The magnificent Blue Mountains are only 50 kilometres to the west of Sydney. They are one of Australia’s most beautiful natural areas made up of 7 separate National Parks and covering around 10,000 square kilometres and host numerous waterfalls, forested valleys and cliffs.
Echo Point – The Three Sisters
Echo Point's clifftop platform offers a magical view of the area’s most essential sight - a rocky trio called the Three Sisters. The Three Sisters are an unusual rock formation representing three sisters who, according to Aboriginal legend were turned to stone. The sunlight brings out the magnificent colours of the rocks which changes depending on the time of the day and time of year.
Walking Trails
The Blue Mountains provides an idyllic setting for experienced and novice bushwalkers alike, encompassing many well-marked walking trails surrounded by soaring eucalypt trees, bird calls and fresh mountain air.
Follow the original 1884 horse track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves on the 45 km Six Foot Track. Become immersed in the history of the Megalong Valley, passing the site of the last recorded Gundungurra corroboree (Aboriginal dance ceremony). Find the secluded Boonie Doon Falls and marvel at the steep cliff walls of Nellie's Glen.
Alternatively, take the easy 1.8 kilometre Princes Rock Walk to a lookout over Wentworth Falls, Kings Tableland and Mount Solitary.
To get a real sense of the mountain environment, you can camp in the park. Alternatively, there is a vast range of more comfortable accommodation available in the Blue Mountains for those wishing to extend their stay and settle in.
Jenolan Caves
The limestone Jenolan Caves are one of the most extensive, accessible and complex systems in the world, a vast network that is still being explored. Several caves are open to the public, and tours cycle between them. With 11 spectacular show caves, underground rivers and formations, Jenolan Caves are among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world. Tours of the caves are available.
Waradah Aboriginal Centre
This gallery and shop displays some exceptional examples of Aboriginal art including painted boomerangs and didgeridoos. The centre has dance and didgeridoo shows held throughout the day. The original artworks are by Aboriginal artists from around Australia.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre features the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery and the captivating World Heritage Exhibition, devoted to educating people about the distinctive surrounding environment. Built on the highest point in Katoomba with panoramic views of the World Heritage area, it links to the main shopping precinct on Katoomba Street.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa
The One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa is Australia’s first luxury wildlife and conservation-based resort. Built around a restored 1832 homestead, the resort is made up of free-standing suites with private terraces and swimming pools. Located within the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains, the resort occupies just one percent of its own 7,000-acre conservancy. The Wolgan Valley is approximately 26 kilometres long and seven kilometres wide.
Scenic World
Scenic World is home to the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest incline railway, descending more than 400 metres down the escarpment the glass-roofed carriage descends through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging into ancient rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor. This thrilling ride is a huge hit with children. You can also ride the Scenic Skyway gondola across Jamison Valley, taking in views of the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary and Katoomba Falls.
Seasonal Activities
Every season brings unique festivals and events to the Blue Mountains. In Winter there is Yulefest and Winter Magic, Spring brings the Leura Gardens Festival and in Summer, the Wild about Waratahs and the Rhodo Festival.
Townships
Some of the most picturesque of the villages in the Blue Mountains are Mt Wilson, Leura, Blackheath, Mount Vic, Katoomba and Wentworth Falls.
Leura Mall is probably the most popular street for browsing. It's particularly nice in Spring, when the row of cherry blossoms line the median strip. Leura is now as popular as Katoomba and around half the size. It is famous for its many gardens of which although are privately owned, are open to the public. The Everglades Gardens is owned by the National Trust and open all year round. Like the other towns in the Blue Mountains, great walks, lookouts and breathtaking scenery is what Leura is all about.
Dine
Renowned for its innovative cuisine and fine wines, the Blue Mountains is home to award-winning, top-rated restaurants offering an abundance of culinary delights with committed chefs. Perched on the edge of the Blue Mountains, Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience that showcases the region’s fresh local produce.
Mount Tomah Botanic Garden
Sitting at 1,000m above sea level, this 252-hectare garden is Australia’s highest botanic Garden and home to a world class collection of plants from the cooler southern hemisphere. With thousands of plants from the southern hemisphere and around the world, the Garden features a world class collection of cool climate plants grouped according to their geographical origin.