australia outback

Blue Mountains Australia

Fantastic scenery, hazy mountains, stunning cliffs, and unspoilt valleys


The Blue Mountains Australia are a popular getaway for Sydneysiders to escape the summer heat.


The hills are part of the Great Dividing Range. The mountains and steep valleys are densely covered with eucalyptus trees, a mecca for bush-walkers and nature lovers. Rock climbing, canyoning and abseiling are other popular activities.

blue mountains australia

View from Echo Point, Katoomba, over Jamison Valley

The air is filled with the scent of eucalyptus oil, which is also responsible for the blue haze over the mountains. Yep, that's where the mountains got their name from.
The Blue Mountains are actually a sandstone plateau with spectacular gorges, waterfalls and cliffs. Rising up to 1100 metres, the climate on the plateau defintely cooler than in Sydney.

You'll find touristy places and spots so lonely that you feel like you're in the Australian Outback.

      Attractions       Tours       Accommodation

Getting to the Blue Mountains

The Great Western Highway is the main route across the mountains. It follows the track the explorers Wentworth, Blaxland and Lawson found in 1813 to traverse the mountainous barrier.
Many of the highlights are easily accessible from the main highway.

The Bell's Line of road is a scenic alternative road from Richmond, it connects with the highway at Mount Victoria.

City Rail runs trains from Sydney Central Railway Station to Leura and Mount Victoria, some trains even go to Lithgow.

Guided tours are available from Sydney.


Attractions in the Blue Mountains Australia

Nature is the biggest attraction, along with the tiny towns that offer unique lodging. Birdlife in the Blue Mountains is abundant. Watch colourful parrots at the visitor centre at Echo Point.
    blue mountains australia
  • Echo Point offers panoramic views of the Three Sisters rock formation and the southern parts of the Blue Mountains National Park. If you are energetic, you can walk down the giant stairways, 800 steps down to the floor of the valley. No worries, there's the scenic railway to take you back on top of the cliff.
  • Evans lookout, Govetts Leap and Perry's Lookdown are famous spots to enjoy the majestic valleys.
  • Katoomba is the main town in the Blue Mountains, just 110 km west of Sydney. The beautiful scenery around Katoomba attracts bushwalkers and nature lovers. The town features colourful art-deco style shops, old hotels and cottages. Despite the tourist numbers, Katoomba still has the atmosphere of a town from another time.
    jenolan caves
  • Jenolan Caves are extensive caves system 175 km west of Sydney. Discover marine fossils and beautiful calcite formations. With about 250,000 visitors per year, Jenolan caves are a popular tourist attraction in New South Wales.

    Book a tour from Sydney to the Jenolan caves.
  • Lithgow is the centre of an coal mining district on the western slopes of the Blue Mountains. The town has many heritage sites, the most famous is the Zig Zag Railway about 10 km east at Clarence. Step back in time, enjoy the journey on this steam locomotive train through great scenery.
Return to top of Blue Mountains Australia


Tours to the Blue Mountains Australia from Sydney

Blue Mountains Deluxe Small Group Eco Tour from Sydney

Start early in Sydney for a full day of top experiences and attractions. Have breakfast with koalas at Featherdale Wildlife park. Then you explore the Blue Mountains National Park, learn about flora and fauna, and enjoy the beautiful views.
Visit the Three Sisters and Govett's Leap, drive along the Cliff Drive, and much more.

This small group tour offers you personal service throughout the day. You'll return to Sydney by coach.
Schedule: Tour departs daily from Sydney.
Duration: Approximately 11 hours.


Blue Mountains 4WD Day Trip from Sydney

Explore the highlights of the Blue Mountains off the beaten track.
Join this small group tour to visit Featherdale Wildlife park, and approach the mountains via the scenic Bell's Line of Road.

See the Three Sisters and take in breathtaking views of the deep valleys. Listen to the sounds of the birds, and watch amazing wildlife.


Schedule: Tour departs daily from Sydney.
Duration: Approximately 10 hours.


Full 2-Days Blue Mountains tour with a luxury overnight stay at Lilianfels Resort.
Want to stay overnight in the beautiful mountains? Experience the best of the mountains, and stay overnight at the amazing Lilianfels Resort.

Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout Tour

blue mountains australia
Your tour guide Evan Yanna Muru is a member of the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Clan. He was born & grew up in the Blue Mountains. Together you will follow a traditional walkabout songline.

Discover the real Blue Mountains, the lost world of stunning Aboriginal landscapes and culture, explore places you won't see at any other tour.

Refresh your senses and enrich your spirits on this extraordinary tour.

Spend the most rewarding day in the bush with a balance of trekking (7 km), interpretation and relaxation. At least an average level of fitness and health is required for this tour.

Schedule:Tour departs daily from Faulconbridge Railway Station platform. Take a train form Sydney or Katoomba.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours.


4 Days Venture West Tour

blue mountains australia
Escape the city on this 4-day Aussie Farmstay and Bush Adventures Tour. Discover the highlights of the Blue Mountains and the heart of the Australian bush west of the Great Dividing Range.

Meet Australian country characters in small towns, visit a sheep station, the picturesque mining town Hill End, and much more. Check out all the attractions.

Acommodation includes one night in a country pub in Mudgee, camping under the amazing Australian sky on a sheep station, and one night cabin accommodation.

Schedule:Tour departs every Sunday morning from Sydney.
Duration: 4 days.

Sightseeing, Tours, Attractions and Things to do in Sydney


Return to top of Blue Mountains Australia

Accommodation in the Blue Mountains

Accommodation in Katoomba, Leura, and other towns is plentyful. Stay in old-charme mansions and cottages, or in modern motel units. The Blue Mountains offer a place to stay for every taste and budget. Here are just a few suggestions.


Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort

Lilianfels Avenue, Echo Point, Katoomba
blue mountains australia


Pamper yourself in this charming 19th century resort set into a beautiful garden area. The Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort combines old-world charm with modern luxury.
Spacious rooms, award-winning restaurants and stunning views help to make your stay unforgettable.
The location of the resort is absolutely wonderful. It is only a few minutes walk from Echo Point and the Three Sisters.
Check out availability and rates at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort



3 Sisters Motel

348 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
blue mountains australia


Close to the city centre, and even closer to Echo Point and the Three Sisters, this motel offers warm and friendly service in a top location.

All rooms are ground floor, well-equipped with everything a traveller needs. The Blank Canvas Bar and Grill is open for breakfast and dinner.

Check out availability and rates at 3 Sisters Motel



Looking for other accommodation in Katoomba or any other town in the mountains? Use the search box and compare the best deals.



Visitor Information Centres

Visitor Information Centres in the Blue Mountains Australia are located at Glenbrook (Great Western Highway), at Echo Point in Katoomba (Phone: 1300 653 408), in Lithgow, and Oberon. Information Centres are open daily except Christmas Day.











Search This Guide

Sydney Tours

Explore Sydney on a guided tour


Best of Sydney

Please Check Our Tour Partners

voyager 4x4 adventures
Voyager 4x4 Adventures

Travel West Tours



More Blue Mountains Tours
Didn't find your favourite tour?

Current Weather


weather radar

Newsletter

I invite you to subscribe to the "Bush Telegraph", my occasional newsletter. Don't miss the news from the Australian Outback.

Email

Name

Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you The Bush Telegraph.

If you have missed an issue of the Bush Telegraph go to the back issues page.

ritas-outback-guide



[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines





Travel Business