Are you heading to the Blue Mountains of NSW? You have chosen a destination of outstanding beauty, a region of top-class restaurants, and top Blue Mountains attractions to enjoy for a day, a weekend or longer. Whether you are travelling as a family, solo, couples or travelling with friends there is something for everyone to enjoy when you visit the Blue Mountains.
Wondering what to do in the Blue Mountains? We cover hikes, lookouts, what to see in each town, where to eat, how to get to the Blue Mountains and more Blue Mountains activities.
It is easy to reach the Blue Mountains from Sydney. You can book a day trip from Sydney, take the train, self-drive or hire a car. You will find full details later on in the article on getting to the Blue Mountains from Sydney.
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Places to Visit in Blue Mountains NSW
Blue Mountains Towns to Visit
The main towns to visit are:
- Blackheath
- Katoomba
- Leura
Other towns in the Blue Mountains to visit are:
- Glenbrook
- Lawson
- Wentworth Falls
- Medlow Bath
- Mount Tomah
- Bilpin
- Wolgan Valley
Explore the main attractions in Katoomba at your own pace with a full-day pass on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus. With 37 stops around Leura and Katoomba, you can simply hop-on and hop-off the bus as often as you like as you explore the Blue Mountains.
Visit the Blue Mountains Visitor Centre
For attractions in the Blue Mountains, a visit to the Blue Mountains Visitor Centre Katoomba is a great start. You can view the Three Sisters from the centre located at Echo Point Road in Katoomba. Opening hours are from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Katoomba Tourist Attractions
Katoomba is 102 km west of Sydney on the Great Western Highway. It is the major town of the Blue Mountains.
Top 10 things to see and do in Katoomba are:
- The #1 tourist attraction in Katoomba is visiting the Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout
- Wander the Street Art Walk on Beverly Place Katoomba
- Visit Eagle Hawk Lookout just past Scenic World at 122a Cliff Drive Katoomba
- Visit Giant Stairway (NB** as of June 2022 it is currently closed, but keep it in mind for future visits). The Giant Stairways is a grade 4 walk, 4.7 km one way and you call allow 2 – 3 hours to complete. Check here for information from the National Parks.
- Prince Henry Cliff Walk – Grade 3 walk, scenic views along the 15.4 km track with an estimated time of completing of 5 hours 20 minutes. More details here.
- Visit the Katoomba Falls – 2 km walk starting at Scenic World – approximate duration 1 hour – more information here
- Ruined Castle Walk – Grade 4 walk over 6.6 km estimated duration 4 – 5 hours. More information here.
- Cahills Lookout – voted one of the best lookouts is located at 258 – 276 Cliff Drive Katoomba
- Take a well-earned day spa at Lilianfels Resort & Spa which is located next to the Three Sisters.
- Visit Scenic World at Katoomba
More information on Scenic World: (taken from partner Klook website)
- Visit four different attractions with this one pass – which includes access to the Scenic Skyway, Walkway, Cableway, and Railway
- Glide between cliff tops with panoramic views of World Heritage landscapes such as the Katoomba Falls, Three Sisters, Mt Solitary, and Jamison Valley on the Scenic Skyway
- Experience walking under the canopy of an extraordinary temperate rainforest on the 500 m elevated boardwalk on the Scenic Walkway
- The 545-meter Scenic Cableway journey gently descends into the Jamison Valley and returns to the top of the escarpment
- Discover the thrill of a 52° (128%) incline in open terrain riding the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway
Things to do in Leura
Leura is located on the edge of the Blue Mountains National Park. Leura is our favourite town in the Blue Mountains. The main street Leura Mall is tree-lined and full of great restaurants and cafes and boutique shops.
- Visit the historical Everglades House at 37 Everglades Avenue Leura. Everglades House is known for its Art Deco beauty and 5.2 hectares of beautifully designed gardens with views over the Jamison Valley to Mt. Solitary. Bookings can be made here.
- Visit the lookout at Sublime Point – more information here
- Enjoy a picnic at Leura Cascades – Leura Falls Creek Leura.
- For chocoholics, you must visit Josophan’s – we have a weakness when visiting Leura – we just can’t walk past Josophan’s without purchasing some of their delicious chocolates.
Things to do in Blackheath
- Visit Logan Brae Orchard at 193 Shipley Road Blackheath. Visit their shop for apples, apple juice, hot spiced apple juice and yummy homemade hot apple pies.
- Visit Govetts Leap Lookout – one of the best views of Bridal Veil Falls is from here – for more information click here
- Take in a movie at Mount Vic Flicks
- If you visit in November take some time out to enjoy the Rhododendron Festival at the Blackheath Rhododendron Gardens located on Baccante Street.
- Love bric-a-brac or antiques head to Victory Theatre Antique Centre & Café
Top Things to do in Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains
Glenbrook is known as the Gateway to the Blue Mountains. The travelling distance from Sydney to Glenbrook is 61 km.
- Visit the Glenbrook Blue Mountains Visitor Centre
- Take in a movie at the Glenbrook Cinema
- See the wildlife at Glenbrook Lagoon
- Swim at the Jelly Bean Pool
- Swim at the Blue Pool
- View aboriginal drawings at Red Hands Cave
- Head to Glenbrook Gorge for rock climbing, bush walks and swimming
- Go mountain bike riding along The Oaks Fire Trail
Top Things to do in Lawson in the Blue Mountains
Lawson is 93 km west of Sydney on the Great Western Highway.
- Hike the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit -4 km – moderately difficult. Check out a great guide here.
- See aboriginal art in the old quarry site at Kangaroo Street
Things to do in Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls is located 100 km west of Sydney and 8 km east of Katoomba on the Great Western Highway.
- Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes in picturesque Wentworth Falls Village
- Take a picnic to the Wentworth Falls Lake where there is a children’s playground, BBQ facilities and swimming
- You can reach Breakfast Point Lookout, Princes Rock Lookout, the Wentworth Falls, Queens Cascades and Rocket Point Lookout from Overcliff Walk
- Follow the Charles Darwin Walk that starts at Wilson Park
- Go canyoning with the Blue Mountains Adventure Company
- Visit the Wentworth Falls Lookout accessed from the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
- Take in the views from Kings Tableland
Things to do in Medlow Bath
Medlow Bath is 107 km west of Sydney and 6 km west of Katoomba. It is well-known for the art-deco Hydro-Majestic Hotel. The address is 52-88 Great Western Highway. The hotel opened its door in 1904 and was built by Mark Foy.
- Take a history tour of the Hydro-Majestic Hotel daily at 11 and 3 pm. Costs $10 per person.
- Enjoy high-tea at the Hydro-Majestic Hotel
- Visit the lookout at Point Pilcher
Things to do in Mount Tomah
On the Bells Line of Road is the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah which focuses on cool climate plants. Wander the 28 hectares of the UNESCO listed Australia’s only Botanical Garden.
Wander the Lady Nancy Fairfax Walk accessed outside the Tomah Botanical Gardens – 500 m walk.
Things to do in Bilpin
Bilpin is 1.5 hours from Sydney. When you think of Bilpin, apples come to mind.
One of the best things to do in Bilpin is to visit Bilpin Cider located at 2369 Bells Line of Road. The cool climate of Bilpin is perfect for growing apples. Not only do you get to taste some of the best cider that we have ever tasted you get to enjoy 10 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and stunning views. Children will delight in meeting the family of alpacas and the family of chickens.
Picnic hampers are available Saturdays Sundays and Public Holidays from 11.00 am to 3.30 pm. Picnic hamper bookings are to be made at least 24 hours in advance online here.
Cheese platters are available from Monday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. You can also try their yummy hot apple pies with some great coffee.
Bilpin Cider was created by its owner Sean Prendergast in 2011. In 2016 Bilpin Cider was opened to the public with just a small bar fridge. In 2022 they produce and sell 6 alcoholic ciders and 5 non-alcoholic ciders. Not sure what you would like to drink? Try one of their tasting paddles where you get to try 4 ciders of 200 ml each.
Bilpin Cider has its own range of apparel which can be purchased from its Shop.
Did we have a favourite? Yes, the Bilpin Blush – Pink Lady Cider and the Apple and Raspberry cider and all the non-alcoholic range of ciders. We could not resist and tasted them all!
Good to know: if you are visiting Bilpin on the 3rd Sunday of the month pop in and enjoy their Thirsty Third Sunday from 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Listen to great music and enjoy food and ciders.
During Spring, Summer and Autumn Bilpin Cider puts on live music on the first Sunday of the month.
Bilpin Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 10.00 – 12.00 at the Bilpin District Hall.
Visit the Bilpin Fruit Bowl for apples, juice and hot apple pies. If you are visiting during winter you can pick your own apples. Address: 2093 Bells Line of Road Bilpin.
Visit Wildwood Gardens which are open in Spring and Autumn from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Address: 29 Powells Road Bilpin
Some of the best pies we have eaten came from The Grumpy Baker at 2481 Bells Line of Road. You must try the Beef Bourguignon. Open daily from 6.30 am to 4.00 pm. Their pies are so popular that when we visited most were sold out!
Things to do in Wolgan Valley
Visit the Newnes Hotel which was built in 1907 and is now a museum and information centre.
Swim in the waters of Wolgan River and Carne Creek
Go rock-climbing with Blue Mountains Climbing School
Drive the Wolgan Valley Discovery Trail – full details here
Visit ancient rock art at Maiyingu Marragu on a cultural tour with the Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation
Waterfalls of the Blue Mountains
Some of the best Blue Mountains activities is visiting the waterfalls. There are over 50 waterfalls in the region.
Some of the popular ones to visit are:
To visit 7 of the falls starting with Wentworth Falls, then Red Rock Falls, Brittania Falls, Flat Rock Falls, Lodore Falls, Sylvia Falls and ending at Empress Falls you can take the Wentworth Pass Loop Walking Track.
Katoomba Falls – the easiest to get to from Cliff Drive Katoomba
Bridal Veil Falls from Blackheath on Govetts Leap Road
Gordon Falls in Leura accessed from Lone Pine Avenue
Leura Cascades from Cliff Drive
3 km walk on the Lawson Waterfall Circuit
Minni Ha Ha Falls – Minni Ha Ha Falls Road in Katoomba.
Blue Mountains Walks and Hikes
The most popular activities in the Blue Mountains is the number of walks and hikes you can do. In fact, the Blue Mountains National Parks has 6 regions to explore:
- Katoomba area
- Blackheath area
- Glenbrook area
- Lower Grose Valley area
- Mount Wilson area
- Southern Blue Mountains area
We use the Blue Mountains website for all information regarding walks and hikes from length, grade, what facilities are available and more.
Blue Mountains Lookouts
A ‘must-see’ in Blue Mountains is to visit one of the lookouts. Even if you are short of time visiting one lookout will show you the beauty of the region eg Echo Point where you can view the Three Sisters and enjoy the stunning views over Jamison Valley. If you have time there are over 30 lookouts in the area. We will share with you our favourites:
- Wentworth Falls Lookout
- Govetts Leap
- Sublime Point Lookout
- Pulpitt Rock Lookout
- Gordon Falls Lookout
- Evans Lookout
- Mount Blackheath Lookout
- Echo Point Lookout
- Cahills Lookout
- Lincoln Rock
Visit Gardens Arounds the Blue Mountains
A popular Blue Mountain activity is visiting the stunning gardens in the region.
- Take a picnic and head to the Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens. The gardens create themes out of their flora e.g. Heath and Heather Garden, Bog Garden, Conifers and ponds just to name a few. There are also exotic plants from Africa, Chile and Peru. Address: Bells Line of Road Bilpin. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5.30 pm Saturday and Sunday 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Wheelchair friendly.
- The Rhododendron Garden at Bacchante Street, Blackheath. Opening hours from 9 am to 4 pm.
- Everglades Garden in Leura – Open Thursday to Monday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
More Things To Do in the Blue Mountains
Street Art in Katoomba
If you are a fan of street art you are in for a treat in Katoomba. Head to Beverley Place in Katoomba for the Street Art Walk. The walk was launched in June 2015 and it is a fun Blue Mountains sightseeing activity.
Visit the Little Hartley Historical Village
30 minutes from Katoomba (27 km) is the Little Hartley Historic Village just off the Great Western Highway/A32. The 19th-century historical village has 17 buildings on the site from the Corneys Garage built from iron and timber and dates back to 1945 and the very impressive Greek styled Court House that was constructed in 1837.
Tours of the Court House are run on the hour at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm (a minimum of four people are required to conduct a tour).
There are toilet facilities, picnic tables and BBQ facilities available.
Opening hours: 10.00 am to 4.30 pm closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Visit Jenolan Caves
The Jenolan Caves are located 98 km from Katoomba, average driving time 1.5 hours. The Jenolan Caves are one of the largest caves in Australia.
Good to know:
- Please remember to pre-book before arriving at Jenolan. To gain admission to the valley (even to our free bushwalks), you must have a pre-booked ticket for either a cave tour, dining or accommodation.
- You must arrive at our carpark at least 45 minutes before your first activity, to give yourself plenty of time to catch our shuttle bus, use the restrooms, etc.
What To Do in the Blue Mountains For Kids
Our list of top 10 things to do in the Blue Mountains for kids:
- Visit Scenic World
- Visit Jenolan Caves
- Enjoy horse riding at Centennial Glen Stables in Blackheath
- Visit the Megalong Valley Heritage Farm where the children can get up and personal with furry farm animals
- Take in a movie at United Cinemas The Edge in Katoomba
- Go ice-skating at the Fairmont Resort in Leura – opens July 2022
- Wentworth Falls Bush Walk – 1 hour return (not suitable for strollers)
- Visit Echo Point Lookout for great views of the Three Sisters
- Swim in the Jelly Bean Pool in Glenbrook
- Combine the Explorer Bus Op on Hop off with tickets to Scenic World.
What To Do in The Blue Mountains When It Rains
Head to Glenbrook Cinema, United Cinemas The Edge in Katommba or Mt Vic Flicks for the latest blockbusters
High tea at the Hydro Majestic Hotel
Visit the Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge. Norman Lindsay wrote the Australian classic the Magic Pudding, he was also an Australian artist, etcher, sculptor, art critic, novelist, cartoonist and amateur boxer. The Gallery is a National Trust building and tickets need to be purchased in advance. National Trust Members have free entrance. Book tickets here.
Go Ice Skating at the Fairmont Resort in Leura.
Take tea at the Bygone Beautys Tea Room in Leura
Go Cider Tasting at Bilpin Cider
Enjoy a spa treatment at Lilianfels
Visit the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company on the Explorer Hop on Hop off Bus
Wine tasting in the Blue Mountains
Enjoy the Megalong Valley Wine Trail by Shuttle Bus Tour
Enjoy wine tasting without the worry. With the Megalong Valley shuttle, you have up to 5 hours to enjoy Dryridge Estate and Megalong Creek Estate boutique vineyards, savouring local wines with the option of cheese platters available.
The best of the Blue Mountains Wineries with cellar doors are:
Megalong Creek Estate at Aspinall Road Megalong – enjoy a grazing board as you taste their wines e.g. Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Pinot and Shiraz.
Cellar Door opening hours are: Saturday 12.00 -5.00 pm & Sunday 12.00 -4.00 pm
Dryridge Estate at 226 Aspinall Road Megalong – Open Friday (12 – 4 pm winter only), Saturday (11 am to 5 pm) and Sunday (11 am to 4 pm). Wine-tasting and cheese platters are available at the cellar door. Wines include Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Rose, Sangiovese and Cabernet.
Where To Eat in the Blue Mountains
We share with you our favourite places to eat in the Blue Mountains.
For a quick lunch head to Leura and the best pizza slices outside of Italy at Pizza Sublime.
Address: 187a Leura Mall Leura
Opening hours: 12.00 to 8.00 pm
Leura Garage at 84 Railway Parade Leura. This award-winning restaurant, cafe and bar is a firm family favourite and we cannot visit the Blue Mountains without visiting.
Opening hours: daily from 12.00 pm to late
Polar Bear in Leura – 5/148 Leura Mall Leura.
Opening Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Enjoy pizzas, grills and share plates and don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Yellow Deli in Katoomba – 214 Katoomba Street Katoomba for hot-steamed sandwiches, soups, salads and more
Opening Hours – Sunday to Friday from 10.00 am 8.00 pm on Fridays they close early at 3.00 pm
Embers Restaurant at the Fairmont Resort – for great views, an open fire and a great menu.
Opening hours: Lunch from 12.00 to 3.00 pm daily and Dinner daily from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm
The hidden whiskey bar at the Fairmont Resort – Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern not only do they have a huge range of whiskeys they also offer cocktails and spirits using native ingredients.
Our wish list for where to eat in the Blue Mountains on our next visit (as recommended by family and friends):
For breakfast the Red Door Cafe in Leura – 134 Leura Mall
Mr Collins of Leura for brasserie-style dining – closed Tuesday and Wednesday and open for lunch and dinner from Tursday to Monday. Address: 128 Leura Mall Leura
For Australian and French Cuisine Silks Brasserie is the place we have been recommended to visit at 1 Lake Street Wentworth Falls. Open for lunch and dinner on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Specialist Shopping in the Blue Mountains
There are many boutiques and shops throughout the Blue Mountains that will keep avid shoppers out all day pounding the pavements. During our latest visit to shops really stood out for us. As we continue to explore the region on a regular basis no doubt we will add more shops to our list.
Address: 187 Leura Mall
Not only do they produce the best chocolates we have tasted they do wicked chocolate topping, Turkish Delight, Fudge and Rocky Road.
Bilingarra – Indigenous Art & Culture
Address: 132 Leura Mall Leura
For unique Aboriginal art, products and indigenous literary you will enjoy your time browsing here. Sample some of the local tea whilst you are browsing. They are outside sculptures, clothing, greeting cards, natural products for your body and soul, stationary, gift cards and more for gifts for family and friends or like us wondergul gifts for ourselves.
This is their story: “Our journey has always been about creating a cultural space to retell the truth of our Indigenous history. To share the beauty, richness and depth of Australia’s Indigenous culture. To create work opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and ensure a sense of pride for all Australians into the future. “
For our visit – it was a special time chatting with Brett Groves, a Wiradjuri born man, who owns Bilingarra. Pop in and say hi and learn more about the great work that is being done at Bilingarra.
Transport Information – Visit The Blue Mountains
How to get To The Blue Mountains from Sydney
By Bus from Sydney to the Blue Mountains
The easiest way to get to the Blue Mountains is by car or train.
If you want to visit the Blue Mountains by bus it is best to book an organised day tour from Sydney to the Blue Mountains
Typical itinerary: Your day starts with the spectacular views offered from Wentworth Falls, overlooking the Jamison Valley. Here you have time to wander the many walks on offer. At lunchtime visit one of the Mountain villages of Katoomba, Leura, or Blackheath with plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, and galleries to visit. After, continue the journey to discover the Blue Mountains. Options include short guided bush walks, and an abundance of lookouts over the Jamison, Grose, and Megalong Valleys. Next, head down from the mountains for a hands-on Australian native wildlife encounter and the chance to pat a Koala and feed Kangaroos at Featherdale Wildlife Park! Return to Sydney in your luxury tour vehicle.
Pick up – from Sydney CBD Hotels
How to get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney by Train
Train travel time from Central Station to Katoomba is 115 minutes.
NSW Intercity Trains run at least every hour to Katoomba stopping off at Parramatta, Westmead, Penrith and Springwood. You can find route details here.
Opal Cards are used for the journey or contactless credit or debit cards to tap on and tap off.
Getting Around The Blue Mountains
There is a regular bus service from Katoomba Train Station to Echo Point.
The Explorer Hop on Hop off Bus runs from Katoomba Station and stops off at 37 sights in Leura and Katoomba on its journey.
Visiting The Blue Mountains by Car
If you are travelling by car from Sydney to the Blue Mountains you travel by the M4 motorway which has tolls.
If you want to avoid tolls on the Bells Line of Road you first need to head to Windsor and Richmond – this is the longer of the two journeys, but be sure to use your GPS to avoid paying tolls travelling to Windsor from your departure point in Sydney.
You can also hire a car from Sydney Airport or Sydney CBD.
If you need to take out travel insurance for your journey click here for the latest travel policy quotes and information.
Flying into Sydney? Check the latest deals from your home departure point here.
Staycation Australia Facebook Group – planning your next staycation in Australia – join our private Facebook Group for travel inspiration here
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed all the fun things to do in the Blue Mountains of NSW. There are so many places to see in the Blue Mountains we hope you have allowed enough time to visit them all. We would suggest at least 5 days or more if possible. If you have only one day and night our recommendation would be to enjoy Scenic World and choose one of the easy lookouts to get eg Echo Point Lookout and Sublime Point Lookout.
More Reading:
Accommodation in Sydney’s Darling Harbour
Top Things To Do in Wollongong
16 Top Things to do in Jervis Bay
Top things to do in Orange NSW
Southern Highlands NSW Getaway
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