Blue Mountains: Day Trips and Tours from Sydney

Explore the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains in a spectacular highland as you rise above the sky on Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney. The dramatic scenery engages you into the romantic comfort of mighty waterfalls that trickle seamlessly between the mountain ranges as you peek over the wide eucalyptus forests.

Discover the thrill and excitement of riding the steepest passenger railway in the world with a 52-degree incline! Behold the scenic views of the rainforest canopy through the glass floor of the Skyway as you glide past from one cliff to the other.

Relish the magic of relaxation in a laid-back setting as you take on the venturesome bushwalking trails where you truly have the freedom to embrace these cherishable moments for an entire lifetime. What’s more; savor a delectable restaurant lunch as you set your eyes on the beautiful Jamison Valley! Bring your day tour to a memorable end whilst driving to Echo Point, which proffers an unforgettable view of the storied ‘Three Sisters’ sandstone rock formation.

How to get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney?

The Blue Mountains is a day trip of a lifetime just 90 minutes west of beautiful Sydney. There are a few ways to plan your Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney based on how you’ll reach the nature area:

By Car: It takes between an hour and an hour of a half to reach the Blue Mountains from Sydney. Therefore, you can rent a car to make the drive yourself.

By Bus: Taking a shuttle bus to the Blue Mountains is more convenient as you don’t have to worry about tracking down a rental car or following directions.

By Train: Another option is to take a train from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Sydney has trains that depart daily; however, due to the rocky terrain, you won’t save that much time in travel, unlike to other destinations. Regardless, the views from a train are spectacular of the Blue Mountains.

How long does it take to get from Sydney to the Blue Mountains?

It takes between an hour and an hour and a half to reach the Blue Mountains from the metropolis. Sydney is a large city, so it does depend on where exactly you are staying in the area. Furthermore, the ascent up to the Blue Mountains can involve changing weather so prepare for variations in travel times depending on the day or time of the year.

How much does a Sydney tour from the Blue Mountains cost?

The cost of a Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney depends on the type of tour and how long you are away from Sydney. You may find below the most popular options.

Blue Mountains Guided Tours

Blue Mountains guided tours are the most affordable way to get to paradise in nature in a single day. Day tours include transportation and sometimes lunch, depending on the tour package. Blue Mountains tours are affordable at about $80.

Blue Mountains + River Tours

Schedule a river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to tour the impressive Blue Mountains. The cruise takes you down the river as you appreciate a unique perspective of the towering forest from a distance. Cruise trips average between $80 and $150 depending on the package.

Blue Mountains + Cave Tours

Cave tours take you into the popular Jenolan Caves or Red Hands Cave. The guided tours are the only way to see the caves to prevent you from getting lost or trapped in the tight spots. Cave tours range between $100 and $125.

Combined Tours

Tours of the Blue Mountains often get combined with many of the other amenities in the area. For example, you can combine a guided tour with a river cruise or cable car ride. Others include stops at the Featherdale Wildlife Park or Sydney Zoo. Combined tours range in price depending on the stops ($100-$165).

When is the best time to visit the Blue Mountains?

The Blue Mountains are like other places in nature with four distinct seasons. Every season in Mother Nature offers its advantages and disadvantages. Most visitors will find the summer months (December to February) the most pleasant in terms of temperature.

The best season, however, is autumn (March to May) where foliage changes colors and temperatures are accommodating. The spring is also beautiful while the winter (June to August) produces its unique environment and scenery.

What are the best things to see and do in the Blue Mountains?

Here are some of the best things to see and do on your Blue Mountains adventure outside Sydney.

Sightseeing

As you would probably expect with a mountain range titled the Blue Mountains, you are going to see some breathtaking sights. The number one reason to visit the Blue Mountains is the scenery. The short drive from the metropolis of Sydney is well worth the day trip.

Hiking

The Blue Mountains offer countless hiking opportunities. It doesn’t matter your skill level as there are short or long hikes for everyone. Just make sure you are in physical condition to tackle these beautiful yet demanding mountains.

Cave Exploring

The Blue Mountains are part of a scenic west coast of Australia that profiles such a diverse landscape. Not too far to the west is the sea which takes travelers to other parts of the world. Cave exploring is a fun way to take a guided tour underneath the outdoor paradise.

River Cruise

When you are on vacation, you should feel like you are on cruise control mode. Nothing accommodates that feeling better than an easy-going river cruise that provides outstanding views of the Blue Mountains and surrounding nature.

Scenic World Railway

The Katoomba Scenic Railway is for tourists to take a unique journey through the terrain of the Blue Mountains. The railway was originally used for mining and takes you through sandstone cliffs and a rock tunnel. The other option is the Scenic Skyway, which like the name implies, takes you up above the mountains on a glass-bottom aerial cable car.

Other Fun Attractions

The outdoors isn’t for everyone, including families that need to take frequent stops for children. Thankfully, the Blue Mountains also cater to those types of travelers with a museum, spas, train and cable car rides, and nearby golf course.

Are there any other places to visit on the way from Sydney to the Blue Mountains?

Here are nearby places to visit during your Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney:

Mountain Towns

The Blue Mountains are home to several small towns and villages, many of which cater to tourists as they help support the local economy. The most popular towns include Katoomba, Mount Victoria, Blackheath, and Springwood.

The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters is the most iconic natural landmarks of Australia. The Three Sisters define the area around Katoomba, and you can see them from the mountain town. The unusual rock formation offers hikes in the area too.

The Edge Cinema

The Edge Cinema is another popular stop along the Blue Mountains. It offers some of the best panoramic views of the Blue Mountains from a convenient place for visitors that don’t want or have the time to hike miles in a single day.

Jenolan Caves

The Jenolan Caves are available for guided tours and other ways to explore the gorgeous limestone caves. It is a refreshing break from life above ground during your Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney. The Red Hands Cave is another option for underground explorers.

Museums

The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum is located in Faulconbridge. Another place that is great to take families is the Toy and Railway Museum in Leura. One other option is the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Travel Tips

• Mother Nature changes without warning. The Blue Mountains are a beautiful place to visit, but with that comes varying weather. Just because the forecast calls for warm and dry in Sydney doesn’t mean the weather can change without much notice up in the Blue Mountains. Plan for changing temperatures by bringing layers.
• Protect your skin from the sun. The Blue Mountains are at a high elevation with more direct exposure to the sun. Consequently, always bring plenty of sunscreen, protection from the sun (hat, glasses, etc.), and water to stay hydrated.
• Respect wildlife to avoid unwanted encounters. You may see wildlife in their native habitat while visiting the Blue Mountains. Most animals are most scared of you than you are of them. However, invading their territory or trying to feed them human food is not recommended or safe.