Blue Mountains

Travel Guide

Lithgow showing a statue or sculpture
Lithgow
Leura featuring fall colors and street scenes as well as a family
Katoomba which includes a gorge or canyon
Katoomba which includes views, a gorge or canyon and a sunset

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 center 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 color the mountains appear from a distance. This distinctive tinge is caused by the blue light waves that hit dust particles, water vapor 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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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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Bowenfels

Though Bowenfels might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eskbank House and Museum and Lake Lyell.

Bowenfels
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Bowen Mountain

While visiting Bowen Mountain, you might make a stop by sights like Blue Mountains National Park and Devils Hole Creek Reserve.

Bowen Mountain
Hassans Wall Lookout featuring a gorge or canyon, tranquil scenes and a sunset

Hassans Walls

When in Hassans Walls, you can plan a visit to Hassans Wall Lookout and Zig Zag Railway, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Hassans Walls
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Pottery Estate

While Pottery Estate isn't home to many top sights, Eskbank House and Museum and Hassans Wall Lookout are some notable places to visit nearby.

Pottery Estate
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Sheedys Gully

While Sheedys Gully isn't home to many top sights, Hassans Wall Lookout and Eskbank House and Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sheedys Gully
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! (603 reviews)
"Easy access and very nice property"

Reviewed on 2025/7/18

Falls Mountain Retreat
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 NT$4,255 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
NT$4,255
NT$4,680 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Loved the area and facilities, staff were helpful were they could. Definitely recommend going back!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

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 NT$1,946 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
NT$1,946
NT$2,140 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (332 reviews)
"Excellent service and great value for money."

Reviewed on 2025/7/24

Leura Gardens Resort
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! (603 reviews)
"Easy access and very nice property"

Reviewed on 2025/7/18

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! (945 reviews)
"Really happy with the property, will be stsying again when i go back to the blue mountains."

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

Leisure Inn Spires
Jenolan Holiday Park - Campsite

Jenolan Holiday Park - Campsite

2 out of 5
7 Cunynghame St, Oberon, NSW
Stay at this campground in Oberon. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a garden. Popular attractions Oberon Golf Club and Mayfield Garden are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (65 reviews)
"Nice and quite, Good for family and kids friendly"

Reviewed on 2025/7/10

Jenolan Holiday Park - Campsite
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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