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| Three Sisters Walk Image: The_Kenney_Way / Tripadvisor |
With so much to see and do, it can be difficult trying to fit everything into a one-day itinerary. If you’re keen on planning a day trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, fret not, we’ve compiled a handy guide with all the things you can do in a day.
Things to do in the Blue Mountains
Hiking trails in the Blue MountainsThere is an incredible network of hiking trails and lookouts all across the Blue Mountains, that hikers of any skill and fitness level can complete in a couple of hours. Before you go, check the official NSW National Parks website for the latest updates on the trail you are intending to do—some might be closed due to upgrading works, repairs, or weather alerts.
Three Sisters Walk
Image: The_Kenney_Way / Tripadvisor
Difficulty level: Easy
Time required: 25 to 45 mins
The easiest option available, the Three Sisters Walk gives you the most iconic views of Blue Mountains National Park and takes you to the Three Sisters up close. This family-friendly trail is a real treat with towering eucalyptus trees, lyrebirds and crimson rosellas, and fresh mountain air. Head to the Visitor Information Centre near Echo Point Lookout before you start to grab a map. The only steep part in this trail is a short set of stairs on top of the Giant Stairway leading to the Honeymoon Bridge, but everything else is easily manageable.
Wentworth Falls Track
Difficulty level: Moderate
Time required: 45 mins to 1 hour
Kicking off from the Wentworth Falls picnic area, this short but steep trail will leave you with no regrets. Walk past the Jamison and Wentworth Lookouts and you’ll eventually reach Fletchers Lookout at the edge of the cliff. Here you’ll be able to see Wentworth Falls in all its resplendent beauty as it plunges to the valley floor. As you make your way to the top of the falls, you’ll see Jamison Creek cascading into a shallow pool and Jamison Valley on the other side. If time permits, continue along the National Pass track for truly spectacular views and access to the historic Grand Stairway, which was built by hand in the early 1900s.
Jellybean Track
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| Image: Stacey C / Tripadvisor |
Time required: 1 hour
Got the little ones in tow? If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, the Jellybean Track is perfect. Starting from the Glenbrook entrance—where you can park—the trail leads downhill to the Jellybean pool that is flanked by sandstone cliffs. You won’t be able to resist taking a dip in these cool waters, especially on hot, summer days, or relaxing on the sandy beaches in the shade. You’ll then head to Glenbrook Gorge, where you can point out all the lovely birds you’ll see to your kids. See if you can spot the rainbow lorikeets, gang-gang cockatoos, kestrels, and blue kingfishers.
Biking in the Blue Mountains
If you’re more of a thrillseeker, there are plenty of mountain bike loops in the Blue Mountains for you to try, all filled with a variety of natural obstacles for you to overcome. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider, you’ll love the challenge these trails bring—check out the Oaks Fire Trail or other beginner-friendly trails like the Hanging Rock Trail, while intermediate riders can opt for the Narrow Neck Trail.The Oaks Fire Trail
Difficulty: Medium
Time required: 3 to 5 hours, depending on skill level and sightseeing stops
One of the best tracks in the Blue Mountains, this trail has all the elements to get your heart pumping and calf muscles working. Running between Woodford and Glenbrook, it is a mostly downhill ride with a steep final section as you exit the park through Glenbrook Gorge to Glenbrook station. On a clear day, you can even see the Sydney CBD on the horizon.
Trail visibility is always easy to follow, but check the latest trail reports before heading down. Mobile reception varies along the trail and the weather can change rapidly, so make sure you pack the right clothes and plenty of water.
Camping in the Blue Mountains
If you’re looking to spend more than a day in the Blue Mountains, there are plenty of campgrounds for you to set up camp and spend the night, from secluded gems to full-service campgrounds. A booking is required for all campsites with an AU$6 ($4.50) booking fee, so make sure to plan ahead and check out the full list of campgrounds and local alerts and closures before you head to the Blue Mountains.Some great campgrounds include the Acacia Flat campground and Blackheath Glen Tourist Park in the Blackheath area, Murphy’s Glen campground in the Glenbrook area, and Ingar campground in the Katoomba area.
Euroka Campground
The Euroka Campground is a popular choice amongst campers, located south of Glenbrook near the tranquil Nepean River. There are five camping areas within Euroka—Appletree Flat, Bennett Ride, Darug, Nioka, and Red Gum—all with picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and toilets available. But you’ll still have to bring your own drinking water, cooking water, and firewood.
Hang out with the area’s cockatoos, parrots, and kangaroos, head to the Tunnel View lookout to take in spectacular landscapes or give yourself a good workout by taking on the Red Hands Cave track. Just note that a minimum daily rate of AU$24 applies.
Where to eat in the Blue Mountains
Feeling hungry? There are plenty of dining options in the Blue Mountains—from cafes to restaurants, pizzerias, and more. The main streets of Katoomba are where you’ll find a variety of international cuisine, from delicious Korean stews at Sanwiye to Thai green curry at Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant, Mexican tacos at 8Things Katoomba, and even fried potato momos from Tibet Kitchen.Echoes Restaurant
For a fine-dining experience with breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains and Jamison Valley, we recommend Echoes Restaurant for a meal to remember. Serving up modern Australian cuisine with Asian flavors, dishes such as the Goulston Heights pan-fried quail, truffled mushroom wonton broth and Thai curry gnocchi are sure to impress. For dessert, the matcha crème brulée is a must-order.
Cinnabar
Another of the Blue Mountains' best-kept secrets is Cinnabar, situated along the main street of Blackheath. In its cozy setting, experience their innovative menu of flavorful dishes like their sizzling Jamaican spiced prawn pots, spinach and ricotta dumplings, Zanzibar coconut lime fish curry, and baked fish with a macadamia crumb crust and green yogurt sauce.
The best Blue Mountains day tours
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| Image: tashmack / Tripadvisor |
If you want to tick all of the main attractions off your list, choose an all-inclusive full-day Blue Mountains tour from Sydney which typically covers entrance fees, transport, and meals. Learn all about the area with the help of an experienced guide as you visit iconic spots like the Featherdale Wildlife Park, Echo Point, the Three Sisters, and Scenic World. Hop onto the world’s steepest incline railway, then enjoy a thrilling glass floor cable car ride that gives you unparalleled views over Katoomba Falls, Mt Solitary, and Orphan Rock. End the day with a scenic cruise down Parramatta River for an exclusive glimpse at some of Sydney’s most impressive real estate.
For the adventure lover, the Full-Day Canyoning Experience at Stunning Empress Canyon offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that includes canyoning, water jumps, and abseiling 30 meters down Empress Falls. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides who will be with you every step of the way, with equipment and a picnic lunch included as well.
If you’d like something a little different, you can also opt for a 1-hour Trike Tour, roam around on an open-air ex-Australian Army Land Rover, go off the beaten track on a mountain e-bike, or take to the skies in a scenic flight. You can also learn more about the Blue Mountains with a tour by a local Aboriginal guide, or if you prefer something a little more personal, opt for a private tour instead. If you’re planning a special occasion, maybe even splash out on a helicopter ride above the rainforest canopy or a luxury Blue Mountains tour with a barbecue lunch and wine tasting experience?
Best time to visit the Blue Mountains
The best part about exploring the Blue Mountains is that you can visit anytime during the year and it will still be extremely enjoyable. In the summer months of December to February, while it’s warmer in the Blue Mountains, it’s still cooler than Sydney. While you can expect light showers, the scenery is still spectacular with blankets of clouds above the mountain range and gushing waterfalls.The autumn months from March to May are the best time to visit the Blue Mountains, with cool temperatures all around that are perfect for hiking.
Winter is where peak tourist season starts, so expect higher ticket prices and more crowds along the trails as well as at the main attractions. And yes, it does snow in the Blue Mountains, but very sporadically and it doesn’t stay for long. Unpredictable and usually lasting for about three to six days per year, your best bet would be to check for updates before going in search of a magical winter wonderland. The best spots to experience snow are usually in the upper Blue Mountains—anywhere from Wentworth Falls to Mount Victoria—with snow that varies from brief flurries to heavy falls. Popular spots include Memorial Park, Sutton Park, Blackheath Oval, Mount Victoria Memorial Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Endeavor Park.
How to get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney
There are three main ways to get to the Blue Mountains: by train, car, or an organized bus tour. Depending on your budget and itinerary, the best way to travel differs but the fastest and most flexible way would be to drive.Sydney to Blue Mountains by train
By public transport, the Blue Mountains Train Line operated by NSW TrainLink is the most direct and convenient option between Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The best way to reach the national park is to take the train from Central Station in Sydney and get off at either Katoomba Station or Leura Station. There are daily trains departing every hour and the entire commute takes two hours. The fare varies during peak or non-peak hours, but the entire ride should cost less than AU$10.
There is also a shorter express train which only makes four stops between Central Station and Katoomba Station (at Parramatta, Westmead, Penrith and Springwood) but departs twice daily only—once in the morning and once in the afternoon. If you’re headed to Leura, then the express train is not an option because it does not stop there.
Sydney to Blue Mountains by car
If you’re driving to the Blue Mountains, you’ll be rewarded with scenic views throughout the journey, along with the flexibility to make pit stops along the way whenever you like. The fastest route requires toll roads but gets you to the Blue Mountains in about one and a half hours. There are car parks in different areas of the Blue Mountains depending on where you’re headed, so just double check your itinerary to make sure there’s one close by.
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| Image: Management / Tripadvisor |
While no public buses run from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, many organized tours include pick-ups and drop-offs from Sydney, making the entire journey incredibly fuss-free.
There’s also the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus—which is ideal for visitors who want to cover the most popular locations within a day. Buses depart from Katoomba Station every hour at 9 a.m., and all you need to do is purchase a full-day pass before getting onto the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus. Covering 37 stops around Leura and Katoomba, including major attractions like Echo Point, Scenic World, and Leura Cascades, the stops are very conveniently located at key points along walking trails.
*Tripadvisor
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