I had a wonderful weekend away recently with my niece and family. We headed to the beautiful Blue Mountains and sampled just some of the delights in this glorious region. For something a bit different, this story is from two perspectives – Lil and her Grandpa ‘Davo’.
My name is Lil. I wanted to do something really special for my 8th birthday, so I asked Mum and Dad if we could go to the Blue Mountains. Yay – they said yes! It was a real family celebration – with Grandpa ‘Davo’, Mum and Dad, my aunt Elisa, my older sister Audrey and my little brother Felix all along for the fun.
It only took an hour and a half to drive to our first night at the Fairmont Hotel. We tumbled out of the car straight into the foyer and then checked out the pool and the indoor merry-go-round – and that was just the start.
Next stop was Scenic World where we rode on the skyway, the cableway and the scenic railway … over and over, just because we could. We must have ridden the railway at least eight times.
The first time down was SO exciting and it wasn’t that expensive, Dad said – he figured out each ride cost us only $1.50 or something like that, as he bought the Family Pass for $88.00.
If you get there early it isn’t crowded and you don’t have to line up. It does get a bit busy when the big buses arrive with groups of tourists from overseas.
It was a really great day!
Davo’s grandparent stuff
I’m Lil’s Grandpa ‘Davo’ and I agree with Lil – we had a wonderful family weekend away. However, while Lil’s favourite part was Scenic World, I have to say I was really impressed with the hotels we stayed in. The Fairmont Resort is glorious … it is instant relaxation for the adults and lots of fun for the kids. The staff are friendly and professional and absolutely made our stay. General manager Thomas Brand brings European flair to a lovely Australian hotel.
The Fairmont has been recently refurbished and caters to all age groups, with a number of room options for families. Children are well catered for, with age-defined activities rooms, a KidsZone in holiday periods, junior golf, Segway tours for kids and so many attractions that parents have the chance to relax, while their offspring have fun.
Audrey and I loved the Segway rides in the Fairmont grounds. The two younger children were kept happy in the pool while we quickly mastered this fun form of transport. We had a ball weaving around the grassy grounds and through the bush tracks, with a smile that only the wind in your face and the joy of being on wheels can generate.
Our next stop was the Wolgan Valley and what a way to finish! It’s an easy drive through various villages that offer all the shops and stops that children appreciate, with amazing views all the way.
The Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is a very special place and a glorious finish to our Blue Mountains long weekend. We booked one of the Wollemi suites, which has three bedrooms and was perfect for our family group.
There is so much that is right about this resort – the environmentally sympathetic architecture, the attention to detail in the suites and family lodges, which include your own (child-safe) pool, the vast choice of TV channels to enjoy as you relax by the fire in the lounge or bedroom … you really have to experience it all!
Just the valley walls alone will keep us oldies enthralled, with the day’s light playing along the cliffs and hills. There’s lots for the kids to see and do – streams to play in, bikes and horses to ride – and that’s just the start!
There’s a wonderful children’s menu with locally sourced food all day and a sophisticated dining experience for parents.
The whole weekend was a great way to experience some of the fabulous activities on offer in the Blue Mountains region – what a wonderful way to celebrate lovely Lil’s birthday!
Elisa Elwin is a publisher, travel writer, social worker and parent to two daughters, Sam and Tori. With family far and wide, they visit and spread their wings a couple of times a year.
