New South Wales, west of Sydney · Australia
A dramatic sandstone plateau of eucalyptus forest, deep valleys and cliffs, with waterfalls, the Three Sisters and a blue haze that gives the mountains their name.
Photo: Stu's Images · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Blue Mountains are a plateau of sandstone cut by deep gorges, about 100 km west of Sydney. They are not high, with a maximum elevation of around 1,000 metres, but their cliffs, canyons and forest are dramatic, and the Greater Blue Mountains Area was inscribed by UNESCO in 2000 for its eucalypt diversity. The name comes from the blue haze that hangs over the valleys, caused by fine droplets of eucalyptus oil in the air, combined with the scattering of light.
The best-known sight is the Three Sisters, three sandstone pillars at Echo Point in Katoomba, which Aboriginal Dreaming stories associate with three sisters turned to stone. Beyond them lie the deep Jamison Valley and Megalong Valley, and a network of walking tracks, waterfalls and lookouts that has been used by visitors for more than a century, since the railway arrived in the 1860s.
The mountains are easy to visit from Sydney, by train in two hours, and can be seen in a day, but they deserve a night or two, with a walk, a look at the gardens and villages such as Leura, and a slower pace. They were badly affected by bushfires in 2019–20, but the forest has regenerated and most facilities have reopened.
Why visit
The Blue Mountains offer wilderness and spectacular views within easy reach of Sydney.
Echo Point and other viewpoints look over huge valleys and cliff faces.
Clifftop paths, waterfall trails and steps down into the valleys, for all fitness levels.
The world's steepest passenger railway, a cable car and a rainforest boardwalk.
Leura and Blackheath have cafés, galleries and beautiful gardens.
A direct train from Central Station takes about two hours.
Main attractions
Katoomba and Leura are the hub, with Wentworth Falls and Blackheath close by.
The classic lookout over the Jamison Valley and the three rock pillars, with an easy path to the Giant Stairway, which descends into the valley.
Tip Go early or late, when the light is best and crowds are fewer.
A family-run attraction with the Scenic Railway, an old coal-mine railway that descends a 52-degree incline, a cable car over the valley and a boardwalk through the rainforest.
Tip Buy a combined ticket.
A waterfall that drops in stages more than 180 metres, with walking tracks including the National Pass, a cliff-side path carved into the rock.
Tip Check track closures and weather.
A pretty village with a main street of cafés and shops, gardens and the Cliff Drive.
Tip Stay for lunch.
A beautiful track through a rainforest gorge, with ferns, moss and waterfalls, about 3 hours.
Tip Wear good shoes.
Some of the oldest open caves in the world, with guided tours into chambers of limestone formations. About 1.5 hours from Katoomba.
Tip Book a tour in advance.
Things to do
Walking is the highlight, with plenty of options for different abilities.
A famed track from Wentworth Falls, cut into the cliff in the 1900s.
Tip Allow 3 hours.
The steepest railway in the world, with a dramatic descent.
Tip Go on a weekday.
Leura Gardens, Everglades and the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden.
Tip Best in spring and autumn.
Adventure companies run canyoning trips in the slot canyons.
Tip Book a guided trip.
See the valley change colour.
Tip Bring a jacket.
A traditional scones and tea in a mountain café.
Tip Try Leura.
Local food
The mountains' food is café-based, with local produce and cosy pubs.
Scones with jam and cream, served with tea, a favourite mountain treat.
Where to try it Cafés in Leura and Katoomba.
Good coffee and pastries.
Where to try it Leura and Blackheath.
Hearty pies, steaks and schnitzels in old pubs.
Where to try it Mountain hotels.
Local orchards produce apples and cider.
Where to try it Bilpin, near Mount Tomah.
Restaurants with local produce and wine.
Where to try it Leura and Katoomba.
Accommodation
Stay in Katoomba or Leura for the best access, or in a lodge for a romantic weekend.
Transport
Katoomba is about 100 km west of Sydney, easily reached by train or car.
The towns are compact, and buses link the sights.
When to go
The mountains are cooler than Sydney, with cold winters and mild summers.
Crisp, clear days and autumn colours.
Cold, with occasional snow and Yulefest in July.
Wildflowers, gardens and mild weather.
Warm and often humid, with a risk of bushfires.
Worth planning around: Days of extreme fire danger in summer, when tracks close.
Itinerary
Katoomba's sights first, then a walk and a village.
Views and railway.
Falls and gardens.
Travel tips
A few tips make the visit smoother.
FAQ
Yes. Trains take about 2 hours each way, and it is a popular day trip.
The eucalyptus forest releases fine oil droplets, which scatter blue light and create a haze.
The National Pass from Wentworth Falls or the Grand Canyon at Blackheath, depending on fitness and time.
March to May and September to November.
Yes, in 2019–20, but the forest has recovered and most facilities are open.
Not for Katoomba and Leura. A car helps for Jenolan Caves and Blackheath.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with the Blue Mountains, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
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Don't miss A ferry across the harbour at sunset, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge lit gold behind you.
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Don't miss Wandering the laneways with a flat white in hand, from Hosier Lane's murals to the hidden cafés behind Flinders Street.
Explore Destination — MelbourneVictoria, south-west coast, Australia
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Don't miss The Twelve Apostles at sunset, as the limestone stacks glow gold in the surf.
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