your guide to theBlue 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 hop on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus connecting all of the Blue Mountains major attractions.

The Three Sisters

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 11pm for those seeking an evening viewing.

Echo Point

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

Wentworth Falls is a charming village in the Blue Mountains boasting some of the regions 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.

Hiking

If you’re a nature lover, one of the best things to do in the Blue Mountain 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. If you’re planning a long hike or overnight adventure, it is recommended you submit a trip intention form with National Parks & Wildlife Service and carry a personal locator beacon.

Abseiling

Seeking more adventure in the Blue Mountains? A unique way to discover the Blue Mountains is by abseiling; enjoy the regions stunning vistas as you rappel down a classic Australian rock face. There are a number of experienced tour operators offering half-day or full-day tours inclusive of all equipment such as High & Wild who offer daily adventures in canyoning, abseiling and rock climbing.

Day Tours

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 9 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. Finish with a wine tasting and cheese platter at Dryridge Estate with some of the best scenery in the Blue Mountains.

The Blue Mountains is 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 to 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.

All that fresh air helps to sharpen your appetite. While the Blue Mountains has 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.