Originally Posted by tom911
I'd usually recommend a trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, one of my favorite places there, but you'll be there in winter and they'll be snow on the ground there (3,000 foot level, 2 hours out by train from Sydney). It would still be a nice trip, and there is a visitors center and food court across from it, but will likely be too cold to get out on any of the trails.
.
Sorry Tom, but trust me, snow in the Blue Mountains is not a regular occurrence and, when it does fall, it usually doesn't stay on the ground too long.
The temps may be a bit brisk, but a sweater and jacket is about all you would need. For the most part, temps are only about 5 to 10 degrees lower than Sydney..depending on which part of the mountains you are in. In August, Katoomba usually hovers around the 10 to 15 degrees celcius mark. The westerly winds can make it feel colder, and August is known for it's westerlies.
If you are going to go the Blue Mountains, and you want to avoid tourist traps, try Blackheath instead of Katoomba. Govetts Leap is one of my favourite places and the pub right opposite the railway station should have it's log fires roaring that time of year. It also has good food.
Phoebe