Where do I get picked up from in Sydney?
We offer several pick-up point locations throughout Sydney’s inner-city. Our main meeting point for this tour is Mercure Central Sydney – 818-820 George St Cnr Lt Regent Entrance at 10.00am (winter) / 12.00pm (summer). Guests are to be ready and waiting on the Little Regent St laneway entrance into the Mercure Sydney around the corner from George St.
What time does this tour depart?
This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, with departure times changing throughout the year to maximise the sunset experience. Seasonal changes occur on the following dates
- 06 Oct 2024 – 05 Apr 2025 summer @ 12.00pm
- 06 Apr 2025 – 04 Oct 2025 winter @ 10.00am
- 05 Oct 2025 – 04 Apr 2026 summer @ 12.00pm
- 05 Apr 2026 – 03 Oct 2026 winter @ 10.00am
- 04 Oct 2026 – 03 Apr 2027 summer @ 12.00pm
What are the age restrictions for Blue Mountains Tour?
Child policy for this tour is 6 years old and over, due to the nature of this tour, it’s not suitable for infants or children 5 years and under. Children must be supervised at all times and guests are to keep to the marked tracks and designated visitor areas.
How fit do I need to be for this tour?
A moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks, some areas of the Blue Mountains National Park consist of rocky terrain and steep walking tracks such as the walk to Wentworth Falls and Jamison Valley. Swimming is not permitted. For example, one of our selected tracks consists of up to 120 minutes of walking, including at least 400 steep stairs and uneven surfaces.
Is lunch or dinner provided on this tour?
Meals are not provided on this tour. We believe it is important for our trips to support the local economy, so guests are able to explore the cafes and shops in the townships surrounding the Blue Mountains during our designated rest stops. Alternatively, guests can bring their own food however, there is no cool storage available on the bus.
How much luggage can I bring on tour?
We ask that guests travelling on day trips bring small day packs only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Suitcases and large backpacks must be put in storage at your hotel or bus station lockers prior to boarding our vehicles.
How many people are on this tour?
We operate this tour with a minimum of 6 tour participants and a maximum of 27. If we exceed this group size, additional vehicles will be put on instead of increasing the bus size to ensure we keep with our small group touring experience.
What type of vehicles do you use on a Blue Mountains Tour?
We operate this tour with an average of 25 people, our standard vehicles are 27-seater Yutong midi-coaches. These vehicles are designed for safety & comfort on long journeys (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views and USB charging ports. It is possible that the trip will be conducted in a similar vehicle on occasions, based on demand.
What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?
In the event of rain or inclement weather, your travel experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. This tour would only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, whereby it’s not safe to travel into the Blue Mountains National Park. If this happens, we are happy to offer a partial refund or credit towards your next tour.
Why are the Blue Mountains so blue?
You will need to join our tour to find out! Here is a hint Eucalyptus Trees.
What items are recommended for the tour?
Packing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, a full water bottle, a camera, and a light jacket for more relaxed morning or evening temperatures is advised. Mountainous regions have unpredictable weather conditions, so please ensure you bring layers and check the local weather reports.
Is it possible to visit the Blue Mountains without a tour?
Visiting the Blue Mountains independently is an option, however, it limits your ability to see some fantastic viewpoints, especially if using public transport. Joining a tour can offer additional insights and convenience, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area. It is also a great way to meet like- minded people!
When is the time to visit the Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains can be visited anytime, but the most recommended times are spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) for ideal weather and beautiful scenery.
Are there specific age restrictions for tours?
Due to the length and nature of this tour, it is not suitable for children under 6 years old.
What should I wear?
Mountainous regions have unpredictable weather conditions, so please ensure you bring layers and check the local weather reports. It is recommended to dress in layers, wear sturdy walking shoes, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bringing a hat and sunscreen is also advisable.
Are tours available for individuals with limited mobility?
The tour involves activities that require physical mobility, such as walking uneven surfaces and climbing steep stairs. Our buses are not equipped with wheelchair ramps nor do they have safe storage for mobility aids, prams or strollers. If you have a collapsible travel wheelchair and can board our vehicles unassisted, please call to check wheelchair measurements and discuss itinerary inclusions to understand your options. If you are blind or have low vision, we can offer you an expert Guide to accompany you, at an extra cost, on your tour to ensure you have a tactile and sensory experience. AUSLAN interpreters are also available on request.
Where are the Blue Mountains located?
The Blue Mountains start 80 minutes west of Sydney, and we will travel an extra 60 minutes to explore the best sights and trails
Can you see wildlife in the Blue Mountains?
Yes, the Blue Mountains have an abundance of birdlife, including black and white Cockatoos, colourful Rosellas and Lyrebirds. We may also drive through some residential areas where a ‘mob’ of Kangaroos can be found. On some rare occasions, wombats and echidnas can be found. Being ‘wildlife’, we cannot guarantee what we will see each day.
How long is a day tour to the Blue Mountains from Sydney?
Our tours run for about 9 to 11 hours, typically departing around 10.00 AM and and 12 noon in summer, depending on the sunset time.
What’s the weather like in the Blue Mountains?
It’s typically cooler than Sydney, especially in the mornings and evenings. Always check the forecast before departure.
Do I need to print my ticket?
We work on a paperless boarding system so it’s not required to print your ticket as we love to save paper. Please keep a copy of your confirmation email/ticket on your phone to make sure you have all the correct details and need to check your pickup location, time, or call us.
How will I know which bus/driver I will have?
We may be running multiple buses, so our drivers will find somewhere to park, get off and approach you to check if you’re on their manifest. Please listen out if they’re announcing the name of the tour or your name. Also, keep your mobile phone handy as they will attempt to also call you from there. Your driver may have delays from earlier pickups. For privacy reasons, we do not provide the phone number of the tour guide. We can provide the licence plate number if you’d like to keep an eye out for this (like you would looking for your Uber!) If they haven’t picked you up within 10 minutes of your scheduled pickup time please call our office immediately +61 3 9393 1333
Do I need to get travel insurance?
It is highly recommended that all passengers have personal travel insurance, given we’re exploring a mountainous region with limited access to health professionals in the event of sickness or injury. Autopia Tours is not authorised to provide information on the type of plan or policy options available. This can be provided by an accredited local travel agent or from your preferred insurance company.
Is tipping the tour guide expected?
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia but is always appreciated if you feel your guide delivered an exceptional experience.
Can I be dropped off at a different location after the tour?
We typically return all guests to their original pickup point. Alternative drop-off requests may be accommodated with prior arrangement, but cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if I’m late or miss the pick-up?
If you’re not at the designated pick-up location at the scheduled time, the tour may proceed without you. We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early and keeping your phone on for any updates. Late arrivals are considered no-shows and may not be eligible for a refund.
Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely! Many of our guests are solo travellers. Our tour setting makes it easy to meet others and enjoy a safe, social experience.