Sydney to Blue Mountains Tours
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- Visit Katoomba's Scenic World, an attraction tucked away in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains of Australia.
- With a host of exciting experiences to choose from, you have access to the Scenic Skyway, Walkway, Cableway, and Railway!
- As you glide between cliff tops, catch views of the Katoomba Falls, Three Sisters, Mt Solitary, and Jamison Valley on the Scenic Skyway.
- Walk under the canopy of the rainforest on a 500-meter boardwalk on the Scenic Walkway.
- On the Scenic Railway, you'll ride one of the steepest passenger railways in the world at a 52° incline in open terrain.
- Descend gently into the Jamison Valley and return back up with the 545-meter scenic cableway.
- Apart from amazing views, you're guaranteed a great day of fun and adventure.
Inclusions
- Entry into Scenic World
- Unlimited use of skyways, railways cableways & walkways
Exclusions
- Food and Drinks
- Transfers
- Infants aged 3 and below go free. Children aged 4-13 enjoy reduced-price tickets (carry a valid photo ID).
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Blue Mountains Hop-On Hop-Off Tour With Optional Scenic World Pass
- Make your way to the Blue Mountains on your own, an easy trip via the train from Sydney then embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to discover the mountains and more.
- Sit through the entire 60-minute ride at once, or disembark at any of the 37 stops and enjoy popular attractions on foot, with buses leaving every hour.
- Enjoy the amusing English live commentary, free guidebook, and the exclusive cliff-top and valley views on this hop-on hop-off bus tour.
- Tour your way through Sydney’s iconic mountain ranges to reveal unmatched dramatic views and catch sights of landmarks along the route, such as the Three Sisters lookout point and Leura Cascades.
- Choose the scenic world pass to enjoy cable car rides, train rides, and boardwalks here.
Inclusions
- 1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour
- 1-day access to Scenic Skyway, Cableway, Railway and Walkway (optional)
- 72-page guidebook with maps, walking guides, and discounts
- Free luggage service to Katoomba and Leura accommodation
- Live commentary from a tour guide
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Meals
- Hotel transfers
- Attraction entrances (other than mentioned)
- Click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.
- Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in the Blue Mountains.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
1-Hr Guided Tour of Blue Mountains on a Double-Decker Bus
- Embark on a non-stop 1-hr double-decker bus tour of the Blue Mountains. Gaze at the valleys cloaked in eucalyptus trees, cliffs, and waterfalls along the escarpment.
- Admire the Eastern Highlands - the world's third-longest mountain range. Marvel at the rocky trio of Three Sisters overlooking the hazy blue Jamison Valley.
- Glance through your window and catch the Mount Solitary by the rugged turret of Ruined Castle as you listen to the live English commentary.
- Be on the lookout for the scenic Kedumba Valley and the wild bushlands. Witness the King's Tableland, used as an Aboriginal Gathering Place for over 14,000 years.
- Venture the eucalyptus-scented rainforest and quaint villages on your way. View the vineyards of Megalong Valley and Leura Cascades' before heading back to the city.
Inclusions
- 1-hr sightseeing tour of the Blue Mountains
- Ride on a double-decker bus
- Live commentary from a tour guide
- Tickets are free for kids under 17 years
- Tip: For unobstructed panoramic views hop on the upper deck of the double-decker. Seats are allotted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- If you are booking an afternoon time slot for the tour, be sure to catch the spectacular views of the mountains during the golden hour.
- Animals swooping through the forest’s branches and climbing up the jagged rock formations are a common sight. Keep an eye out for cute Koalas and Kangaroos.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Small Group Tour of Blue Mountains
- Embark on a small group guided tour that combines nature with adventure. Admire the spectacular sights of the Blue Mountains, enjoy Scenic World rides, and entry to Sydney Zoo.
- Set off on the tour on a Mercedes Sprinter (if available) following a convenient hotel pick-up. Before heading West, your expert guide will show you the prominent parts of the Sydney CBD district.
- Head to Echo Point which offers the best views of The Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation in the Blue Mountains area.
- Immerse yourself in the raw natural beauty of the region and sweep your gaze over the vast Jamison valley.
- Make your way towards the Scenic World and begin your adventure with a ride on the Scenic Skyway. Enjoy jaw-dropping views of the valley 200m below through glass floors.
- Hold your breath as you ride the world's steepest railway, at an incline of 52 degrees in open terrain.
- Take a stroll through an ancient rainforest and admire more fantastic views as you ride the Scenic Cableway, Australia's steepest cable car.
- See the quaint village of Leura where you can also stop to shop at the regional shops and have some delicious lunch, at your own expense.
- Your day is far from over! Stop by the Sydney Zoo on your way back and meet a variety of animals such as Koalas, baby Wallabies, Emus, Wombats, and more.
- What is a visit to Sydney without a ferry trip? Hop aboard a ferry that will take you from Parramatta River to Circular Quay, going past the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
- Choose to visit a national park and take a hike through nature.
Inclusions
- Small-group tour
- English-speaking guide
- Scenic World rides
- Entry to Sydney Zoo
- Visit to Leura village
- Hotel pick-ups from most CBD hotels
- Ferry return to Circular Quay
- Entrance to National Park (optional)
- Mercedes Sprinter vehicle (if available)
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Small Group Tour of Blue Mountains
- Small Group Tour of Blue Mountains including National Park entry
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Tour With Scenic World, Featherdale Wildlife Park, River Cruise & Transfers
- An example of Sydney’s lush natural beauty, the Blue Mountains have plenty of sights in store for you.
- Embark upon a guided bushwalk through the eucalyptus-scented rainforest and make stops at lookouts to view the city from sweeping heights.
- Soar to the skies at Scenic World’s skyways for some more stunning views of the city.
- Visit the Featherdale National Park and wave at the friendly koalas, kangaroos, and meet more of Australia’s renowned animals.
- Enjoy a scenic cruise down the Parramatta River and end your tour on a high note.
Inclusions
- Friendly and experienced guide
- Small group of not more than 20 people
- Scenic World: guided admission into Skyway, Railway & Cableway Valued at $46 per person
- Guided Rainforest boardwalk in the Jamison Valley
- Lunch catering to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets
- Unique lookouts away from large groups
- Interactive experience with native Australian animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park and hand feeding kangaroos
- All transport in a modern fleet with Wifi (may not be guaranteed at all times depending on the vehicle used. It will be available at lunch)
- River Cruise return cruising into Sydney Harbour
Exclusions
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
The Blue Mountains are a majestic mountain range near Sydney, Australia. This UNESCO World Heritage area is known for its natural beauty — verdant forests, lofty hills, deep canyons, steep cliffs, and plunging waterfalls — along with its charming villages. If you’re looking to escape the hustle-bustle of the city, here’s the place you must visit for a breath of fresh air. About 80 KM from Sydney, the Blue Mountains make for a wonderful day or weekend trip. Read on to learn about everything you need to plan your Sydney to Blue Mountains tour.
Visiting Blue Mountains Post-COVID 19
Australia has introduced stringent measures to keep COVID-19 under control. The Blue Mountains opened to tourists on June 1, 2020. Visitors can discover the Blue Mountains and must ensure they take necessary precautions for their safety. One can also explore this stunning attraction through various Blue Mountains guided day tours.
Health Guidelines in the Blue Mountains
- Blue Mountains is operating on reduced visitor capacity, with social distancing measures in place.
- Guests should carry their own masks and keep it on at all times. To be extra safe, guests are encouraged to carry their own hand sanitisers.
- Please note that reservations can be made both offline and online.
- BBQ facilities and skate parks will remain closed until further notice.
Why Take a Sydney to Blue Mountains Tour
The Blue Mountains region gets its name from the blue haze exuded by the eucalypts (gum trees). This haze is a result of a fine mist of eucalyptus oil which is discharged from the gum trees in the hot sun. The mist refracts light, which makes the haze look blue from a distance.
The Blue Mountains are just over 70 kilometers away from Sydney, making it easy to access when taking a day tour. To see the Blue Mountains is to experience the raw power of nature. A UNESCO World Heritage Area, it is known for its biodiversity, such as dingos, kangaroos, and potoroos. The Blue Mountains also have many unique experiences for tourists such as the Jenolan Caves, Katoomba Railway, Lennox Bridge, and Scenic Skyway.
Blue Mountains Tour Options
Guided Tours
The best way to explore the Blue Mountains is through a guided tour. A knowledgeable guide will take you around the area and give you information about the same. A guided tour from Sydney to Blue Mountains is especially hassle-free as your transportation is also arranged as part of the tour.
Non-Guided Tours
A non-guided tour of Blue Mountains is perfect for seasoned adventurers. In a self-guided tour, you can pick and choose where you want to go, how you want to go, and what attractions you want to visit. Please note that under non-guided tours, you will have to arrange for your own transportation.
Combo Tours
A combo tour is for those who want to explore more than just the Blue Mountains. As part of your combo Blue Mountains tours package, you will also get to visit other attractions like Jenolan Caves, Scenic World, Katoomba Falls, and Three Sisters. Transfers and an expert guide are usually included in this package.
Guided vs Non-Guided Tours
Guided
- A professional guide will help you navigate around the Blue Mountains.
- Guided tours are typically done in groups.
- Transfers are included to, from, and around the Blue Mountains in a guided tour.
- Guided tours stick to a pre-decided itinerary to ensure you cover as many attractions as possible within a day.
Non-Guided
- In a non-guided tour, you can discover the beauty of the Blue Mountains on your own.
- A self-guided tour isn’t done as part of a group.
- Visitors have to arrange for their own transportation to, from, and within the Blue Mountains.
- Non-guided tours give you the flexibility to explore the Blue Mountains at your own leisure.
Which Sydney to Blue Mountains Tour Should You Opt For?
1. For those on a budget
If you’re looking to visit the Blue Mountains without burning a hole into your pocket, you can purchase entrance tickets to the park and the attractions you want to visit, if any.
2. For those who want a guided tour
If you want to learn more about the Blue Mountains, opt for a guided tour. You can explore even more of the area than you would by yourself as the guides know the bushland very well.
3. For those looking to go beyond Blue Mountains
You can explore more than just the Blue Mountains via a combo tour, which will show you the best attractions in the area such as the Scenic Skywalk, Jenolan Caves, and Katoomba Falls.
What to See at Blue Mountains
- Three Sisters: The Three Sisters are three sandstone peaks within the Blue Mountains area. Arguably the most popular attraction within the region, it is best seen from the Echo Point Lookout and Eagle Hawk lookout and is equally captivating at night when it is floodlit. On a guided tour, you can also learn the different stories related to this landmark.
- Wentworth Falls: Wentworth Falls is a charming town in the Blue Mountains, with a waterfall of the same name. While there are numerous waterfalls in the area, Wentworth Falls is by far the most beautiful. The plunging waterfall is a sight to behold and visitors can also enjoy a quick swim in the base pool.
- Katoomba: Home to Scenic World, Katoomba is a must-visit when going to the Blue Mountains. Originally developed as a mountain resort area in the early 1900s, today it is a popular tourist hotspot. Scenic World is a great way to experience the beauty of the area thanks to Scenic Railway, Cableway, Walkway, and Skyway.
- Blue Mountains Botanic Garden: The only botanic garden in Australia to be present within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is filled with flora native to the country, along with other unique plants from across the world. The garden overlooks the Blue Mountains and offers picturesque views of the surrounding area.
- Jenolan Caves: Nearly 350 million years old, the Jenolan Caves are limestone caves near the Blue Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is visited by over 200,000 people annually, who explore the cave system by walking or rock climbing. The oldest open cave system in the world, it consists of underground rivers, different passages, and even a Cathedral Chamber!
- Leura: Located between Katoomba and Wentworth Falls, Leura is a prime example of the Australian countryside. This picture-perfect village is a popular tourist spot in the Blue Mountains. With lush gardens, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and picturesque lookouts, this town is worth the visit.
Plan Your Visit to the Blue Mountains
- Train: The NSW TrainLink Intercity trains can take you from Sydney to the Blue Mountains and back. The train leaves Sydney Central Station almost every hour and takes about two hours to get to the top of the mountains. You can also take express trains with limited stops that get you to Blue Mountains quicker.
- Bus: You can take a bus from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. The option to visit Blue Mountains via coach is offered by mostly tour companies that offer day trip visit to the area. You can also utilise a hop-on hop-off explorer bus service, starting from AUD$50.
- Car: Driving is the most popular way to go from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, as the scenery is breathtaking. The entrance to the Blue Mountains at Glenbrook/Lapstone is a little under an hour from Sydney, just follow the signs to Parramatta.
The best time to visit the Blue Mountains is between March and August. These are the Autumn and Winter months, and so the weather is good for walking, hiking, and a number of other activities. There is barely any rain, and the weather is cool.
September to November is generally quiet, but is also a good time to visit in terms of weather.
Summer (December to February) is great for those that don’t want to visit when the weather is cold. While summer can get hot, it is still a good time to explore the region.
The Blue Mountains region offers a variety of eateries, such as pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes, among others.
When in the Blue Mountains, you visit Leura Garage, Lily’s Pad Café, Cassiopeia, Silk’s Brasserie, Darley’s Restaurant in Lilianfels, and Fumo.
For those who want to visit farmers’ markets, Blackheath Growers Market and Leura First Sunday Markets are great places to visit.
For unique experiences, you can head to Megalong Valley Tearooms for Devonshire tea with scones and clotted cream or Dryridge Estate Cellar Door for a sip of local mountain wines.
There are a number of accommodation options for those visiting the Blue Mountains:
- Luxury: One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, and Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges
- Heritage: Hydro Majestic Hotel, Hotel Mountain Heritage, and Palais Royale
- Bed & Breakfast: Shelton-Lea Bed & Breakfast, Bethany Manor Bed & Breakfast, and Broomelea Bed & Breakfast
- Hostel: The Flying Fox Backpackers, Blue Mountains Backpackers Hostel, and Leura House
Tired of malls and high streets? The Blue Mountains area is perfect for you. With a range of independent shops and boutiques spread across the region, there is something for everyone.
Apart from food and sweets, one can purchase vintage clothes, local handicrafts, interesting antiques, and unique books.
- Three Sisters
- Jenolan Caves
- Scenic World
- Pulpit Rock Lookout
- Glow Worm Tunnels
- Wentworth Falls
- Japanese Bathhouse
- Sunset at Blackheath Lookout
- Kings Tableland
- Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Visitor Tips for Sydney to Blue Mountains Tours
- Ensure you carry hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bottled water on your visit. If you’re visiting during winter, carry along warm clothing.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves quite a lot of walking.
- Some tours offer discounted tickets for children. Please check your tickets, and if eligible, select the appropriate option and carry valid IDs on the tour.
- Do not miss taking a bushwalk — there are different trails for different levels, but each has a unique charm and shows you the true beauty of the Blue Mountains.
- If you really want to discover the unique wildlife of the Land Down Under, head on to Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney to Blue Mountains Tours
There are various guided Sydney to the Blue Mountains tour options. It is always better to take a guided tour as you can explore the bushland without any worries and your guide will give you lots of information and insight into the location.
The best Sydney to Blue Mountains tour is a guided tour as it covers all the main attractions and your guide will help you explore areas of the bushland that are difficult to explore by yourself.
This depends on the type of tickets you purchase. Some tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled, while others can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Ensure you check the cancellation policy on your tickets prior to purchasing them.
While you can purchase tickets on-site, it is recommended that you purchase them online in advance to avail discounts and offers.
Yes, there are frequent trains that run from Sydney to the Blue Mountains and back on a daily basis.
Apart from the many attractions like Three Sisters, Glow Worm Tunnels, and Jenolan Caves, you can go hiking or walking in the trails or even go cycling, canyoning, and horse riding.
Autumn (March to May) is the best time to visit the Blue Mountains, as the weather is pleasant and there is not much rainfall.
If you are driving, it can take around 90 minutes, but if you are taking a train, the journey will take you about 2 hours.
Unfortunately, the Blue Mountains are not wheelchair-accessible.
The Blue Mountains are vast. If there are only certain attractions you want to visit, then a day should suffice. But if you truly want to explore the area and imbibe yourself in local culture, you can spend up to a week in the region.