7 Perfect Small Businesses to visit in the Lower Blue Mountains, NSW

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Written By Heather Hankinson

What we call the Lower Blue Mountains, you may know as Glenbrook and Blaxland up to Springwood and Falconbridge.

But what we call a 'perfect business’ is one that makes this area the beautiful, not-quite-slow-living community it is, as well as serving smarter-than-the-average-bear products.

We’re a tough crowd .

And we are spoiled with eco stores like 1two1 Vegan Cafe in Springwood and Foothills Eco in Glenbrook but on top of that, there are so many businesses who are slow-living minded without shouting about it.

Whether you are local or just visiting, here are our pick of seven perfect small businesses to visit on your weekend outing.

 
 

1.Sorelle Cafe - Blaxland

It’s pretty hard to impress us with food nowadays; Australians are spoiled with every flavour and every trending presentation technique, and we still love a Bunnings sausage sandwich.

Go figure.

Yet the team at Sorelle impress me every time: floral cakes that taste as good as they look and chunky slices of halloumi, this place is as perfect for catch ups as it is for birthday brunches.

Open 7 days a week: 4/5 Station Street, Blaxland, NSW

Honourable mentions (because I don’t drink coffee):

  • Kickaboom in Glenbrook - Naomi and Lauren’s vote

  • Vincent’s in Glenbrook - Georgie’s vote

  • Euphoric in East Blaxland - our lovely neighbours! 💕

2. Roc Hair - East Blaxland

The first salon in the Lower Blue Mountains to focus on reducing it’s footprint by recycling your hair.

As unconventional as that sounds, when it’s coupled with delightful stylists and low-tox products, it’s everything we want from a salon.

Open Tues - Sat: Shop 65, 43-47 Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland East, NSW

(Above Nom!)

3. The Pony + The Gypsy - Springwood

Vintage homewares at reasonable prices, that’s all a girl is after.

Ten years ago, the owner ran the beloved Frou Frou further up Macquarie Road and thankfully is now back with her bohemian eye and great taste.

Open Mon - Sat: 244 Macquarie Road, Springwood, NSW

4. Glenbrook Cinema - GLenbrook

If the slow-living movement opened it’s own cinema, this would be it.

Latest films, Indy flicks and the classics but all done the old-fashioned way: give me Glenbrook Cinema and it’s chandelier, cups of tea, and Minties over Hoyts any freakin’ day.

2 Ross Street, Glenbrook, NSW

5. The Turning Page - SPringwood, & Blue Dragon Books - GLenbrook

Just give us all the books.

For second hand, head to Blue Dragon Books in Glenbrook for a surprising amount of softbacks in a very small space.

For new books and gifts, stop into The Turning Page in Springwood. Well-stocked and inspiring, it’s easy to get lose an hour or two here.

Turning Page: Shop 1, 125 Macquarie Road, Springwood, NSW

Blue Dragon Books: Shop C, 11 Ross Street, Glenrbook, NSW

6. East Blaxland Butchery

There’s a reason there’s a queue outside the butcher above Nom: you won’t meet a more friendly or more knowledgeable butcher than Scotty.

The chilli + cheese sausages are excellent but if fancy genuine Wagyu is your thing, the team will happily talk you through the finest cuts - either way, they’re always on for a chat and we love that.

Shop 45, 43-65 Old Bathurst Road, East Blaxland, NSW

(above Nom!)

Honourable mention (on the topic of things we should consume less of but can’t seem to):

  • Murray’s Porters Liquer in Blaxland, Glenbrook and Warrimoo for local spirits and great banter.

  • Napoli Pizza in Springwood, highly recommended by Georgie.

7. Springwood Salvos

Unlike a lot of op shops, this big ol’ store as you drive into Springwood is open until 5pm on a Saturday, which makes for a much more relaxing poke around.

If you get stuck, the characters who are your fellow customers will always give you an honest opinion on that oversized wool coat you think you might need.

63 Macquarie Road, Springwood, NSW

& One that isn’t a business…

Glenbrook Native Reserve + Nursery

Whilst Glenbrook Nursery on Ross Street is darling, the Native Reserve on the Highway is an untapped gem for plant lovers.

Next to the Oval and opposite the Visitor Centre, it’s super well priced and the volunteers will help you find the right plant for the right spot, even resorting to their library of books in the garden shed if needs be.

Open Wed, Sat & Sun from 12pm - 4pm.

 
 
Heather Hankinson
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