The Blue Mountains are a deeply eroded sandstone plateau rising west of Sydney, part of the Great Dividing Range. The name comes from the blue haze given off by the eucalyptus forests that fill the valleys. Together with neighbouring parks, they form the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, listed in 2000 for its eucalypt diversity. This is the Country of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples.
A string of towns runs along the railway on the ridge, from Glenbrook to Mount Victoria. Katoomba is the main base, with Echo Point and the Three Sisters; Leura is the prettiest village, and Blackheath has the quietest and most dramatic lookouts. Most people come on a day trip from Sydney, but a night here lets you see the cliffs at sunrise and sunset, when they are at their best.
Highlights
- Echo Point and the Three Sisters: the most famous view in the mountains.
- Scenic World: a very steep railway, a cable car and a skyway over the Jamison Valley.
- Wentworth Falls: waterfalls and cliff-edge tracks with huge views.
- Leura: gardens, cafés and the Cliff Drive lookouts.
- Blackheath: Govetts Leap, the Grand Canyon track and the Grose Valley.
- Jenolan Caves: spectacular limestone caves on the far side of the range.
Quick facts
| Where | About 100 km west of Sydney |
|---|---|
| Main town | Katoomba (about 1,000 m above sea level) |
| From Sydney | About 2 h by train, 1 h 45 by car |
| Ideal stay | Day trip, or 1–2 nights |
| Best for | Lookouts, bushwalking, waterfalls |
| Getting around | Train between towns, hop-on hop-off bus, car |
How long to stay & where to base yourself
A day trip covers Echo Point, Scenic World and one walk. With one or two nights you can add Wentworth Falls, Blackheath and a longer walk, and see the lookouts without the crowds. Katoomba has the widest choice and the station; Leura is quieter and more upmarket; Blackheath suits walkers. Nights are cold most of the year, so check that rooms are heated.
