Ates is built around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven where chef Will Cown-Lunn (ex-Tetsuya’s and Rockpool) bakes focaccia and roasts vegetables and meat. Foodie pilgrims gather at Ates – named for the Ottoman Turkish word for ‘fire’ – for modern Mediterranean cooking celebrating Blue Mountains produce. Add a sharp wine list and considered whisky selection and you’ve got one of Blackheath’s best restaurants. 33 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath; atesblackheath.com

Follow the curves of the Blue Mountains to the charming village of Blackheath to find Blaq, tucked within The Kyah. Chef Alejandro Huerta (ex-Noma, Comedor) leads the kitchen here alongside his wife Galia Valadez (ex- No. 92 and Michelin-starred Lillas Pastia), putting a modern spin on dishes shaped by their shared Mexican heritage. 13-17 Brightlands Ave, Blackheath; thekyah.com.au/blaq

Corkscrew down Peach Tree Road into Megalong Valley to find this paddock-to-plate restaurant sourcing much of its produce from its own farm, Lot 101. Led by chef Colin Barker (ex-The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay), it is all about serious cooking here with views over the escarpment, buttered golden in the early evening light. Stay nearby at Werriberri Cottages. 3/7 Peach Tree Rd, Megalong Valley; megalongrestaurant.com.au

This Little Piggy trades in gourmet deli goods and comfort-driven eats like soup and salad. Pick up a wheel of Harbison, the bark-wrapped bloomy rind from Jasper Hill Farm, or a fresh rustic roll stuffed with chicken and avocado. When the mountain air turns sharp, the mushroom truffle risotto is the move: rich, warming and exactly what you want on a cold mountain day. 8 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath; @littlepiggydeli

The thing to do after walking through whipping winds along the 6.3-kilometre-long Grand Canyon Walk is to wrap yourself in a blanket and unwind over a warming bowl of minestrone at the Victory Cafe. If it’s a hot day, indulge in a fruit frappe and Bulla Booch kombucha – made in the mountains –to fuel your adventures around the local antique stores. 17-19 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath; victorycafe.com.au

Pull off the Great Western Highway to visit Frankie & Mo’s in Blackheath, wedged between Katoomba and Mt Victoria. The wine bar, bistro and bottle shop is run by a local winemaking family, the Colmans, with a focus on organic natural wines (poured by the glass) and elevated bar bites that champion local ethical producers. 44 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath; frankieandmo.com.au

The extensive vinyl collection is part of the charm at this hybrid record store and cocktail lounge in Blackheath. Order the Moroccan spiced lentil bowl or pan con tomate with jamón serrano alongside a wine from the region’s Dryridge Estate and Macquaridale Organic Wines. Celebrate the glory days of vinyl by choosing a soundtrack off the ‘album menu’ to be played in full. 237-238 Great Western Hwy, Blackheath; sidebvinylbar.com

This charming Art Deco pub delivers both cold bevvies and a solid feed. The revamped two-storey space is a fine example of 1930s architecture, with interiors by Contempo & Co – all brass, American oak, marble and leather – leaning into its heritage. The Sunday roast with all the trimmings is served with an indulgent Yorkshire pud and generous spoonful of gravy. 231 Great Western Hwy, Blackheath; thenewivanhoehotel.com

Enjoy an early morning hike followed by a soak in a freestanding tub before hunkering down in a private chalet at this Small Luxury Hotels of the World-Hilton partner hotel. The alpine-style eco retreat is shrouded in eucalyptus-scented bushland, on the edge of the Grand Canyon walk. It includes a fire pit, communal library and tailored meditation and yoga sessions. 394 Evans Lookout Rd, Blackheath; chaletsblackheath.com.au

Set off on the Grand Cliff Top Walk, one of the best nature walks in NSW, before settling into this destination-worthy restaurant with rooms. Evenings tend to revolve around the fire, where a relaxed sense of camaraderie makes it an easy place to linger. 13-17 Brightlands Ave, Blackheath; thekyah.com.au

Set on landscaped gardens in Blackheath, Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges offers a peaceful escape overlooking the Grose Valley. The retreat features 31 rooms across garden cottages and lakeside canopies, making it a solid choice for a slower stay with time to linger at the onsite day spa. 132 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath; worldsapart.club

Blackheath is one of the cosiest regional towns in NSW to visit over winter. Find some peace and quiet nearby at the Woolshed Cabins, tucked into a quiet pocket of the Kanimbla Valley. The rustic cabins offer serious views over the sandstone escarpment, with the silence broken only by birdsong. Inspired by the property’s old heritage shearing shed, the cabins are made for switching off. 448 Kanimbla Drive, Kanimbla; woolshedcabins.com.au

Werriberri offers six self-contained cottages set on 70-odd hectares in the Megalong Valley, just a short drive from Blackheath. Part of the Lot 101 precinct, it’s close to Megalong Restaurant and the historic Megalong Valley Tearooms, with bushwalks, waterfalls and swimming holes along Back Creek completing a stay. 829 Megalong Road, Megalong Valley; werriberri.com.au