Discover insider tips, stories and local knowledge of the Blue Mountains
Thanks for stopping by! This little corner of our website is where we dive deeper into the stories, history, and everyday magic of the Blue Mountains.
If you’ve joined one of our tours, you’ll know I can talk for hours, our blog offers the opportunity to keep sharing these tales from the comfort of your home! Our blogs aim to share well-known stories, places we explore on our tours, along with the stories that are far too interesting not to share.
There’s always something new to discover in the Blue Mountains, and if you wish to learn more, book a tour or speaking engagement with Mountains Tales.
Sir Henry Parkes is one of the most important political figures in Australian history, the Father of our Federation, so what is his connection to the Blue Mountains? Born in Coventry in 1815, Parkes arrived in Australia in 1839, with his new wife Clarinda and “only a few shillings in
Do you know about the unique Katoomba Festival of Easter 1963? For ten lively days, we celebrated one of Australia’s most important industries with fashion, music, dancing, competitions and, of course, a mascot sheep called Biddy. A Blue Mountains History of Wool The Woolfiesta was part of a wider promotional
Lion’s Head, descent of Pass, July 1836 by Sir Thomas Mitchell. Reproduced courtesy of the State Library of New South Wales (Dixson Library Collection). As Victoria Pass falls quiet, we’re invited to look beyond the road, to the Blue Mountains colonial history that shaped her path. For nearly two centuries,
Located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Leura Village offers natural beauty and heritage charm. With a relaxed mountain atmosphere, it’s also the home of Mountains Tales. A short 2-hour journey from Sydney by road or train, Leura offers visitors a year-round variety of experiences, making it one of
Architect and benefactor Beryl McLaughlin is widely recognised as a pioneer and community-minded inspiration in Blue Mountains history. In 2023, her legacy was honoured with a NSW Blue Plaque at Wentworth Falls, a State Government initiative that “connects ordinary people to the hidden history and heritage of NSW.” Born in
There’s something truly magical about watching the first light spill across the valleys and cliffs of the Blue Mountains. The air is crisp, the birds are waking, and for a few golden moments, the world feels perfectly still. Whether you’re an early riser or taking the opportunity for an unforgettable
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Australian tourism, especially here in the Blue Mountains. As a nation built on many cultures and stories, Australia offers visitors experiences shaped by thousands of years of First Nations knowledge and generations of migration from around the world. The Greater Blue Mountains
Enriching School Excursions Through Local History in the Blue Mountains Blue Mountains school excursions play an important role in a student’s education. They offer the chance to step beyond the classroom, explore real-world environments, and engage with history in a meaningful, hands-on way. That is exactly what students enjoy with
The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains is famous for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. From the majestic cliffs and waterfalls to the ancient rock formations and the diverse flora and fauna, the Blue Mountains is a treasure trove of natural wonders. The Mountains are also rich
