Everybody should do a Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney at least once. Being a Sydney local, I have made the journey many times. The Blue Mountains region is an easily accessible area of stunning natural beauty on the city fringes which encompasses dramatic sandstone formations, impressive canyons, steep cliffs, virgin bush land and stunning waterfalls. Dotted with quaint villages, local galleries and award-winning gardens, the Blue Mountains has much to delight. With so much to see, day trippers will have to carefully decide what to include in their Blue Mountains trip because it is not possible to see it all in a day. Read on for all the details …
About the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains have been inhabited for several millennia by the Gurdungurra and Darug people. There are a number of significant sites in the area and visitors can learn more about the rich cultural heritage at the Waradah Aboriginal Centre. The term the Blue Mountains was first coined in the early days of European settlement as a result of the distinctive blue haze in the area. The Blue Mountains National Park covers 267,954 hectares and is criss-crossed with over 140 kilometres of walking tracks. In the year 2000, UNESCO bestowed a 10,000 square kilometre swath of pristine natural bush land with World Heritage Status to preserve it for generations to come.
Blue Mountains Day Trip From Sydney By Car
Those planing a Blue Mountains trip have a few transport options. By far the easiest is to take you own vehicle. If you don’t have a car handy, consider renting one through Airport Rentals who have some of the lowest prices in Oz. It’s an easy 90 minute drive from the Sydney CBD down the M4 and Great Western Highway.
Blue Mountains Day Trip From Sydney by Train
The trip from Central station to Katoomba takes about two hours and trains run roughly every hour. Tickets are just under AUD$9 each way but savvy travellers will go on Sunday when it only costs $2.50 return with an Opal card. The attractions in the Blue Mountains are rather spaced out so getting around is a little tricky. The 686 bus will get you to nearby Scenic World but if you are planning on exploring more of the region consider the hop on hop off Explorer Bus which has 29 stops along the route (AUD$50).
Hiring A Private Blue Mountains Bus
There are countless tour companies who have options for a Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney but if you have a larger group why not pool you pennies and hire a private bus. I recently had a group of friends visit from the US and we hired a 13 seater bus from Shuttlemate for just AUD$790 for 10 hours. If you fill the bus that is just $60pp and when you consider the hop on hop off explorer is AUD$50 it’s not a bad deal at all. The beauty of a private booking is that you can control the itinerary and are not beholden to others.
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Blue Mountains Trip One Day Itinerary
Once you have made it to the Blue Mountains the next step is to decide which attractions to visit. You can’t see them all in a day so compromises must be made. Here is my favourite one day itinerary …
Stop 1 – Jamison & Wentworth Falls Lookouts
Jamison Lookout is one of the most accessible lookouts in the region. Both the Jamison and Wentworth Falls lookouts are reached by a short, easy, flat walk on sealed paths from the car park at the end of Sir H Burrell Drive. While easy to get to, the Wentworth Falls lookout does not offer the best views of this stunning three-tier waterfall. Those that are able and have the time check out one of the many walking tracks which branch off the main path.
Stop 2 – Leura Village
When tummies start grumbling head to cuter-than-cute Leura for a pit stop. Last visit I ate at Leura Gourmet Cafe & Deli. My steak sandwich was OK but my friend’s corn fritters looked so much better. The space has views from the rear and the front of house stocks so many gourmet goodies it’s tough to leave empty handed. Before you head off explore the main street for a spell.
Stop 3 – Echo Point
No Blue Mountains trip would be complete without visiting Echo Point which offers one of the best views of the Three Sisters. The three striking sandstone rock formations proudly rise from the Jamison Valley and are likely the Blue Mountain’s most recognisable site. It is also almost always one of the busiest. Car parking is metered or you can try your luck in the surrounding streets. Walk at least part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk while you are there or stop in at the Waradah Aboriginal Centre. Did you know that even Queen Elizabeth has visited Echo Point? I bet she didn’t have to battle the crowds like I did!
Stop 4 – The Gingerbread House Katoomba
If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you. The Gingerbread house is lined with all manner of candy and sweet treats. They also serve simple, but tasty lunches. The kids will love the outdoor playground.
Stop 5 – Scenic World
The last stop on my Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney is always Scenic World. If you are a keen walker you can follow to Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Echo Point all the way there but it’s just as easy to drive. Ride the world’s steepest incline railway, take a leisurely cable car across the valley or explore the many trails. There is ample parking and a café onsite. Scenic World is currently home to a unique art exhibition. Sculpture at Scenic World is in residence until 12 May 2019 and Autumn is a great time to visit the mountains. The art starts not far from the railway station in the valley and meanders for 2.4 klms towards the cablecar station. The 25 artworks are spaced every few metres or so and certainly make teh walk more interesting. My favourite exhibit was ‘cascade’. Make sure you vote for your favourite in the people’s choice awards.
Want To Stay Longer? Blue Mountains Accommodation Options
One day not enough? There is no need to head back to Sydney to get a good nights rest as The Blue Mountain is scattered with unique accommodation options. I highly recommend Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa where I stayed for two nights on a work trip a few years ago. After sampling the plush rooms, fabulous restaurant and relaxing spa I didn’t want to leave. Situated right next to Echo Point it truly is right in the middle of all the action.
Have you been to the Blue Mountains? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
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Disclosure Statement: This post is not sponsored. The information in this article is based on my own personal experiences and has not been influenced in any way by the brand(s) featured. This post may contain affiliate links which if clicked may earn me a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Ami Bhat says
This looks like an awesome place for a day break. So much of natural beauty. Loved those waterfalls and the echo point hike too sounds like fun. Though for some reason I can’t shout out there… (funny). Hope to be able to get to Sydney and then here
Shaily says
I’ve never been to The Blue Mountains, but the place looks like a Nature’s paradise. The vistas are truly hypnotic and a visual treat. I love the waterfalls and the sandstone formations – they remind me of some fairyland I must have imagined while reading a fantasy novel. So many goodies to choose from – I would surely be carrying multiple bags while leaving the store. Staying overnight in a place like this would be a pure bliss. Thanks for sharing the details of your trip and the amazing photographs. The Blue Mountains are added to my bucket list. 🙂
Amar singh says
Sydney is on top of my list and most likely to tick next year. This is a great day trip from Sydney and one I would definitely complete. Would hire a car and do it myself as you rightly suggested this is the best way and you are in control of time and where you want to stoop Would love to visit the Echo point and also the waterfall views are out of the world. Thanks for sharing a detail post.
Catherine Salvador Mendoza says
I haven’t been but absolutely want to! Is a day trip enough or do you recommend to stay longer? In traveling, I sometimes prefer longer stays to indulge especially nature. Blue mountains look like a peaceful place to be. Would like to take the train, tho I would also try the bus getting to the Blue Mountains. Not to miss the scenic views, too!
Allison Smith says
You could absolutely do more than one day Catherine. Just depends how much time you have to spare.
Kavita Favelle says
Gosh, that first image, I had no idea the Blue Mountains were that kind of rocky landscape, it reminds me of paintings of Chinese mountains! Stunning! I appreciate too that you can reach and enjoy the lookouts by car, as I’m not able to do hiking, so makes it accessible for me. Love that there are some charming villages like Leura to visit too.
Lisa says
I’ve yet to visit Australia let alone Blue Mountains, so this is giving me some much needed inspiration! I think I’d prefer hiring our own transportation, as you said, so we can have our own itinerary. The mountains and the Three Sisters are sensational! I really hope to see them one day for myself.
Anne says
Oh gosh I love that train. I can’t imagine getting around in the Blue Mountains without a car but there’s some great tips here. Definitely need to head back
Marlies says
I love the Blue Mountains! When I was traveling in Australia I think I have visited it at least 3 times and which I had gone more. When my friend and I went to the Wentworth Waterfall we walked down and decided to walk a bit further. Well that walk took us about 3 hours or maybe even more! We were so tired! But we were alone and it was beautiful! Wouldn’t mind doing it again 🙂
Mosh says
Such a great post Allison. I love how you have made a point to specifically acknowledge the indigenous origins of the Blue Mountains. I have added this to my bucket list for when I fly over east in a couple of weeks x
Nicole Anderson | Camping for Women says
I just loved this post, Allison. The Blue Mountains is just considered an iconic destination and one that contains so much natural beauty. While I have enjoyed other natural areas in Australia, I have yet to make it to the Blue Mountains and your article and photos make me want to go even more. I’m sure I would opt to stay a lot longer than a day to explore as much as I could. Aside from enjoying the wondrous scenery all around, I’m sure the Aboriginal Centre would be worth a visit as well to learn a lot more about the history of the region. Can’t wait to visit and appreciate it all first hand!