Blue Mountains

Travel Guide
Blue Mountains
Explore one of Australia's most scenic places, home to magnificent peaks and waterfalls and charming villages.

The Blue Mountains are part of the Great Dividing Range, in a national park only 90 minutes’ drive from the centre of Sydney. The World Heritage-listed region is home to quaint villages, waterfalls, walking trails and dozens of lookouts with spectacular views of cliffs and gorges. The area was scouted out gradually through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but wasn’t properly settled until mining began in the 1860s.

The region’s name comes from the colour the mountains appear from a distance. This distinctive tinge is caused by the blue light waves that hit dust particles, water vapour and tiny droplets of oil produced by the eucalyptus trees covering the mountains.

Hike through these eucalyptus forests on one of many trails scattered throughout the region. These trails cater for all skill levels and vary in length. Many of them skirt past waterfalls, woodlands and ridges. Start at Echo Point for magnificent views of the Jamison Valley and the impressive rock formation of the Three Sisters. Take the Giant Stairway down to the valley floor. Here, at Scenic World, you can take Australia’s steepest cable car ride back up to the top.

Wentworth Falls is one of the best-known landmarks in the Blue Mountains. For a view like no other, check out Govetts Leap, which rates among the area’s best places to watch a sunrise or sunset.

Explore some of the towns and old homesteads to get a feel for life in the area, or to brush up on your area history. The biggest town is Katoomba, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops and cafés. Some of the smaller towns, like Leura and Blackheath, are also worth a visit. Check out the Leuralla Toy and Railway Museum or the Everglades Historic House and Gardens, among the many other fine old estates.

For extreme adventures, go mountain biking, climbing, abseiling or even canyoning. You’ll find a number of companies offering training, equipment and guided tours.
 
The Blue Mountains is a region of staggering natural beauty. Walk on one of many bush trails, explore its charming little towns and enjoy the unbelievable views. The train runs regularly from Sydney’s central station to Katoomba and services all towns and villages in the region. The scenic drive westwards is unforgettable and there is free parking at most places.

Where to stay in Blue Mountains

Echo Point Lookout showing a gorge or canyon and landscape views

Katoomba

The captivating mountain views and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Katoomba. A stop by Katoomba Scenic World or Three Sisters might round out your trip.

Katoomba
Leura which includes a small town or village

Leura

The captivating mountain views and picturesque gardens are top of the list for many visitors to Leura. A stop by Leura Mall or Leura Cascades might round out your trip.

Leura
Wentworth Falls which includes landscape views and a gorge or canyon

Wentworth Falls

Waterfalls, mountain views, and spas are some highlights of Wentworth Falls. Make a stop by Wentworth Falls Lake or Blue Mountains National Park while you're exploring.

Wentworth Falls
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Springwood

You'll enjoy the gardens and waterfront in Springwood. You might want to make time for a stop at Blue Mountains National Park or Sassafras Gully Reserve.

Springwood
Lovely gate out the front of this iconic hotel

Medlow Bath

Mountain views, restaurants, and historic sites highlight some of the notable features of Medlow Bath. Make a stop by Blue Mountains National Park while you're exploring.

Medlow Bath
Foot of the Blue Mountains, Sydney 👌🏼

Glenbrook

You'll enjoy the mountain views and parks in Glenbrook. You might want to make time for a stop at Blue Mountains National Park or Explorers Road Reserve.

Glenbrook
Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel
Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel
4 out of 5
1 Sublime Point Road, Leura, NSW
The price is P7,814 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
P7,814
P8,596 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Location was amazing. Stunning views. Food was good. Staff friendly and helpful. Cost reasonable for product. However, no concierge on duty so transporting luggage from drop off to room was awkward. Having car park so far from reception not ideal. Overall, positive experience."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2024

Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel
Lilianfels Resort & Spa - Blue Mountains
Lilianfels Resort & Spa - Blue Mountains
5 out of 5
5-19 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba, NSW
The price is P11,129 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
P11,129
P12,242 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 5 - Dec 6
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Nice hotel with good service.
"Nice hotel with good service."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Lilianfels Resort & Spa - Blue Mountains
Sky Rider Motor Inn
Sky Rider Motor Inn
3 out of 5
302 Bathurst Road, Katoomba, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,186 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
P4,186
P4,605 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 14 - Nov 15
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly motel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (910 reviews)
"Really good old school motel, out of town a bit but probably best value stay in the mountains, 200 yds to terrific Indian restaurant,"

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2024

Sky Rider Motor Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Falls Mountain Retreat
Falls Mountain Retreat
4.5 out of 5
The Avenue (Off Falls Road), Blue Mountains, Wentworth Falls, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (491 reviews)
"A very chilled and relaxed stay, tucked away and hidden in the quiet. Easy check in Easy parking Very clean and spacious Extremely pleased with this stay"

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2024

Falls Mountain Retreat
Leisure Inn Spires
Leisure Inn Spires
3.5 out of 5
100 Leura Mall, Leura, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Katoomba Scenic World and Leura Mall are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (879 reviews)
"Clean but small room, reasonably comfortable. Nice and friendly staff."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Leisure Inn Spires
Jenolan Cabins
Jenolan Cabins
4 out of 5
Porcupine Hill, 42 Edith Road, Jenolan, NSW
Stay at this 4-star cabin in Jenolan. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Jenolan Caves is located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (103 reviews)
"Beauty everywhere. Quiet. Simple. Coulf have a little more cooking utensils. Frying pan bigger no lid ....as there is no oven. Otherwise absolute lovely."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2024

Jenolan Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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