Blue Mountains Travel Guide

Tourist 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

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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
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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
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Wentworth Falls

Waterfalls, mountain views and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Wentworth Falls. Check out Wentworth Falls Lake or Blue Mountains National Park while you're exploring the area.

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
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Medlow Bath

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

Medlow Bath
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Emu Plains

Emu Plains is noteworthy for its mountain views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like River Road Reserve and Emu Plains War Memorial.

Emu Plains
Sky Rider Motor Inn
Sky Rider Motor Inn
3 out of 5
302 Bathurst Road, Katoomba, NSW
The price is ₹7,414 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹7,414
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (856 reviews)
"Close to town and tourist attractions. Great for our 4 day stay in the area. Neat room with outdoor setting a bonus."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

Sky Rider Motor Inn
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 ₹11,071 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
₹11,071
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free parking, 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"It had lots of facilities. Liked the pool and spa bath area."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel
Leura Gardens Resort
Leura Gardens Resort
2.5 out of 5
20-28 Fitzroy St, Leura, NSW
The price is ₹10,094 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
₹10,094
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (97 reviews)
"Loved this place. Efficient and helpful staff. Genuinely made you feel welcome which might sound an odd thing to say but all too often its not that way in our experience. The bed was very comfortable (great sleep) and the unit was fresh, clean and neat. Leura Gardens Resort is now our go to place ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Leura Gardens Resort
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 and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (385 reviews)
Happy getaway
"Our second stay for 2 nights. Quiet, comfy and close driving to Katoomba. Remember to empty all personal rubbish before checking out. The guests who stayed there before us left the bathroom rubbish bin full. Reception is open till 5pm. Just let them know if you're checking in late and they'll instruct ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 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 business-friendly aparthotel in Sydney. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a terrace. Popular attractions Three Sisters and Katoomba Scenic ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (843 reviews)
Lovely stay in Leura
"It was a pleasure to find a nice place to stay in the Mountains that was clean, modern, and close to everything"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 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, a terrace and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Jenolan Caves is located nearby. Discover genuine ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (101 reviews)
"Great property, facilities and supplies were very good. Our main issue was the bunk beds do not have much head height on the lower bunk, and we could not use the top bunks for the kids as the safety rails only just reached the top of the mattress and they would fall out if rolled in the night. Otherwise ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jan 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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