15 Epic Things To Do In Blue Mountains: Ultimate Guide From Our 2-Month Stay + FREE Map!
The Blue Mountains is the definition of a magical place. It’s crazy that just out of Sydney is this huge, beautiful area with massive mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
And that famous blue hue hovering over everything! If you’re wondering, that’s thanks to the eucalyptus trees. When their oils evaporate, they create the blue haze that gives these mountains their name.
We stayed there for a few months between autumn and winter and couldn’t get enough.
The main things to do are visit the iconic Three Sisters and Scenic World, but there’s so much more! There are waterfalls to see, dozens of hikes to do, and even a hidden infinity pool.
We share all these things to do in the Blue Mountains down below, plus the best time to visit, where to stay, where to eat, and everything you need to know to plan your visit.
And don’t miss the FREE map with everything we mention here so you can easily reference it during your trip!
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
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15 epic things to do in the Blue Mountains National Park
We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples
1) Scenic World
Scenic World is an absolute must, the entry fee is worth every cent! There are heaps of things to do there, one day won’t be enough:
Scenic Railway: This is the world’s steepest railway! The ride will take you deep into the lush Jamison Valley, with the jaw-dropping views and the adrenaline from the incline.
Cableway: The cable cars at Scenic World offer unbeatable views of the Blue Mountains. You’ll glide over the treetops while enjoying the views of the valleys, cliffs, and the forest.
Bushwalks & Trails: There are heaps of trails from where you can check the iconic sights, including the famous Three Sisters rock formation. There’s even a night-lit walk!
The place is quite accessible too, there are even buses that take you there from Katoomba. You don’t have to drive if you don’t want to, which is a rare thing in Oz!
If you’re visiting Sydney, it’s worth doing a full-day tour there that includes pick-up and drop-off, like this one.
Their opening hours differ depending on the season, check that before visiting. Booking is a must!
2) Beyond Skyway Experience
Ok, this is part of Scenic World but it’s SO epic it deserves its own spot!
You will climb on top of the cable car to see the sunset, while standing +250 metres above the canopy of the Jamison Valley.
This is definitely something for adrenaline junkies and adventure-seekers. It’s also perfect if you want to do an unusual thing for a date or a gift.
If you’re keen to do this, make sure to book well ahead – it’s a popular experience and spots can fill up fast.
3) Three Sisters
No visit to the Blue Mountains is complete without a visit to the iconic Three Sisters, at Echo Point lookout!
It’s a short walk from Scenic World, from where you’ll see this famous rock formation. The echo is supposedly incredible, but due to how touristy it is, don’t expect to hear any actual echoes!
There’s also the Giant Stairway, a set of almost 1,000 steps that take you down to the valley floor near the Three Sisters.
If you’re up for it, consider combining this walk with other nearby trails to explore more of the natural beauty of the area.
4) Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls is a beautiful waterfall from where you can do the epic Overcliff-Undercliff hike.
This is a 4.3-km loop trail that’s moderately challenging. It takes you through lush forests, open views, and jaw-dropping views of the cliffs.
The main viewpoint is off the Tar Seal Road, but it doesn’t offer the best perspective of the falls. Instead, continue on the walking track for about 20 minutes. This will take you to another lookout, where you can see Wentworth Falls in its entirety!
🤩 Take a small-group day trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, with stops at multiple waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and the famous Three Sisters rock formations: From Sydney: Blue Mountains Tour with Waterfall Walk & Lunch
5) The secret infinity pool
A hidden gem in the Blue Mountains is the secret infinity pool near Leura Cascades.
It’s a short hike (2km return) and a bit off the beaten track. It can be a bit dangerous if you’re not careful, but it’s well worth the effort.
We wrote a full guide to help you get there, but the gist is that it’s around a 30-minute walk from Leura Cascades.
It’s a magical place! We were lucky to have it all to ourselves, check it out:
6) The Grand Canyon hike
This is one of the most iconic bushwalks in the Blue Mountains!
The Grand Canyon walking track takes you through the beautiful forest, narrow canyon passages, and waterfalls. You’ll see pretty much all the landscapes in the Blue Mountains with one hike.
The hike itself is considered moderately difficult. It’s around 6.3 km long (loop) and can take around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace.
7) Glow worm tunnel
Walking through the Glow Worm Tunnel is mindblowing.
The tunnel is home to thousands of glow worms, harmless insects that live on the walls and ceilings of the cave. They glow with a beautiful blue light – it’s a spectacle in the dark!
The track itself is flat and easy. It’s a 6-km loop (1.5-2 hours) through bushland into the old railway tunnel.
Bring a torch for the walk to the tunnel, but switch it off once inside to fully appreciate the glow worms!
🤩 Venture into the Blue Mountains at night on this small-group tour, where you’ll explore hidden trails and see glow worms illuminate the bushland: Blue Mountains Glow Worms Wild Adventure by Night
8) Hanging Rock/Burramoko Ridge
The Burramoko Ridge hiking trail is a 10 km return walk, which follows an easy fire trail that leads to the iconic Hanging Rock.
The trail itself is straightforward, but the real thrill comes at the end.
To get to Hanging Rock, you need to jump over a one-metre chasm, which isn’t for everyone, but the views are worth it if you’re up for the challenge:
Standing on the edge of the rock feels like you’re on Pride Rock from The Lion King, with the expansive, unbroken views stretching out into the valley!
9) Lockleys Pylon
Lockleys Pylon offers one of the best vantage points in the Blue Mountains, with sweeping views over the Grose Valley and its sea of eucalyptus. You’ll also see the beautiful Mount Hay, Mount Banks, and the impressive Fortress Falls.
It’s a 7-km return hike (loop) that takes around 2-3 hours, and the trail is fairly easy, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
We did an overnight hike from there and it was incredible! We continued to Blue Gum Forest instead of returning to the car park and stayed in an epic campsite, the Acacia Flat Campground.
From there you can either tackle the Perry’s Lookdown hike or do what we did – continue to Victoria Falls. This is a big day walk and quite challenging, all the details and tips from that experience are here.
10) Fortress Falls
After seeing these massive falls from Lockleys Pylon, we knew we needed to see them more closely!
It ended up being one of our favourite parts of the whole trip, but it’s definitely a challenging hike. The 8.5-km trail involves cliff scrambling, steep and slippery sections, and loose rocks.
The trail markers are a bit vague too, so it makes it feel a bit longer than it actually is. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re up for the challenge, the reward is worth it.
When you reach the end, you’ll see the stunning, sheer waterfall dropping off a rock ledge, with crystal-clear water forming little circular pools!
11) The Jenolan caves
Note: These caves are currently closed due to major repair works, so be sure to check their website for updates before visiting.
The Jenolan Caves are a top tourist attraction in the Blue Mountains.
The place features 11 main caves, each offering something unique – from the massive Cathedral Chamber in the Lucas Cave to the intricate formations in the Temple of Baal Cave.
The caves are set up with guided tours for different interest levels, along with a restaurant and accommodation options if you want to stay the night.
12) Try abseiling/canyoning
If you want an extra dose of adrenaline, abseiling in the Blue Mountains is an experience you shouldn’t miss. We did an abseiling tour with these guys and it was absolutely incredible!
Our instructor was Zoltan and he was top-notch. Definitely recommend doing the abseiling tour with this company.
Of course there are various abseiling tours available, ranging from beginner to more advanced routes. Regardless of which operator you choose, it’s an epic way to get up close to the cliffs and waterfalls that make this area so special.
13) Bridal Veil Falls / Govetts Leap lookout
This is another famous area worth visiting, and it’s easy to see why. This is a huge waterfall that plunges over 180 metres down a sheer cliff face, making it one of the tallest in the region.
You can see it from Govetts Leap Lookout.
There are loads of walking tracks in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes that take you deeper into the valley.
When we visited (between April and June), some of the tracks we wanted to do were closed. It was a nice reminder to always check track conditions before heading out!
But the views from the lookout alone were worth the trip.
14) Bunyaal Cultural Tour
This cultural tour is ideal to gain a deeper understanding of the area and its history. You can book it at Scenic World!
We LOVED this tour. It’s guided by members of the Gundungurra people and gives you lots of insight, including the traditions of the Traditional Owners.
The guide takes you through various experiences, sharing stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
You can find more details about the tour on the Scenic World website, here.
15) Mushroom foraging at Oberon
If you want to do something different, head to Oberon and book a mushroom foraging tour!
This area has a few species of edible mushrooms, like the Saffron Milk Cap mushrooms which are delicious.
But do NOT do this on your own if you’re not an expert. It’s crazy how many pretty-looking mushrooms are actually poisonous!
Call the Oberon Visitor Information Centre to know the tour schedules, more info here.
When is the best time to visit the Blue Mountains?
The best time to visit the Blue Mountains is either spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May).
We stayed for a few months, between autumn and winter. It was beautiful to see all the leaves going orange! Winter is special too, more so if it snows, which happened during our stay but rarely occurs.
Locals told us spring is also a beautiful time to visit, as everything bursts into colour thanks to wildflower season.
Every season has its charm. But if you’re visiting in summer, do not do any big hikes. It gets suffocatingly hot!
What to pack for the Blue Mountains?
Regardless of the time of your visit, you should always bring hiking shoes! There’s a lot of walking and exploring, sometimes in uneven terrain.
That said, during our stay (autumn-winter) it was surprisingly cold. It even snowed one day.
Most people would be shocked by how cold it gets during that time! So pack a shell jacket, a fleece, beanie, scarf, and potentially gloves if you visit in peak winter.
Summer is the complete opposite, though. It gets really hot and dry, so bring breathable clothes, a hat, and LOTS of water.
How to get to the Blue Mountains, NSW?
Getting to the Blue Mountains is extremely easy!
If you’re driving, it’s a straightforward 90-minute trip west from Sydney via the M4 motorway. You’ll be in Katoomba in no time.
You don’t need a 4WD as most roads are sealed. There are a few, like Fortress Falls, that turn to a dirt road, but there were plenty of 2WD in there!
But you can get there with public transport, which is a rarity in Aussie!
You can take a train from Sydney’s Central Station straight to Katoomba. It takes around 2 hours and it’s pretty cheap.
Trains run regularly throughout the day (up to every 30 minutes in peak hours) and run all day and most of the night.
There are also coach services that run from Sydney to Katoomba and other parts of the Blue Mountains, which is a good budget-friendly option.
But if you’re keen on exploring, hiring a car is the way to go. It will give you the flexibility to check out more of the Blue Mountains at your own pace, especially if you’re planning to hit up some of the more remote spots.
You can rent a car from any of the major rental companies in Sydney. We recommend checking out these options for the best deal: Rental Cars and Discover Cars.
How many days to stay in the Blue Mountains?
We’d recommend staying at least a weekend. One day for the basics – Scenic World, Echo Point Lookout and 1-2 short hikes – and another to do a long hike or go waterfall-hopping.
But the sweet spot would be around 5-days. This would give you time for the popular attractions, plus do a few hikes (and recover from them!).
Best stays in the Blue Mountains
Most people visiting will stay in Katoomba. Scenic World is there as well as several hiking trails, plus the town has a great vibe!
We stayed at Katoomba Falls Tourist Park. It has an excellent location, as you’re walking distance from Scenic World and Three Sisters, although it’s a bit of a walk into town (~20 minutes).
Then our bus broke down and we had to stay at YHA Blue Mountains. It was SO good! Great, clean place with excellent service. Plus it’s budget-friendly!
Here are some of the best places to stay in Katoomba and surroundings:
- Best caravan park: Katoomba Falls Tourist Park offers a cozy and convenient base for exploring the Blue Mountains, with a variety of cabins and facilities to suit all kinds of travellers. It’s just a 5-minute drive from the town centre and sleeps up to 10.
- Best budget-friendly stay: YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba has a mix of dorms and private rooms and a welcoming vibe, perfect for groups, couples, or solo travellers. It’s a 10-minute walk from the town centre and sleeps up to 7.
- Best for families and groups: Three Explorers Motel has comfortable and well-equipped rooms ideal for families, plus it’s a 15-minute walk from Three Sisters (Echo Point Lookout) and sleeps up to 7.
- Best hotel: Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains is a heritage-style retreat with stunning mountain views and elegant rooms. It’s a 10-minute drive from Scenic World and sleeps up to 3.
- Best luxury: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is a luxury retreat with a spa, two pools, fine dining, and views over the Blue Mountains. It’s a 5-minute drive from Scenic World and sleeps up to 7.
If you can’t or don’t want to stay in Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls are also excellent options. Go here to find the best accommodations!
Where to eat in Blue Mountains, NSW?
If you’re around and hungry, here are some solid picks worth checking out for a satisfying meal in Katoomba:
Sanwiye ($$), a Korean restaurant with big portions and top-notch flavour. They’ve nailed the vegan options too, making sure everyone’s covered! Friendly service and quick delivery even when the place was buzzing – couldn’t fault a thing.
Pho Moi ($$), a perfect spot for a cold day with big bowls of delicious pho that warm you right up. Generous portions, great value, and options for vegans and vegetarians—plus, friendly service!
Cassiopeia Coffee Katoomba ($) for the BEST coffee. It’s so good we’re buying their beans to brew at home. Seating is limited though, so maybe plan for a takeaway.
8Things Eatery ($$) is a gem for lunch with big portions and fantastic flavours. Prices are easy on the wallet, and it’s BYO, so feel free to bring your favourite wine along! The station bar is very popular.
There’s also the controversial Yellow Deli. The place is owned by the Twelve Tribes cult. We heard they have amazing food but we didn’t go. We’ll leave you to make that decision!
FREE Map of all the things to do in the Blue Mountains
Top Tips
If you want to do some of the less popular hikes, know that the signposting isn’t great. So try downloading the trails beforehand and don’t get caught in the dark!
Keep in mind that the sun sets behind the mountains, so it might get darker sooner than expected.
If you want to avoid the tourist crush at popular spots like the Three Sisters, aim to get there by 8-9 am. The crowds start pouring in late morning, and parking can turn into a nightmare, especially on weekends.
Did you know?
The Blue Mountains have a rich Aboriginal heritage, primarily linked to the Gundungurra and Darug people.
For thousands of years, these communities lived in the region, with the mountains playing a key role in their culture, mythology, and survival.
They navigated the rugged terrain with intricate songlines and used the area’s plants for bush medicine and food.
There are still many sacred sites, rock carvings, and paintings scattered across the mountains, and you can learn more about their deep connection to the land through tours like the Bunyaal Cultural Tour at Scenic World.
FAQs
Can you do Blue Mountains as a day trip from Sydney?
Yes, you can totally do the Blue Mountains as a day trip from Sydney! It’s a 90-minute drive or an easy train ride.
The bottom line
No wonder why the Blue Mountains are so iconic. There are so many things to do and hidden gems, plus there’s something for every traveller.
The place has it all – natural wonders like Three Sisters, the incredible Scenic World, hidden gems like the secret infinity pool, and more hikes and waterfalls than you can count.
Regardless of what you do, make sure to swing by the Echo Point Visitor Centre to grab some local tips and plan your day.
And don’t forget, some of the most memorable moments in the Blue Mountains are just a short walk away from the main spots!
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