Breathtaking Blue Mountains
Gaze though the blue-hazed peaks of the dramatic cliffs and canyons that spread across the horizon in the dense beauty that is the Blue Mountains. Close enough to Sydney for a day trip (a mere 100km to the west), but far enough into the wilderness that you will never want to leave.
Explore a town that is bursting with history on the Katoomba Heritage and Art Walk, discover the home of ‘The Magic Pudding’ (and pick up a watercolour) at the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum, or be blown away as the secrets of the Blue Mountains are revealed on the big screen (and when we say ‘big’ screen, we mean six-storeys-high big!) at The Edge Cinema in Katoomba. There’s also charming Leura, with its antique shops and teahouses, and a range of nature walks for people of all fitness levels.
| 10. Wentworth Falls A must see while in the Blue Mountains, these falls are surrounded by the most sublime natural scenery you could ask for. | 5. National Pass Walking Trail For one of Australia’s best and most beautiful bushwalking trails, pull on your hiking boots and get amongst it! |
| 9. Zig Zag Railway Step back in time and all aboard this fantastic steam locomotive ride, weaving its way through Lithgow Valley. | 4. Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens With a unique approach to horticulture, the plants here have been grouped according to their geographical origins. |
| 8. Kings Tableland An ancient Aboriginal site, it was first occupied 22,000 years ago. | 3. Jenolan Caves Spend the day plumbing the depths with stalactites and stalagmites in this phenomenal underground system. |
| 7. Blue Mountains Sparadise Feel the traditional herbs and pure spring water steam away your worries in this exquisite Japanese bathhouse and garden. | 2. The Three Sisters Dreamtime legend has it that three sisters were turned to stone for their protection during battle – when the sun hits the 900m peaks just right, you can almost feel them come alive… |
| 6. Bygone Beautys Browse this quaint collection of over 3,000 teapots in Leura. Some are 300 years old! | 1. Scenic World Take Australia’s steepest cable car down to the steepest incline railway in the world and delve into the lush and ancient rainforest. |
Blue Mountains History
- The Explorer’s Tree - Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson’s historic marked tree just west of Katoomba.
- Aboriginal Rock Paintings at Hawkesbury Lookout - Ancient artefacts and a fascinating window to the past.
- Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum - Stroll through the artist’s garden in Faulconbridge.
- Carrington Hotel, Katoomba - Treat yourself to some luxury at this sumptuous and historic hotel.
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre - A great place to get information on the local area.
Blue Mountains Art & Culture
- Lurline Street, Katoomba - Take a long walk down this scenic Blue Mountains street where fine art galleries, cafes and studios vie for your attention.
- Katoomba Fine Art Gallery - Showcasing the latest works by acclaimed local and contemporary artists.
- Braemar Gallery - Check out the latest exhibition at this celebrated gallery.
- Hat Hill Gallery, Blackheath - Packed to the rafters with fine art, books and records.
- Selwood’s Science and Puzzles Museum - Spend an afternoon amusing the kids at this interactive museum in Hazelbrook.
Blue Mountains Shopping
- Leura Mall - The height of fashion in art, culture and food, the famed mall is a great place to shop for quality items.
- Katoomba Street - See how the other half lives in this bohemian paradise. A must for lovers of alternative culture.
- Blackheath Village - Take a stroll through this laid-back upper Blue Mountains village and enjoy the great specialty shops
- Mount Victoria - Check out the view from the top of the mountains and find some great local products.
- Outback Opals, Gems & Koala Sisters - The place to go for local gemstones, specialising in opals.
Gay & Lesbian Blue Mountains
- Winter Magic Festival - June is the time of year to catch this colourful street parade.
- bentART - Gay and lesbian art hosted by the Wentworth Falls School of Art.
- Community Markets - With weekly and monthly markets, there is always something exciting to see and do.
- Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras - Just two hours from the Blue Mountains, the celebrations take place in January.
- Blue Mountains Gay Health Retreat and Clinic - Stop in for a relaxing recharge in Blackheath, the heart of the mountains.
Blue Mountains Outdoor
- Hiking and Bushwalking The Three Sisters - These world-famous rock formations are heritage listed.
- Katoomba Skyway - See the Megalong Valley and Katoomba Falls from 200 metres up.
- Jenolan Caves - Spend a weekend spelunking in these ethereally beautiful caves.
- Zig-Zag Railway - Experience this exciting train ride near Lithgow on the western side of the Blue Mountains.
- Megalong Valley - Try one of hundreds of bushwalks in this enormous and rugged valley
Blue Mountains Sport
- Kayaking and canyoning opportunities abound; check local guides for tours.
- Swing a club at one of the numerous mountains golf courses.
- Get your adrenalin pumping with Blue Mountains rock climbing and abseiling adventures.
- Get active at Penrith Panthers with cable skiing, wake boarding and a host of other activities.
- Head to the Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre for swimming and court activities.
Blue Mountains Events
For a three-day acoustic bonanza, toe-tap your way along to the Blue Mountains Folk Music Festival each year in March.
Experience food with altitude at the Blue Mountains Fine Food and Wine Festival in April.
Feast on some gorgeous local produce at the annual Blue Mountains Fine Food Festival in May.
Bust out your best fancy dress for the vibrant Winter Magic Festival each June in Katoomba.
For the most famous of the spring garden displays in the Blue Mountains, bask in the fresh aroma at the Leura Gardens Festival in October.
For gardens, art and model trains, kick back with the Blackheath Rhododendron Festival each November.
When To Go
- The Blue Mountains has a similar (but colder) annual climate to Sydney.
- Winter can get a bit frosty, and you can expect around five days of snowfall in the Upper Mountains.
- Summer averages in the mid to high 20s for the lower towns of the Blue Mountains, and is perfect for soaking up some sunshine while exploring nature.
Visit our partner page Blue Mountains hotels by Hotel.com.au
Getting Around
- There is a train line directly into the heart of the mountains leaving from Central Station in Sydney.
- Once you get into the Blue Mountains, most major drop-off points have an abundance of taxis to get you to your accommodation or the sights.
- However, the best way to get around the various towns and sights is to drive.
