Located just an hour’s drive from the heart of downtown Sydney, Australia’s Blue Mountains National Park is a world away from the bustling streets of the city. Characterised by dramatic crags, cascading falls and a blanket of eucalyptus forest the Blue Mountains are a must visit destination on any holiday to Sydney and New South Wales.
The Blue Mountains derive their name from the distinctive blue hue that shrouds the landscape, caused by the oils released from the eucalyptus trees. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, offering a spectacular backdrop for hiking, biking and wildlife encounters. Sprawling over an area of 2,680km², Blue Mountains National Park is nestled within charming mountain towns, where you can wander antique shops, cosy cafés and museums.
The Blue Mountains really offers something for everyone, but what is the best way to experience it? Whether you’d like to embark on an escorted tour, take a day trip from Sydney or enjoy a longer stay in the region, here is your guide to the Blue Mountains.
Located around 60km away from the city, the Blue Mountains are easily accessible from Sydney, and there are several ways to get there.
Travelling by car is a popular option, as the drive from Sydney takes less than two hours. A self drive offers plenty of flexibility to explore at your own pace, giving you the option to take the scenic route through quaint mountain villages and stop at some spectacular viewpoints. Take a Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney, or incorporate a stay in the region into a longer Sydney & New South Wales roadtrip.
Public transport is also a convenient option to visit the Blue Mountains from Sydney. Trains on the Blue Mountains Line depart regularly from several stations in Sydney, stopping in most of the villages in the mountains. The popular route from Sydney Central Station to Katoomba takes just over two hours, and you’ll need an Opal card, or a contactless credit or debit card to travel. Once you arrive in the mountains, take the local buses or hop-on-hop-off services to access the main viewpoints and hiking trails.
Guided tours provide another excellent way to experience the Blue Mountains. With transport to and from Sydney included, you can relax as expert guides share insights about the region’s history and culture, as well as taking you to spectacular sites along the way.
A Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and embarking on a self-guided visit allows you to explore at your own pace. Although you can squeeze a lot into a day, the National Park is huge, so here’s our guide to making the most of your Blue Mountains day trip.
We’d recommend beginning your visit in Katoomba, one of the largest villages in the mountains and a central hub for the region. Either hop on a train which will take you directly from Sydney to Katoomba, or drive there in just under two hours. Head first to Scenic World, an attraction that offers several ways to explore the Blue Mountains and take in the spectacular views. Opt to take the world’s steepest railway, travel down to the valley floor by cable car, or explore the network of stunning trails.
Head back into Katoomba for lunch, where you’ll find a wealth of quaint cafés and bakeries on offer. The village also boats some incredible views. You can visit Eagle Hawk, Landslide, Cahills and Board Head Lookouts within about 40 minutes, all providing a unique vantage point over the Blue Mountains.
No trip to the Blue Mountains would be complete without catching sight of the Three Sisters. The unique rock formation of three rocky crags sits dramatically against a backdrop of lush greenery and the mountains’ namesake blue hue. Regarded as one of the most spectacular sights in the region, the Three Sisters also play an important role in Aboriginal history. According to legend, the cliffs were once three beautiful sisters, who fell in love with three brothers from the neighbouring tribe. As this was forbidden under tribal law, the brothers set out to capture and then marry the women, resulting in a battle between the two tribes, so a witchdoctor transformed the sisters to stone to protect them. With the witchdoctor killed in battle, the sisters were immortalised in stone.
The Blue Mountains is known for its incredible hiking, so we’d recommend rounding off your Blue Mountains day trip with the 1.6-mile Wentworth Falls loop, a moderate hike that typically takes 1 to 2 hours. The views throughout are incredible, as you overlook the Jamison Valley, pass by magnificent waterfalls and traverse the Overcliff-Undercliff track, a stunning path embedded into the mountain side.
Spending a few days in the Blue Mountains is a great option for outdoors lovers and those wanting to explore at a slower pace. An overnight trip allows you to embark on multi-day hikes, experience a magical sunrise or sunset over the mountains, and enjoy some lesser-known experiences.
For those seeking more unique experiences, there is a huge range on offer, from adrenaline activities to culinary adventures. The Red Hands Cave walking track boasts a fascinating history, with a trail of aboriginal rock art. If you’re seeking a thrill, why not take an e-mountain biking tour, go horse riding, or try canyoning and abseiling. Alternatively, for a slower paced adventure, enjoy a high tea amongst the clouds with spectacular views of the mountains. Staying overnight within the Blue Mountains, you can also experience spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and the stargazing is incredible.
Incorporate a stay in the Blue Mountains into a longer Australia with a 4-day self-drive from Sydney: perfect if you are beginning or ending your Australia holiday in the city. Explore the picturesque lookouts and spectacular trails of the Blue Mountains, before heading to the vineyards of Hunter Valley, and the stunning coastal town of Port Stephens.
A guided tour of the Blue Mountains is a great way to experience one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, without the need to plan transport or logistics. With the help of an expert guide, an escorted tour allows you to learn about the local history and wildlife, and discover some of the most incredible spots in the Blue Mountains.
There’s definitely scope to see a huge amount in a relatively small amount of time on an escorted tour. For example, opt for the Blue Mountains and Wildlife Tour that takes you from Sydney, to the charming town of Leura, where you can take in the views of the iconic Three Sisters Rock Formation.
You’ll then have the opportunity to encounter some of Australia’s spectacular wildlife, with the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, see koalas snoozing in the treetops or take a river cruise along the Parramatta River. Lasting approximately 11 hours, it’s perfect for those with only a day to spend in the Blue Mountains.
Spending a night or two in the Blue Mountains is ideal for exploring all that the area has to offer, allowing you to hike some of the park’s spectacular trails, visit some magnificent viewpoints and explore the surrounding villages.
The Blue Mountains Overnight Tour From Sydney includes one night’s stay, and the opportunity to hike in the National Park and a unique experience visiting Calmsley Hill farm, a working farm that plays an important role in local wildlife conservation.
The tour then heads to the Blue Mountains, driving through the quaint town of Wentworth Falls offering magnificent views over the Jamison Valley. Your next stop is the Eaglehawk Lookout, where you can catch sight of the famous Three Sisters.
The second day of the tour involves a leisurely morning in the pretty village of Blackheath followed by a tour of some of the region’s best viewpoints, including Govetts Leap, which overlooks Grose Wilderness. The final stop before heading back to the city is the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens.
It may only be an hour away from Sydney, but the tranquillity of the Blue Mountains can make you feel like you’re in another world. The National Park is spectacular and the surrounding villages each boast their own charming personality. There are so many ways to experience this spectacular region, but being prepared will help you to make the most of your visit.
Whilst there is no bad time to visit the Blue Mountains, spring, from September to November, and autumn, from March to May are generally agreed to be great times to visit. These times of year boast pleasant temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities and fewer crowds.
Even in the summer months the temperatures are still pleasant for bushwalking, with average highs of 23°C between December and February. However, weather conditions in the Blue Mountains can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack suitably. Light layers and breathable fabrics are recommended, and make sure to pack both a waterproof jacket and some sunscreen.
When hiking, make sure you have sturdy footwear, bring layers and pack lots to eat and drink. The Blue Mountains National Park is vast, so make sure to stay on marked trails and designated paths. The Blue Mountains are also home to a huge variety of wildlife, including Australia’s iconic koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, many of which you will be able to spot whilst bushwalking. Make sure to keep your distance though!
Whether you’d like to take a Blue Mountains tour, self-drive or hop on a train from Sydney, or incorporate a stay in the Blue Mountains into your Australia holiday, our Travel Consultants would be delighted to help you plan your visit to the Blue Mountains.
Start with one of our popular itineraries below, or get in touch with one of our Australia Experts.
East Coast Australia Holidays by Freedom Destinations
Grace is part of the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations, having recently returned from 3 months backpacking around Australia. Her travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and Thailand so far, but her travel wish list is far from complete!
