Beyond rugged landscapes and stunning views, the Blue Mountains also provides something special when the sun goes down: deep, dark skies, away from the light pollution of the city. That’s why Leura locals astrophysicist Dr Dimitri Douchin and his fiancée Caroline Boulom created Blue Mountains Stargazing. “Our mission is to highlght wow moments in nature and inspire our guests to look inward by looking upward,” says Caroline. “We take them on a journey of discovering the sky through ancient and modern times.” Originally from Paris, Dimitri obtained his PhD in Astrophysics and Astronomy at Macquarie University and boasts ten years as a guide. He is reconnecting to astronomy through Cultural Astronomy as an Adjunct Fellow at Western Sydney University. A fairly new science, Cultural Astronomy is dedicated to comprehending how various cultures observe, understand and use astronomy, and how these cultures interconnect around the common heritage to every human on Earth: the night sky. “Stargazing is a soothing activity that makes us realise how small we are in the universe. The Earth is our special paradise island in the universe so we better protect it and protect our skies,” says Dimitri. And winter in the Blue Mountains provides the best conditions for discovering the realm above. “Those cold and crisp winter nights are the best times to stargaze. “Colder nights mean less air movement and so greater stillness in the sky,” says Dimitri. “We serve delicious vegan hot chocolates and offer fluffy blankets to keep you warm while listening to Dimitri’s space facts and storytelling, all with the sound of the waterfalls in the background,” adds Caroline.
Dr Dimitri Douchin and his fiancée Caroline Boulom started Blue Mountains Stargazing to take guests on a journey of discovery. Dimitri and Caroline’s award-winning Stargazing tours are run at sunset most stargazing tours include naked-eye Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from astronomy, constellation storytelling, Wentworth Falls Lookout. “There are several observing through the provided telescopes magnificent bushwalks near the waterfalls, the Moon, planets, the Orion Nebula, star so you can join our tours after your walk,” clusters, deep space objects such as galaxies says Caroline. “For a gourmet picnic under and our fabulous Milky Way. With a few the stars, we can even deliver vegan, shooting stars thrown in, if you’re lucky. gluten-free snack boxes, from amazing local business Fig & Olive Grazing.” “We love having locals at our tours rediscovering their skies and sharing their And for an extra special stargazing love of the Mountains and their local tips,” experience for gourmet lovers, once a month says Caroline. “And it is fascinating to hear Dimitri and Caroline host a Wine Tasting our visiting guests sharing the place of Stargazing tour in the Megalong Valley astronomy and stories from their culture.” at the stunning Dryridge Estate. “There are few better ways of spending a crisp And in case of cloudy skies? “We run indoor winter evening than with wine, cheese and Astronomy Planetarium tours in Leura, inside stargazing, all around a blazing fire pit,” says a 360-degree dome with surround sound Dimitri. We have to agree! and a powerful projector for an immersive astronomy experience, which also makes a For full details and to book a tour, great last-minute rainy afternoon activity for visit bluemountainsstargazing.com.au the kids’ school holidays,” says Caroline.
“STARGAZING IS A SOOTHING ACTIVITY THAT MAKES US REALISE HOW SMALL WE ARE IN THE UNIVERSE.”
2 8 O L D B AT H U R S T R D, B L A X L A N D OVER 55s LUXE LIVING BRAND NEW VILLAS OFF THE PLAN. CONSTRUCTION TO COMMENCE OCTOBER 2022. ARTIST IMPRESSIONS
Sitting in a prime location in Blaxland, these exclusive single- and dual-level modern and contemporary over 55s villas are conveniently located within 600m of local shops and services. Choose from either two or three bedroom villas, with thoughtfully designed expansive open-plan living, outdoor alfresco, private courtyard and oversized single car garage. Featuring luxurious, modern inclusions including ducted reverse-cycle airconditioning, quality timber floors and carpeted bedrooms. Bathrooms feature stone vanity tops and large walk-in showers. The executive kitchen includes gas cooktop, wall oven, dishwasher, stone benchtops and soft-close cupboards and drawers. For more information, design details and floor plans, call 4782 5045. APPROX. ROOMS LAND SIZE 2 BED, 2 BATH, 1 LIVING, 1 CAR S T R ATA
4 9 M A R T I N S T, K AT O O M B A PLENTY OF ROOM FOR T H E W H O L E F A M I LY Beautifully positioned in south Katoomba on the high side of the street, this commanding, expansive home is only 800m from iconic Echo Point. Features include high ceilings, wooden floors and a well-appointed kitchen overlooking the private back garden through a classic stained glass window. APPROX. ROOMS C O N TA C T LAND SIZE 5 BED, 2 BATH, 3 LIVING, 1 CAR 4782 5045 613 m2
1 2 1 W A R ATA H S T, K AT O O M B A C L A S S I C C OT TA G E I N FA B U L O U S L O C AT I O N This timber Mountains cottage, circa 1920s, oozes charm and period touches, resting on a large near-level parcel of land in the heart of Katoomba. Heritage features include high-set ceilings with ornate plasterwork, polished timber floors, front and rear verandahs and expansive backyard with easy side access. APPROX. ROOMS C O N TA C T LAND SIZE 3 BED, 1 BATH, 1 LIVING, 1 CAR 4782 5045 742 m2
1 0 / 12 2 K AT O O M B A S T, K AT O O M B A TOP FLOOR LIVING IN THE HEART OF TOWN This beautiful top-floor unit, within a classic art deco building, is located in a central position in Katoomba’s famous shopping strip. Featuring new carpet, fresh paint and log-effect gas fire, you’ll enjoy open views looking out over Katoomba town and towards the iconic cliffs from the bedroom, kitchen and living room. Even entertain your guests from the spectacular rooftop common area overlooking the escarpment. APPROX. ROOMS C O N TA C T LAND SIZE 1 BED, 1 BATH, 1 LIVING, 0 CAR 4782 5045 S T R ATA
1 2 A R T H U R S T, W A R R I M O O 1940s CHARMER GETS A MAKEOVER Offering a lovely cozy feel, this fully renovated 1940s cottage has been given a complete makeover, using high quality materials. Enjoy open-plan living with large eat-in gourmet kitchen, complete smart-home automation and large entertainers’ deck overlooking the landscaped rear yard and bushy backdrop. APPROX. ROOMS C O N TA C T LAND SIZE 2 BED, 2 BATH, 2 LIVING, 0 CAR 4782 5045 873 m2
6 / 3 W A S C O E S T, L E U R A BRAND NEW TOWNHOUSE LIVING Brand new Hamptons-style quality townhouses to be constructed, situated just a few minutes walk from Leura Village shops, restaurants and cafés. Featuring a sensible and spacious design and luxurious inclusions, these brand new homes are perfect for the first-time buyer, local down-sizer or astute investor. APPROX. ROOMS C O N TA C T LAND SIZE 3 BED, 2 BATH, 1 LIVING, 1 CAR 4784 3555 S T R ATA ARTIST IMPRESSIONS
64 COOLABAH RD, VALLEY HEIGHTS RELAX IN AN IDYLLIC SETTING Set in a quiet and private part of the Lower Blue Mountains, this contemporary modern home boasts amazing raked ceilings, flooding the home with natural light. The rear entertainers’ deck running the length of the home enjoys open and covered spaces, overlooking the manicured gardens and bush vista. APPROX. ROOMS C O N TA C T LAND SIZE 4 BED, 2 BATH, 2 LIVING, 2 CAR 4782 5045 1,181 m2
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NOW SELLING: THE WONDER OF WINTER DISCOVER WHY WINTER IS A MAGICAL TIME TO SELL. Everyone loves a warm refuge from the winter cold, so conditions are now perfect to showcase your cosy Blue Mountains property to eager buyers. The cold weather also usually means less competition in the Blue Mountains market, making your warm and welcoming home hot property. Over the last 35 years, Chapman Real Estate have developed expert methods to market and sell your home during winter, so you’ll be rubbing your hands together in no time. T U R N U P T H E H E AT & C A L L U S T O D AY: GLENBROOK HAZELBROOK 02 4739 4311 02 4758 8603 29 Park St, Glenbrook Shop 3/195 Great Western Hwy, Hazelbrook BLAXLAND LEURA 02 4739 6200 02 4784 3555 144 Great Western Hwy, Blaxland Shop 5/201 The Mall, Leura SPRINGWOOD K AT O O M B A 02 4751 8266 02 4782 5045 Shop 1/127 Macquarie Rd, Springwood 118 Katoomba St, Katoomba WINMALEE 02 4754 1111 Shop 1/383 Hawkesbury Rd, Winmalee c h a p m a n r e a l e s t a t e. c o m . a u
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