A Room with a View - Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens

There is nothing nicer in winter than heading up the mountains to explore the chilly out of doors. The Blue Mountain region is a spectacular place to do so, but can become a costly exercise in the more fashionable townships. So I'm going to let you in on my secret escape. Hidden at the back of the Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens is the Jungle Lodge. This little four bedroom house comfortably sleeps 10, has 3 bathrooms and another toilet. The kitchen is well equipped and there are large tables both indoors and outside on the terrace. Each room has large windows to make the most of the stunning views, no matter where you stand  - though it also makes it cold at night, so close those curtains as soon as the sun goes down!

There is a roaring fire in the lounge room - perfect to play board games by or to toast the obligatory marshmallows.

The house has it's own garden, and backs onto bushland, perfect for our inner city kids to explore. There's also a key to enter the Botanic Gardens, if you wish.

The cost is almost as exceptional as the views. There is a minimum two night stay, and the prices start from $210 a night. We headed up, mums and kids, for a school holiday jaunt, so between the 3 families, it was a mere $140 per family, or $70 a night. 

We self catered so other than petrol, the costs were minimal. We had lunch in the sun on the outside tables then headed up to explore the gardens. Later the kids roamed around in the bush while we made beds and prepared dinner.

We were up early the next morning for the 90 minute drive to Jenolan Caves, as we'd booked a day of tours (more on this to follow).

That evening, there were more fireside games, then early to bed as the fresh air & exercise seemed to be taking it's toll, giving a sense of wellbeing that seems so rare these days.

The next morning, after a lazy breakfast and pack up, we headed off to Mount Wilson to look for the house used in The Great Gatsby (for Nick's cottage). We were unsuccessful in our quest but it was lovely to ramble around the tiny town. (Note there are no shops in Mt Wilson so make sure you bring water if bushwalking, and check on the web for which gardens are open to avoid disappointment.)

Then on to stock up at the roadside stalls of Bilpin for farm fresh fruit and veges, and I couldn't resist a freshly made apple and cinnamon pie, plus some exotic homemade jams. There's also season fruit picking both in Bilpin and Wiseman's Ferry - but check the web for dates and times.

There is grass karting at Kurrajong, if that's more your style - or head the other way back to Sydney and stop at the Everglades or Scenic World.

So pack some wine, a book and games or some walking shoes - get a group together and relax, surrounded by stunning views. Great for adults and kids alike. Mr Emmerson said, in E. M. Forster's A Room with A View:

"I don't care what I see outside. My vision is within! Here is where the birds sing! Here is where the sky is blue!" and for us at the Jungle Lodge, we had both. Practicalities: The Jungle Lodge: http://www.mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au/the-jungle/the-jungle-lodge-accommodation/ Further Reading: Everglades: http://www.weekendnotes.com/everglades-historic-house-gardens/29161/ Blue Mountains http://holidazeandhellidaze.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/overnight-adventures-majestic-beauty.html Linking with #Gardenaffair