Story by Odessa
A Kaleidescope of Colour
Adventure in Katoomba, Blue Mountains, NSW, AU
A whimsical retreat wrapped in velvet, colour and story. The Chinoiserie is a love letter to colour and texture.
It’s a nod to every traveller who has wandered through spice markets, antique arcades and hidden ateliers, collecting treasures and tales - then brought them home, lovingly mismatched and perfectly placed.
Here, nothing is ordinary. Be welcomed by a kaleidoscope of hues, like stepping inside a painting you can sleep in. Every cushion tells a story, every lampshade whispers secrets. Just a 15-minute walk from the storied cliffs of the Blue Mountains and the famous Three Sisters, this hideaway is both escape and embrace. A place where time slows, tea tastes better, and dreams feel more vivid.
Stay once and you'll understand: the Chinoiserie doesn’t just host your stay - it collects your story too.
Here, nothing is ordinary. Be welcomed by a kaleidoscope of hues, like stepping inside a painting you can sleep in. Every cushion tells a story, every lampshade whispers secrets. Just a 15-minute walk from the storied cliffs of the Blue Mountains and the famous Three Sisters, this hideaway is both escape and embrace. A place where time slows, tea tastes better, and dreams feel more vivid.
Stay once and you'll understand: the Chinoiserie doesn’t just host your stay - it collects your story too.
Things We Did
- Bakery
- Lookout
- Winery
- Event
Start your morning at Black Cockatoo Bakery, where every pastry is made with love and you can tell with each bite. This isn’t just a place to grab bread; it’s a local favourite and a real part of the community. The line of regulars, young and old, stretched almost out the door - a lively contrast to the quiet street outside. Inside, it’s warm and welcoming, filled with the smell of fresh bakes and good coffee. We treated ourselves to some incredible pastries and coffee that hit just right. Black Cockatoo isn’t just a stop - it’s how you start the day right on your adventure.
Leura is called the Garden Village for good reason. The Everglades House & Gardens feel like stepping back in time, with an Art Deco home at its heart, surrounded by winding paths, arched walkways and a stunning mix of blooms. Here, you're wrapped in colour and nature, with sweeping views across the Blue Mountains at every turn. It’s peaceful, cinematic and a quiet celebration of beauty itself.
When you're away for the weekend, it's only right to indulge in life's simple luxuries - local wine, a charcuterie board with artisanal cheese and a vineyard where two friendly dogs roam freely. Honestly, what could be better? Dryridge Estate offers sweeping views over the vines, with rolling green hills and majestic mountains beyond. Be greeted by George and Angus, the resident dogs and invited to settle in for a wine tasting paired with cheese, good company, and the crisp mountain air. Come for the wine, stay for the dogs (and view).
One of the best ways to experience a place is through its local markets - full of creativity, community and charm. The Blue Mountains hosts different markets each weekend and we were lucky enough to catch the Magpie Upstyle Market on the third Sunday of the month. A colourful mix of secondhand goods, handmade crafts, vintage pieces, local food and plants. We strolled with a locally made drink in hand, sampling organic treats and chatting with the makers. A beautiful way to slow down and connect with the heart of the mountains.
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Where we stayed
Things we did
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