#EmptyEsky: Blue Mountains Edition
You may have seen the hashtag #EmptyEsky popping up all over social media in the wake of the devastating Australian bushfires
The #EmptyEsky movement encourages Australian's to day-trip to a bushfire affected area with an empty esky to fill with local goods and produce. A simple yet incredibly valuable way to support local businesses and small towns who rely on tourism during the Summer.
Like many destinations in Australia, the Blue Mountains community and its many local businesses are struggling due to the recent bushfires.
To help, we've pulled together a list featuring some of our fave places in the upper mountains to fill up your esky this weekend!
Sweet Treat Yourself
Malfroy's Gold Honey
No one knows honey and bee's in the Blue Mountains, quite like our friend Tim Malfroy. Tim's passion and knowledge are what makes his wild organic honey so unique. His award-winning honey is only available from a couple of vendors in the Blue Mountains, including Scenic World in our retail store! Come in and taste the difference for yourself with our free daily honey tastings.
Black Cockatoo Bakery, store locations in Katoomba and Lawson
Your first stop when visiting either Katoomba or Lawson should always be to Black Cockatoo Bakery for a wickedly delicious croissant and soul warming coffee. Grab a sweet treat to devour there, plus a loaf of sourdough to enjoy throughout the week!
Josophan's Fine Chocolates, Leura
Josophan's is renowned for creating extraordinary fine, handcrafted chocolates right in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Using Fair Trade certified chocolate with no preservatives and no artificial flavours, you can definitely taste the luxurious difference in Josophan's products. Tempt your tastebuds at the brand new Josophan's chocolate shop, production facility and dedicated ice-creamery in Leura Mall!
Fresh Local Produce? Yes Please!
Blue Mountains Food Co-Op, Katoomba
BYO bags and jars to stock up on certified organic and biodynamic fresh fruit and vegetables, chemical free local produce and bulk wholefoods. Be sure to visit the Big Little Shop across the lane to grab goodies from their wide selection of local eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products.
Todarello's Fruit Market, Katoomba
This family owned business has been a Blue Mountains institution since 1973. You know that the produce (and the prices) are the best around when the locals shop there for their own fresh fruit and veggies. The Todarello family have been huge supporters of the local community for over 47 years, go and show them some love!
Is it even an esky without a bottle of wine or two?
The Carrington Cellars
We can guarantee that you won’t be leaving The Carrington Cellars empty handed. You’ll be spoilt for choice with floor to ceiling gourmet deli goods such as cheese, meat, condiments and sweets, as well as a huge selection of fine wines and craft beers including our new favourite Mountain Culture Beer Co.
Ask any of the friendly staff to point you in the direction of the local products, The Carrington Cellars stock a multitude!
Megalong Valley Wineries
The Megalong Valley wineries might just be the best kept secret in the mountains! Head down Megalong Valley Road as it winds through the lush rainforest until you emerge surrounded by the sandstone escarpments and breathtaking views. In the valley paradise, you'll find Dryridge Estate and the Megalong Creek Estate cellar doors. These boutique wineries are a favourite among locals, who you will often find relaxing over a glass of wine and cheese platter on a warm Summer afternoon.
Hit the Markets
Make like a mountain local and wander around the farmers' markets with a coffee in hand. Both the Blackheath Growers Market (second Sunday of the month) and Springwood Growers Market (fourth Sunday of the month) have over 60 growers and producers to tantalise your tastebuds, you'll leave with bags full of boutique products.
The Blue Mountains are packed with small local businesses like these who have been affected by the recent bushfires.
Please feel free to check out more of our blog or contact us at [email protected] to find more local places to visit and support.
#VisitBlueMountains