The Blue Mountains tour are a series of peaks located near Sydney, Australia’s largest city. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers a vast area of 1.03 million hectares, including eight conservation areas. It extends north to the Hunter Valley wine tour region, south to the Southern Highlands and west to the Jenolan Caves.
Blue Mountain National Park offers many hiking options, from short hikes to panoramic viewpoints to extensive journeys that cross several parks. Choose full-day or half-day hikes.
In addition to hiking, tourists come here for the outstanding culinary offerings, public and private botanical areas, natural attractions, and the opportunity to take a break from city life and pamper their senses.
Prince Henry's Rock Walk
The journey commences at the park positioned above Katoomba Falls. It tracks the cliff’s summit for 7 kilometres, leading to the town of Leura. Undertaking the walk is a 3 to 4-hour affair one way. Throughout this period, numerous landmarks and viewing spots can be observed. There’s also the flexibility to segment the journey and embark on the round-trip. Captivating panoramas and delightful diversions off the primary path can be discovered en route. This epitomises the very essence of the Blue Mountains, offering an ideal immersion into the region.
The pathway is aligned with the ridge and integrates a few staircases and footings. Yet, it maintains a consistent elevation, ensuring a straightforward trek without a deep descent into the ravine.
Jenolan Caves
The Jenolan cave system, dating back 340 million years, is widely regarded as the oldest in the World. It offers 11 caves to explore, each showcasing unique features such as size, fossils, underground river formations, and crystal formations.
It is recommended to allocate some time for a stroll around the blue lake. The presence of limestone lends it a remarkably vibrant colour, and the waterfall and bathing area are visually appealing even if you choose not to swim.
Leura
Positioned near Katoomba, the hamlet of Leura is distinguished by its quaint central avenue dotted with petite Art Deco skyscrapers. This boulevard hosts an array of dining establishments, gourmet stores, art galleries, and boutiques. Leura exudes a tranquil ambience and ensures easy accessibility to all essentials.
Leura’s Fairmont Hotel presents an optimal lodging choice within the Blue Mountains. Its location is advantageous, being adjacent to recreational zones, scenic overlooks, notable points of interest, and splendid gardens that come alive, especially during the spring and fall seasons.
Utilise the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
This detail may be optional if you’re travelling to the Blue Mountains by your transport. However, familiarising yourself with available options is critical for those travelling from Sydney by public transport.
The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus makes 29 stops in Leura and Katoomba. This provides seamless transfers from railway stations and many accommodation options, including the Fairmont Resort and 12 trailheads, providing access to the many trails and cascades in the surrounding area. Culinary enthusiasts will also find plenty of restaurants, and there are stops near Scenic World, art galleries and museums.
Leura Cascades
Situated merely a brisk 30-minute stroll from the park, the picnic zone provides a loop of under a kilometre leading back to the enchanting waterfalls behind the park premises. Parking facilities are present, with expansive trees offering shade and designated spots for picnicking. Alternatively, one can approach the place via a brief deviation from the Prince Henry Clifftop pedestrian route.
The Three Sisters Vista
This unique rock structure is visible from multiple points along the area’s cliff-edge pathway, Scenic Ropeway, Scenic World, and other trails and observation points. These iconic sandstone pinnacles serve as renowned markers within the Blue Mountains. Each of the three sisters carries its name and holds cultural resonance for the indigenous Aboriginal inhabitants.
Although climbing is prohibited for visitors, a set of steps, a pathway directed towards the foremost sister, and a cozy seating corner are available. This spot offers a moment to ponder the awe-inspiring landscape before climbing back.
Katoomba Falls
The upper sections of the Katoomba Falls are small but attractive and have remained flowing throughout recorded history. During dry weather, they were not a powerful stream when we visited, but still worth seeing. They can be easily accessed from the park and the clifftop walkway that passes them on the way to the Furber Steps.
Gordon Falls Lookout
The Gordon Falls Lookout can be reached from the clifftop walk. At the top is a park and a picnic area, and it is a quick walk down to the lookout. To fully appreciate the 200-meter drop of the falls, it is best to visit in the afternoon when the light is optimal. In the morning, you may be looking directly into the sun.
This area is well-known for bird watching and offers various additional walking paths, including the Pool of Siloam, a picturesque sandy pool nestled below the waterfall and surrounded by ferns, and Lyrebird Dell.
Sublime Point Lookout
Situated in Leura, the Sublime Point Lookout is merely a brief stroll from its parking area and presents awe-inspiring panoramas of the Jamison Valley and its towering cliffs. It’s pertinent to highlight that this locale lies marginally beyond the National Park’s borders. The fragile sandstone cliffs make rock climbing an endeavour solely for seasoned climbers. Embarking on such an activity with proper expertise might help the individual and the surrounding ecosystem considerably.
Tourists can traverse a compact bridge leading to the lookout, from where they can soak in vistas of Katoomba, the iconic three sisters, and the expanse of Mt Solitary. This spot is ideal for a leisurely picnic, and during dawn and dusk, the trees in proximity to the parking zone become a gathering place for black cockatoos and gang gangs.
Katoomba
Katoomba stands as the most sizable and renowned town within the Blue Mountains. In 1879, a coal extraction site was initiated close to Orphan Rock, and the railway line for Scenic World, initially conceptualised as a cable transport, was set up. Rapidly, the town evolved into a popular spot for tourists, who were ushered to various destinations via horse-driven carriages. Many initial guest accommodations from this period remain visible en route to the Three Sisters and have been designated conservation landmarks.
This settlement is celebrated for its frequented trails and natural structures. Its well-developed amenities make it an ideal hub for both transient visitors and those on short excursions. Katoomba has eateries, coffee houses, grocery stores, enterprises, and art spaces. Due to visiting day-trippers and its burgeoning resident community, it often brims with weekend activity.
Pulpit Rock Lookout
Pulpit Rock Lookout can be approached via a dirt pathway, though it’s in good condition and suitable for standard vehicles. The path has safety barriers, ladders for the more vertical sections, and footholds etched into the stone to mitigate slipping when damp. The panoramas are captivating, making them a worthwhile addition to your travel plan. Nonetheless, those with knee-related concerns might perceive the terrain as slightly more demanding than expected.
Govetts Leap Lookout
Positioned near Pulpit Rock within Blackheath, the Govetts Leap Lookout can be reached by vehicular means. Connecting trails between various vantage points are available if you want to explore on foot.
From this juncture, you can initiate the Bridal Veil Falls trek. It’s a relatively straightforward descent, taking 15 minutes. But brace yourself for the upward journey, which incorporates over 500 steps. There are additional marginally lengthier trails from this spot, including the Braeside Walk. Spanning approximately 2.5 km, this trail demands close to 90 minutes to navigate both ways. It showcases intriguing rock structures, cascades, and local wildlife.
Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens
The Blue Mountains Botanical Gardens features numerous walking trails across its 97-hectare property. On a clear day, the view of the hills from Mt Wilson to Wini Gap is slightly improved. Still, even with minimal cloud cover, it is relatively easy to identify the peaks and valleys using the identification board on the observation deck of the main building.
Street Art
The Blue Mountains boast a remarkable array of street art that art enthusiasts should explore when in the vicinity. The most substantial compilation is in Katoomba, specifically on Waratah Street, adjacent to the gingerbread edifice. However, art lovers might also stumble upon other artistic treasures scattered across the district.
Echo Point
Positioned on the brink of the escarpment in Katoomba, Echo Point affords a panoramic view of the valley and the iconic three sisters. This vantage point is accessible through the clifftop pathway or by parking and a brief walk to the viewing platform.
There’s a charge for parking in this vicinity and its adjoining streets. Though it’s among the rare locations in the Blue Mountains with such a requirement, the convenience might justify the cost, particularly if you intend to dine at the lookout’s restaurant. The viewing area is spacious and showcases spectacular vistas. However, anticipate a surge of tourists and buses, given its fame as a must-visit spot. Despite its popularity, its scenic beauty makes it a worthwhile stop, but be mindful of the influx of guided tours and large contingents.
Meticulous planning is crucial for those contemplating a day-long excursion to the Blue Mountains. The allure of tours encompassing multiple sites within a day is undeniable, yet this only sometimes promises an optimal experience. Furthermore, if destinations are significantly spaced out, you might spend more time in transit rather than soaking in the attractions.
Open gardens
Garden lovers in the Blue Mountains have a variety of options. One popular choice is the Everglades Historic House and Garden in Leura. This 1930s art deco cottage and landscaped garden is open daily from 10-4. It covers 5.2 hectares and offers stunning views of the region’s bush. The garden follows a formal European style; visitors can eat in the tea rooms or bring a picnic.
Campbell’s Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath cover an area of 18.3 hectares and are open year-round. The peak season for rhododendrons is September to November, with the best displays typically at the end of October. The gardens are conveniently located just 1km from Blackheath railway station, allowing easy access by public transport. Additionally, suppose you are in the area. In that case, we suggest a visit to the Anonymous Cafe on the high street, as it has garnered a positive reputation for its attention to detail by the baristas and the use of quality products for morning tea.
Scenic World
Scenic World provides three picturesque attractions and a 2.4 km walkway in the Blue Mountains’ Katoomba region.
The rail transport boasts the World’s sharpest descent, plunging to the lower station at a gradient of 52°.
The overhead passage delivers a complete 360° panorama and features a transparent base, gliding over the Jamieson Valley, elevated at 270 meters from the woodland below.
The aerial cable transport drops 545 meters into the gorge, leading to the bottom station and adjacent walkway.
Travellers can allocate a whole day to navigate the National Park, maximising the benefits of the Scenic World exploration pass.
Scenic World is nestled within the confines of the national reserve and introduces chargeable ventures like attractions. Utilising your wristband permits seamless transitions between the attractions and the expansive National Park during your visit. No specific secluded forest segment exists for those opting against the attractions. The establishment upholds the walkway’s condition to shield the natural terrain from the influx of tourists, although alternative routes and stairways carved into the cliffside provide access.
Giant Stairway
Embarking on the Giant Stairway promises a rigorous segment of a semi-daylong hike in the locale. Its commencement is above the three’s premier sister, necessitating ascending and navigating the Honeymoon Bridge to approach the renowned geological formation. After this, adventurers can proceed down an extensive 998 stairs, encompassing metallic stairways and steps chiselled directly into the cliff’s facade.
Upon reaching the base, multiple pathways present themselves. One can retrace their steps or pivot onto the Federal Pass trail, advancing towards the Katoomba Falls, an estimated walk of around 30 minutes. Slightly beyond this juncture, there’s an option to ascend via the Furber Steps, passing the upper cascade segment, or prolong the journey, merging with the Scenic World boardwalk. The World’s most inclined railway offers a swift alternative for those seeking a more sensible route upwards.
Potager Cafe is in the Botanical Gardens
This place is enjoyable due to the beautiful view and delicious food. We recommend trying the Potager Pot pies with slow-roasted beef ribs in a rich red wine sauce. The crispy chat potatoes baked in truffle oil are also an excellent addition. This restaurant is a great option for lunch if you’re going to the botanical gardens or anywhere else in Mount Tomah.
Milk Bar in Katoomba
Visit this cafe for fruity smoothies and fresh, warm doughnuts with lemon myrtle while exploring the top of the cliff. There is a restaurant at the top that offers an incredible view. The cafe provides a respite from the crowds at Echo Point and Three Sisters viewpoints.
Visit Kickaboom in Glenbrook
The first village you’ll encounter upon entering the Blue Mountains is Glenbrook. The Kickaboom restaurant offers excellent coffee and an exciting menu that may entice you to return. The attention to detail is notable, such as the in-house made syrup for the Butterscotch Latte. Adding enough syrup gives the coffee a distinct butterscotch aroma and flavour without being overly sweet.
Katoomba's Gingerbread House
The venue serves various meals and nibbles, featuring indoor accommodation and a generous outdoor section with a specified area for young ones to engage in play.
The nearby Josophans provides a tempting spicy hot chocolate crafted with almond milk. It delivers a deep and indulgent taste with a distinct touch of chilli. The alfresco seating is canopied and situated away from the main thoroughfare, offering a serene spot to take a break before delving into the town.
The Garage in Leura
Embers in Leira
Positioned at the Fairmont Resort, this dining spot offers sweeping views of the gorge, earning it top recommendations for a meal. The menu is curated with distinctive and captivating flavour pairings.
The food, sourced locally, is of premium quality, the vistas are captivating, and the hospitality is top-notch.
Josophans Chocolates
Jody is knowledgeable about chocolate and founded a family-run business symbolising Leura. The shop is located on the town’s main street, produces and sells high-quality filled chocolates, and offers impressive chocolate art.
When entering the shop, observe the solid chocolate trees on the back wall and the intricate bodice work throughout the shop. This shop is a perfect spot for those who appreciate high-quality chocolate in small portions.
Cafe Anonymous
Anonymous is a cafe located in the Art Deco neighbourhood of Blackheath. It is conveniently situated on the way to the Botanic Gardens, Jenolan Caves, and various viewpoints and walking routes. Making a stop at this cafe is highly recommended.
The baristas pay great attention to detail and offer excellent coffee, a menu of seasonal local specialties and tempting sweet treats displayed in old-fashioned glass jars behind the seating area. It is a recommended spot for brunch or lunch.
The Bakehouse on Wentworth is located in Leura
Suggestions for lodging in the Blue Mountains
Ideal periods to journey to the Blue Mountains
Summer
This season stretches from December to February. During these months, the atmosphere is warm and muggy, yet the azure heavens juxtapose beautifully with the terrain. Temperatures here are a tad cooler than in the metropolis, and the presence of resort swimming areas along with natural aquatic spots makes this a preferred timeframe for a visit.
Autumn
This season, the Blue Mountains are awash with a riot of hues as deciduous trees shed their foliage. The milder climate forms an idyllic backdrop for trekking across the myriad pathways and taking in the panoramic sights of the Jamieson Valley and its environs.
Winter
Spring
As spring unfolds, numerous urban gardens are in their prime, accompanied by exclusive unveilings of private botanical spaces, the distinguished Leura festivity, and bright florals like cherry blossoms and rhododendrons. Tourists will find themselves invigorated by the fresh breeze and the resurgence of nature as the town awakens from its winter slumber.
