Blue Mountains Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains

Explore one of Australia's most scenic places, home to magnificent peaks and waterfalls and charming villages.

The Blue Mountains are part of the Great Dividing Range, in a national park only 90 minutes’ drive from the centre of Sydney. The World Heritage-listed region is home to quaint villages, waterfalls, walking trails and dozens of lookouts with spectacular views of cliffs and gorges. The area was scouted out gradually through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but wasn’t properly settled until mining began in the 1860s.

The region’s name comes from the colour the mountains appear from a distance. This distinctive tinge is caused by the blue light waves that hit dust particles, water vapour and tiny droplets of oil produced by the eucalyptus trees covering the mountains.

Hike through these eucalyptus forests on one of many trails scattered throughout the region. These trails cater for all skill levels and vary in length. Many of them skirt past waterfalls, woodlands and ridges. Start at Echo Point for magnificent views of the Jamison Valley and the impressive rock formation of the Three Sisters. Take the Giant Stairway down to the valley floor. Here, at Scenic World, you can take Australia’s steepest cable car ride back up to the top.

Wentworth Falls is one of the best-known landmarks in the Blue Mountains. For a view like no other, check out Govetts Leap, which rates among the area’s best places to watch a sunrise or sunset.

Explore some of the towns and old homesteads to get a feel for life in the area, or to brush up on your area history. The biggest town is Katoomba, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops and cafés. Some of the smaller towns, like Leura and Blackheath, are also worth a visit. Check out the Leuralla Toy and Railway Museum or the Everglades Historic House and Gardens, among the many other fine old estates.

For extreme adventures, go mountain biking, climbing, abseiling or even canyoning. You’ll find a number of companies offering training, equipment and guided tours.
 
The Blue Mountains is a region of staggering natural beauty. Walk on one of many bush trails, explore its charming little towns and enjoy the unbelievable views. The train runs regularly from Sydney’s central station to Katoomba and services all towns and villages in the region. The scenic drive westwards is unforgettable and there is free parking at most places.

Where to stay in Blue Mountains

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Bowenfels

When in Bowenfels, you can plan a visit to Eskbank House and Museum and Lake Lyell, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bowenfels
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South Bowenfels

You'll enjoy the restaurants and spas in South Bowenfels. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Lyell or Marrangaroo National Park.

South Bowenfels
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Lithgow Central

While visiting Lithgow Central, you might make a stop by sights like Eskbank House and Museum and Blast Furnace Park.

Lithgow Central
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Bowen Mountain

If you're spending some time in Bowen Mountain, Blue Mountains National Park and Devils Hole Creek Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Bowen Mountain
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Pottery Estate

Though Pottery Estate may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eskbank House and Museum and Hassans Wall Lookout.

Pottery Estate
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Hassans Walls

While Hassans Walls may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hassans Wall Lookout and Eskbank House and Museum.

Hassans Walls
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery Collection

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery Collection

4 out of 5
1 Sublime Point Road, Leura, NSW
The price is AU$203 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$203
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Leura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Great hotel for kids. Could be a bit cleaner and staff could be more informative, but overall great and will be back. Kids loved it"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery Collection
Leura Gardens Resort

Leura Gardens Resort

2.5 out of 5
20-28 Fitzroy St, Leura, NSW
The price is AU$143 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$143
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leura. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (379 reviews)
"Clean and Tidy room close to other activities in the area friendly staff reasonable price"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Leura Gardens Resort
Falls Mountain Retreat

Falls Mountain Retreat

4.5 out of 5
The Avenue (Off Falls Road), Blue Mountains, Wentworth Falls, NSW
The price is AU$206 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$206
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wentworth Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (632 reviews)
"Truly enjoyed our stay. Falls retreat is a very quiet place with both front and back sitting area. Plenty of space in apartment. Staff incredible nice and responsive to any need. Location is perfect to venture in many directions. Thank you"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Falls Mountain Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Falls Mountain Retreat

Falls Mountain Retreat

4.5 out of 5
The Avenue (Off Falls Road), Blue Mountains, Wentworth Falls, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wentworth Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (632 reviews)
"Truly enjoyed our stay. Falls retreat is a very quiet place with both front and back sitting area. Plenty of space in apartment. Staff incredible nice and responsive to any need. Location is perfect to venture in many directions. Thank you"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Falls Mountain Retreat
Leisure Inn Spires

Leisure Inn Spires

3.5 out of 5
100 Leura Mall, Leura, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Leura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Katoomba Scenic World and Leura Mall are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (958 reviews)
"Excellent customer service"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Leisure Inn Spires
Montblu at Echo Point

Montblu at Echo Point

3.5 out of 5
36 Echo Point Road, Katoomba, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Katoomba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Katoomba Scenic World and ...
7/10 Good! (6 reviews)
"What a beautiful view we had absolutely recommended this apartment Loved every moment"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Montblu at Echo Point
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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