Woodford is a village in the Blue Mountains, about 90 km west of Sydney. The 2006 census…read morepopulation was 1,967 at an elevation of 1998 feet (609 metres). Hey, that's one person per foot if you stacked 'em on top of each other (make sure you pick the right partners on that one). Woodford is situated on the Great Western Highway as all these train towns are. Woodford station opened in 1868 as Buss's Platform on the Main Western railway line served by CityRail's Blue Mountain trains - the long, sleek ones - not the slower city trains. In 1996 the new Stationmaster Chris Parr gave his baby a face-lift. Maybe since he had to hang out there so often he wanted the place to be nice. Wouldn't it be nice if more work places were aesthetic, instead of stark buildings that make money for someone who lives in a nice home someplace? Anyways, as chief cook and bottle-washer, Chris dug up the weed-entangled garden beds and some local residents started donating plants and seedlings. They are proud of Woodford station now as the best looking station in the Mountains. From the platform you have expansive views of the Grose Valley north to Mt Tomah. Mr. Parr has earned four stars for Woodford station, probably the first four star average for a station since Circular Quay was first reviewed by the beautiful Mela S. and another Yelper.

Leura station opened in 1890. From the street you take the stairs down to the island platform. A…read moremountain town feel at this small station. There's something a little stark about the main street of Katoomba. But you don't get that feeling on Leura's main street of Leura Mall. We would sometimes get off the mountain train here instead of Katoomba and walk down to Echo Point and beyond. A triffle further of a walk, but more pleasant in leaps and bounds. A whole different experience really. There's been some battles to keep this town quaint, but the people with the white hats seem to be winning. Eternal vigilance in a quiet town to keep it quiet. The historic streetscape has been largely preserved, and the median is planted with cherry trees. Leura is also known as 'the Garden Village' and every October springs the Leura Gardens Festival. There's also the Leura Village Fair at that time. Photography is a big thing around here. A friend used to work at the photography store here.

The area is pretty. The hotel just feels strange...examples, the shop for gifts and snacks was…read morenever open. Only option for breakfast was a buffet. I wanted a bottle of water and a coffee but that didn't seem possible. I asked for ketchup for my chips and was told it was around the corner. I didn't see any so had to ask at the bar and it was in the fridge behind the bar. Overall, staff were friendly.

Me and my dad have gone 2 times as a walk in to the buffet and the second time they were all like…read morehi guests welcome and we told them we weren't going as guests and thay were saying we don't usually let walk in's in and implied they could and might stop us from going in so dad said he could because the website said so so they let us in but the food was very good try the danish pastries goodbye

Located at the end of Katoomba's main street - and right next door to an Aldis - this charming and…read morefriendly hostel is a pleasant place to enjoy a weekend in the Blue Mountains. Think carefully - this is a *hostel* and not a hotel. So, it will not have all the amenities certain types of travelers will demand. But, if you're a low- key, easy-going adventurous type who likes a clean room, a fun youthful vibe and an interesting Arts and Crafts Lodge-y styled decor, then I recommend a stay. Our room was ensuite (translation for US folks - bathroom/shower in room) and was immaculate. We stored wine and cheese in the communal fridge with no problems and used the large, coin- operated lockers on our last day to store luggage during one last hike (hostels are great, but remember the old adage - "there's at least one thief in every hostel") and enjoyed the sunset -with a glass of wine - from the back patio. Overall could not have been more pleased with this location. PS - Do be advised that the way back to the train station is *uphill* so give yourself a few more minutes.

Summary: Clean, comfortable hostel with good service…read more This is an excellent base for hiking in the Blue Mountains. Staff was very welcoming and helpful in providing advice about trails suitable for the limited time I had in Katoomba and where to buy groceries from a good local organic coop. The room was comfortable; bathroom was clean; showers were hot with good water pressure; kitchen was well-supplied and clean; lots of space to hang out; okay book exchange, but that's not really something within the hostel's control; and location is an easy walk to start hiking down into the valley and back up the Giant Stairway.

Terrible experience. Foggy all day long, and we couldn't see a thing. The route drivers said to…read morestay on the bus route and be patient because the fog would clear. It never did. We wasted an entire day of our vacation, and we didn't see any of the Blue Mountains. We asked the person behind the desk if we would get a refund or a discount on a future trip, and she said she just worked there. She didn't know about that. She could have cared less. We contacted customer service, and they did nothing. There are lots of other companies in the Blue Mountains. Use one of them instead.

I intended to go to Blue Mountains and hike around myself, but am glad I decided to do this tour!…read moreThe cheapest option was bus only which cost $45. Other options including the sky rail were $90+. I honestly think this tour was the best way to see Blue Mountains as the park is massive. There's no way you can do it walking around on your own. I truly believe that tour guides can make or break your trip. We had the opportunity to ride with Jimmy most of our day. He's truly the most genuine and sweetest tour guides I've ever met. Not to mention he's super knowledgeable and is funny without being cheesy. He told us the ins and outs of each stop giving us advice and recommendations. You'll be given a map with each stop clearly labeled with photos and descriptions. Don't lose this as it also has the timetable for bus pick ups. Generally there will be a bus pick-up every half hour. Also they're always on time if not a bit early! If they're early they'll wait for the appropriate time to continue. Tip: If you do 15-16 and do the hike to Honeymoon Bridge and Three Sisters DO NOT walk all the way down the Grand Stairs (900 steps). We walked all the way down and ended up having to walk all the way back up... I suppose we got our exercise in for the day. Once you see the platform you walk back to Echo Point.