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Guide to the Blue Mountains

Welcome
Getting to the Blue Mountains
When to visit
Accessibility

For a holiday centred around the outdoors, head to the Blue Mountains to marvel at impressive rock formations, potter around in quaint villages or explore epic wilderness.

The Blue Mountains is best known for its soaring sandstone ridges blanketed in native bushland. Nestled within the wilderness lie charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art and the iconic tourist attraction of Scenic World. Expect to be enchanted by the natural beauty when you set out to explore the walking tracks that loop around the verdant valleys and craggy cliffs. Find after-dark excitement spotting glow worms in an underground cave, or indulge in a touch of luxury at a wilderness retreat. Whether cloaked in clouds or glowing golden in the sunset, the endless vistas of the Blue Mountains will take your breath away.

The foothills of the Blue Mountains are an easy one-hour drive west of Sydney, with the central Blue Mountains towns of Katoomba and Leura a further 30 minutes west.

Sydney Airport (113km/85mi from Katoomba); international and domestic arrivals
Hire cars are available at the airport, Sydney city locations and Katoomba
Inter-city trains to the Blue Mountains depart from Sydney's Central Station; from Central to Katoomba it's a two-hour train ride

Once you’re in the mountains, public transport options include trains and some buses, while the hop on/hop off Blue Mountains Explorer Bus runs in a loop between Katoomba and Leura. To explore the Greater Blue Mountains in depth, though, you'll need your own car.

While the Blue Mountains has a temperate rather than alpine climate, winters are chilly, with occasional light snowfall, so pack layers for sunny days and cold nights. In late spring, around October and November, you'll enjoy warm, dry conditions for bushwalking. Late autumn, around May, and the winter months can also deliver good bushwalking weather.

High season: Summer (December to February)
Low season: Winter (June to August)
Don’t miss: The Blue Mountains’ many cool-climate gardens, which light up with colourful leaves in autumn and bright blooms in spring.

Travellers of all abilities can witness the beauty of the Blue Mountains and the iconic Three Sisters.

Arrival: Choose from a range of wheelchair-accessible private charters and tours to reach the Blue Mountains from Sydney, or use the Trip Planner tool for accessible train services departing from Sydney’s Central Station.
Getting around: Public bus route 685 is wheelchair accessible and will take you from Katoomba to Echo Point and Scenic World. Most taxi providers in the area also offer accessible services; request at the time of booking.
Accessible experience highlights: You can get amongst nature on a range of wheelchair-friendly trails throughout Blue Mountains National Park. See the sights from above on the accessible Scenic World Skyway and Cableway, or hit all the highlights on a wheelchair-friendly Australia in Style tour.
Helpful resources: Use this accessible guide from the Blue Mountains City Council for tips on things to do and information about getting around.

Things to do in the Blue Mountains

Grand Canyon Walking Track, Blackheath, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Meander around the mountains

With over 140 kilometres (87 miles) of track, the Blue Mountains has a bush walk to suit everyone. Immerse yourself in nature by climbing down to the valley floor and up along rugged escarpments where you will find waterfalls and breathtaking views.

Echo Point Lookout, Katoomba, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Visit the Three Sisters

One of the best spots for viewing the area's most famous rock formation is Echo Point Lookout, which is also the starting point for many great walks. Follow the easy path or descend almost 1,000 stairs to the valley floor for a different perspective.

The Lookout, Katoomba, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Discover quaint mountain towns

The charm of the Blue Mountains goes beyond its natural wonders. Pay a visit to the quiet mountain towns of Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath to find beautiful street art, antique shops, museums, cultural centres and cosy cafes with friendly locals.

Scenic World cableway, Katoomba, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Have a sky-high picnic

Scenic World is a great base for enjoying the mountains’ best views. The Beyond Skyway experience even allows you to climb through the hatch, onto the roof of the cable car overlooking Jamison Valley, where you'll enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime picnic.

Empress Falls Canyon with Blue Mountains Adventure Company, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Jake Anderson

Scale canyons in the Blue Mountains

Fit for seasoned climbers and first-timers alike, a tour with Blue Mountains Adventure Company will have you thrilled. Descend into hidden canyons and marvel at an epic underground world. There are even kid-friendly canyons for little adventurers.

Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tours, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tours

See glow worms

Enjoy an amazing nocturnal adventure with Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tours. Enter a dark cave and gaze in awe as thousands of glow worms appear like a starry sky. Learn about their bioluminescent power as you marvel at the twinkling lights.

The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Experience the Hydro Majestic

One of Australia's most iconic historical hotels, the Hydro Majestic is a picturesque place to overnight or enjoy an elegant high tea. Take in sweeping views of the Megalong Valley as the sunset bruises the sky with shades of pink, purple and blue.

Family at Shields Orchard, Bilpin, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Pick apples in Bilpin

Spend a beautiful day in the Blue Mountains picking apples in an orchard. A visit to Bilpin Fruit Bowl is the perfect family outing; pick up fresh apple pies in winter and peach pies in summer from the farm shop, which also stocks jams and honey.

Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Explore the world’s oldest caves

Your jaw is sure to drop at Jenolan, the world’s oldest cave system. Embark on a tour into the depths of the caves and feel the underground chill as you pass stalactites hanging like icicles and lakes so clear you’ll wonder if there’s really water.

Pool at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Get away to One & Only Wolgan Valley

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley sits on a vast expanse of wilderness conservancy. A stay at this luxurious retreat is about relaxing and enjoying signature experiences ranging from horse-riding and wildlife safaris to hands-on conservation work.

Mountain biking, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Enjoy a biking adventure

The rugged mountain biking trails of the area are now more accessible thanks to e-bike hire from Blue Mountains Biking Adventures. Beginner and intermediate riders will enjoy winding around the tracks on their way to some incredibly scenic lookouts.

Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk, New South Wales © DNSW

Wander the Night-Lit Walk

The Blue Mountains’ iconic rock formations aren’t only visible by day. An illuminated walkway gives you the chance to see limestone peaks and gushing waterfalls against a star-studded sky. You can even spot the iconic Three Sisters along the way.

Mountain Culture Beer Co., Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Mountain Culture

Visit Mountain Culture Beer Co.

Cap off your outdoorsy escape with an afternoon of impeccable craft beer and burgers at Mountain Culture Beer Co. Housed in the former home of the local newspaper, "The Echo", you can't help but feel the history and heritage of Katoomba as you sip.

Mayfield Garden, Oberon, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Get snap happy at Mayfield Garden

It’s a flowering paradise at Mayfield Garden. Find 65 hectares (150 acres) of orchards, quaint archways and hedge mazes to explore. Don’t forget to pack your camera; each season brings a fresh influx of colour, from autumn leaves to spring blossoms.