Blue Mountains

Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, NSW.  Photo credit: James Horan, Destination NSW

Blue Mountains New South Wales

Seven national parks. One million acres. A stunning World Heritage Site. Discover the majestic landscape that is the Blue Mountains.

 

 

The area may be huge, but the gorges, waterfalls, rivers and ravines of the Blue Mountains are still accessible, thanks to the countless walking trails and lookout points. Find the right walk for you at any park information centre.

It’s worth visiting the Blue Mountains at any time of year BUT check the visibility before you plan any trips because the cloud and fog could leave you with nothing to see.

Things to do in the Blue Mountains:

Three Sisters
At Echo Point, near the popular town of Katoomba, you’ll find Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo: the three sisters. How they became part of the landscape is an aboriginal legend of forbidden love – and a must-see for visitors.

Giant Stairway
Also at Echo Point. 800 steps lead you down the side of a cliff and into the Jamison Valley where you’ll find some gorgeous nature walks.

Scenic World, Katoomba
Never has an attraction been so aptly named. Four equally magical ways to enjoy the landscape, including the world’s steepest railway and cable car, a high ride and a 2.4km walkway through an ancient rainforest. A must-do Blue Mountains attraction.

Katoomba
One of the most visited towns in the Blue Mountains. Attractions surround the town, and some memorable bars, restaurants and accommodation add to its appeal. The Edge Cinema offers stunning panoramic views of the area (as well as showing movies). The Blue Mountains Chocolate Company, just 200m from Echo Point, sells hot chocolate to die for.

If you’re planning a few days exploring the Blue Mountains, Katoomba makes a great base.

Megalong Valley
Immerse yourself in Australian culture and epic landscape. The Megalong Australia Heritage Centre is a huge outback ranch that’s fantastic for families, couples or friends who fancy horse riding, quad biking, bushwalking and even whip cracking. It’s a great place for a wedding too.

There’s a variety of Blue Mountains accommodation in guesthouses and cottages, or budget lodges and campsites. Incidentally, and disappointingly, the Megalong Valley is not mega-long. It’s quite short actually.

The Jenolan Caves
Among the oldest in the world, the eleven spectacular caves don’t need an additional selling point – but they are lovely and cool in summer! There’s a bar and restaurant here, as well as accommodation to suit all budgets.

Plant lover?
We’d recommend The Botanists Way. This driving route between Hawkesbury Valley and Lithgow on the curiously named Bells Line of Road will take you past the best botanical attractions in the area.

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is also worth a visit, sat 1000m above sea level on a high basalt peak. The garden includes more than 40,000 native, rare, and exotic plants.

Red Hands Cave, Glenbrook
Come face to face with 1600 year old aboriginal hand prints and stencils so vivid they could have been done yesterday.

Wentworth Falls
Is this the most beautiful town in the Blue Mountains? Quite possibly, and it has some of the best views and bushwalks available within the region too. The Falls Gallery is worth a look, and features ever-changing exhibitions by established and upcoming artists.

The waterfalls that lend the town its name are a 297m tumbling cascade from the Jamison Creek to the Valley of the Waters far below. To say it’s ‘picturesque’ hardly does it justice.

Yulefest
The annual festival takes place between July and August (the coldest time of year) and is a region-wide celebration of Christmas.

Other Blue Mountains attractions

No less rewarding, but perhaps less essential:

Sublime Point, Leura – a breathtaking lookout point
Gordon Falls Reserve, Leura – charming picnic spot
Bygone Beauties, Leura – the largest antiques centre in the Blue Mountains
Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler & Penrith Platypus Cruises, Penrith – glorious cruises along the Napean Gorge
Blue Mountains Sparadise, South Bowenfels – wonderfully relaxing Japanese spa
Casey’s Vineyard, Oberon – specialises in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. There’s wine tasting at weekends.
Gallery Blackheath, Blackheath – award-winning artist-owned gallery
Govett’s Leap and Bridal Veil Falls lookouts, Blackheath – the latter is the highest waterfall in the Blue Mountains.

Find Blue Mountains accommodation

Explore New South Wales

Find visitor attractions in Sydney

Why So Blue?

Thank the eucalyptus trees that cover so much of the land here. As the temperature rises, tiny droplets of eucalyptus oil rise into the atmosphere and react with the light to create a breathtaking blue haze.

Visiting the Blue Mountains and Getting Around

The Blue Mountains are to the west of Sydney, only a ninety minute drive from the city. You can also get here by train from Sydney’s Central Railway Station. Once here you’ll find driving routes are plentiful.

Cars are available to hire from busier centres (eg Katoomba) and a bus service connects major sites and towns. We’d recommend the guided tours, which you can book when you arrive, or in advance. Some tour operators will collect you from your Sydney hotel.

Join our guest blogging community

Grow The Grapevine

Join our guest blogging community

Travel advice, top tips and up-to-date country information to help you plan your journey

You May Also Be Interested In…

Plan your trip to Australia

Going To Australia?

Plan your trip here

Expert knowledge from travellers and locals on the Global Grapevine forum

Ask, Answer or Browse

Search the forum or ask a question

Travel, explore and discover Australia with Global Grapevine

Australia Is Big

Travel, explore and discover the world's largest island

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get the latest travel tips and info straight to your inbox.

Subscribe to the Global Grapevine newsletter