Start at Echo Point early, before the tour buses, then work along the ridge. Most lookouts are a short walk from a car park or a hop-on hop-off bus stop, and many walks link one lookout to the next. Stay on marked tracks: the cliff edges are sheer.
1 Echo Point and the Three Sisters
Three sandstone pinnacles rise from the edge of the Jamison Valley at Katoomba, linked to an Aboriginal legend of three sisters turned to stone. From Echo Point, walk to the Three Sisters, down the Giant Stairway or along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Practical: Free. Paid parking. Visitor centre at Echo Point. Best at sunrise.
2 Scenic World
A family attraction on the cliffs at Katoomba with four rides: the Scenic Railway, said to be the steepest passenger railway in the world, a cable car, a glass-floored skyway and a boardwalk through the rainforest on the valley floor.
Practical: Ticketed. Allow 2–3 hours. Arrive early in holidays.
3 Wentworth Falls
One of the most spectacular falls in the mountains, where Jamison Creek drops over a series of cliffs. Short tracks reach the lookouts; the longer National Pass, cut into the cliffs, is one of the great walks of the area.
Practical: Free. Check NPWS alerts for track closures before longer walks.
4 Leura
A village of gardens, cafés and antique shops, with a beautiful main street. Drive or walk the Cliff Drive to lookouts such as Sublime Point and Gordon Falls.
Practical: Free. One train stop from Katoomba.
5 Govetts Leap, Blackheath
One of the finest views in the mountains, over the cliffs and waterfalls of the vast Grose Valley. The cliff-top track to Evans Lookout is excellent, and the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre is nearby.
Practical: Free. Short walk from the car park.
6 Grand Canyon Track
A loop of about 6 km from Evans Lookout into a deep, ferny canyon with overhangs, creeks and small waterfalls. It is one of the most popular walks in the national park and includes many steps.
Practical: Allow 3–4 hours. Moderate to hard. Bring water.
7 Jenolan Caves
A system of limestone caves on the far side of the range, with guided tours through decorated chambers. The road is narrow and winding; allow most of a day including the drive from Katoomba.
Practical: Guided tours only, ticketed. Check the road status before you go.
