Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Guide to the Blue Mountains
Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a place of misty valleys, epic forests, incredible hiking and waterfalls, with mountain villages nestled in between.
The Blue Mountains at a glance: Top experiences
- Rock formations: See the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, which overlooks the Jamison Valley.
- Scenic World: Ride thrilling cablecars and railways at Scenic World, and marvel at the nature that passes by.
- Hiking trails: Explore walking trails through World Heritage-listed wilderness, including the Pulpit Walking Track and the Grand Canyon Track.
- Quaint villages: Discover charming mountain villages like Katoomba and Leura.
- Elegant lodgings: Stay overnight, or enjoy a high tea, at the Hydro Majestic.
The foothills of the Blue Mountains are an easy one-hour drive west of Sydney, with the central Blue Mountains towns of Katoomba and Leura a further 30 minutes west.
- Sydney Airport (113km/85mi from Katoomba); international and domestic arrivals
- Hire cars are available at the airport, Sydney city locations and Katoomba
- Inter-city trains to the Blue Mountains depart from Sydney's Central Station; from Central to Katoomba it's a two-hour train ride
Once you’re in the mountains, public transport options include trains and some buses, while the hop on/hop off Blue Mountains Explorer Bus runs in a loop between Katoomba and Leura. To explore the Greater Blue Mountains in depth, though, you'll need your own car.
While the Blue Mountains has a temperate rather than alpine climate, winters are chilly, with occasional light snowfall, so pack layers for sunny days and cold nights. In late spring, around October and November, you'll enjoy warm, dry conditions for bushwalking. Late autumn, around May, and the winter months can also deliver good bushwalking weather.
- High season: Summer (December to February)
- Low season: Winter (June to August)
- Don’t miss: The Blue Mountains’ many cool-climate gardens, which light up with colourful leaves in autumn and bright blooms in spring.
Travellers of all abilities can witness the beauty of the Blue Mountains and the iconic Three Sisters.
- Arrival: Choose from a range of wheelchair-accessible private charters and tours to reach the Blue Mountains from Sydney, or use the Trip Planner tool for accessible train services departing from Sydney’s Central Station.
- Getting around: Public bus route 685 is wheelchair accessible and will take you from Katoomba to Echo Point and Scenic World. Most taxi providers in the area also offer accessible services; request at the time of booking.
- Accessible experience highlights: You can get amongst nature on a range of wheelchair-friendly trails throughout Blue Mountains National Park. See the sights from above on the accessible Scenic World Skyway and Cableway, or hit all the highlights on a wheelchair-friendly Australia in Style tour.
- Helpful resources: Use this accessible guide from the Blue Mountains City Council for tips on things to do and information about getting around.
