Blue Mountains

Travel Guide

Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
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 center 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 color the mountains appear from a distance. This distinctive tinge is caused by the blue light waves that hit dust particles, water vapor 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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South Bowenfels

You'll enjoy the restaurants and spas in South Bowenfels. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Lyell or Marrangaroo National Park.

South Bowenfels
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Bowenfels

When in Bowenfels, you can plan a visit to Eskbank House and Museum and Hassans Wall Lookout, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bowenfels
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Bowen Mountain

If you're spending some time in Bowen Mountain, Blue Mountains National Park and Devils Hole Creek Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Bowen Mountain
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Hassans Walls

While Hassans Walls may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hassans Wall Lookout and Zig Zag Railway.

Hassans Walls
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Pottery Estate

Though Pottery Estate may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eskbank House and Museum and Hassans Wall Lookout.

Pottery Estate
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Sheedys Gully

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sheedys Gully and surrounding area, you can visit Hassans Wall Lookout and Eskbank House and Museum.

Sheedys Gully
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 €130 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
€130
includes taxes & fees
20 Mar - 21 Mar
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! (1,003 reviews)
"T"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel
Sky Rider Motor Inn
Sky Rider Motor Inn
3 out of 5
302 Bathurst Road, Katoomba, NSW
The price is €60 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
€60
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
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! (953 reviews)
"close to every thing"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Sky Rider Motor Inn
Mountain Heritage Hotel
Mountain Heritage Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Apex & Lovel Streets, Katoomba, NSW
The price is €120 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
€120
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Sydney. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (988 reviews)
"The restaurant and the room have a good view. Property is within walkable distance to Katoomba."

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2025

Mountain Heritage Hotel
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! (545 reviews)
"Lovely quiet natural location with ease of use."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

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! (911 reviews)
Simple and clean accommodation
"Nice simple and clean accommodation. The train runs nearby and some noise from the highway. Leura has lots of great coffee and breakfast."

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2025

Leisure Inn Spires
Jenolan Holiday Park - Campsite
Jenolan Holiday Park - Campsite
2 out of 5
7 Cunynghame St, Oberon, NSW
Stay at this campground in Oberon. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a garden. Popular attractions Oberon Golf Club and Mayfield Garden are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (58 reviews)
"Very well looked after property. The cabin was clean and very comfortable. I stayed there for work and definitely will be staying there again in the near future."

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2025

Jenolan Holiday Park - Campsite
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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