Things To Do in Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a favoured day excursion from Sydney, highlighting the natural splendour of New South Wales.
This part of Australia provides breathtaking vantage points, a variety of trekking paths, and chances to observe local wildlife.
The mountains can look as vividly blue as seen in photographs, an innate occurrence that amplifies the region’s allure and imparts a surreal ambience.
The blue shade of the mountains stems from the abundant Eucalyptus groves within the park.
Eucalyptus trees emit oil into the air, merging with water mist and dust particles, creating a blue mist.
The blue hue consistently radiates from the mountains, no matter the observation point.

Discover the best things to do in The Blue Mountains

Depending on availability, guests may allocate an afternoon, an entire day, or multiple days here. Regardless of their schedule, there are many activities to engage them in the Blue Mountains. Kindly consult our compilation of suggested activities in the Blue Mountains for ideas for your upcoming trip.

The Three Sisters and Echo Point stand as iconic landmarks

The rock structure known as the Three Sisters is a renowned attraction in the Blue Mountains, attracting numerous tourists. The tale narrates that three sisters from the Katoomba clan had affection for three warriors from the Nepean clan, their adversaries. Amidst a disagreement involving the three warrior men and the sisters, tribal hostility broke out; a shaman employed his magic to morph the sisters into stones, aiming to shield them from the conflict. Sadly, the plan didn’t yield the anticipated result, for the shaman was slain in the confrontation, causing the sisters to retain their stony form. Situated at 3,000 feet above the ocean’s surface, the Sisters are encompassed by expansive mountains and deep gorges. To approach the Three Sisters more intimately, individuals can trek from Echo Point, tracing the Three Sisters Path and descending the Immense Staircase until they arrive at the famed stone formations. The steps delving into the ravine are notably sharp and plunge almost straight down. Remember, after capturing moments with the stones, you’ll need ample stamina to ascend the Immense Staircase again. A side trip to view the Sisters is advisable for those journeying through the area, as they remain a pivotal highlight in the Blue Mountains.

The location is known as Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls is one of the many waterfalls to see at the park, and it is a popular spot that can be accessed from the Wentworth Falls Track.

A comprehensive list of things to do in the Blue Mountains would only be complete with mentioning these cascades.

The trail passes by Jamison Valley and Wentworth lookouts, then takes you to Fletchers lookout, where you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the falls and their 100m descent into the valley.

Wentworth Falls is a small town in the Blue Mountains near the waterfall, offering easy bush walks with impressive lookouts and sweeping views.

Cooling off in the natural pool

You can also take a dip in and cool off at the Paradise Pool. And there’s a reason why it is called Paradise Pool by locals. The clean, fresh, and cool waters of the pool are rejuvenating. The natural ambience of the scenery provides you with a calm, relaxing, and serene environment. Feel the loving embrace of mother nature and forget all the cares and stresses of city life.

The places are Govetts Leap and Pulpit Rock

The viewpoint at Govetts Leap in Australia is celebrated for its magnificent panorama of eucalyptus forests and a waterfall plunging 180m. There’s a chance you might observe a king parrot or a yellow-tailed black cockatoo in this vicinity. The vantage point at Govetts Leap can also initiate a more demanding trek that delves into the Grose wilderness. The trail from Govetts Leap to Pulpit Rock Lookout is ranked among the premier treks in the Blue Mountains. An extended yet straightforward route meanders through the gorge, directing you to the awe-inspiring Pulpit Rock Lookout. From here, you’re treated to a splendid perspective, with a rugged overhanging cliff presenting one of the most captivating sights in the Blue Mountains area. Think about heading to the Hanging Rock Lookout, close to other observation decks, for more picturesque vistas. This locale affords special photographic moments, given its semblance to a stone hovering over the gorge.

Welcome to the town of Leura

Leura, a picturesque hamlet in the Blue Mountains, is a must-visit due to its delightful ambience, many surrounding trails, and panoramic vistas. This village boasts numerous private gardens that welcome visitors at varied intervals throughout the seasons. Among them is Everglades Gardens, accessible all year and showcasing sandstone platforms, spots for picnics, and panoramas of Jamison Valley. Leura Cascades is a favoured locale for picnic enthusiasts and marks the commencement of several trekking paths leading to assorted waterfalls and vantage points. These include Leura, Linda, Lila, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Copelands Lookout and Fly Fox Lookout. Travellers can meander through a regional orchard, indulge in a cider sampling at Hillbilly Cider’s tasting room, or marvel at the striking Sublime Point Lookout.

Experience stunning beauty at Scenic World

Scenic World is a favoured destination in the Blue Mountains, renowned for its globally steepest picturesque railway and awe-inspiring vistas.

The railway traversing the Blue Mountains presents a picturesque and sought-after method to savour the region’s splendour.
Tourists can journey through the picturesque walkway, aerial cableway, and skyway, each rendering distinct views and encounters of the Blue Mountains.
While some prefer delving into the region via trekking routes and pathways, others deem Scenic World a delightful means to allocate an hour within the park.
A trip to Scenic World is essential to wholly appreciate the sights of the Blue Mountains.
The venue is situated at the intersection of Violet Street and Cliff Drive.
It operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Rate: starting at 43 AUD

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Katoomba Falls

Katoomba Falls is a tiered waterfall that exhibits a step-like or terrace appearance. The encompassing landscape is spectacular and can be quickly visited even with limited time.
From Echo Point, tread along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, navigating past the Katoomba Cascades until you arrive at the Cliff View Lookout. From this point, you can relish the splendid sight of Katoomba Falls from afar.

To get nearer to the falls, opt for the Round Walk Trail, a conveniently accessible looped path originating at Scenic World.
Subsequently, consider a casual stroll through Katoomba town, taking in the urban murals or stopping at the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms.

Discover the wonders of Jenolan Caves

The Jenolan Caves are situated in the foothills of the Blue Mountains and showcase awe-inspiring cave formations.

Jenolan Caves, located near Katoomba and neighbouring Kanagra-Boyd National Park, offers a range of cave tours that are highly recommended for a day trip.

There are 15 caves available for public tours at the Jenolan Caves, with nearby accommodations and dining options for those planning to stay in the area. Additionally, visitors can explore the surrounding tracks for a more secluded experience.

The prices for accessing different caves may vary.

Visitors can explore the nearby River Walk, a peaceful walking trail by the stunning Blue Lake.

Visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden and be enchanted

The botanic gardens near Mount Tomah cover 28 hectares and focus on cooler-climate plants unsuited for warmer regions of Australia.

The botanic gardens are located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provide various plant and flower species for visitors to enjoy.

Admission to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is free, and the opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, seven days a week.

Rock climbing and abseiling

For younger, stronger folks who are into extreme sports, rock climbing and rappelling are an option to test their mettle in the rugged terrains and steep cliffs of the Blue Mountains. Aussies love to call rappelling abseiling: it is climbing down or descending a cliff or a canyon in a rope.

For rock climbing enthusiasts, the Blue Mountains has plenty of rock climbing spots for beginners and pros. Narrow Neck Plateau, Zig Zag, and Mt Piddington are some of the best places for rock climbing.

Canyoning

Trek the trails, swim in the river, wade in the strong currents, jump into pools, and scramble over rocks and boulders in this extreme adventure of canyoning. The waterfalls and waterways on canyons and ridges provide a perfect venue for a canyoning adventure. Canyoning though requires a high level of physical fitness. Consider this as the ultimate challenge to your Blue Mountains tours.

Experience the Grand Canyon Walk

The hiking path in the Blue Mountains is held in high esteem, yet it often needs to be noticed by most visitors who opt to remain in Katoomba. There’s a plethora of splendid hiking routes in the mountains, but if one must be singled out, give this one a thought. The Grand Canyon Walk spans 6km as a loop, featuring some inclines, but is predominantly deemed an intermediate challenge, rendering it appropriate for various skill levels. The trail weaves through the gorge, meandering past rivers, brooks, and towering ferns. It’s the perfect spot to relish the crisp mountain breeze and provide a workout for your limbs.

Blue Mountains Tourist Handbook

Having acquainted yourself with the Blue Mountains’ highlights, proceed with the reading to familiarise yourself with transit alternatives and strategies to optimise your stay during your excursion.

How long should I visit the Blue Mountains?

It’s suggested to reserve at least half a day to discover the renowned locations in the Blue Mountains. Remember that the park is expansive, and moving between distinct locations can consume time, even when using the hop-on-hop-off service, which encompasses all the principal tourist highlights. Travellers to the Blue Mountains National Park frequently enjoy navigating the footpaths, so earmarking a span for at least 1-2 brief treks is a reasonable proposition. Dedicating an entire day or extended period at the park is strongly advocated for a gratifying visit. Other methods to journey through the Blue Mountains include equestrian activities, encamping, and mountain cycling. Partaking in these endeavours may mandate particular equipment and the oversight of an excursion leader, making readiness imperative. If you’re considering a vacation to the mountains, reaching ahead of time is prudent to evade bustling groups and elevated temperatures. Should you be motoring or hopping on a train from Sydney, setting out before daybreak is recommended to commence your voyage promptly and savour the picturesque dawn vistas.

Understanding the optimal transportation method is crucial for contemplating a day excursion to the Blue Mountains. Three choices are available depending on your financial plan and preferences.

Public Conveyance

The Blue Mountains feature multiple train stops and quaint rural villages. Yet, the most strategic and pivotal station for commencing travels is on the principal road in Katoomba. This is where the primary information centre offers guidance and comprehensive trail maps for trekkers. Katoomba is a frequented launch pad for many tourist ventures, including the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus that allows passengers to embark and disembark at will. For those journeying from Sydney to Parramatta, a train ride suffices. Subsequently, a switch to the regional Blue Mountain Line train heading towards Lithgow is feasible. Travellers can alight at various stations to discover the vicinity, though initiating at Katoomba Station is often advised. The round trip from Sydney is roughly two hours in each direction. Once there, tourists can board one of the available hop-on-hop-off coaches or proceed on foot towards the day’s inaugural highlight, the Three Sisters. A walk from Katoomba’s central station to the Three Sisters Plaza is estimated to last about 20 minutes.

Instructions on how to reach the Blue Mountains

Sightseeing

Tourism is, most of the time, all about sightseeing. Seeing the place, the scenic attraction, anchors tourism; the Blue Mountains has a lot of impressive spots to view sunset. Go sightseeing on a four-wheel drive, on a horseback, or on foot for some nature walks. The spectacular views and panoramic landscapes must be the highlights to your Blue Mountains tours and adventures.

Have a family picnic

Picnic areas are always available in the scenic spots of the Blue Mountains. The picnic area in Govetts Leap would have you enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the Grose Valley as a backdrop. Or you may want to have a picnic at the picnic areas of the beautiful Leura Cascades or in the lakeside of the equally impressive Wentworth Falls Lake.