Blue Mountains Tours

A UNESCO World Heritage Site covering an area of around 3,861 square miles (10,000 square kilometers), the Blue Mountains region is a popular day-trip destination from Sydney. Featuring tall forests, sandstone cliffs, dramatic canyons, and scenic lookouts and waterfalls, the area is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
 
The Basics
Many full-day tours from Sydney include a stop at the Blue Mountains, a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning, and mountain biking. Scenic highlights include the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, Jamison Valley, Wentworth Falls, Echo Point Lookout, Jenolan Caves, and the cable cars and tramways at Katoomba Scenic World. The mountains are also home to over 400 species of animals.
 
Blue Mountains tours can be combined with visits to Mt. Tomah Botanical Gardens, Featherdale Wildlife Park, or a cruise on the Parramatta River. Popular upgrades include admission to Scenic World, and its Scenic Skyway, Scenic Railway, and Scenic Walkway. Multi-day tours can include Sydney sightseeing or a trip to the Hunter Valley wine region.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• Don’t forget your camera to capture stunning vistas.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, especially if planning to hike in the park.
• Wi-Fi is available at the Blue Mountains Heritage Center.
• Full-day tours from Sydney can last upwards of 10 hours.
• Most tours include pickup and drop-off from Sydney hotels.

 
How to Get There
The Blue Mountains are located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Sydney, about a 90-minute drive. It’s also possible to take a train to the Blue Mountains, with stations in Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba, Medlow Bath, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, and Lithgow.
 
When to Get There
The Blue Mountains can be visited year-round. Wintertime (June to August) is the peak tourist season and will see the biggest crowds. March to May is the best time for hiking. Visit from December to February to escape the heat in Sydney. Visit between September and November to see the area covered in blooms.
 
How the Blue Mountains Got Its Name
Named for the blue haze that always seems to surround the area, the Blue Mountains region is covered with Eucalyptus trees, which release droplets of oil into the air. The oil droplets, when combined with water vapor and dust particles, refract the light, making it look blue.