In the heart of the region of New South Wales, the Blue Mountains get their name from the eucalyptus forests that stretch right across them.
Enjoy an early morning visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Take in spectacular views from many locations, including the Three Sisters at Echo Point, ride the Scenic Railway and other Cable Cars, take in an easy, optional, short walk, have lunch at the Scenic World Restaurant.
Things to do in the Blue Mountains
Experience wonders at Scenic World, where the glass-topped carriages of the Scenic Railway take you on a heart-stopping ride into the depths of the Jamison Valley. Or jump aboard the Scenic Skyway and journey high over the canyon for superb views of the Three Sisters and beyond.
Jenolan Caves is an underground wonderland, a labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone caves sculpted by underground rivers. Explore on fantastic guided cave tours.
You can also enjoy lunch in the restaurant and stay overnight in iconic Jenolan Caves House, a popular wilderness getaway since 1896.
Hikes and bushwalks
The Blue Mountains’ many bushwalks include easy strolls to longer walks which lead from the clifftops into the depths of the valleys. The Six Foot Track is a more challenging three-day walk along the old coach road between Katoomba and Jenolan Caves. You can also enjoy many mountain bike trails.
Wentworth Falls picnic area is a great base to explore the lush world of rainforests and waterfalls along a range of spectacular walking tracks to suit all the family. The leisurely Charles Darwin walk to the Overcliff-Undercliff track is an ideal area for bird watching and enjoying the Blue Mountains National Park.
Take in the views of the Three Sisters
The Three Sisters is one of the most visited sites in the Blue Mountains. They watch over the land of the traditional country of the Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri and Dharwal Aboriginal people.
According to one Aboriginal legend, the pillars were once three beautiful sisters named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo who were turned into stone by a powerful tribal elder.
This dramatic rock formation is best seen from Echo Point Lookout, however you can also get up close on a walking trail to the top of the Three Sisters via Honeymoon Bridge. Be sure to pay a visit to the Waradah Aboriginal Centre at Echo Point to learn more about how the Three Sisters were formed.
Explore Jenolan Caves
With 11 spectacular show caves, underground rivers and awe-inspiring formations, Jenolan Caves is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world. You can explore the caves on a guided day tour, get goosebumps on a ghost tour or enjoy a monthly cave concert with natural acoustics and fairytale ambience.
Above ground, stroll through the bush and marvel at Blue Lake – you may even spot a kangaroo, wombat or the elusive platypus.
Have lunch at the award-winning Chisholm’s Restaurant, in historic Caves House, where you can also stay the night.
Visit the Botanic Garden
With thousands of plants from the Southern Hemisphere and around the world, including the rare Wollemi Pine, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is a must-see for nature lovers.
The cool-climate garden is 1,000 metres (0.62 miles) above sea level and has stunning views across the area. Wander around the estate and explore the many formal gardens.
The Botanists Way Discovery Centre is also worth checking out to learn about early botanists who came to the area in search of rare plants.
Food and culture
You’ll find many excellent restaurants and cafes in the Blue Mountains. The one-hat Fumo in Blackheath serves modern Australian with a Japanese twist. Try seasonal share plates at Leura Garage, set inside an old mechanic’s workshop; Asian comfort food at Miss Lillian Teahouse; and fine dining at Darley’s Restaurant. Or enjoy a meal with a spectacular view at The Lookout Echo Point.
Discover unique cultural experiences, from the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre to the colourful Katoomba Street Art Walk, which features world-class street art. Join an Aboriginal NPWS ranger at the biannual Tree Painting and Art Day and learn to paint traditional symbols using ochre.