The Blue Mountains are the ultimate mini-break destination, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney. Boasting spectacular natural attractions and dazzling vistas, travellers can enjoy long bushwalks, scenic lookouts or simply retreat fireside to a cosy cottage.
Feel refreshed and recharged by getting back to nature in the Blue Mountains with hiking, abseiling and canyoning, all popular outdoor activities. The World Heritage-listed surrounds of the Blue Mountains also provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway with luxury accommodation and fine dining, and cosy cafes on offer.
Here’s the essential list of things to do in the Blue Mountains to make the most of your next getaway.
Getting to the Blue Mountains
Getting to the Blue Mountains is easy. The drive from the heart of Sydney CBD to Katoomba takes approximately 90 minutes via the M4 Motorway and provides the freedom to explore all the villages of the Blue Mountains by car. There are regular trains from Central Station, with the express service arriving in Katoomba in less than 2 hours. You can then view the sites by catching public buses or hopping on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, connecting all of the Blue Mountains’ major attractions.
Things to see in the Blue Mountains
The Three Sisters is a must-visit for first-time travellers to the Blue Mountains. The iconic Three Sisters is an unusual rock formation located at Echo Point, Katoomba. Commonly, the Aboriginal legend of the Three Sisters states that sisters Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo fell in love with three brothers from the neighbouring tribe but were forbidden to marry. A tribal battle ensued and the elder, to protect them, turned the sisters to stone, but he was killed during the fighting, and no one could turn the sisters back. Today, the Three Sisters continue to present a different facet of their beauty depending on the seasons and time of day, and at night, the area is floodlit until 11 pm for those seeking an evening viewing.
Echo Point lookout, perched on the edge of the escarpment in Katoomba, is the gateway to many great walks and vantage points to view the Three Sisters. Take a short walk to view the Three Sisters or, for the more adventurous, tackle the challenging Giant Stairway leading down almost 1,000 stairs to the valley floor below. Time permitting, take the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, which connects Echo Point to Leura Cascades, a picturesque walk with beautiful small waterfalls.
Wentworth Falls is a charming village in the Blue Mountains, boasting some of the region’s finest bushwalking trails. Dine-in style at the historic town’s cafes, browse the antique shops or set off for an adventurous hike. Take Falls Road from Wentworth Falls village to the leafy Wentworth Falls picnic area and the nearby Wentworth Falls track. The short but steep track is rewarding, passing Jamison and Wentworth lookouts before descending to the cliff-edge Fletchers lookout. Enjoy stunning views of Wentworth Falls as it plunges 100m to the valley floor.
Best way to visit the Blue Mountains
If you’re a nature lover, one of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains is hiking and bushwalking. Explore the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park at your leisure by exploring the many walking tracks, waterfalls and lookouts.
Visit Scenic World to view the Blue Mountains from a different perspective. Journey on the steepest passenger railway in the world, glide between cliff tops on the glass-floored Skyway suspended 270m in the air, descend the ancient Jamison Valley by Cableway or explore the rainforest along the 2.4-kilometre elevated walkway.
Explore the awe-inspiring Jenolan Caves, viewing the spectacular labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone caves. Explore the world’s oldest caves in the Oberon region, with nine of the 300 caves open for public viewing.
Take a self-guided tour of the picturesque towns of the Blue Mountains, including the spectacular Megalong Valley. Stop by Megalong Valley Tea Rooms for a traditional Devonshire tea. The Megalong Valley Tea Rooms are an institution in the Blue Mountains, serving their famous tea for over 60 years.
Best time to visit the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are picturesque in any season, and the best time to visit depends on your mood. While Summer is generally warm, it’s often comfortably cooler than Sydney. If you’re planning to bushwalk, perhaps consider visiting in late summer. Autumn is a magical time to visit the Blue Mountains, with the leaves turning a warm orange-red hue, and the days are cooler with less rain and ideal conditions for bushwalking. Winter is peak season with cold nights ideal for retreat to a cosy fireplace. There are plenty of activities and events during winter, including Yulefest, where you can enjoy a Christmas in July experience at many restaurants and hotels around town. In Spring, the gardens are in full bloom, and the warmer weather is ideal for getting back to nature.
Choosing where to stay in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are made up of a collection of towns, with the most popular destinations being Leura, Blackheath, Katoomba, Medlow Bath and Megalong Valley. Each town has its own unique character and myriad reasons to stay in each one, making it hard to choose just one place to stay.
The Blue Mountains accommodation options range from camping, budget hotels, cosy cabins and self-contained holiday homes to luxury retreats. Consider Carrington Hotel in Katoomba for heritage charm and central location. For a peaceful and secluded stay, book the luxury holiday house Foy’s Folly in the Megalong Valley. For a romantic stay with your significant other, try Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa in Katoomba or the Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath.
Best places to eat and drink in the Blue Mountains
All that fresh air helps to sharpen your appetite. While the Blue Mountains have traditionally been better known for its natural beauty than culinary heights, we’ve gathered the top 10 trendiest eats in the Blue Mountains for your dining pleasure. Take your cues from a local with our insider guide to the best cafes in the Blue Mountains.
Make time during a visit to the Blue Mountains for High Tea at the iconic Hydro Majestic, featuring panoramic views of the Megalong Valley in the plush surrounds of the Wintergarden Restaurant.
