The Blue Mountains (around 90 minutes by car, or two hours by train from Sydney) has long been a weekend getaway for city dwellers looking to escape into nature. There are few places in Australia like it, so it attracts interstate and international visitors, too.

There are walks, hikes, waterfalls, canyons, lookout points and natural wonders (like the iconic Three Sisters) aplenty. But there’s a lot more to do and see aside from nature – including the world’s steepest cable-driven railway, meditation retreats, stargazing tours, restaurants, breweries and more.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you come back again and again, pick a great place to stay. Here are some of our favourite Airbnbs in the Blue Mountains.

Logan Brae Retreats, Blackheath

Sleeps 2–8 / from $909 per night / two-night minimum If you crave the calm that only a weekend in seclusion can bring, this might be exactly what you’re looking for. Choose from four accommodation options: the Machinery Shed, Hilltop Cabin and Woodland Cabin each sleep two, and The Lodge can accommodate up to eight guests. Bathtubs (both indoor and out), fireplaces and king-sized beds bring the luxury, and full kitchens ensure you’re set for a self-contained stay. Plus, there are views for days from the spacious wooden decks.

Chalets at Blackheath

Sleeps 3 / from $1300 per night Wake up surrounded by nature in one of four luxury chalets designed to fit in seamlessly with the 17 acres of bushland they sit on. The freestanding, self-contained chalets are roomy and flooded with light, and each sits on a small parcel of land, offering plenty of privacy. They’re constructed from clay, stone and hemp and have generous king-sized beds, deep bathtubs, twin rain showers and wood-burning fireplaces.

Wondernest, Blackheath

Sleeps 4 / from $456 per night The stark black timber exterior of this Scandinavian-inspired cabin belies the cosiness within. Each room has a window looking out onto bushland (one is a reading nook), or take in the views from the elevated outdoor deck. Both chalet-style bedrooms have queen beds and skylights so you can watch the stars overhead.

Cloud Parade, Leura

Sleeps 10 / from $825 per night / two-night minimum This peaceful home on an escarpment has views over Mt Solitary and the iconic Three Sisters. As the name suggests, you can watch from above the clouds as they parade across the valley below. It’s another option for big group outings; there’s five bedrooms, three living spaces, a selection of boardgames and an open wood fireplace.

The Treehouse, Bilpin

Sleeps 2 / from $1095 per night Set on 600 acres of wilderness, this couples-only secluded retreat is 12 metres off the ground. There are no curtains on the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, so you’ll wake naturally with the sunrise. There’s an in-room telescope for stargazing, and a sunken spa and a wood-fire heater to keep the space toasty in the cooler months. It’s the kind of accommodation made for staying indoors.

The Loft at Turon Retreats, Palmers Oaky

Sleeps 10 / from $400 per night / two-night minimum If you’re looking for your next group getaway, this log cabin among rolling hills is it. Have afternoon drinks on the verandah as the sun sets (after fighting over the two queen beds and five double futons), then turn the festoon lights on for a barbeque, or take advantage of the outdoor fire pit area and hammock for some stargazing.

Boscobel Estate Guesthouse, Sutton Forest

Sleeps 4 / from $324 per night / two-night minimum This 1860s homestead on a heritage-listed 120-acre property has a converted historic stable with Nordic-inspired timber interiors, a dark wood fit-out and modern amenities. The wood-fired hot tub is outside overlooking sweeping views of the paddock. You might also see a friendly family of horses stroll past. Guests can explore the sprawling property’s green paddocks, dams, creek and other historic buildings.

Enchanted Cave, Bilpin

Sleeps 2 / from $1080 per night / two-night minimum This unique stay is built onto a natural rock platform to look exactly as it sounds – like you’re staying in a cave carved right into the mountain. A round Hobbit-esque door leads into the space. Inside there’s an in-ground hot tub, a fireplace and a bed right by the massive window that looks out over the balcony and the views of the surrounding bushland and mountain range.

We hope you like the places we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.

Additional reporting by Alice Jeffery and Linsey Rendell