Things to do in Blue Mountains | Guide for a Day Trip from Sydney
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Ever heard of the Blue Mountains? Located just west of Sydney, this rugged mountain terrain is renowned for its spectacular views of cliffs, mountains, far-reaching eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, and over 400 species of animals. But exploring the Blue Mountains is a much more thrilling and wonderous adventure than taking in the beauty and diversity of nature. Bordering the Blue Mountain National Park and scattered with gorges and smaller distinct mountain ranges, this UNESCO World Heritage site is just 50 kilometres from Sydney City. Some of its main attractions are not more than 120 kilometres (i.e. 2 hours) from the Sydney Central Business District making the Blue Mountains a quick and easy getaway to rejuvenate our mind, body, and spirits with the wonders that only nature can offer.
Here’s a list of some of Sydney Top Tours favourite things to do in the Blue Mountains throughout the year.
The first thing to do in the Blue Mountains is visit Warragamba Dam
The Warragamba Dam nestled amongst native bushland was constructed between 1948 and 1960. It is the largest urban water supply dam and the primary source of water to Sydney. Today, this heritage-listed dam is a favourite place for visitors to obtain unobstructed views of the edges of the dam and of Lake Burragorang which constitute part of the Blue Mountain region.
- Distance: 71 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 1 hour by road).
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm with extended hours till 6 pm on weekends and public holidays during daylight saving time.
- Entry Fee: Free
Must-do things in the Blue Mountains
The best lookout – Three Sisters
The Three Sisters rock formation located at Echo Point in the Katoomba area is another must-see attraction in the Blue Mountains. According to Aboriginal legend, the Three Sisters rock formation is said to represent three sisters who were turned to stone due to witchcraft. The sunlight causes the rock formation to change colours throughout the day and across seasons which you can experience in a Blue Mountains sunset tour. This well-known site is over 3,000 feet above sea level while each of the rocks representing the three sisters is over 900 meters tall. The walk to the Three Sisters is family-friendly and scenic encompassing a round journey of 0.8 kilometres.
- Location: Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Distance: 106 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 1.5 hours by road).
Blue Mountains Cable Car ride at Scenic World
Scenic World located in the Katoomba area in the Blue Mountains gives a unique opportunity to self-explore the vistas of the Blue Mountain region. A privately owned tourist attraction, the four main offerings are the Scenic Railway, Scenic Cableway (Blue Mountains cable car), Scenic Skyway, and Scenic Walkway which can be used to take in the forests, mountains, and waterfalls in the region. Scenic World is an ideal way to explore the Blue Mountains for those who prefer a less hectic hike through the region with the comforts of restaurants and cafes and a little bit of retail therapy thrown in.
- Distance: 107 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 1.5 hours by road).
- Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily
- Entry Fee: range from $18 to 43$
Optional things to do in the Blue Mountains
Hike to Wentworth Falls
Nestled within the Blue Mountains, Wentworth Falls is a historic town at the base of the Blue Mountains and the best place to view the Wentworth Falls Blue Mountains waterfall and its surrounds. There is more to do in this town than expected, making it one of our favourite things to do in the Blue Mountains. The many bushwalks and hiking trails will enable you to experience the beauty of the Blue Mountains and its surrounding landscapes without pause.
The picnic spots such as the famous Wentworth Falls Picnic Area and the Wentworth Falls Lake along the way, where rest and good food can be enjoyed are a must-do. While the scenic lookout points at the Valley of the Waters will give you panoramic views of the waterfall and the Blue Mountains. There are also various cafes and restaurants in the town offering a range of cuisine while some of the places to stay offer unique experiences all their own.
- Distance: 97 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 1.5 hours by road). Consider enjoying a scenic train ride on the Main Western line which will take you to the Wentworth Falls railway station in approx. 2 hours.
Instagram-worthy photo at Lincoln’s Rock
Known by many different names, Lincoln’s Rock is the official name given to this lookout point which is just a five-minute drive from Wentworth Falls Town. The experience is said to be breathtaking as you stand on the wide flat rock while taking in the length and breadth of the Jamison Valley and extensive views of the Blue Mountains. Sitting on the edge of Lincoln’s Rock is definitely akin to sitting on the edge of a cliff. However, the difference is the ledge at the bottom (not seen from all angles) which provides a natural safety net. There is also a cave underneath which must be explored. But do take care of windy conditions, as winds can be quite strong up there.
- Distance: 97 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 1.5 hours by road).
Relax at Leura Cascades
For the sportsperson and the adventurous, the Leura Cascades is an ideal bushwalking and hiking area in Blue Mountains National Park. The Leura Cascades hike offers scenic views of the Blue Mountains from cliffs and waterfalls to endless forests. There are also many birds and animals hiding amidst nature. The Leura Cascades picnic area is the start of the Fern Bower Trail leading to the Leura Falls Creek with vantage points to get the best view of Jamison Valley. The trail also leads through a natural amphitheatre and intersects with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The Leura Cascades Fern Bower hike is a 4.5-kilometre roundtrip.
- Location: Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Distance: 104 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 1.5 hours by road).
Prince Henry Cliff Walk – Adventure hike
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk which intersects with the Leura Cascades Fern Bower Trail takes you through the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and Echo Point in Blue Mountains National Park. This Grade 3 hike is a 7-kilometre one-way and can take up to 4 hours. The trail also gives access to many side trails leading to lookouts, rock formations, and mountain ledges all with a different view of the Blue Mountain region.
- Location: Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Distance: 105 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 1.5 hours by road).
Look over Grose Valley from Govetts Leap
Visiting the Govetts Leap lookout is another must-do thing in the Blue Mountains. Surrounded by sandstone escarpments, sheer cliffs, and waterfalls, Govetts Leap also gives clear views of the deep canyons of Grose Valley of its Blue Gum trees. This lookout provides many bird-watching opportunities and has easy access to a range of other bushwalking trails. Govetts Leap lookout is also the starting point for the Fairfax Heritage walking track, Govetts Leap descent, Pulpit walking track, Rodriguez Pass walking track and Cliff Top walking track.
- Location: Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Distance: 117 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 2 hours by road).
Evans Lookout
Evans is another lookout point that ensures amazing views of the Blue Mountains, especially its Grose Valley region. The best time of day is sunrise or sunset where the glow of the sun reflects off and into the sandstone cliffs portraying a kaleidoscope of colours. You can book customised Blue Mountains sunset tours here to enjoy the magical vistas. The hike to Evans Lookout is easy and enjoyable, passing through Govetts Creek and enabling a short deviation to the trail leading to the Valley View lookout nearby. The trail also intersects with the Cliff Top walking track and the Grand Canyon track.
- Location: Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Distance: 117 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 2 hours by road).
Catch a 360 view at Pulpit Rock Lookout
Another lookout close to the Blackheath area, Pulpit Rock is a multi-tiered lookout that protrudes from a rock high above Grose Valley and offers close to 360˚ views. With a place for picnicking, this lookout is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the majestically expansive views of the Blue Mountains with family and friends. For those looking for more activity, this lookout is the starting point for the Pulpit walking track which ends at the Govetts Leap lookout. Pulpit Rock lookout is also a rest stop for enthusiastic mountain bikers!
- Location: Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Distance: 120 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 2 hours by road).
Mount Solitary
A flat sandstone plateau, remotely located in Jamison Valley below Katoomba, Mount Solitary offers scenic views of Narrow Neck, the Jamison Valley region, and Lake Burragorang. The challenge is reaching Mount Solitary which is a 320-meter day climb from Cedar Gap starting at the Golden Stairs car park on Narrow Neck. For the more adventurous and experienced hiker who enjoys bush camping, the 3-day Mount Solitary walking track which starts from Katoomba is an experience not to be missed.
- Location: Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Distance: 162 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 3.5 hours by road).
Katoomba Falls
Katoomba Falls located on Cliff Drive and 2 kilometres south of Katoomba railway station and shopping centre, is part of the Blue Mountains Tourist Park. The Three Sisters, Scenic World Skyway, and Katoomba town are just a short walk away, while many hikes and bushwalks start at the entrance to the park. The Katoomba Falls waterfall is also a short distance away close to Echo Point. The area also boasts 11 ensuite cabins, 4 ensuite sites, 25 powered sites, and 21 camping with many cafes and restaurants. This makes Katoomba Falls an ideal place to stay while experiencing the wonders of the Blue Mountain region.
- Distance: 106 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 1.5 hours by road).
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden established in 1972 is a heritage-listed 28-hectare public botanic garden and 128-hectare dedicated conservation site. Located at Mount Tomah in the Blue Mountain region, it was originally known as the Mount Tomah Botanical Garden. Today, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is renowned for its cool-climate plants, wildlife, and panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountain area.
- Distance: 103 kilometres west of the Sydney Central Business District (approx. 1.5 hours by road).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 am to 5.30 pm | Weekends and Public Holidays – 9.30 am to 5.30 pm | Closed on Christmas Day
- Entry Fee: Free
Sydney’s Blue Mountains have a lot to do for all ages. While many of the attractions can be taken in as a day trip, consider staying a few days in the region to truly experience nature at its most euphoric. Dedicated tourist sites such as Katoomba Falls or even Wentworth Falls Town all offer guest accommodation to suit a wide-ranging budget for couples, family, and friends. Let us take you on a Blue Mountains Private Tour from Sydney and help you experience our favourite things to do in the Blue Mountains. Contact us @ +61 498507873 or info@urbanpassport.com.au if you want to book any Sydney tours.
Related articles
