About 50km west of the Sydney CBD, on the edge of the metro area, the earth begins to swell. Beginning in Penrith, plains turn into hills, then hills turn into mountains; Blue Mountains, to be precise.
The Blue Mountains is a small but spectacular section of the far larger Great Dividing Range, a mountain chain that stretches the length of Australia’s east coast. The area offers an increasingly rare combination of natural beauty and accessibility, being less than an hour’s drive from the heart of Sydney.
While the name might suggest otherwise, the green is the dominant colour in these parts. The ‘Blue’ in Blue Mountains comes from a bluish hue that mountains take on when viewed from a distance, due to organic compounds emitted by the seemingly endless eucalypts.
While definitions vary, most consider the Blue Mountains to begin as you cross the Nepean and Hawkesbury Rivers from Sydney, and to encompass the stunning peaks and escarpments that jut out of the range along a 100km north-south stretch.
A uniquely beautiful ecosystem that sits on Sydney’s doorstep, Blue Mountains National Park is a favourite getaway for locals and tourists alike. In this article we’ll learn all a visitor needs to know about the Blue Mountains: why you should visit, how to get there, what to do, where to stay and more. Take a break from applying for jobs in Sydney and explore the Blue Mountains.
Blue Mountains Map
How to travel to and around the Blue Mountains
There are two main ways to travel from the Sydney CBD to the Blue Mountains. There are also a couple of ways to explore the area once you get there.
By car
Perhaps the best way to travel to and explore the Blue Mountains, or at least the one that offers the greatest control, is by horseless carriage. If you don’t have your own, you can hire a vehicle at any number of car hire businesses in the CBD or at Sydney Airport. Expect to pay around $50/day (plus insurance) for an economy car rental.
You’ll reach the foothills of the Blue Mountains in less than an hour, as you pass through Penrith and cross the Nepean River, though it’ll take around an hour and 40 minutes to get to the heart of the Blue Mountains, the township of Katoomba. From there drivers are in control of their Blue Mountains adventure, able to explore any and every part of this spectacular area.
By train
The Blue Mountains is also serviced by a solid public transport system, so many visitors choose to leave the car and take the train. Head to Sydney Central Station and either purchase a rechargeable Opal card (the universal card for Sydney’s public transport system) or a single ticket to the Blue Mountains.
Trains depart every hour or so. The trip to Katoomba takes around two hours, and the train will pass through a number of Blue Mountains townships along the way, including Glenbrook, Wentworth Falls and Leura. While prices vary depending on the time and day, they are generally quite cheap, costing as little as $6. You can check times and fares by using the Transport NSW trip planner.
By bus
If you didn’t bring a car or simply don’t want to drive, you can take advantage of the Blue Mountains’ Explorer hop-on hop-off bus service, which takes in all the major tourist attractions. Day passes start from $49.
Towns of the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is known for its small, beautiful and perfectly charming communities, which dot the two main highways that wind their way through the rugged landscape. While dozens of towns could feature on the must-see list, the following seven are perhaps the mustest-see.
1. Glenbrook
Found just over the Nepean River from Penrith, right at the beginning of the Great Western Highway, Glenbrook might as well be a world away from metro Sydney. Loaded with cute coffee spots and the most charming family-run cinema you’ll ever see, your Blue Mountains adventure starts here.
2. Lawson
Lawson is a town of 2600 that sits at an elevation halfway between sea level and the tips of the Blue Mountains’ mightiest peaks. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, Lawson offers one of the more laidback Blue Mountains experiences. Hiking trails weave through the dense rainforest that surrounds the town, and you’re only ever a few minutes’ walk from the next waterfall!
3. Wentworth Falls
Speaking of waterfalls, the namesake falls of our next town are amongst the most spectacular of not just the Blue Mountains, but Australia at large. The lesser known Empress Falls, found right near the National Park Visitors Centre, are also well worth a look.
4. Leura
Wedged between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba, like the meat in the world’s most spectacular sandwich, Leura is a shopper’s delight. Endless boutiques offer handcrafted treats, arts and crafts, homewares and antiques, creating a village vibe that is perfectly encapsulated by the stunningEverglades House and Gardens.
5. Katoomba
Katoomba is considered the chief town of the Blue Mountains, and one glance at the surroundings will tell you why. This is the home of the Three Sisters, one of Australia’s most famous views, and Scenic World, where you can drink in the glorious landscape in any number of spectacular ways, from cable car to the world’s steepest railway.
6. Blackheath
An argument could be made that Blackheath is the high point of any Blue Mountains adventure, in that this is one of the highest points in the Blue Mountains. This town is less famous for its natural charms than it is for its more manicured offerings, so be sure to check out Campbell Rhododendron Gardens.
7. Mount Tomah
As you loop back east toward Sydney, this time on the confusingly named Bells Line of Road, you’ll arrive at Mount Tomah. The home of theBlue Mountains Botanic Garden, the town and surrounds were ravaged by bushfires in late-2019. Happily both town and gardens are on the rebound, and your visit will help.
Blue Mountains sights and attractions
The sights and experiences of the Blue Mountains attract more than four million visitors per annum, making it the most popular National Park in Australia. And when you look at the near-endless list of natural wonders and attractions, it’s not hard to see why.
Here are just a handful of the must-sees.
1. Scenic World
Scenic world promises mountains of fun, and it more than delivers. A natural adventure park, this tourist attraction offers a wealth of entirely unique ways to explore the surrounding nature. There’s the world’s steepest railway, which descends 300m down a cliff-face. There’s one of the world’s steepest cable cars, which connects to the stunning Scenic Skyway. There’s kilometre after kilometre of rainforest boardwalks. If you only have time for one stop in the Blue Mountains, make it this.
2. Three Sisters
It can be hard to capture the awe you experience as you gaze upon the Blue Mountains’ most famous landmark. Three towering pillars of sandstone, each weathered and shaped over aeons by Mother Nature, stand sentry over the sprawling national park. The Three Sisters have an important place in local Aboriginal folklore, being the focus of endless dreamtime stories.
3. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Australia’s highest botanic garden was decimated in late-2019, as the nation’s worst recorded bushfires swept through the area. 80% of the gardens were wiped out in an instant, along with the homes of many who tended to them. But nature, and the community of Mount Tomah, are resilient. The cool climate plants that call Blue Mountains Botanic Garden home have started to rebound, and visitors now enjoy a unique and heart-warming look at an ecosystem in recovery.
4. Wentworth Falls
Keen for a hike? No matter your level of fitness or ability, Wentworth Falls offers a trail to suit. All roads lead to the falls, which see water plunge off a cliff face and onto the valley floor, 100m below. These falls are surrounded by lookouts which offer different yet equally spectacular views, including Fletchers, Princes Rock and Rocket Point.
5. Grand Canyon Walking Track
This stunning walk through dense rainforest rewards you with enough greenery, streams, pools and waterfalls to last a lifetime. A 6.3km loop that takes 3-4 hours to complete, you’ll want a decent level of fitness and a sturdy pair of hiking boots, but such is the scenery that both the hours and the kilometres will fly by.
6. Lincoln’s Rock
A nominee for the most photogenic spot in the Blue Mountains, Lincoln’s Rock is a sheer, vertigo-inducing cliff face that is an Instagram fave. Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Mountains National Park, from the craggy peaks to the densely forested valleys between.
7. Jenolan Caves
The hour and a half drive from Katoomba to Jenolan will feel worth it the instant you step inside this limestone cave formation. Here you’ll explore a series of 11 massive caves, featuring subterranean rivers of the most glorious blue (which you can see in full sun at nearby Blue Lake.) By some measures these caves are the world’s oldest, having been formed no less than 340 million years ago.
8. Everglades House and Gardens
Had enough of Mother Nature’s best work? Fair enough. Happily we humans can craft beautiful things too. Case in point: Everglades House and Gardens. Found in Leura, this art deco home was built in the 30s and has been faithfully maintained ever since. Featuring the handiwork of acclaimed architect and landscaper Paul Sorenson, this heritage listed building will Marty McFly you back in time.
Blue Mountains accommodation
While it’s possible to do a day trip to the Blue Mountains, the best experiences span multiple nights. So where should a visitor aim to rest their weary head?
Budget
Keen to enjoy the stunning nature in a way that won’t break the bank? The Blue Mountains caters to all types of visitors, from budget backpackers to the highest of high-flyers. If you’re more the former than the latter, check out the shared accommodation at hostels like Blue Mountains YHA and The Flying Fox Backpackers, or 3-star motel options like Sky Rider Motor Inn and The Metropole Guest House.
Mid-range
Wanting something a little cuter, a little cosier, a little more comfortable? The Blue Mountains offer a wealth of 4-star guest houses and B&Bs that perfectly suit the area’s charming village vibe.Valley of the Waters Bed & Breakfast, Kurrara Historic Guest House and The Hydro Majestic are a handful of the best.
Treat yourself
If there was ever a place to treat yourself, the Blue Mountains would be it. If you’ve got the money to spend, you won’t find better accommodation than that offered by 5-star retreats like Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Spicer’s Sangoma Retreat andMountain Whispers Strawberry Patch.
Most Blue Mountains accommodation is centred on the adjoining towns of Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba, but hotels in other communities are often far cheaper while being every bit as good, so if you’re willing to stray from the heart of the area, you might nab a deal.
Blue Mountains FAQs
How long should I stay in the Blue Mountains?
The length of your Blue Mountains stay is entirely up to you. Some people make it a day trip, although 3-4 hours are taken up simply by getting there and back, which doesn’t leave a huge amount of time for sightseeing.
The most common length of stay is two nights, usually stretched over the weekend, though there are enough attractions and hikes to comfortably fill a week or more!
Do I need a car in the Blue Mountains?
With the train offering a cheap and easy way to get to the Blue Mountains and jump from town to town, and with the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus offering a hop-on, hop-off service to all the major tourist attractions, the area can be explored relatively comfortably without the help of your own four wheels.
That said, there are plenty of spots that can’t be reached by trains and buses, and these tend to offer a more natural and tranquil Blue Mountains experience. If you’re looking for ultimate control and the freedom to explore, a car is highly recommended.
What should I pack for the Blue Mountains?
The communities of the Blue Mountains are charming, and the shopping, dining and drinking is fantastic, but the main event is the nature. As such it’s wise to pack for a hike, no matter how much actual hiking you plan to do. Be sure to pop the following items in your bag:
- Appropriate shoes (ideally hiking boots)
- A large water bottle
- A pre-downloaded or physical map (MAPS.ME works offline and shows you every hiking trail in the area)
- Walking poles (if they’re your thing)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Emergency snacks
If you plan to do a hike that’s a little off the beaten track, it’s also a good idea to tell someone else where you’re going and when you expect to be back. There are plenty of mobile phone blackspots in this rugged terrain, so this type of backup plan can be handy insurance. We don’t want the worst to happen, but sometimes it does.
Do I need to pay to enter Blue Mountains National Park?
Visitors enjoy free entry to the majority of the Blue Mountains National Park. There’s only one place where park entry fees apply: at attractions in the Glenbrook area, right at the start of the park (for those travelling from Sydney.) Entry here is $8. More information can be found on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Are there toilets, drinking water stations and other facilities?
As the most visited park in Australia, Blue Mountains National Park is well equipped with facilities to make your visit more comfortable.
The more popular the site or attraction, the more likely there’ll be things like toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, barbecues, kiosks and even WiFi. The less popular and more remote the site, the less likely it is to have facilities. You can browse a complete run-down of the available facilities here.
