No trip to Sydney is complete without exploring one of New South Wales’ most spectacular natural wonders: the stunning Blue Mountains.
Just 90 minutes west of the city, this pocket of wilderness has a magical air about it, perhaps thanks to the silky blue haze that blankets the trees, or maybe the abundance of waterfalls, sandstone valleys and towering rock formations.
Once you’ve explored Sydney’s city, there’s nothing better than escaping to nature, setting off on a hike and discovering the charming towns of Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath.
From scenic hikes and cosy pubs to standout restaurants and must-see natural phenomena, read on for our ultimate guide to exploring the Blue Mountains.
Guide to the Blue Mountains
Why are they called The Blue Mountains?
Before we dive into the best things to do in the Blue Mountains, you might be wondering how this region got its name.
The answer lies in the distinctive blue haze that blankets the landscape, created when tiny droplets of eucalyptus oil mix with moisture and dust in the air, scattering sunlight and giving the mountains their signature blue hue.
Head to one of the many lookouts in the Blue Mountains (like the one pictured above in Leura, called Gordon Falls) and you’ll be able to see the blue mist sitting above the valley for miles and miles.
It’s important to be aware that the Greater Blue Mountains region spans the traditional Country of six different First Nations groups: Gundungurra, Dharug, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, Darkinjung and Tharawal. The original name of the Blue Mountains in the language of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples is Colomatta, meaning “koala place”.
How to get to the Blue Mountains
To get to the Blue Mountains, hop on a Blue Mountains Line train (BMT) from Central Station to Leura or Katoomba (which will take roughly two hours), or embark on a 90-minute drive.
Be aware that travelling from Sydney to the Blue Mountains via the fastest route (using the M4 Motorway and M4 Tunnels) costs up to $10.79 each way.
Our favourite hikes
There are over 250 mapped trails and more than 140 kilometres of official walking tracks in the Blue Mountains National Park. Yep, it’s a lot of ground to cover.
The only downside to the Blue Mountains’ endless hiking trails? Choosing just one. The good news is there’s a walk for every kind of adventurer, from easy, family-friendly strolls to more challenging rainforest treks that will earn you a big pub feed at the end.
Here are five Blue Mountains hikes that we’d recommend, suited to different fitness levels, timeframes and tastes.
The Grand Canyon Walking Track
Distance: 6.3 kilometres
Difficulty level: Easy/ Moderate
One of the Blue Mountains’ most popular hikes, the Grand Canyon Walking Track, takes you into a mystical world deep in the valley, characterised by lush rainforest and trickling waterfalls, all found at the bottom of the sandstone gorge.
To access the trail, head to the Grand Canyon car park in Blackheath and follow the signs to the starting point. Having a car is your best bet, as Blackheath train station is more than an hour’s walk from the trailhead.
It’s recommended to leave three to four hours to complete the 6.3 kilometre loop. However, when we completed it, it took just over two hours. We didn’t stop for long, admittedly, but if you’re a confident hiker who prefers to keep moving, you may find you can complete the trail well within the recommended timeframe.
You’ll pass plenty of creeks with stepping stones leading the way through, multiple waterfalls, towering trees and dense bushes of green ferns. Make sure to check the weather before you set out, as the creek can flood after heavy rain.
If it’s been raining, we’d also recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes, as the trail can get muddy, with plenty of puddles to navigate along the way.
Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
Distance: 4.7km one-way
Difficulty level: Moderate (very steep steps)
This hike in the Blue Mountains always manages to terrify me and amaze me at the same time. Start at Echo Point, where you can take in stunning views of the Three Sisters, before hiking down the 800 steel and stone steps into the valley.
The descent is steep enough to have you gripping the handrail as you make your way down, with a healthy dose of adrenaline thrown in for good measure.
Once you reach the bottom of the steps, you can continue around to reach Scenic World, where you can ride the Scenic Railway back to the top. In total, this is about 4.7 kilometres one way.
A few warnings to anyone doing the hike: the last train goes at 4:50pm, and it costs $64 per adult to ride (though this gets you access to Scenic World’s Cableway and Skyway too).
If you’d rather skip the Scenic Railway, be prepared for a challenging climb back up the Furber Steps. The ascent is steep, but the reward is a series of spectacular rainforest and valley views along the way.
This walk is easy to access by public transport. If you get off the train at Katoomba, you can hop on a bus to Echo Point and be driven just steps from the starting point.
Federal Pass Walk
Distance: 13 kilometres one-way
Difficulty level: Hard
Another popular hike in the Blue Mountains, the historic Federal Pass Walk takes hikers through the winding Jamison Valley.
Originally built by the Katoomba community, from Leura Forest to Katoomba Falls, the track was then extended on the old horse-drawn coal tramway line and now goes all the way to Ruined Castle (a prominent rock formation created by tumbled stone), on the other side of Jamison Valley.
The Federal Pass hugs the base of the cliffs between Leura and Ruined Castle, winding through lush forests and past cascading waterfalls, with the iconic Three Sisters among its highlights. There are four access points along the track, each involving a steep descent into the valley and an equally challenging climb back out.
You can also access the trail from Leura Cascades via the Leura Cascades and Fern Bower circuit. Tackling the full route from Fern Bower to Ruined Castle and back can take up to 12 hours, while the one-way walk typically takes around six and a half hours.
There are also shorter options if you’d prefer to experience a section of the trail without committing to the full-day adventure. For example, instead of climbing back to the top of the steps via the Furber Stairs, you can take the Scenic World train.
Three Sisters Walk
Distance: 0.8km return
Difficulty level: Easy
This family-friendly, popular walk promises some of the best views of the Blue Mountains, while also being well signposted and easy to follow. Stop by the various lookout points and snap pictures of the sweeping eucalypt forest and the grand Three Sisters.
It’s actually a stretch calling this a walk – it’s more a gentle stroll to get up close to the iconic rock formation. But if you’ve got youngsters or can’t commit to a long and arduous hike, it’s a must-do when visiting the Blue Mountains.
Six Foot Track
Distance: 42-45 kilometres
Difficulty level: Hard
We had to put one challenging hike on this list for the really dedicated hikers. The Six Foot Track takes three days to complete, winding from Katoomba, passing through Kanangra-Boyd National Park and state forests.
You’ll pass heritage sites, heaths, woodlands and rainforests, as well as cascading waterfalls and flowing rivers. There are plenty of places to stop and set up camp for the night, including Coxs River Campsite, Alum Creek Camping Ground and Black Range Camping Ground. Or, if you fancy treating yourself to an actual bed, you can book yourself into cabins at Six Foot Track Lodge.
To reach the beginning of the Six Foot Track, drive to Nellies Glen Road (or Explorers Road) where there’s a dirt car park. You can then walk down Nellies Glen Road to reach the official track head sign.
If you’re travelling by train, disembark at Katoomba Station and set off on a 2.7 kilometre walk along the Great Western Highway to the starting point (roughly 45 minutes), or book an Uber to save your legs for the main event.
The normal endpoint of the trail is the Jenolan Caves House, a striking, heritage-listed hotel. You can book a taxi from here to Katoomba, though costs typically range from $160 to $220. There are no other public transport options, however, so this is your best bet.
For added peace of mind, we recommend filling out a Trip Intention Form before setting off. This lets someone know your planned route and expected return time, providing an extra layer of safety while you’re out on the trail.
Weather conditions can affect the trail, so check the latest updates on the NSW National Parks website before setting off. This will help you stay across any track closures, weather warnings or other conditions that could affect your walk.
The best restaurants
Lot 101
With a perfect five-star Google rating, this restaurant has clearly impressed its past diners. Set in the spectacular Megalong Valley, the one-hat Lot 101 champions farm-to-table dining, with organic, locally sourced meats and seasonal produce at the heart of its menu. Dishes are guided by the Blue Mountains’ changing micro-seasons and crafted in harmony with the estate’s regenerative gardens.
The food is matched by a breathtaking setting, with 360-degree views across rugged escarpments and native bushland. Sample dishes include Lot 101 lamb with romanesco, lavender and verde; rainbow trout with roe, cueball, yoghurt and horseradish; and freshly baked sourdough with cultured butter.
Where: 46 Peach Tree Road, Megalong Valley NSW 2785.
Arrana
Located in Springwood, Arrana brings fine dining to the Blue Mountains, having earned two hats every year since opening. The restaurant celebrates native Australian ingredients, weaving local flavours into inventive dishes designed to surprise and delight. If you’re looking for a premium dining experience to celebrate a special occasion, Arrana is a great choice.
For dinner, guests can choose between two degustation menus: the four-course Darrbi for $150 per person or the seven-course Marri for $190. Expect thoughtful combinations such as lamb backstrap with pear, rivermint and potato, or goat’s cheese with lemon myrtle, onion and honey. You can also opt for the seafood tower, a fresh selection of seafood served with salad and triple-cooked potatoes for $85 per person.
Where: Shops 9/12, 125 Macquarie Rd, Springwood NSW 2777.
Echoes Restaurant & Bar
It’s hard to beat the views from Echoes Terrace, where a cliff-top dining room overlooks the spectacular Jamison Valley. Expect modern Australian cuisine crafted from fresh, locally sourced produce, complemented by a carefully curated selection of boutique wines. Perched atop the adults-only Echoes Boutique Hotel, the restaurant offers an intimate, elegant setting for a memorable meal.
Where: 3 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba NSW 2780.
Darley’s Restaurant
Located in the beautiful Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Darley’s Restaurant can be found just up the road from the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. Overlooking the retreat’s perfectly pruned English garden, Darley’s Restaurant serves up seasonal, contemporary Australian cuisine, underpinned by a classic French cooking technique.
The menu showcases premium meat and seafood, from grilled Murray cod and Tajima MB8-9 Wagyu beef fillet to Fraser Island spanner crab and Queensland slipper lobster. Save room for dessert, with indulgent options including warm sticky toffee madeleines and Valrhona chocolate crémeux served with pistachio ice cream and Amarena cherries.
Where: 5/19 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba NSW 2780.
The Alexander Hotel
The Alexander Hotel is Leura’s only licensed hotel and its most iconic, dating all the way back to 1903. The historic Blue Mountains landmark recently underwent a $1 million revival, which included a heritage restoration, refreshed interiors and a brand-new playground for families.
If you’re after generous, delicious pub fare after a day of exploring the Mountains, look no further than The Alex’s Bistro. Tuck into their huge, tomatoey parmi with a well-dressed salad and perfectly seasoned fried, or opt for one of their crispy loaded pizzas. Finish up with a sticky date pudding loaded with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream.
The Alex is also ideal for those travelling by train, located just steps from Leura Station for an easy journey back to the city. No car needed!
Where: Access Ramp West, 62 Great Western Hwy, Leura NSW 2780.
Things to do
The Blue Mountains may be known for its many bushwalks, but there’s also plenty of things to do if you want to save your legs and skip the hikes. Here are our favourite things to do in the Blue Mountains.
Ride the Scenic World attractions
The rides at Scenic World are a highlight of any Blue Mountains visit, particularly for families or those who’d rather soak up the scenery without tackling a full day of hiking. Experience the world’s steepest passenger railway as it plunges into the rainforest, glide above the Jamison Valley on the Scenic Cableway, and take in sweeping views from the Scenic Skyway as it travels between clifftops overlooking the iconic Three Sisters and Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Visit an art gallery
The Blue Mountains boasts an underrated yet thriving arts scene, with galleries scattered throughout the region. Explore the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Lost Bear Gallery in Katoomba, browse contemporary works at Braemar Gallery in Springwood, or discover local artists at Falls Gallery in Wentworth Falls.
Drop by the Norman Lindsay Gallery in Faulconbridge, the former home of prolific, often controversial Australian artist Norman Lindsay. Housed in a beautiful sandstone cottage, the gallery preserves Lindsay’s original painting studio, where he created many of his works and penned his beloved children’s book, The Magic Pudding.
Visit Mountain Culture Brewpub
Just a two-minute walk from Katoomba Station, Mountain Culture Brewpub occupies a restored, heritage-listed building dating back to the early 1900s. In 2023, the Katoomba venue was voted New South Wales’ best brewery venue, making it a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Pull up a stool and sample a few of its beers brewed right here in the Blue Mountains, alongside a plate of wings or the signature OG burger.
Blue Mountains Japanese Bathhouse
What better way to connect with the natural land and recover from your hike than a visit to the Blue Mountains Japanese Bathhouse? Drawing on Japan’s long-standing bathing traditions, the experience offers a restorative contrast to the rugged wilderness outside, with bathing options alongside massages and other treatments.
Bathhouse entry starts at $125 per person and gives you up to three hours of use of the facilities, which includes hot spring baths, cold spring and plunge and a herbal steam room.
Check out Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms
For a delightfully quirky detour, visit the Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms, home to the world’s largest private collection of teawares. After browsing thousands of teapots and vintage treasures, settle in for the venue’s renowned silver-service Traditional High Tea or indulge in a classic Devonshire Tea.
