Things to do in  Blue Mountains

Situated at the heart of Australia’s Blue Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scenic World offers the rare chance to explore the mountains from all angles. Ride overhead in a cable car, hike along the valley floor, ride a train through mountain tunnels, and discover some of the most impressive scenery in Blue Mountains National Park.

The Three Sisters is an ancient rock formation located in the Blue Mountains National Park in the town of Katoomba. The towering trio of stone has a mythical dimension in the Aboriginal Dreamtime legend about three sisters who lived in the Jamison Valley and fell in love with three brothers from a rival tribe whom they were forbidden to marry.

Perched on the edge of a plateau overlooking the Three Sisters, Echo Point Lookout offers one of the best views of the iconic sandstone formation—along with sweeping panoramic views of Jamison Valley, Ruined Castle, and Mount Solitary. It’s also the gateway to several popular walking trails in the Blue Mountains National Park.

Leura, sometimes called the “Jewel in the Mountains Crown,” is a small Blue Mountains village located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of Sydney. Smaller than neighboring Katoomba, with a quaint, cherry tree lined town center called the Leura Mall, the village exudes mill-town charm. There are cafes, bakeries, antiques shops, and high-end boutiques, with brightly colored flowers decorating the streets.

The Blue Mountains National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage listing, is one of Australia's most visited national parks and makes an easy day trip from Sydney. The park has over 80 miles (140 kilometers) of walking trails, protected Aboriginal sites for visitors to admire, and camping. It's also home to Echo Point Lookout where the iconic Three Sisters rock formation sits.

Katoomba is one of the most visited towns in the Blue Mountains. Home to Echo Point, where visitors can see the Three Sisters rock formation and Scenic World, Katoomba offers ample attractions and activities to delight all kinds of travelers. While it maintains a small-town feel, it’s home to a large selection of accommodations, dining options, and shopping in the center of town.

Wentworth Falls is a charming town located in the Blue Mountains Heritage Site about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west from Sydney. Known for its eponymous waterfalls, the town has a number of walking and hiking trails, picnic and BBQ areas, a well-preserved Aboriginal site, and a charming downtown with historic buildings and gourmet coffee shops.

Located between Echo Point and Scenic World, Katoomba Falls is one of the most popular and accessible waterfalls in New South Wales’ Blue Mountains. A beautiful, segmented waterfall, Katoomba Falls drops about 492 feet (150 meters) in two main stages into Jamison Valley and can be viewed from a number of lookouts in the area.

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is on Mt. Tomah in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Previously known as the Mt. Tomah Botanic Garden, the 69-acre (28-hectare) garden is set within a UNESCO-listed area at around 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) and contains local and international plants and views of the Blue Mountains.

Located in the Blackheath area of the Blue Mountains, Govetts Leap is considered one of the most scenic overlooks in the national park, offering sweeping views over Grose Valley and the 590-foot (180-meter) Bridal Veil Falls. The Blue Mountains Heritage Centre is nearby, and several popular walking trails begin from the lookout.

One of Australia’s oldest and most impressive cave systems, Jenolan Caves are a highlight of any visit to the Blue Mountains. The caves serve up some spectacular scenery, with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers, and unusual limestone and crystal formations.

The large, white expanse of Lincoln’s Rock is a great place from which to admire the views across the Blue Mountains National Park’s Jamison Valley. Although the park might be better known for its vertical sandstone turrets (such as the Three Sisters), the flat Lincoln’s Rock is another favorite spot with photographers, near Wentworth Falls.

Carved into the cliffs above the Jamison Valley near Katoomba in the Blue Mountains National Park, the National Pass trail treats hikers to some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in this UNESCO-listed region. The 2.8-mile (4.5-kilometer) loop snakes through stunning ancient landscapes, lush flora, cliff-ledge paths, and hand-cut stairways to lookouts above crashing waterfalls and the spectacular valley.

One of the world’s largest, privately owned cool-climate gardens, Mayfield Garden extends over 14 acres (16 hectares) within a 4,940-acre (2,000-hectare) working farm. The garden offers lush scenery and many pathways, nooks, and crannies to explore. Since opening to visitors, it has also become an entertainment hub, hosting regular events.

Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) in New South Wales’ Blue Mountains is a dramatic rocky bluff with sweeping views across the forest-covered Grose Valley. It’s about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the trailhead, near the town of Blackheath, so hiking or mountain biking are the only ways of getting there. The medium-difficulty hiking trail takes about 2 hours to complete.