The Blue Mountains, located in New South Wales, Australia, are a popular tourist destination known for their breathtaking scenery and vibrant cultural heritage. The mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The region is also home to the famous Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point, an iconic symbol of the Blue Mountains. Visitors can explore the charming towns and villages, such as Katoomba and Leura, which offer a range of accommodations, restaurants, and cafes. As you step off the train at Katoomba Station, you're greeted by the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains. The air is crisp and cool, scented with eucalyptus and rustling leaves. Your journey begins on the Three Sisters Walk, a scenic path winding along the cliff's edge, offering breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley below. As you hike, the sun casts a warm glow over the landscape, illuminating the blue-grey rocks and lush foliage. The trail leads you to Echo Point, providing sweeping views of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The magnificent Blue Mountains. They are one of Australia’s most beautiful natural areas, made up of seven separate National Parks and covering around 10,000 square kilometres. In November 2000, it became Australia’s 14th World Heritage Area and is part of the Great Dividing Range, which runs down the East Coast of Australia. The Blue Mountains are known for their dramatic scenery. They have rugged sandstone tablelands, wilderness, valleys, waterfalls, rainforests, lookouts, canyons, and many wonderful walking trails. The Blue Mountains have so many lookouts, walks, towns, points of interest, and flora and fauna that it is impossible to cover them all. I have chosen some of the more popular ones that are easy to get to and a few local picks.
The blue haze that gives the Blue Mountains their name is due to the vast forests of eucalyptus trees (gum trees), which emit a fine mist of eucalyptus oil from their leaves. When combined with water vapour and dust, this mist plays with the light and creates a haze that looks blue.
There are so many hidden highlights on the way to and while you are at the Blue Mountains that unless you take a guided tour, you are bound to miss something. There are many great companies offering tours to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, so you are sure to find a tour to suit your budget or special interest. If you travel by car, the drive is 90 minutes from Sydney via the M4 motorway. Another option is to take the more scenic route through Hawkesbury along the Bells Line of Road. One of the main drives in the Blue Mountains will be along Cliff Drive (Tourist Drive 5), which follows along the edge of Jamison Valley. It is the pick for breathtaking views every few minutes and is better enjoyed from the passenger seat. For those visiting Sydney without a car, you can travel to the Blue Mountains by train. The train (Blue Mountains Line) leaves every hour from Central Station and takes 2 hours to reach Katoomba. On arrival in Katoomba, you can purchase an All Day Pass on the Trolley Car, which allows you to hop on and off whenever you wish at any of the 29 stops.
The Three Sisters are the main reason most people visit the Blue Mountains. When you leave, I know you will realise there is so much more to see, and some of it is just as breathtaking as the Three Sisters. You must go to Echo Point Lookout for the best view of the Three Sisters. The Three Sisters are sandstone peaks formed many thousands of years ago by erosion. If you can stop looking at the Three Sisters for just a moment, look into the distance to see Ruin Castle and Mt Solitary. Many great walks start at Echo Point. A favourite is walking to Scenic World from Echo Point, which is 4.2 kilometres one way and takes around 3 hours. You will descend (170 metres) by the Great Stairwell, around 800 steps! It is not recommended for people with heart or breathing conditions. From here, it is an easy walk along the Federation Pass to Katoomba Falls. Once at Scenic World, you can ride the Historic Railway back to the top. Remember, the last train up leaves at 4.50 pm, so leave enough time to make it, or you will have to climb back up via the Furber Steps!
The Jenolan Caves are one of nature’s most beautiful gifts. The Jenolan Caves have been dated as 340 million years old. This makes them the oldest open caves in the world. They are limestone formations with underground rivers housing the most extraordinary beauty. There are approximately 400 caves, with ten that you can explore. The Jenolan Caves are located in the Blue Mountains, 175 km from Sydney and 30 km from Katoomba. They have 40 kilometres of multilevel passages with 300,000 entrances. Visitors have access to several kilometres of the caves. It’s a hard choice which one or more to visit. They are all different. Fancy getting married in a cave? Well, you can! The Lucas Cave has the Cathedral Chamber, which has famous acoustics due to its broad and high ceiling. You may be deciding whether to go to the Blue Mountains for the day to see the Three Sisters or the Jenolan Caves. Well, you can do both in a day. There are tours that combine The Three Sisters, Jenolan Caves, and even Scenic World, so no choice is needed.
Most guided tours include Scenic World as an optional extra. There are many different tour options at Scenic World, including the Scenic Cableway and the World’s Steepest Incline Railway.
Suspended 270 metres above the ravines, you can see the rainforest canopy through the glass floor! If you are not good with heights, then you need to get into a carriage with seating and a floor! The views on this 720-metre ride are 360 degrees, and you can see the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and Jamison Valley. You can get off at a stop and follow the trails to Echo Point to see the Three Sisters up close.
This is an elevated walkway designed for minimal impact on the environment. You will be in the Jurassic rainforest on the floor of Jamison Valley. This will be one time when you want it to rain as the rainforest transforms itself. The colour changes, the mist covers the cliffs above, and the birds sing, so wish for rain when you are there! If it does rain, I guarantee you can take many beautiful photos with raindrops on the leaves. Be sure to find one with a reflection in it; it will be a prize-winning shot!
The Scenic Cableway is a 510-metre ride in the comfort of an enclosed cabin. It will take you into the Jamison Valley. You may disembark at the bottom station, where you can access the Scenic Skyway. On this trip, you can view the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Orphan Rock, and Mt Solitary.
What a thrill you have waiting for you! A 52-degree incline is the steepest in the world. What a perfect place to have it. It recently had an upgrade, so if you want more of an adventure, choose the carriage, which will give you a 64-degree incline. It descends 310 metres to the floor of the Jamison Valley, and then you can stroll 2.4 kilometres through the Jurassic rainforest. There are shorter walks available. Another option for your return is to hike back from the top of the train ride to Katoomba. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk, or a bus runs frequently. Return to Top
Summer (Dec – Feb): Min 13°C Max 23°C Avg monthly rainfall 154mm Avg rain days per month 13 Autumn (Mar-May): Min 6°C Max 20°C Avg monthly rainfall 130mm Avg rain days per month 11 Winter (Jun – Aug): Min 3°C Max 11°C Avg monthly rainfall 84mm Avg rain days per month 10 Spring (Sep – Nov): Min 6°C Max 20°C Avg monthly rainfall 90mm Avg rain days per month 7 Weather averages are for Katoomba. It is the best time of the year to visit the Blue Mountains Summer (December to February) Although warmer in summer, the Blue Mountains are normally a bit cooler than Sydney. At this time of year, you are more likely to get rain, but don’t let this put you off; the trees come alive, the clouds blanket the mountains, and the waterfalls peak. If you plan on walking in the Blue Mountains, consider the end of summer. Autumn (March to May) This is the true walking season at the Blue Mountains. The days are cooler, and the rain is easing. Winter (June to August) This is the peak tourist season; expect cool days, cold nights and lots of activities and events. There is less chance of rain, although be prepared if out walking. Spring This is the season when nature blooms. The forests greet the warmer days with flowers, and the gardens spring back to life.
Opened in 1902 and just a short walk to the Three Sisters and Echo Point, this heritage guest house has recently refurbished rooms, including three spa rooms. Book your Blue Mountains accommodation in advance, especially during the popular holiday period, to avoid unavailability or spending too much.
The Grose Valley is another spectacular area. The Grose River has formed it. The valley is between the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road, the two major routes across the Blue Mountains. You will find dramatic gorge and canyon landscapes here and fantastic bush-walking opportunities.
Evans Lookout is just near Blackheath. You will have breathtaking views of Grose Valley. There are walks and lots of opportunities for bird watching near Govetts Leap. You will be able to see Govetts Creek on the valley floor.
I don’t think anyone would know how many tracks there are in the National Park. Approximately 81 popular walks are listed, varying in distance and grading.
The longest walk here is the Six Foot Track, from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, for the experienced walker, which takes three days. There are plenty of other walks, 14 in fact, to suit all levels of fitness and time frames. The Three Sisters Walk is an easy 1-kilometre return walk. Katoomba Falls / Furber Steps / Scenic Railway takes 1.5 hours, requires a medium level of fitness, and is 2 kilometres round trip. Katoomba is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains. From Echo Point, you can get the best views of the Three Sisters, have great vistas of the Jamison Valley, and visit Scenic World. The population is around 8,000. It is a pretty town with various architectural styles dating back to the miner’s cottages in the early 1800’s. There is an excellent mix of shops, a show featuring the arts and great food.
Leura is now as popular as Katoomba and around half the size. It is famous for its many gardens, which are privately owned but open to the public. The Everglades Gardens are owned by the National Trust and open all year round. Like the other towns, Leura is all about great walks, lookouts, and breathtaking scenery.
If you love Rhododendrons, then you must visit Blackheath. It is famous for them, and in November each year, they have the ‘Rhododendron Festival’. The festival runs over the weekend, and I have read there is such an event as the “Chainsaw Competition.” I am sure there is a reason for this competition, but I have not come across it yet! You guessed it, there is more beautiful scenery and walks available in this area, including Hanging Rock, which is just 7 km from Blackheath, although the journey does involve dirt roads and hiking.
A 30-minute drive from Katoomba will take you to Faulconbridge. There are exciting places to visit here. Sir Henry Parkes's grave is here; he has been referred to as the “Father of Federation” due to his early promotion for the federation of the six colonies of Australia. Keeping on the political theme, the Corridor of Oaks is where past prime ministers planted an oak tree. Norman Lindsay’s Gallery is also located at Faulconbridge. A controversial artist and author (1879-1969) who was often in trouble with the law, Lindsay lived in Faulconbridge. Take a walk through the lovely gardens and view his sculptures. He was the author of “The Magic Pudding,” a children’s classic still loved and read today.
Wentworth Falls is another beautiful town within the Blue Mountains. You will experience a wonderful community atmosphere here. Using Wentworth Falls as a starting point, you have choices of some of the best walks and views in the region. Kings Tableland is nearby and offers more spectacular views and picnic areas.
It's a Blue Mountains day where you can do it all (some items at additional cost). Visit Scenic World, meet the local wildlife, cruise into Sydney Harbour, and, of course, the Three Sisters.
On this full-day adventure, you will see the Three Sisters, explore Jenolan Caves, cruise home via Sydney Harbour, and have the time for the optional rides at Scenic World. River Cruise
More than a tourist attraction, and more than a commercial farm, Tropical Fruit World is a labor of love and a fruit farm of inimitable value.
Husk Distillers on the other hand are farmers as well as distillers. This transitions them to be able to make rum from the finest quality, freshly crushed cane juice grown on their farm, an approach known as the French-style or Rhum Agricole.
Click the Read More Info about The Tropical Food World & Husk Distillers 2 Locations Tour (and what to Bring). Then click "Book This Tour" to reserve your group
2 Locations - Duration : 8 Hours
$180.00 P/P With Lunch
$130.00 Without Lunch
Restricted to those 18+ Years
Enjoy guided tastings at 3 of the Tamborine's best Wineries plus Tamborine Mountain Distillery. This tour also includes a delicious two-course lunch, snacks & bottled water, and the option to stop at the Cheese Factory and scenic lookouts.
Click the Read More Info about The Mount Tamborine 3 Wineries Tour (and what to Bring). Then click "Book This Tour" to reserve your group
3 - 4 Wineries - Duration : 8 Hours
$160.00 P/P With Lunch
Restricted to those 18+ Years
Enjoy guided tastings at 3 of the Heritage Region's best Wineries. Visit venues that capture the grandeur of our colonial past and enjoy our local wines.
Click the Read More Info about The Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour (and what to Bring). Then click "Book This Tour" to reserve your group
Duration: 9 Hours - Restricted to 18+ Years
3 Wineries - Duration : 8 Hours
From $160.00 P/P With Lunch
From $110 P/P Without Lunch
But, we'd love to hear your suggestions of the tours that excite you! Tell us the tours you'd love to go on in the form below!
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Summer's coming and everyone loves a beach party.
After the last couple of years, we all need to let our hair down with something a little different!. So let's celebrate the coming of summer!
A great alternative to the Pubs, Wineries, & restaurants... Just the fresh air, beach, and our famous Aussie BBQ's.
Cooee Tours is looking to organize beach parties on the Gold Coast, Morten Bay and the Sunshine Coast. Keep watching for more details and we'll certainly keep you posted!
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BELOW!
Iconic beaches, markets, one of the world’s largest Ginger Factories, and artisan villages!
Tour Highlights
Spend a day exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland from Brisbane. Ideal for travelers who want to see a lot but are short on time. Travel to Montville, Eumundi, Noosa, Yandina, and the Mary Cairn cross Scenic Reserve
What to Bring
>> Enclosed walking shoes
>> Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
>> Water bottle
>> Warm layers in cooler months
Departure Point
Bus stop 125, Roma Street, Brisbane.
Return Details
Returns to the original departure point.
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