Blue Mountains

In Sydney's backyard, you will find a natural wonderland and outdoor enthusiast paradise. Featuring plunging waterfalls, rugged rock formations, ancient culture, pristine eucalyptus forests, charming Aussie towns, friendly locals and an array of hikes. Step into nature and explore a World-Heritage Listed wonder.

Where should you visit in the Blue Mountains?

Welcome to the Blue Mountains

This stunning outdoor playground is located two hours drive, west of Sydney in New South Wales. The name was chosen because the mountains have a unique blue glow. This is due to its spectacular eucalyptus forests, a magical occurrence that happens when the sun heats the leaves. There are 92 different species of eucalyptus growing in the area.

The Greater Blue Mountains is UNESCO World Heritage-Listed

The region also boasts quaint towns, grand landscapes, forested valleys and waterfalls. Take a wander on one of the many walking trails, it’s a walker’s dream! Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture and rich history. Visit the famous Three Sisters and learn about its value to the Indigenous people of Australia. Hop on the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway, with a thrilling 52-degree incline!

When is the best time to visit?

The magical destination is great to visit year-round. However, the best time to visit the Blue Mountains is between September and October. The warmer months between September and May are ideal and if you would like to experience the mystical winter months, visit between June and August.

Aboriginal History in the Blue Mountains

For thousands of years, the Blue Mountains were inhabited by two major Indigenous tribes, the Gundungurra and Darug Tribes. While the Burra Burra tribe inhabited the Jenolan Caves. If you would like to learn more about this fascinating culture, visit the Waradah Aboriginal Centre. Here you can admire artworks, traditional dances and performances, and more.

Blue Mountains National Park

Blue Mountains National Park is bursting with natural treasures and attracts people from all over the world. Here, you will find mountains up to 1100 metres high, deep gorges and canyons, waterfalls, rainforests, caves and many plant and animal species that are unique to Australia.

Visit the iconic Three Sisters in Katoomba

At Echo Point, you'll find one of the area's most important rock formations, The Three Sisters. The Aboriginal people of Australia believe that three sisters are petrified here: Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. Learn more about these fascinating rock formations from a local guide.

There are six parts to the Blue Mountains National Park

• Katoomba area

• Blackheath Area

• Glenbrook area

• Lower Grose Valley area

• Mount Wilson area

• Southern Blue Mountains area

Katoomba

An approximately 90-minute drive from Sydney, you will find the most popular town within the Blue Mountains, Katoomba. Take a wander and admire the quirky features, art deco buildings and sweeping views of Jamison Valley. An ideal base to explore the Blue Mountains regions with a great assortment of accommodation to choose from.

Nature on your doorstep

From here, you can easily reach Scenic World, Echo Point and the Three Sisters. Visit the Blue Mountains Art Gallery and be sure to conquer the Street Art Walk! Indulge in some hot chocolate at Blue Mountain Chocolate Company and savour local produce at the great range of local restaurants.

Leura

Approximately 100 kilometres west of Sydney, you will find the most pretty village in the Blue Mountains, Leura. Just five minutes from Katoomba, experience the essence of mountain village life. Discover boutique stores, antiques, blooming cherry trees, eclectic homewares, heritage homes and gorgeous gardens.

More beautiful towns to visit in the Blue Mountains

• Lawson

• Glenbrook

• Medlow Bath

• Blackheath

• Mount Tomah

• Bilpin

• Wolgan Valley

• Megalong Valley

Wentworth Falls

Be enchanted by the historic village of Wentworth Falls which is located approximately eight kilometres east of Katoomba. Admire pine tree-lined streets, historic train stations, waterfalls and much more. Pack a picnic and head to the Wentworth Falls Picnic area or follow in the footsteps of a famous naturalist on the Charles Darwin Walk.

Venture into the depths of nature

Wentworth Falls have a few trails with options ranging from 20 minutes to 4-5 hours. Most walks are approximately 40 minutes - to 1.5 hours with great views over the valley of the Blue Mountains. If you love waterfalls, conquer the Valley of Waters track! Spark up the barbecue at Wentworth Falls Lake and enjoy the great outdoors.

Things to do and see

During your visit, be sure to stop by the famous Jenolan Caves which are located in the southwest part of the Blue Mountains. Jenolan Caves were discovered in 1838, and comprise nine subterranean rooms open to the public. Marvel at impressive stalactites and stalagmites, pools and rivers, including the Styx River.

Are you an adrenaline junkie?

Go 4WDing, abseiling, canyoning, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, or rock climbing. Start your day at Evans Lookout with an incredible sunrise. Visit Govett's Leap Lookout for breathtaking views of Grose Valley and the magnificent Bridal Veil Falls. If you prefer to take it a bit easier, visit museums and art galleries, indulge in a luxury day spa, or go shopping.

Meet the locals

If you are travelling from Sydney, be sure to stop by Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can have a close encounter with unique wildlife such as koalas, wallabies and kangaroos. Here, you can discover one of the world's largest collections of Australian fauna.

Scenic World

Discover a nature-based experience in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains at Scenic World. Take a ride on the Scenic Skyway and soak up the spectacular scenery or conquer the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway. This exhilarating ride descends 310 metres through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging into the ancient rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor.

Where to stay?

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in the Blue Mountains and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

Why book with us?

• A well-designed holiday, just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.