around 12°C. This time of year (April to September) is often considered the best for visiting, offering comfortable conditions for walking and exploring.

The summer months (October to March) bring heat, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 30°C to 45°C. This period is also the wet season, with higher humidity and the likelihood of afternoon storms and potential flooding of Carnarvon Creek, which can close trails.

In winter (June to August), days are cooler and dry, ideal for hiking, but nights can get quite cold, sometimes dropping below freezing. Visitors should be prepared for a range of temperatures depending on the time of year. Checking the weather forecast before visiting is always recommended.

As with any journey, it is essential to be prepared for your self-guided walking holiday. While we will be transporting your luggage from accommodation to accommodation, you will still be carrying a lightweight day pack with you. Here is what we suggest that you carry with you each day:

• Walking notes, a map, and a map case
• Picnic lunch packed in an insulated container (when supplied)
• Quality waterproof jacket with a hood
• Warm jumper or jacket
• Sunhat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen (at least 15+)
• 1 to 2 litres of water
• First aid kit
• Toilet paper
• Some money
• Mobile phone (please note that reception is not available in all walk areas)
• Personal insect repellent, band-aids, and a small container of salt mixed with rice grains
• Personal necessities (example: required medication)

Now that we have the essentials packed, it is time to think of those additional items that may be worth packing along with you. These may include and are not limited to:

• Waterproof over-trousers
• Warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Camera (with extra battery or SIM cards)
• Binoculars
• Notebook and pen
• Matches
• Small torch
• Walking stick
• Thermos (for hot drinks)
• Additional snacks