Wildflowers, saunas and antiques: a local’s guide to the Blue Mountains

Incredible views and secluded swimming holes are just the beginning, says local artist Nastia Gladushchenko. The world heritage-listed area has award-winning beer, steamy bathhouses and a thriving arts community too

• Read more local’s guides to Australia

My partner and I are both creatives. Six years ago we were living in a tiny apartment in Sydney’s inner west, and I was paying extra for a studio. It wasn’t sustainable so we decided to move to Katoomba, on the traditional lands of the Dharug and Gundungurra people.

I read an article recently saying something like “skip it, it’s not at its best” but Katoomba has a beautiful authenticity, even if it’s not quite polished.