ARR154: Blue Mountains Time Machine

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AUSSIE DESTINATIONS

TOURING BLUE MOUNTAINS

BLUE MOUNTAINS TIME MACHINE Nowhere does “retro” quite like our own Blue Mountains BY: ROD EIME

R

iding the Blue Mountains is a well-known weekend excursion for most Sydney-based road riders. We know these roads like the back of our calloused hands, but each time I head up the Great Western Highway, I vow to uncover something I didn’t know about or had habitually missed. So with a brand-new Harley-Davidson Low Rider S in the driveway and nothing better to do on a glorious spring weekend, I gleefully leapt aboard the 114ci Milwaukee-Eight-powered Softail for a re-examination. Accommodation can sometimes be hard to find on the weekends, but I did discover this hidden gem, hiding in plain view in the heart of Katoomba.

SWEET DREAMS AT PALAIS ROYAL HOTEL, KATOOMBA This classic 100-year-old hotel has had several personas over the years, yet retains an authentic 1920s aura amid the tasteful renovations. You could call it a solid 3.5- 4-star offering with modern ensuite bathrooms now in every room. Mine even had a massive bathtub for soaking those weary, ageing bones. There’s plenty of safe off-street parking, although not undercover unfortunately. Breakfast is included in typical buffet style, with generous hot breakfasts cooked to order. palaisroyale.com.au

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12/2/2019 11:27:22 AM


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