BEST Blue Mountains Itinerary For A Weekend Adventure + FREE Map
The Blue Mountains is hands down one of the best weekend escapes from Sydney.
It’s crazy to think that just 90 minutes from Sydney thre are jaw-dropping views of the Three Sisters, epic hikes like the Grand Canyon Walk, and attractions like Scenic World.
We spent a few months in the Blue Mountains (autumn and winter) and couldn’t get enough!
But if we only had a weekend, this guide covers everything we’d do – no stress, no wasted time, just the best spots and insider tips to maximise your getaway.
For starters, try heading up on Friday evening to make the most out of the weekend – this itinerary is jam-packed!
And download the free map we created for you so you can easily plan the whole trip. It has the same things in this article – accommodation options, where to eat, best ways to get there, and more.
Let’s start planning your Blue Mountains weekend adventure!
Table of Contents
But first… travel essentials for a weekend in the Blue Mountains
We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples
🎉 Activities: These are some of the best tours in Blue Mountains!
🛏️Accomodation: The Katoomba Falls Tourist Park has an excellent location! Perfect if you’re bringing your caravan. The best hotel is hands down the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains. If you’re looking for low-budget, go straight to YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba, we stayed there a while and it was epic.
🚗 Car Rentals: Rent a car in Sydney to move around easily! Compare these two rental companies to find the best deal for you: Rental Cars and Discover Cars
🏕️ Caravan Rentals: Rent a caravan in Sydney and camp! You can’t go wrong renting from Travellers Autobarn, Jucy Campervans, or Star RV.
❤️🩹Insurance: Protect yourself and your loved ones with the best travel insurance in Australia
📞 eSIM: Not from Oz? Grab our favourite eSIM and stay connected at all times!
Day 1: Iconic Attractions & Scenic Bushwalks
Start your day right in Katoomba with brekky at Pomegranate Café. It opens early (8 am last time we checked), so it’s perfect for those ready to hit the ground running.
If you’re a coffee fiend like us, head to Cassiopeia Coffee Katoomba instead. We loved their coffee so much that we’re buying their beans and grinding them at home!
Once you’re caffeinated, it’s off to your morning itinerary:
Morning: Echo Point Lookout & the Three Sisters
This is an iconic attraction that’s best tackled early to avoid the crowds. The Echo Point lookout gives you the most stunning views over the Jamison Valley.
You’ll also see the Three Sisters rock formation. They are jaw-dropping when you see them in person, makes you wonder how nature ends up creating shapes like that!
The Echo Point name comes from the echo at that spot across the valley, but with all the chatter from visitors, you might not hear any echo at all… Still, the scenery will leave you speechless.
Midday: Scenic World and optional hike
Next, head over to Scenic World for a dose of adrenaline and unbeatable views. This is kind of an amusement park, where you get on different rides to enjoy the scenery.
It’s a short drive from Echo Point, but if you’re up for a hike, you can walk there via the Giant Stairway. This ~2-hour trek is unforgettable, with panoramic views and lush forest paths along the way.
Once in Scenic World, there are 3 different rides to choose from – the Scenic Railway, the Skyway, and Scenic Cableway (the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere)
Each offers a different perspective of the valley, we recommend doing them all. The entry to the park includes the three of them, allow for ~2 hours for this!
🤩 Take in sweeping views of the Blue Mountains’ valleys and waterfalls with unlimited Scenic World rides and a flexible hop-on hop-off bus pass for the day: Katoomba: Blue Mountains Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Scenic World
Afternoon: Food and optional bushwalk
If you’re craving a short bushwalk, try the Katoomba Falls Round Walk. This 1.2km loop is manageable but packed with beautiful scenery.
It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll before grabbing a late lunch or early dinner back in Katoomba.
When it comes to food, you’ve got several options! Here are our recommendations:
Sanwiye: Korean comfort food that’s full of flavour and big portions to match. Vegan options too.
Pho Moi: Nothing beats a steaming bowl of pho on a chilly day. Generous portions and plenty of vegan options.
8Things Eatery: Big servings, reasonable prices, and it’s BYO.
Evening: Beyond Skyway or exploring
If you’re a thrill-seeker like us, book the Beyond Skyway experience at Scenic World for the evening.
You’ll climb onto the top of the Skyway cable car, standing 270 metres above the forest canopy, to watch the sunset.
It’s a heart-pumping, unforgettable experience and worth every cent. Make sure to book ahead, though—this isn’t a spur-of-the-moment kind of activity!
If you prefer a more laid-back evening, stroll through Katoomba or nearby Leura. Explore the boutique shops, grab dessert, and soak up the small-town charm.
Rest up because tomorrow is going to be just as action-packed!
Day 2: Waterfalls & Adventure
Day 1 was all about Katoomba and its must-see attractions, but Day 2 steps it up with incredible waterfalls, epic hikes, and small-town vibes.
You’ll need your walking shoes, a jacket for sunrise, and plenty of snacks for the road. Ready? Let’s go!
Morning: Sunrise at Govett’s Leap and brekky
Set that alarm because sunrise at Govetts Leap Lookout is one of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever see.
This spot is less crowded than Echo Point and offers an uninterrupted view of the Grose Valley bathed in golden light. It’s a 15-minute drive from Katoomba, so pack a thermos of coffee or tea and layer up, it can be pretty chilly.
Once you’ve soaked up the sunrise, head to the Blackheath (5-minute walk) for brekky. You’ll find plenty of options open early (around 7 am), but Altitude Delicatessen is a popular choice.
Midday: Long hike OR waterfall hopping
The Blue Mountains are a special place that has to be explored to be fully enjoyed! Thankfully there are a few ways to do this, so you can tailor the day to your vibe.
If you’re feeling adventurous, definitely go for the Grand Canyon Walk. If you’d rather take it easy and relax, go waterfall-hopping:
Option 1: Grand Canyon Walk
The Grand Canyon Walk in Blackheath is a 6.3km, 3-4 hour circuit that will blow your mind.
You’ll trek through lush rainforests, cross creeks, and walk along dramatic cliff edges with unbeatable scenery at every turn.
It’s a moderately challenging hike, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Starting early is key to beating the heat and making the most of the day!
The trail is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Check the website for any alerts (fire bans, closed areas, etc) by clicking here.
🤩 Hike the Grand Canyon Track with your private guide, descending through temperate rainforest, past sandstone cliffs and streams, before finishing at Evans Lookout: Blue Mountains Private Hiking Tour from Sydney
Option 2: Waterfall-hopping (Relaxed & Scenic)
If you’d rather have a more relaxed time immersed in nature, don’t go chasing waterfalls! Here are some recommendations:
Leura Cascades: A 20-minute drive from Blackheath, this is a peaceful walk that leads to a gentle cascade, it feels like a hidden retreat.
Secret Infinity Pool: If you’re up for a dip a bit off the beaten track, head here! It’s a 30-minute walk from Leura Cascades, here’s how to get there.
Wentworth Falls: This iconic fall is at a 10-minute drive from Leura, in the neighbouring town of, well, Wentworth Falls. There’s a short walk to the main lookout which offers panoramic views.
Craving MORE waterfalls? From Wentworth Falls you can take a 30-minute walk to the nearby Sylvia Falls and Empress Falls! Both are absolutely beautiful.
🤩 Finish your canyoning experience with a 30-metre waterfall abseil, stepping back into the cascading water and descending into a deep rock pool below: Full-Day Canyoning Experience at Empress Canyon
Afternoon: Small-Town Wandering
If you still have some energy left, wrap up the weekend by exploring the towns of Leura, Blackheath and/or Wentworth Falls depending on what’s closer to your last activity.
Each one has its own charm, with heaps of boutique shops, tea shops, and coffee spots to check out before driving back to Sydney.
S&C Travel Tip: If you’re in Leura, don’t miss Josophan’s Fine Chocolates! They are so good and make for perfect gifts (or snacks for the drive home).
Can you do Blue Mountains as a day trip from Sydney?
Yes, you can absolutely do a Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney!
You can check out the main highlights like Echo Point, the Three Sisters, and Scenic World. Even squeeze in a hike if you plan well and start early.
Driving gives you the most flexibility, but public transport and guided tours are also great options. Just be strategic with your time and pack for changing weather.
We wrote a full guide for the perfect day trip to Blue Mountains here to help you make the most out of the day, check it here.
That said, the sweet spot is 5-days!
5 days is the sweet spot of time spent in the Blue Mountains.
It allows you to spread out the must-see spots, like Echo Point & Three Sisters, Scenic World, etc, and include epic hikes like Lockleys Pylon, the Overcliff-Undercliff hike, or the spectacular Hanging Rock (here’s a full guide of the best hikes in the area if you’re interested).
Five days also means you can explore other spots like the Glow Worm Tunnel, a 6-km easy hike that takes you through a tunnel filled with thousands of glow worms.
These are harmless insects that live on the walls and ceilings of the cave, shining their blue light! The place is a 1.5-hour drive north of Katoomba.
🤩 Put on your headlamp and hike through the Blue Mountains’ night trails, watching for wildlife before reaching a glow worm-filled cave: Sydney: Blue Mountains Glow Worm Adventure by Night
FREE Map of all the things to do in the Blue Mountains
How to get to the Blue Mountains
If you’ve got a car, the drive is very straightforward through the Great Western Highway.
The drive from Sydney to Katoomba takes about 90 minutes without traffic, but it’s worth leaving early in the morning to dodge the peak-hour rush and enjoy a more relaxed trip.
Parking can get busy near major attractions, so it’s best to park and walk where possible.
If you have some wiggle room in your itinerary, consider a pit stop in Glenbrook for a coffee break or a quick detour to Red Hands Cave in the lower mountains.
The cave features ancient Aboriginal hand stencils, an impressive reminder of the rich history of the area!
Getting there by public transport
The Blue Mountains are super accessible by train from Sydney, there’s even the Blue Mountains Line, from Central Station.
Trains run frequently, usually on the hour, and the trip to Katoomba takes about 2 hours. Tickets cost around $6-$10 one way with an Opal card, depending on whether you’re travelling off-peak.
You can plan your trip by train here.
Once you’re in the Blue Mountains area, there are local buses, bike rentals, and taxis that can help you get to key attractions like Echo Point, Scenic World, and Leura.
Many spots are walkable too, so lace up your comfy shoes. If you’re planning multiple stops, there’s a hop-on, hop-off service that takes you to all the big-ticket sights, the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, grab it here.
Where to stay for a weekend getaway at the Blue Mountains
Most people stay in Katoomba because it’s within walking distance from Scenic World and Echo Point, plus it’s a very charming town!
We stayed at the Katoomba Falls Tourist Park. It has an excellent location and it’s perfect if you’re bringing your caravan.
When our bus broke in the middle of the trip, we stayed for a while in YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba. It’s a low-budget option and our stay was incredible! Way beyond our expectations.
If you don’t want to stay in Katoomba, other nearby options are Leura and Wentworth Falls. But if you want to be as close as possible to the main hikes, stay in Blackheath.
Go here to look for more accommodation options in Blue Mountains!
Best time to for a weekend escape at Blue Mountains
The best time is either Autumn (March to May) or Spring (September to November). Both seasons are perfect for hiking due to the mild weather, plus everything bursts into colour!
In autumn because of the beautiful oranges and reds of the trees, and in spring because of the wildflower season. A few quick tips:
- Autumn tends to be a bit less crowded than spring, especially at the weekends.
- Winter is magical there but colder than you might expect – it snowed once during our visit!
- Summer is epic for swimming in the waterfalls but it can get scorchingly hot, so it’s not the best time for hikes.
Here’s our full guide with the best (and WORST) times to visit the Blue Mountains!
Top Tips
First up, pack essential gear. Layers are a must since the mornings can be very cold even in summer.
If you’re visiting in the colder months, bring proper winter clothes—think beanies, gloves, and a warm jacket. Comfy walking shoes are non-negotiable, especially if you’re tackling bushwalks.
A rain jacket is always a good idea, as mountain weather can flip without notice. Don’t forget sunscreen (yes, even when it’s cloudy) and a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated.
Also, always stick to the marked trails. Some hikes, like the Grand Canyon Walk, have tricky sections where it’s easy to take a wrong turn.
Signage isn’t always reliable, so having a map downloaded on your phone is a must. Triple-check you can access the map offline, mobile reception is patchy in the more remote parts of the mountains.
Did you know?
Ever wondered why they’re called the Blue Mountains? It’s not just a poetic name, the haze over the region actually looks blue!
The effect comes from the eucalyptus trees, which release tiny oil droplets into the air. These droplets scatter sunlight, and when you mix that with dust and water vapour, it creates a blue haze everywhere.
These mountains are famous for the Wollemi Pine, a prehistoric tree thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994.
These “dinosaur trees” date back around 200 million years, and their exact location in the wild is kept secret to protect them.
You can see some at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah, but knowing they’re still out there in the wilderness feels pretty special.
FAQs
How many days do you need to see the Blue Mountains?
Two days are perfect for hitting the highlights like the Three Sisters, Scenic World, and a couple of bushwalks, plus some village exploring.
A day trip is doable too if it’s your first time there.
But we recommend 5 days to really enjoy the area, do a few epic hikes, check out the waterfalls, and visit other places that are a bit more remote like the Glow Worm Tunnel.
The bottom line
A weekend in the Blue Mountains is just the right mix of adventure and chill. From iconic views like the Three Sisters to epic hikes and cosy small-town vibes, there’s heaps to do without feeling rushed.
You’ll leave with great memories, sore legs (in a good way), and probably a craving to come back for more!
Now it’s time to start planning your next Blue Mountains weekend!
FREE EBOOK: 30 Ways To Become A Digital Nomad
PLUS 7-day free email course to get you started.
- Beginner friendly methods that earn income consistently
- Grow your savings instead of dipping into them to travel
- Replace your 9-5 and earn more than you do now
- Plus much more!
Our Essential Travel Toolkit
🤩 Wise Card – Online bank to hold money in different currencies worldwide and lowest fees in the market! (FREE debit card here)
🤩 Trip.com – Consistently great accommodation and hotel deals.
🤩 Hostelworld – Looking for the cheapest accommodation? We especially love the “book now, pay later” feature.
🤩 Rentalcars.com – Best range, super easy to compare prices rental car and motorhome prices.
🤩 Viator.com – Easily book tours and experiences at the lowest rate. Great selection all over Australia.
🤩 Tripadvisor.com – Other than our website…😉 the best place to find things to do
🤩 Airalo – eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travelers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
🤩 Caravan RV Camping – Traveling Australia in a van, caravan or bus? Use our discount code “saltandcharcoal” to get $30 off any orders over $300.
