Are the Blue Mountains worth visiting? That’s the most common question from visitors who have Sydney on their itinerary. Our answer is yes. About an hour and a half to two hours’ drive from central Sydney, you’ll find one of the most spectacular natural areas in Australia. The Blue Mountains feature deep gorges, endless eucalyptus valleys, impressive rock formations and picturesque mountain villages. We’ve been there three times ourselves, and every time we see how beautiful this region of New South Wales is. In this blog, we’ll take you through the best attractions in the Blue Mountains, the nicest places to stay, handy tours from Sydney, and all the practical tips you need for a visit.
What are the Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains are a mountain range west of Sydney that forms part of the Great Dividing Range. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for the distinctive blue haze that hangs above the valleys. That colour comes from the fine oil mist released by the millions of eucalyptus trees in the area, which is a unique phenomenon.
The Blue Mountains National Park covers more than a million hectares of forest, gorges, waterfalls and cliffs. The main bases for exploring are the villages of Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath, each with its own character and atmosphere. Whether you’re doing a day trip or staying a few nights, the Blue Mountains definitely won’t disappoint.
Blue Mountains attractions: what you don’t want to miss
Three Sisters & Echo Point
The Three Sisters at Echo Point in Katoomba are the icon of the Blue Mountains. These three striking rock formations rise high above the Jamison Valley and take their name from a Gundungurra legend, in which three sisters were turned to stone by a sorcerer to protect them. The view from the lookout is truly impressive, and at sunrise or sunset the entire landscape takes on a golden glow you won’t forget in a hurry. Echo Point is free to visit and always open.
Coming during peak season or on a weekend? Get there early (before 9am) to avoid the biggest crowds. Want to get right down into the valley? Take the Giant Stairway, a staircase of more than 800 steps that leads you straight down. It’s a solid workout, but absolutely worth it.
Scenic World
Scenic World in Katoomba offers four unique experiences in one:
- The Scenic Railway is the world’s steepest passenger railway. It has a 52-degree incline. It was originally built for miners.
- The Scenic Skyway is a glass cable car. It is suspended 270 metres above the valley.
- The Scenic Cableway is a cable car. It takes you down into the rainforest.
- The Scenic Walkway is a 2.4km boardwalk through ancient rainforest.
In our view, the Scenic Railway is an absolute must. Dropping almost vertically into a gorge while you look out over the rainforest is a memorable experience. Book your tickets online in advance because it saves you waiting time and usually a bit of money too.
We also found the Scenic Skyway genuinely worth it. The glass cable car hovers as high as 270 metres above the treetops of the Jamison Valley and gives you a 360-degree panorama over the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park. For the truly daring, there’s an option most visitors don’t dare try: standing on the roof of the Scenic Skyway for an unobstructed view that will stay with you for a long time. It’s an experience you really won’t forget in a hurry.
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Wentworth Falls
A quarter of an hour’s drive from Katoomba you’ll find Wentworth Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. The three-tiered waterfall cascades dramatically down into the Jamison Valley. The walk to the lookout above the falls is fairly accessible, and you’re rewarded with a beautiful view right from the first viewpoint. Want to head further down to the base? Be prepared for a proper hike, but the view of the valley from below is well worth the effort.
Leura: the prettiest village in the Blue Mountains
Where Katoomba has a slightly rugged, alternative character, nearby Leura has a completely different vibe. This picturesque mountain village, with its Victorian buildings, colourful gardens and cosy coffee spots, is the perfect place to recharge after a morning of walking. The main street (Leura Mall) is lovely to stroll along, and in the autumn months (March to May) the village turns a beautiful orange and red as the leaves change colour.
Tip: combine a visit to Leura with the Cliff Drive, a scenic route past several lookouts that you can drive or partly walk.
Govett’s Leap & Evans Lookout (Blackheath)
If you drive a bit further to the town of Blackheath, you’ll come across two of the most beautiful and peaceful lookouts in the whole region. Govetts Leap looks out over the impressive Grose Valley and, after enough rainfall, has a spectacular waterfall cascading down the cliff face. Evans Lookout is within walking distance and offers a slightly different perspective over the same stunning landscape.
Both spots are considerably quieter than Echo Point, while the view is just as impressive. A real recommendation if you want to escape the crowds for a while.
Jenolan Caves
Keep driving for another hour and a half from Katoomba and you’ll reach the Jenolan Caves, one of the most remarkable attractions in all of New South Wales. More than 300 caves have been discovered here, nine of which are open to the public via guided tours. The formations of stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes are truly breathtaking. Tours typically last one to three hours, with options for every level, from relaxed to adventurous.
Always book ahead, as the most popular tours fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
View all tours to Jenolan Caves
Hanging Rock Lookout
This lesser-known lookout near Blackheath is one of the Blue Mountains’ best-kept secrets, but don’t expect to just drive straight up to it. Hanging Rock is only accessible via the Burramoko Ridge Trail, a fire trail that starts at the car park at the end of Ridgewell Road and covers a return distance of around 10 to 11 kilometres. Allow two to two and a half hours for the full walk. Read more about the Burramoko Ridge Trail
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains: our recommendations
Staying overnight in the Blue Mountains is worth it. You avoid the day-trippers and experience the region early in the morning when mist still hangs over the valleys, or in the evening as the sun disappears behind the ridge. If you are lucky, like we were, you might spot plenty of kangaroos bounding around too.
Cedar Lodge Cabins
We stayed at Cedar Lodge Cabins in Mount Victoria ourselves, an idyllic spot we happily recommend to anyone who wants to experience the Blue Mountains away from the tourist crowds. The wooden lodges are tucked away in nature, just 20 kilometres from the Three Sisters. The lodges already look great from the outside, but inside they’re genuinely cosy: a small kitchen, a seating area, a wood stove and a window looking out over the landscape.
Early one morning we walked out to the grassy field in front of the lodges and were greeted by three kangaroos calmly grazing in the morning light. Moments like that, with that stunning landscape as the backdrop, make a trip special. This is what the Blue Mountains area is known for.
More information about Cedar Lodge Cabins
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
If you really want to treat yourself without compromise, Lilianfels in Katoomba is the answer. This historic nineteenth-century manor house has been transformed into a luxurious resort just a stone’s throw from Echo Point. Think: a spa, a heated indoor pool, a great restaurant and elegantly furnished rooms. It’s one of the best places to truly unwind in the Blue Mountains. Lilianfels is a lot more luxurious than Cedar Lodge Cabins, and you’ll pay considerably more for it too. But if you want to spoil yourself with a wonderful stay in the Blue Mountains, this is definitely worth considering.
Check availability at Lilianfels
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Practical tips for visiting the Blue Mountains
When’s the best time to go? The Blue Mountains are worth visiting all year round, but each season has its own atmosphere:
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Gardens blooming in Leura, pleasant walking weather and fresh air
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm, but also busier on weekends; go on weekdays
- Autumn (Mar-May): Our favourite. Beautiful autumn colours, pleasantly cool and ideal for photography
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Chance of mist and even snow in Blackheath; fireplaces in the lodges add extra atmosphere
How do you get there?
- By train: The Blue Mountains Line departs several times an hour from Central Station in Sydney to Katoomba. The journey takes around two hours. Cheap, comfortable, and you don’t have to drive.
- By car: Via the M4/Great Western Highway, roughly one and a half to two hours depending on traffic. A car gives you the freedom to also visit Blackheath and the Jenolan Caves. Don’t have a rental car yet? Compare the best rental cars in Sydney here
- By tour: See our selection of tours above.
Costs:
- Echo Point and the Three Sisters: free
- Scenic World: around AUD 49 per adult (slightly cheaper online)
- Jenolan Caves: from AUD 34 per adult
- Parking in Katoomba: paid in the centre, free on the outskirts
What should you bring?
Good walking shoes are necessary because the paths are rocky and can be slippery. Also bring an extra layer of clothing, as it’s always cooler in the mountains than in Sydney. And don’t forget sunscreen. The sun can still be strong in the Blue Mountains in summer, so always pack some.
Tip: want to reach the most beautiful spots and set your own pace? Hire a car through DiscoverCars and discover the Blue Mountains your way.
Frequently asked questions about the Blue Mountains
Are the Blue Mountains worth a day trip from Sydney? Yes, definitely. A day trip lets you comfortably cover the main highlights: the Three Sisters, Scenic World and a walk near Wentworth Falls. If you really want to experience the area properly and also fit in Blackheath or the Jenolan Caves, an overnight stay is highly recommended. If you’re a real nature lover, we’d suggest one or two nights so you can also fit in a good hike.
How far are the Blue Mountains from Sydney? The Blue Mountains lie roughly 80 to 100 kilometres west of Sydney. By car it takes about one and a half to two hours; by train it’s a bit longer, around two hours from Central Station.
What’s the best lookout in the Blue Mountains? Echo Point with the Three Sisters is the most famous, but Govett’s Leap near Blackheath and Hanging Rock Lookout are just as impressive and a lot quieter.
Are the Blue Mountains free to visit? Most lookouts are free to access, including Echo Point. Paid attractions include Scenic World and the Jenolan Caves. Parking in central Katoomba costs money, but free parking spots can be found a little further from the centre.
What’s the best time to visit the Blue Mountains? Autumn (March-May) is our personal favourite. The colours are spectacular, the walking weather is pleasant and it’s quieter than in summer. Weekdays are always calmer than weekends.
Can you visit the Blue Mountains with kids? Yes, you can visit the Blue Mountains with children. Scenic World is suitable for families, and several short walking tracks are also appropriate for kids. You should remain cautious at lookouts. While fences are present, some paths are located near the edge of the cliffs.
How long should you plan for the Blue Mountains? A day trip covers the highlights well. If you also want to fit in Blackheath, the Jenolan Caves and multiple walks, plan for two to three days. That way you’ll really get to experience the area at a relaxed pace.
Can you bring a dog to the Blue Mountains? Dogs are welcome on some paths and in some car parks, but not in every part of the national park. Cedar Lodge Cabins even has dedicated pet-friendly lodges, which is handy if you’re travelling with your dog.
Are the Blue Mountains worth it? Our conclusion
We can keep this short: yes, the Blue Mountains are absolutely worth visiting. It’s the kind of destination you can be perfectly happy with after just a day trip, but one you only really get to know with a longer stay. We often hear people say there are so many other beautiful places in Australia that might be more interesting or more scenic. And yet, every single time, we’re reminded that this really is a special place.
The combination of spectacular views, impressive hiking trails, charming villages and unique places to stay makes it a region that offers far more than a quick photo at the Three Sisters. Whether it’s your first time in Australia or you’ve lived in Sydney for years, a visit to the Blue Mountains belongs on your list. And trust us: this area really doesn’t disappoint.
Planning a visit to the Blue Mountains? Check out the best tours and book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season. View all Blue Mountains tours | Search hotels in the Blue Mountains
