Exploring the Quaint Village of Mount Victoria
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Mount Victoria is one of those magic places you stumble upon, full of quaint historic buildings and loaded with quintessential charm. Associated with heavyweight names such as John F. Kennedy and John Fairfax, Mount Victoria, resting on the traditional lands of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples, is a gem ready to be discovered.
Arriving at the main street of Mount Victoria, you may be forgiven for thinking it may be a quick trip. But once you start exploring, it’s a wonderland of discovery. The large, sprawling verandah of the historic Victoria & Albert Guesthouse will likely catch your eye, and this is where our day begins.
Order your Fish River Roasters coffee and take a seat outside with the birds and the trees. What a treat! Considered the highest village in the Blue Mountains, the verandah offers views of the peaks in the distance and garden views all around. Afterwards a tour of the guesthouse is essential. Part hotel, part museum, the Victoria & Albert Guesthouse is a fascinating showpiece, with curated treasures and wallpaper designs by Academy Award winner Catherine Martin.
Opened in 1868 as the Royal Hotel, then rebuilt and renamed in 1914 to the Hotel Mount Victoria, the guesthouse was for a time a convalescent home for WWII veterans. In 1943 it welcomed United States President JFK as a house guest, if you visit the fireplace downstairs, you might just see his initials carved into the wood.
Originally known as One Tree Hill, Mount Victoria began as a convict stockade in the 1830s, with settlement growing later thanks to the development of roadworks and the railway. For a thorough history lesson, visit the Mount Victoria Museum at the train station, full of historical facts and artefacts (open Saturdays).
A visit to Mount Victoria wouldn’t be complete without a peruse of the excellent antique shops and gift stores. Diaz-Stein The Gallery, Mountain Style, Cobweb Collectables and Mount Vic and Me are places packed with nostalgic throwbacks and fun rummaging to be had, and at Mount Vic Flicks on Harley Street, you can catch an arthouse movie at a cinema that’s been showing films since 1934.
For an unexpected, surprise, head to Memorial Park on Station Street and learn about the small zoo that once stood here, it’s a lovely green space perfect for strolling. Afterwards, stop in at Hotel Etico on Montgomery Street, the former manor home of the Fairfax family. The bar inside is a great spot to socialise, and looking around, you could just imagine what stories the walls could tell.
When it comes to lunch, Mt Vic Beans & Bites is the perfect relaxed option, or for a hearty meal, why not head back to the Victoria & Albert. The homemade pie with mash, green beans and gravy is heavenly, as is the creamy, lemon curd sponge cake for dessert.
To finish your day, Mount Victoria has some stunning lookouts, and a WEST must visit is Mount York Lookout. This is the spot where in 1813 explorers Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth first crossed the Blue Mountains. You can walk along convict-built tracks, read signage full of fascinating local history and be rewarded with sweeping views over Hartley Valley. This is a stop not to be missed and very easily accessed off Mount York Road.
Mount Victoria is a place that feels like a step back in time, a small village with a big sense of character. With the tagline of ‘Historic & Unexpected’, this is certainly what you will find. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a whole weekend, WEST recommends its old-world charm and warm hospitality that make it easy to feel right at home. Explore with West.
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