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At the edge of Australia’s largest city discover the Blue Mountains, a tempting combination of breathtaking nature, romantic accommodation, fine restaurants and indulgent shopping. It’s the perfect place to re-connect with nature and rejuvenate the soul in Australia’s most accessible wilderness.

World Heritage Wonder

The Blue Mountains World Heritage area is one of the Australia’s natural wonders. Stretching for over one million hectares it is an inspiring mix of rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heathlands, commencing less than 90 minutes from central Sydney.

The region has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. At Katoomba, the Three Sisters gaze out to the imposing presence of Mount Solitary. Mountain streams flow through beautiful river gorges or tumble over the escarpment in stunning waterfall displays.

From Govetts Leap majestic views of the Grose Valley stretch off to the distance. Kanangra Walls has some of the largest cliffs in Australia, while Pearsons Lookout provides unforgettable vistas of Capertee Valley, the widest canyon in the world.

How to Get There & Get Around

• Freeways provide direct road links from Sydney.
• Regular train services from Sydney’s Central Station get you into the heart of the Mountains in less than 2 hours.
• A range of coach and four wheel drive operators offer day and extended tours from Sydney.
• Charter services and airport transfers can also be arranged
• Once in the Mountains, Explorer Bus services link key attractions.

Nature and Wildlife

The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is home to 10% of Australia’s biodiversity.

The region is a birdwatchers paradise. Yellow-tailed black cockatoos are a spectacular sight, while king parrots, crimson rosellas, gang-gang cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets provide a flash of colour through the trees.

At dawn and dusk eastern grey kangaroos can be seen in large numbers at places such as Euroka Clearing or the Kedumba Valley.

The region is home to over 100 different types of eucalypt species, from towering Blue Gum forests in the valleys to the beauty of Snow Gums on the upper peaks. In the deep sheltered valleys remnants of warm temperate rainforests can be found.

Uplifting Adventures

The Blue Mountains region is a playground for adventurers. Whether its fishing or hiking, climbing or cycling, the major problem is squeezing it all into one visit.

The region has one of the best walking trail networks in the country, from gentle rambles, to longer walks deep into the wilderness. The Megalong Valley offers some of Australia’s best horse riding, while endless mountain bike trails wind through the wilderness.

For millions of years nature has carved the rugged sandstone escarpments and outcrops of the Blue Mountains into the perfect platform for rock sports of every kind.
Rockclimbers from all over the world ascend the region’s sheer sandstone cliffs, which double as awesome abseiling walls. Canyoners abseil, swim and jump down the watery pathways of mountain streams. If you want to head underground, explore some of the best show caves in Australia at Jenolan Caves, or don a hard hat for a spot of adventure caving..

Things to Do

• Walking operators offer guided nature or Aboriginal cultural tours. Some even offer a luggage delivery service so you can walk from one guest house to another.
• At Scenic World descend on a cable car to a rainforest boardwalk.
• View an ancient Wollemi Pine at Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens
• Knowledgeable local operators can help you explore the region on horseback, by four wheel drive vehicle or coach.
• For the more adventurous go out with one of our experienced adventure operators for fantastic mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning or abseiling.
• To try before you buy, take a virtual adventure tour at the Edge Giant Screen Cinema in Katoomba

Relax and unwind

Discover why Sydneysiders escape to the Blue Mountains to be pampered.

Enjoy aromatherapy, massage and beauty treatments in one of the region’s health spas. If you like to combine fine food with breathtaking views, the Blue Mountains has some of the best dining experiences in Australia.

The region’s quaint villages are filled with art galleries, antique emporiums and fine craft stores. The shopping is excellent, reflected in the works of local artists, from painters and photographers, to sculptors, wood turners, potters and glass blowers.

Golfers can choose from a range of challenging courses. The 14th at Leura Golf Club is arguably one of Australia’s most scenic golf holes.

Vibrant events

Colourful festivals celebrate the region’s distinct seasons from the vibrant Winter Magic parade to the floral festivals staged in October and November.

In autumn, Katoomba hosts one of the best Blues and Roots festivals in Australia, the Kowmung Music Festival stages classical music in local cow sheds, and Food and Wine with Altitude, features the wines of Central New South Wales with some of our best local cuisine.

History & Nostalgia

The Blue Mountains is full of hidden delights that take visitors back to a bygone age.

The region is a mecca for antique collectors with a range of emporiums offering everything from furniture and china, to antique toys.

At Clarence on the western escarpment, the Zig Zag Railway provides train buffs young and old with a fabulous taste of yesteryear.

Historic hotels and guest houses offer old fashioned hospitality with the charm and opulence of yesteryear while old time cafes, like the Paragon, still make their famous homemade chocolates.

Events & Markets

More than just a day tour destination

Staying overnight in the Blue Mountains is a must to fully enjoy our outdoor experiences, restaurants and galleries, and spectacular national parks.

Accommodation to suit every need

Whether it's a luxurious hotel, a charming guesthouse or an inexpensive cottage, you'll find Blue Mountains accommodation to suit every budget or need.

The region is known for its indulgent bed and breakfasts and historic guest houses. A range of eco lodges provide easy access to bushwalking trailheads. For a spot of pampering choose from a selection of luxury resorts or boutique hotels.

Self Contained Serviced Apartments provide the perfect base for families or larger groups while for the budget conscious the region has a great range of value priced Motels, Cabins and Youth Hostel accommodation.

After dark

The Blue Mountains are more than just a day tour destination.

Sunrises and sunsets are stunning, and the best times to take photos or see wildlife.

Book an escarpment view table at one of our renowned local restaurants and enjoy a spectacular sunset, or a candle lit dinner.

After dark, take a glow worm tour with a local guide, admire the brilliant night sky at a small intimate observatory, or marvel at the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls by moonlight.

Why visit the Blue Mountains

• Breathtaking landscapes and World Heritage wilderness are less than 2 hours from Sydney by car, coach or train.
• The region offers terrific shopping, great restaurants and indulgent day spas and resorts.
• We recommend at least 2-3 days in the region to truly get the most out of their visit.
• Midweek stays are recommended, to avoid the Sydney weekend crowds.
• Operators offer a full range of general sightseeing, adventure and nature based tours, either departing from Sydney, or from your hotel in the Blue Mountains.
• There is accommodation to suit every style and budget.

Special Interest

• The Blue Mountains is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Australia.
• The World Heritage Area is home to approximately 100 species of Eucalypt, and rare species such as the ancient Wollemi Pine.
• The Blue Mountains is one of best locations in the world for adventure activities such as rockclimbing, abseiling and canyoning.
• Jenolan Caves is one of the oldest cave systems in the world.
• Educational courses in English language, environmental studies, horticulture and hospitiality are offered by institutions such as Blue Mountains TAFE, the World Heritage Institute and the International Hotel School.
• The Blue Mountains is known as the City of the Arts for its vibrant artistic community, excellent art galleries and unique festivals.
• The region is known for its European gardens which provide spectacular springtime and autumn displays.
• The Blue Mountains are in easy reach of the wine regions of Central New South Wales (ie Mudgee, Orange, Cowra, Bathurst, Oberon)