This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2018. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
I’ve been to the Blue Mountains four times now, and every single visit leaves me feeling amazed.
I find it unbelievable that one of Australia’s most spectacular natural landscapes is located just 90 minutes from Sydney. Blue Mountains National Park is a mix of misty valleys, towering cliffs, and endless eucalyptus forest with a famous blue hue that stretches as far as you can see.
The Blue Mountains are a must for anyone visiting Australia’s East Coast. You can easily experience the best lookouts, waterfalls, and walking trails in a scenic day trip from Sydney — or stretch it into a weekend getaway if you have more time.
In this guide, I’ll share how to visit the Blue Mountains from Sydney, including the best ways to get there, my tried-and-tested day trip itinerary, and top tips for planning your visit.
Quick summary:
Just 90 minutes from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offers stunning lookouts, waterfalls, and hiking trails that make it one of Australia’s best day trips. This guide covers how to get there, a one-day itinerary with highlights like Echo Point and Scenic World, plus tips for tours and overnight stays.
Recommended tours & tickets:
🚐 Blue Mountains: Small Group Day Trip – See the best of the Blue Mountains in one day with transport from Sydney, Scenic World rides, and a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park.
🚌 Blue Mountains Explorer Bus Pass – Hop on and off at major attractions like Echo Point, Scenic World, and Leura Village with unlimited daily rides.
🎟️ Scenic World Entry Ticket – Ride the famous Scenic Railway, Skyway, and Cableway for unbeatable views across the Jamison Valley.
When to visit the Blue Mountains
The Australian summer (December–February) is the peak season for visitors to the Blue Mountains National Park. It’s nice any time of year, though – I’d recommend travelling in the shoulder seasons to avoid the summer crowds, or in winter (June–August) to see the beautiful landscape with the least amount of people.
If you end up going in winter, remember to take layers of clothes and some warm jackets, as the temperature up there is a few degrees cooler than it is in Sydney (it occasionally gets snow!). Also try to pick a clear day if you can — I’ve been up there when the mountains are covered in fog, and it’s truly disappointing when you can’t see a thing from any of the lookouts.
How to get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney:
There are a few different ways to visit the Blue Mountains from Sydney, depending on your travel style and budget. The journey is fairly quick — you’ll leave the city skyline behind and arrive in the middle of Blue Mountains National Park in under 2 hours.
Rent a car and drive yourself
Driving is the most flexible way to explore. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach Katoomba via the M4 and Great Western Highway, and most of the best lookouts and walking trails are easily accessible by car.
Having your own vehicle means you can go beyond the tourist hotspots to discover quiet trails and picnic spots. If you’re planning on staying in the Blue Mountains overnight, then driving is probably your best option.
Use the train & bus
If you prefer not to drive, you can take the train from Sydney Central Station to Katoomba. This is a popular and budget-friendly choice. Services run roughly every hour, and the trip takes just under two hours.
Once you arrive, Katoomba’s main street is a short walk from the station, and you can use local buses or the hop-on hop-off bus to reach the nearby lookouts.
🚌 The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus departs from Katoomba Station and loops around major attractions like Echo Point, Scenic World, and Wentworth Falls.
Join a guided day tour from Sydney
If you’d rather not drive or navigate public transport, a guided Blue Mountains day tour from Sydney is the easiest way to see all the highlights in one day.
🚐 On a Blue Mountains: Small Group Day Trip you’ll see the views from Echo Point, visit Scenic World, and stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park to meet Australian animals. The tour includes hotel pickup, transport, and a local guide.
Blue Mountains day trip itinerary:
The best part about a Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney is how much you can fit into one day without feeling rushed. It has everything from dramatic lookouts and scenic hikes to waterfalls and cable-car rides, every stop offers something incredible.
Here’s how I’d recommend spending one perfect day in Blue Mountains National Park:
Katoomba
Katoomba is the heart of the Blue Mountains and the perfect base for your day trip. It’s got a slightly bohemian vibe with vintage shops, cosy cafés, and plenty of character. On my last visit, I wandered down Beverly Place for the Street Art Walk, where the walls are covered in colourful murals
Echo Point & the Three Sisters
No trip to the Blue Mountains is complete without visiting Echo Point, the region’s most iconic lookout. From here, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Three Sisters rock formation and the Jamison Valley. There’s a visitor information centre right by the lookout where you can pick up maps, trail advice, and tips for local walks.
On our most recent Blue Mountains day trip, we did a hike from Echo Point along the Three Sisters Walking Track, down the Giants Stairway, across Federal Pass, then up Furber Steps and back along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Echo Point. The loop took about 2.5 hours, and it passed through rainforest, waterfalls, and amazing views. If you’re up for a big hike, I’d definitely recommend this one!
Scenic World
🎟️ Easily the most popular attraction in Katoomba, at Scenic World you can ride the Scenic Railway (the steepest passenger train in the world!), glide over the valley on the Skyway, and descend into the lush rainforest via the Cableway.
Some visitors choose to descend Furber Steps into the valley and then take the Scenic Railway back up, which I would recommend (if you have the time and energy) as the hike down follows a beautiful nature trail with some lovely viewpoints.
Wentworth Falls
Just 15 minutes from Katoomba, Wentworth Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Mountains National Park. The Wentworth Falls Track is a reasonably short, scenic trail (about 1 hour return) that leads to the top of the waterfall, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping valley views.
If you’re short on time, you can simply walk to the Wentworth Falls Lookout, which is an easy 5–10 minute stroll from the car park.
Lincoln’s Rock
End your day at Lincoln’s Rock, one of my favourite Blue Mountains lookouts for sunset. There are no safety barriers here, so you’ll get clear, uninterrupted photos of the cliffs and valleys stretching out into the distance — just be mindful of your footing near the edge!
It’s the perfect spot to reflect on your Blue Mountains adventure before heading back to Sydney, or if you’re staying overnight, continue on to your accommodation before your second day of explorations.
Blue Mountains weekend itinerary:
If you have a little more time, turning your Blue Mountains day trip into a weekend getaway from Sydney is a fantastic idea. Spending the night in the mountains lets you slow down the pace, visit quieter towns, and discover viewpoints most day-trippers miss.
Here’s how to make the most of a 2-day Blue Mountains itinerary:
Lithgow
After completing the one-day itinerary, drive a little further west to Lithgow, a laid-back town surrounded by rugged peaks. Stop in at The Tin Shed for brunch (their pancakes are excellent) before heading off to explore the local lookouts and attractions.
One of the best things to do around here is ride the Zig Zag Railway, which has recently reopened after years of restoration. This historic steam train winds its way through the cliffs and forest of the Blue Mountains, offering a nostalgic journey with incredible scenery along the way. The Zig Zag Railway operates on select days, so it’s best to book tickets in advance.
Hassans Walls Lookout
Just a few minutes drive from Lithgow is Hassans Walls lookout. Parts of the road to the lookout aren’t sealed, but they’re mostly fine for regular cars to access (just expect a few bumps!). The lookout has a brand new boardwalk with vistas over the valley providing spectacular views of the countryside.
Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, Mount Tomah
Head back to Chifley Road then head east to Mount Tomah where you’ll find the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. I thought this place was really unique as it’s focus is on cool climate plants, rather than the subtropical flora that you might find at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney.
Stop in Bilpin for a drink
Before heading back to Sydney, make a detour through Bilpin — a pretty mountain village known for its orchards and craft drinks. This area is famous for its apples, and you’ll find plenty of places to sample the local flavours.
Hillbilly Cider serves refreshing apple and pear varieties made from nearby farms, while The Old Shed Distillery offers small-batch gin and vodka tastings in a rustic setting. If you prefer a classic cider tasting, Bilpin Cider Co. is another great stop, with a scenic orchard and relaxed picnic area where you can sip their cloudy apple or blush pink cider.
From Bilpin, it’s an easy 2-hour drive back to Sydney, making this the perfect final stop on your Blue Mountains weekend itinerary.
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains
🏨 If you’re planning to turn your Blue Mountains day trip into an overnight stay, the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba is a perfect mid-range choice.
This grand heritage hotel dates back to 1882 and sits right in the centre of town, just a few minutes’ drive from Echo Point and Scenic World. The rooms are comfortable and full of character, and there’s a bar, restaurant, and cosy lounge for relaxing after a day of exploring Blue Mountains National Park.
Blue Mountains day trip FAQs:
Is the Blue Mountains worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Blue Mountains National Park is one of Australia’s most spectacular natural regions — a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and eucalyptus forest. It’s easily one of the best Sydney day trips for anyone who loves nature, hiking, or photography.
Can you visit the Blue Mountains in one day?
Yes, one day is plenty of time to see the highlights! You can visit Echo Point, ride the Scenic Railway, hike at Wentworth Falls, and finish with sunset at Lincoln’s Rock — all within a single Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney. If you’d prefer a slower pace, spend a night in Katoomba or Leura.
Can you get to the Blue Mountains by train?
Yes — trains run regularly from Sydney Central Station to Katoomba in under two hours. Once there, hop on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, which stops at Echo Point, Scenic World, and Leura Village.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Blue Mountains?
The park is beautiful year-round. Visit in spring (Sept–Nov) or autumn (Mar–May) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Winter offers crisp air and the chance to see misty valleys (and sometimes snow!), while summer brings warm weather but bigger crowds.
Is it better to drive or take a tour?
If you want flexibility, rent a car and explore at your own pace. But if you’d rather not drive, this Blue Mountains: Small Group Day Trip is the most convenient option — it covers transport, top lookouts, Scenic World rides, and even a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park.
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