Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
22/08/2025
Donovan Kelly, Pexels
The Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Area, is a stunning natural escape known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and the signature blue haze from vast eucalyptus forests. It offers breathtaking panoramic views, ancient rainforests, and diverse trails, attracting both adventure seekers and those looking for relaxation amidst nature.
Katoomba serves as the primary hub where travelers can connect. Several hostels in this town, such as YHA Blue Mountains and The Flying Fox Backpackers, provide communal spaces and a welcoming atmosphere for meeting other tourists and backpackers.
Top 6 Things to do in Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains offer a diverse array of experiences, from exploring dramatic landscapes and undertaking immersive bushwalks to discovering ancient geological wonders and engaging with local culture.
1. Three Sisters and Echo Point Lookout
Standing at Echo Point, one truly grasps the grandeur of the Three Sisters, a majestic rock formation steeped in Aboriginal legend. The panoramic vistas across the vast Jamison Valley are simply breathtaking, especially as the blue haze from the eucalyptus oil drifts across the landscape. One can easily spend time here, absorbing the views or embarking on a segment of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk for varied perspectives.
Cost: Free
Transport: From Katoomba Station, take the Blue Mountains Transit 686G bus to Echo Point Lookout, Echo Point Rd, Stand A. This takes approximately 19 minutes and costs $1-3. A taxi for the 3.1km journey costs approximately $11-14.
2. Scenic World
A visit to Scenic World offers a thrilling journey into the Jamison Valley. I found the world's steepest passenger railway an exhilarating descent, and the cableway and skyway provide incredible aerial views of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and the sprawling rainforest. Exploring the ancient temperate rainforest on the walkway at the valley floor is a wonderfully immersive experience, and the flexible seating options on the railway let one choose their adventure level.
Transport: Scenic World is located about 3km from Katoomba town centre. From Echo Point Lookout, a Blue Mountains Transit 686 bus takes 4 minutes and costs $1-2. From Katoomba Station, visitors can take a Blue Mountains Explorer or Trolley Tours bus, or a taxi.
3. Wentworth Falls & Prince Henry Cliff Walk
The natural beauty around Wentworth Falls is captivating. Walking the trails here, one encounters not just the impressive cascading waterfall but also numerous lookouts offering sweeping valley views. The Prince Henry Cliff Walk, connecting various points including Leura and Scenic World, provides a sense of discovery, with each turn revealing another stunning vista or a peaceful stretch of bushland.
Cost: Free
Transport: Wentworth Falls can be reached by train from Sydney to Wentworth Falls Station. From Katoomba, take the Blue Mountains Transit 685 bus towards North Wentworth Falls, alight at Fletcher St & Falls Rd, then walk 850m to the track.
4. Jenolan Caves
Delving into the Jenolan Caves is like stepping into another world, a truly ancient and spectacular one. The guided tours unveil a labyrinth of limestone formations, stalactites, and underground rivers that are awe-inspiring. It is a journey into the earth's history, and the nearby Blue Lake, with its distinct colour, offers a serene spot for reflection and perhaps a glimpse of a platypus.
Cost: Cave tour tickets must be purchased online in advance. Prices vary depending on the specific cave tour.
Transport: Jenolan Caves is approximately 70km from the central Blue Mountains. There is no public transport directly to Jenolan Caves from the Blue Mountains. Options include driving (approx. 1h 38m, $13-20 for fuel) or joining a guided tour from Katoomba or Sydney. Taxi from the Blue Mountains can cost $170-220. Transfer services from Katoomba are available at a set price for 2-4 people.
5. Aboriginal Cultural Experience
To truly connect with the land, I recommend an Aboriginal cultural experience. These tours provide profound insights into the ancient stories, traditions, and connection to Country of the local Aboriginal people. Learning about bush foods, medicines, and ancient customs directly from an Aboriginal guide offers a unique and enriching perspective on this World Heritage area.
Cost: Prices start from $595 per group for tailored experiences. Some day tours may include an Aboriginal walk as part of their package.
Transport: Tours often have specific meeting points or can be arranged. The 'Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout Tour' starts and finishes at Faulconbridge Train Station.
6. Explore Leura Village & Leura Cascades
Strolling through Leura village reveals its quaint charm, with appealing shops, galleries, and inviting cafes. Combining this with an easy walk to Leura Cascades is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. The gentle descent to the cascades, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of flowing water, is incredibly peaceful, making it a perfect spot for a quiet picnic.
Cost: Free
Transport: Leura Station is accessible by train. From Leura Station, it is a 1.5km walk (approx. 30 minutes) to the Leura Cascades picnic area. Local buses (e.g., 686, 690K, 698) also service the area. From Katoomba Station to Leura Cascades, a bus costs $1-2 and takes about 22 minutes.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
