Planning to discover Australia? Take the opportunity to visit the Blue Mountains, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world!
Located just 2 hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains Park offers a wealth of hiking opportunities and breathtaking views of canyons and waterfalls. Succumb to the charm of the eucalypt forests that stretch as far as the eye can see and contribute to the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Site.
A visit to the Blue Mountains is a breath of fresh air for lovers of wildlife. Take in the beauty of the unspoilt bush, marvel at the impressive rock formations and explore underground caves along the 140 kilometers of hiking trails.
History of the Blue Mountains
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The beauty and richness of the Blue Mountains have always attracted visitors. The first to be captivated by these mountains were the Australian settlers who arrived in Sydney in 1788 with the First Fleet. Reputedly impassable, this Australian land has been inhabited only by Aborigines for over 14,000 years.
Over the years, many explorers have become intrigued by the mysteries of this park. In addition to the beauty of the landscape, the aim was to make the most of this abundant natural resource. In the mid-19th century, the Bathurst and Mudgee gold rushes accelerated the expansion of the road and rail network. Later, the urban sprawl continued, with luxury hotels, boarding houses, bed and breakfasts and other amenities being built to cater to tourists’ vacation desires.
A little trivia: in the center of the Blue Mountains lies Three Sisters Rock. Behind it lies a legend. Originally, in Aboriginal culture, these three rocks were once Aboriginal women. When they tried to marry men from an opposing tribe, and because of differences of opinion, war broke out. So, to protect them, a shaman turns them into stone. Unfortunately, he died in battle, leaving the three sisters unmoved. To this day, it remains an emblem of the park.
Our tips for visiting the Blue Mountains
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The best times
When choosing your departure date, remember that the seasons in Australia and Europe are reversed. European summer corresponds to the heart of Australian winter.
To visit the Blue Mountains, we recommend that you go at the end of the year, from October to January. December is the ideal month because, thanks to its warm oceanic climate with no dry season, the average temperature in the Blue Mountains often exceeds 12 degrees. But don’t forget that even in the driest month, there’s still plenty of rain.
Residence time
Allow at least 3 full days to visit the Blue Mountains. However, we recommend staying for a week to enjoy the various excursions around the canyons, waterfalls and mountains.
To take in your backpack
- Good walking shoes.
- Water for hydration.
- Maps to help you find your way around.
What to see and do in the Blue Mountains
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The Blue Mountains Park is packed with trails, roads and hiking paths. Day or evening, you’ll never be bored. Here’s what to see and do in Blue Mountains Park.
The most charming villages
- Katoomba: the main stop-off point for tourists, where you’ll find an information point, as well as tour operators offering paid activities or equipment for hire. If you’ve got a little time on your hands, don’t hesitate to take in the Street-Art Walk.
- Leura: a picturesque village in the Blue Mountains, full of stores and small passageways that lead you to local artisans.
The best trails
Marvel at the streams, waterfalls, wooded valleys and cliffs of the Blue Mountains by following one of the many perfectly marked hiking trails. Here are the ones we recommend to visit the Blue Mountains:
- Overcliff-Undercliff track: this 3.5km trail lies in the scenic setting of Wenworth Falls.
- National Pass Walk: built into the cliffside, it offers unrivalled spectacular views of the many natural wonders, including the Valley of the Waters.
- Three Sisters Walk: As this is a fairly long walk, your hike will take at least three hours. However, the breathtaking scenery offsets this figure: you’ll be able to see the entire park.
- Grand Canyon Track: 6.3km long, it takes you through the valley below Evans Lookout, with a view of the Blue Mountains.
Tip: if you’re tired of walking, you can visit the Blue Mountains by taking the Scenic Skyway gondola (located at Scenic World in Katoomba) and flying over the Jamison Valley. You’ll overlook the entire park and be able to admire the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary and Katoomba Falls. If you’re not comfortable in the air, don’t panic! Also at Scenic World, take the Scenic Railway, the steepest railroad in the world at 310 metres. All along the way, you’ll be able to admire the valley and gorges.
The most beautiful places
- Wenworth Falls: the perfect spot for a picnic or even a refreshing dip in the river.
- Three Sisters and Echo Point Lookout: you can’t visit the Blue Mountains without passing by this viewpoint! A magnificent panorama lies before you, with the Three Sisters as the main attraction.
- Lincoln’s Rock: this immense flat rock stretches out over the void and offers the best possible spot for a sunset over the Blue Mountains. It’s still a relatively uncrowded spot, and you’re sure to find a prime spot with an unobstructed view of the valley.
- The Botanic Garden: with its thousands of plants, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah is a must-see for nature lovers. This exceptional garden is located 1,000 metres above sea level and offers breathtaking views over the region.
- Jenolan Caves: the oldest caves in the world, with underground rivers and impressive formations, these are among the oldest and most beautiful cave systems in the world. The luckiest visitors may catch a glimpse of kangaroos, wombats or the famous platypus.
How much does a ticket to the Blue Mountains cost?
Access to the national park is free, except for attractions in the Glenbrook area, where entry fees of $8 (€5) per vehicle per day apply.
Although you can visit the Blue Mountains on your own, we recommend taking part in a guided tour if you’re unfamiliar with the area and weather conditions. Authentic and rewarding, a guided hike will allow you to explore the Blue Mountains Park in detail.
How do I book a ticket for the Blue Mountains online?
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You can easily book your visit to the Blue Mountains on the park’s official website. It is also possible to purchase a tour on a third-party site and take advantage of certain discounts or specialized tours.
Blue Mountains Park opening hours
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The park is open 24 hours a day, every day.
However, due to the risk of fire, the park is liable to close suddenly. If you’d like to visit the Blue Mountains, please check the opening calendar on the official website before you go.
How to get to the Blue Mountains
A World Heritage Site, the Greater Blue Mountains are a two-hour drive west of Sydney. Although you can get there by train or bus, we recommend renting a car and visiting the Blue Mountains at your own pace.
By car
The best way to visit the Blue Mountains is by car. The journey from Sydney is relatively short, taking just 1.5 hours on the freeway to Katoomba and the national park.
However, other options are possible, it is the most accessible park around Sydney!
By bus
It’s the cheapest form of transport, but also the longest. For just €5, the bus takes you to the Blue Mountains in just over 2 hours.
Please note that, for excursions, the bus fare is included in the tour price.
By train
Others prefer to let themselves be driven and carried along by the NSW TrainLink Intercity trains. However, finding your way around Central Station is no mean feat. Be patient and read the signs carefully. Departing roughly every hour, a train will take you to Katoomba in 2 hours, stopping at each of the park’s stations. Fares are aroundten euros.
Once in Katoomba, you can continue on foot or take one of Katoomba’s public buses.
Where to stay near the Blue Mountains?
If you want to relax after your journey through the Australian mountains, we recommend sleeping in the heart of the Blue Mountains instead of heading back to Sydney.
You can stop and sleep :
- Chez l’habitant: After effort, comfort! You’ll find charming villages in the heart of the Blue Mountains, such as Katoomba and Leura, where you can spend the night. There are also numerous Airbnbs, each more typical and pleasant than the last, where you can relax before resuming your hike the next day.
- In a hotel: For more service and comfort, don’t hesitate to book in a charming hotel. Surrounded by nature, they all offer magnificent views. If you’re on a budget, don’t hesitate to stay in a luxury hotel. In fact, the Blue Mountains Park is packed with luxury resorts featuring self-contained suites with terraces and private pools. In short, whatever your criteria, don’t hesitate to check prices on a hotel comparator.
So put on your hiking boots, fill up your water bottle and off you go!