Though they can get quite crowded, the Blue Mountains is undoubtedly worth a visit. The view from Echo Point is stunning, especially with the vast expanse of the Blue Mountains stretching forever in the distance. Named for the blue haze created by the eucalyptus trees, the Blue Mountains are renowned for their dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and lush valleys. If you're a nature and scenery lover, this is for you. read more

Blue Mountains National Park - Parks Near Me - Katoomba, NSW

The Blue Mountains are a gorgeous natural area just a short drive away from Sydney - you should absolutely work this into your itinerary! This mountain range's name doesn't lie - the mountains are absolutely blue, whether that's from their geological nature or the mist and sunlight tricking the eye (or a little bit of both), it's all beautiful and vast. There are so many natural wonders to see within the Blue Mountains, including the Three Sisters rock formation, countless amazing waterfalls, and tons of flora and fauna to see. The main vegetation in the Blue Mountains is eucalyptus, but you'll see a few other cool trees and vines/growth. The fauna is even better, with dingoes, skinks, kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. We saw lots of skinks scurrying around the entrance to the Jenolan Caves, and also spotted a wombat there! The Jenolan Caves are absolutely beautiful, and the hike through them is pretty easy (just a little tight at times), while offering an adventure-filled day. There is also the Blue Lake, right outside the caves, which was an impossibly turquoise lake that dazzled the yes. When we were driving through other areas of the Blue Mountains, we happened upon a small wallaby. We kept our distance and she didn't approach us too closely either. When we did zoom in a bit with our cameras, we notice she had a baby Joey in her pouch! Such a cool thing to see (from afar). So when you're planning your Sydney activities, definitely don't leave off The Blue Mountains, either via a tour or self-drive, especially if you're a fan of nature, wildlife, and hiking! read more

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Absolutely spectacular!! Part of the adventure in traveling for me is the research of what to see and do in the area. I had no idea about this area. It popped up as a day trip from Sydney. It could really be way more than a day trip if you wanted. Leaving the Circular Quay area, it's about an hour and a half or 70 miles almost west to the Blue Mountains. I started on the southeast rim at Lincoln's Rock. My first view of the Jamison Valley was breathtaking as I hike the short trail to the lookout point. The sheer sandstone ridges and cliffs covered in all the trees. Depending on the lighting and time of day they have a blue cast. Then through Katoomba to Scenic World. Here I stood where Queen Elizabeth II stood as we both admired the Three Sisters. This iconic rock formation has a great Aboriginal history to it. Another great trail to hike around to the Sisters for a closer view. Then a ride down into the valley via an updated coal train. On the valley floor more intriguing sights- Australian birds, small animals, lush plants and gorgeous rocky terrain. The area under Scenic World was once old coal mining tunnels. So on occasion you get a glimpse of the past. SW also offers a glass floor tram to take you across the canopy of the valley. A cable car ride from the valley over to the Katoomba Falls. Another beautiful spot to stop and rest and take in the scenery. I enjoyed a late lunch in nearby Katoomba. Next I need to spend a bit more time there. Then headed the northwest rim of the valley for more hiking and views. A short stop in the quaint village of Luera. Then wrapped up the day with one last hike down to Wentworth Fall. In the area there is 87 miles of well marked trails to enjoy, but I don't recommend straying off them. Late December the weather was absolutely perfect. Not to hot, yet warm enough for shorts. Travel with water. Restrooms were fairly easy to find. You can take the train up from the city. I chose a driver that doubled as my guide and history teacher. read more

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Failed experience, we saw absolutely nothing. It was no one's fault of course, we just had bad weather. I guess we will just have to come back one day to see it =] read more

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While on vacation in Sydney, I decided it would be nice to get out of the city for a day, so we rented a car and drove to the Blue Mountains. I had been there once before about 15 years earlier. I didn't remember much of it, but this seemed to be the best option for a day trip from Sydney. Our first stop in the park was Euroka Clearing, south of Glenbrook, where we heard was a good place to spot kangaroos in the wild. We didn't see any, but it was nice to see the vegetation in the area. Maybe we were there at the wrong time of year for kangaroos (late May). From there we went deeper into the park to see the Red Hands Cave. The cave itself was quite small, but you could clearly see the outlines of the hands people had painted long ago. I found it fascinating that many of them are estimated to be thousands of years old! Then, We went to Katoomba to Echo Point and saw the Three Sisters. By the time we got there it had clouded up and I wasn't expecting the greatest view, but I was surprised. The valley below us was huge and appeared to be a totally unspoiled wilderness. We were also up a lot higher than I thought we'd be. On top of this, the sun was shining through a thin layer of clouds right onto the Three Sisters, making it beautiful. But there's more to the Blue Mountains than the Three Sisters. After that, essentially drove along the top of the cliff overlooking the valley below. We stopped at some overlooks for more great views. I did some research and found a good waterfall to stop and see, Wentworth Falls. Well, that didn't work out. Although there are several waterfalls in the area, most require a hike to get to; these are the things Google Maps doesn't tell you. From where we stood on top of the cliff, the waterfall as we saw it was more like a stream running down a steep hill in a clearing. If we had the time, we could have hiked 20 minuets (one way?) to get a better, closer view, or even farther to the base of the falls. The bottom line is this, Blue Mountains National Park is a beautiful place and makes for a great day trip from Sydney. There's lots to see and do and I would recommend it if you have the desire to leave the city. read more

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