Blue Mountains

Travel Guide

Lithgow showing a statue or sculpture
Lithgow
Leura featuring fall colors and street scenes as well as a family
Katoomba which includes a gorge or canyon
Katoomba which includes views, a gorge or canyon and a sunset
Explore one of Australia's most scenic places, home to magnificent peaks and waterfalls and charming villages.

The Blue Mountains are part of the Great Dividing Range, in a national park only 90 minutes’ drive from the center of Sydney. The World Heritage-listed region is home to quaint villages, waterfalls, walking trails and dozens of lookouts with spectacular views of cliffs and gorges. The area was scouted out gradually through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but wasn’t properly settled until mining began in the 1860s.

The region’s name comes from the color the mountains appear from a distance. This distinctive tinge is caused by the blue light waves that hit dust particles, water vapor and tiny droplets of oil produced by the eucalyptus trees covering the mountains.

Hike through these eucalyptus forests on one of many trails scattered throughout the region. These trails cater for all skill levels and vary in length. Many of them skirt past waterfalls, woodlands and ridges. Start at Echo Point for magnificent views of the Jamison Valley and the impressive rock formation of the Three Sisters. Take the Giant Stairway down to the valley floor. Here, at Scenic World, you can take Australia’s steepest cable car ride back up to the top.

Wentworth Falls is one of the best-known landmarks in the Blue Mountains. For a view like no other, check out Govetts Leap, which rates among the area’s best places to watch a sunrise or sunset.

Explore some of the towns and old homesteads to get a feel for life in the area, or to brush up on your area history. The biggest town is Katoomba, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops and cafés. Some of the smaller towns, like Leura and Blackheath, are also worth a visit. Check out the Leuralla Toy and Railway Museum or the Everglades Historic House and Gardens, among the many other fine old estates.

For extreme adventures, go mountain biking, climbing, abseiling or even canyoning. You’ll find a number of companies offering training, equipment and guided tours.
 
The Blue Mountains is a region of staggering natural beauty. Walk on one of many bush trails, explore its charming little towns and enjoy the unbelievable views. The train runs regularly from Sydney’s central station to Katoomba and services all towns and villages in the region. The scenic drive westwards is unforgettable and there is free parking at most places.

Where to stay in Blue Mountains

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Bowenfels

Though Bowenfels might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eskbank House and Museum and Lake Lyell.

Bowenfels
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Bowen Mountain

While visiting Bowen Mountain, you might make a stop by sights like Blue Mountains National Park and Devils Hole Creek Reserve.

Bowen Mountain
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South Bowenfels

You'll enjoy the restaurants and spas in South Bowenfels. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Lyell or Marrangaroo National Park.

South Bowenfels
Lithgow showing a statue or sculpture

Lithgow Central

If you're spending some time in Lithgow Central, Eskbank House and Museum and Blast Furnace Park are top sights worth seeing.

Lithgow Central
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Sheedys Gully

While Sheedys Gully isn't home to many top sights, Eskbank House and Museum and Hassans Wall Lookout are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sheedys Gully
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Vale Of Clwydd

Vale Of Clwydd is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Eskbank House and Museum and Zig Zag Railway while you're in town.

Vale Of Clwydd
Leura Gardens Resort

Leura Gardens Resort

2.5 out of 5
20-28 Fitzroy St, Leura, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥9,751 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥9,751
¥10,726 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leura. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (339 reviews)
"Good location, comfortable bed and a good hot shower with good water pressure and nice soaps."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Leura Gardens Resort
Falls Mountain Retreat

Falls Mountain Retreat

4.5 out of 5
The Avenue (Off Falls Road), Blue Mountains, Wentworth Falls, NSW
The price is ¥21,679 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥21,679
¥23,847 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wentworth Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (614 reviews)
"Spacious, lovely apartment in quiet, green surroundings. Home away from home. There is a beautiful waterfall walk to a great bookshop, bakery, gift shop at Wentworth Falls itself. Reception staff went out of their way, five stars."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Falls Mountain Retreat
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery Collection

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery Collection

4 out of 5
1 Sublime Point Road, Leura, NSW
The price is ¥17,207 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
¥17,207
¥18,928 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Leura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Was a great venue for family, lots of activities to do in grounds, we barely had to leave. Ice skating, pool , sauna , gaming area , all great Food was average."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Falls Mountain Retreat

Falls Mountain Retreat

4.5 out of 5
The Avenue (Off Falls Road), Blue Mountains, Wentworth Falls, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wentworth Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (614 reviews)
"Spacious, lovely apartment in quiet, green surroundings. Home away from home. There is a beautiful waterfall walk to a great bookshop, bakery, gift shop at Wentworth Falls itself. Reception staff went out of their way, five stars."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Falls Mountain Retreat
Leisure Inn Spires

Leisure Inn Spires

3.5 out of 5
100 Leura Mall, Leura, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Leura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Katoomba Scenic World and Leura Mall are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (947 reviews)
"Really happy with the property, will be stsying again when i go back to the blue mountains."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Leisure Inn Spires
Cat On The  Hat Cottage ~MeOw MeOw~
5 stars 🌟🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 😻 property

Cat On The Hat Cottage ~MeOw MeOw~ 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 😻 property

Blackheath
Stay at this cottage in Blackheath. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and Netflix. Popular attractions Campbell Rhododendron Gardens and Keith Rowe Gallery are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (195 reviews)
Very comfortable!
"Cat on the Hat has all you could need for a stay in the mountains. Lots of thoughtful touches and we enjoyed the cat theme throughout! Clean and tidy and walking distance to Blackheath village."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Cat On The Hat Cottage ~MeOw MeOw~ 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 😻 property
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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