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A definitive guide to visiting the Blue Mountains from Sydney
Sydney to Blue Mountain ToursPlan Your Visit
- Big Bus Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
- Sydney Opera House Tours
- Taronga Zoo Tickets
- Sydney Tower Eye Tickets
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tickets
- Featherdale Wildlife Park Tickets
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Tickets
- Mogo Wildlife Park Tickets
- Australian National Maritime Museum Tickets
- Australian Reptile Park Tickets
- Hunter Valley Wine Tours
- Symbio Wildlife Park
Contents
Visiting Blue Mountains | Information At A Glance
What are the opening hours for the Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains National Park is open throughout the year except when there is poor weather, fire danger or ongoing maintenance work. Most areas in the park remain open throughout the day.
Where are the Blue Mountains located?
Situated west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a short 1-hour drive away from the city.
How many entrances do the Blue Mountains have?
The Blue Mountains National Park has three entry points - at Glenbrook, Katoomba and Mount Victoria.
How many visitors do the Blue Mountains see every year?
The majestic Blue Mountains attract over 4.4 million visitors per year.
Best Time to Visit the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains attract a range of visitors. From those looking to escape the city during weekends to happy campers, cyclists and tourists. Weekdays tend to be quieter. We also recommend getting there early in the morning so you can make the most of your trip here.
Summer (December and February): This is the high season. Best suited for outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, bushwalking and camping.
Autumn (March to May): The enchanting sight of orange and red leaves makes the Mountains a sight to behold. The days remain cool and are perfect for bushwalking.
Spring (September to November): The mountains are in bloom and visitors like to indulge in rock climbing, mountaineering, swimming, hiking, and biking.
Winter (June to August): This time is best spent around cosy campfires watching the snow falls. However, the roads can get slippery with rain and the views can disappear with fog.
Blue Mountains Location
Blue Mountains National Park
Part of the North-South Wales region, this UNESCO World Heritage site lies west of Sydney. A short drive from the city will bring you to the base of these mountains. Find on Maps
Scenic World
Address: Violet St &, Cliff Dr, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia. Find on Maps
Located in Katoomba, this is where you’ll indulge the adrenaline junkie in you with the Scenic World Pass.
Sydney to Blue Mountains by Public Transport
By Train: Daily trains are available from Sydney Central Station to various areas of the park. This includes stops at stations like Katoomba, close to Scenic World. Other stops include Wentworth and Leura Falls, Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Glenbrook Station. Getting off at Faulconbridge and Woodward will bring you to the Lower Grose Valley of the Blue Mountains.
By Bus: Private bus operators offer transit services between various points in the Mountains. Information on bus routes and timetables is available on the CDC NSW website.
Sydney to Blue Mountains By Car
There are several routes that take you to the Blue Mountains National Park. Listed below is information on popular routes:
From Sydney
- To reach areas like Glenbrook, Katoomba, Blackheath and the southern side of Lower Grose Valley, get on to M4 and the Great Western Highway.
- Drive through Oberon or Jenolan Caves to access the Southern Blue Mountains.
From Richmond
- Drive through the Bells Line of Road to access the northern side of the Lower Grose Valley and Mount Victoria.
- The Bells Line of Road also connects to Bell from where you can access the Darling Causeway to get onto the Great Western Highway.
From Lithgow
- Go eastwards on the Great Western Highway, towards Sydney.
- Taking Chifley Road from Lithgow also connects to the Bells Line of Road.
- You can also access the Bells Line of Road through the Darling Causeway, between Mount Victoria and Bell.
Parking Facilities
Parking is available at various points in the Park. These include:
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
- Butterbox Canyon
- Conservation Hut
- Dunphys Campground
- Echo Point Lookout
Know Before You Visit Blue Mountains
Facilities
Accessibility
Visiting with Family
Rules and Regulations
Dress Code
Dining
Stay
- Toilets: Available at the Blue Mountain Heritage Center and the Conservation Hut. Also, at several campgrounds, including, Acacia Flat, Burralow Creek, and Dunphys.
- Drinking water: Facilities at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Conservation Hut, Echo Point, Furber Steps-Scenic Railway walking track and at Govetts Leap lookout.
- Cafes and Food Kiosks: Find them at Conservation Hut, Fairfax Heritage Walk, and Federal Pass.
- Electric Charge Points: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Galong Cabins.
- WiFi: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
- Picnic Tables: Available at various sites, including, Evans Lookout, Federal Pass, and the Fairfax Heritage walking track. Campsites that come fitted with picnic tables include Dunphys and Euroka.
- Barbecue: Facilities at Galong cabins and Burralow, Dunphys, Ingar and Euroka campgrounds.
- Showers: Available at Galong Cabins.
There are several scenic routes and lookouts that have been made wheel-chair friendly with easy pathways and accessible toilets. These areas include
- Katoomba’s Scenic World (however, Scenic Railway does not allow those with severe neck and back injuries and is not wheel-chair accessible)
- Scenic Walkway between Cableway Station and Railway Station.
- Echo Point and Walk at Three Sisters
- Govetts Leaps
- Fairfax Heritage Walk.
- Wentworth Falls Lookout and Lake
- Blackheath’s Campbell Rhododendron Garden
- Mount Wilson
- The Botanic Gardens
Companion cards are accepted in most areas including Scenic World. They also welcome carers and service animals. Valid certifications and IDs are required for both.
The Blue Mountains are popular with families looking for a fun day out with their children.
- Katoomba’s Scenic World: Kids and adults alike love the thrills of taking in the breathtaking mountains in cableways, the skyway and railways. There is also a walkway for a leisurely stroll through the rainforests.
- Camping Sites: You can spend a weekend exploring the breathtaking mountains by camping at one of their sites. There is Perrys Lookdown at Blackheath, Euroka Campground at Glenbrook, Dunphy at Megalong Valley, Ingar at Wentworth Falls, and Murphys Glen at Woodford.
- Cabins: For a more comfortable experience, check into Galong Cabins that’s part of the remote Southern Blue Mountains. The cosy cabins come fitted with basic amenities. There are also barbecue facilities and picnic tables.
- Playgrounds: Several tourist-friendly points at the Blue Mountains have playgrounds that kids love. The Memorial Park at Blackheath has a fort-style playground while the one at Wentworth Falls is shaped like a pirate’s ship. Glenbrook’s playground evokes trains and is surrounded by BBQ facilities and picnic tables.
- No smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the park.
- Only service animals: Pets and other than certified assistance animals are not allowed in all areas of the park.
- Follow safety rules: Visitors are expected to follow safety rules outlined for camping, bushwalking, cycling, swimming, and fire weather.
- Don’t litter: Ensure that you bring back your trash with you or dispose of them in dustbins.
While the Blue Mountains can be visited at any time of the year, the temperatures tend to vary quite drastically. It is essential that you dress appropriately for the weather.
- Summer: Temperatures run high in the summer months so wear light and breathable clothes made of cotton or linen. Carry sun protection, including hats and sunglasses.
- Winter: June to August are the coldest months with snow making occasional appearances. However, rain is quite expected so carry a raincoat and waterproof walking shoes. Carry an extra layer or a scarf to keep you warm.
- Autumn and Spring: Temperatures during these seasons are quite variable. We recommend that you always check the weather before your trip. However, do remain prepared with sun protection and a light raincoat for unforeseen showers.
Conservation Hut: This is the main cafe and resting point within the Blue Mountains National Park. Offering lunch, sacks and delicious coffee, the Conservation Hut is a cosy rest stop with breathtaking views. Plenty of walks near Wentworth Falls start and stop at this hut.
Apart from the Conservation Hut, there are also small kiosks offering snacks on the Fairfax Heritage walking track and the Federal Pass track.
You have a mix of options from cabins run by the Park to luxury stays.
- Galong Cabins: These are remote cabins, an hour’s drive from Blackheath. They come with the basic necessities. But you’ll have to bring your own food and water.
- Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains: Expansive property located near Leura. Perfect for families and for scenic views.
- Falls Mountain Retreat: Located near Wentworth Falls, this property offers peaceful rooms fitted with kitchens and spacious baths.
- YHA Blue Mountains: This is a popular hostel that’s a short walk away from Katoomba’s Three Sisters and Scenic World attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Blue Mountains
Where are the Blue Mountains located?
The Blue Mountains are a mountain range close to Sydney, Australia.
Can I visit the Blue Mountains?
Yes, the Blue Mountains National Park is open to visitors all through the year.
Where is the Scenic World located?
Scenic World is located at Violet St &, Cliff Dr, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia. Find it on Maps
What are the Scenic World opening hours?
The Scenic World is open from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekends.
Why should I visit the Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains are a rugged range with breathtaking views, waterfalls, and limestone caves. Indulge the adventurer in you with thrilling rides at the Scenic World. Blue Mountains National Park also showcases Australia’s aboriginal origins, and new-age additions include museums, landscaped gardens, cableway rides and much more, making it a worthwhile visit for absolutely anyone.
Can I visit the Blue Mountains for free?
On foot, the entrance to the Park is free. However, there is an AU$8 charge for every vehicle. The park’s various attractions and camping facilities may also attract a fee.
How do I book tickets to visit the Blue Mountains?
You can easily book a Blue Mountains tour online!
How much does it cost to visit the Blue Mountains?
On foot, the entrance to the Park is free. But if you want a curated Blue Mountains tour, the prices start from AU$29. Fees for Scenic World begin at AU$ 54.
What is the best time to visit the Blue Mountains?
Summer months between December and February make up the high season. The warm weather is best suited for outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, bushwalking and camping. Autumn and Spring are popular seasons too.
What are the opening hours for the Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains National Park is open throughout the year except when there is poor weather, fire danger or ongoing maintenance works. Most areas in the park remain open throughout the day.
Can I visit the Blue Mountains in a group?
Yes, the Blue Mountains is a favourite with families, bushwalkers, cyclists, campers, and other adventure seekers. You can book group tours to Blue Mountains online.
Can I visit the Blue Mountains with kids?
Yes, the Blue Mountains make for a great family getaway. There are several attractions including Scenic World, Evergreen Gardens, and Wentworth Falls that are loved by kids and adults alike.
Are the Blue Mountains wheelchair friendly?
Several spots in the Blue Mountains that attract visitors are also wheelchair friendly. This includes Scenic World, Echo Point, Fairfax Heritage Walk and others.
Can I buy food and drinks at the Blue Mountains?
Yes, cafes and kiosks are available within the Blue Mountains National Park, including the Conservation Hut cafe and kiosks at Fairfax Heritage Walk and Federal Pass. However, if you’re out on a picnic, we suggest that you bring your own food for an enhanced experience with picnic tables and barbecues.
How long does it take to visit the Blue Mountains?
Since the Mountains are expansive and are made up of several sites, the number of days spent here depends on you. Day trips can cover sightseeing highlights like Scenic World, the Three Sisters, and Wentworth Falls. But it is best to at least make a weekend trip to cover a considerable chunk of the sights on offer. You can choose from various curated Sydney to Blue Mountains tours online as well!