One hour west of Sydney, the temperature drops, the air clears, and that distinctive blue haze begins to settle over sandstone cliffs and endless eucalypt forests. The Blue Mountains – named for the ethereal azure mist created by eucalyptus oil dispersing in sunlight – pack genuine wilderness into a remarkably accessible package just 90 minutes from the city.
With over a million hectares of UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park, 140 kilometres of marked trails, and landscapes carved over 250 million years, the region caters brilliantly to adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. The area is home to 96 eucalypt species – representing 13 per cent of all eucalypt species worldwide – alongside rare evolutionary relicts like the Wollemi pine, a ‘living fossil’ discovered in 1994 that dates back to the age of dinosaurs. Whether you fancy a day trip or week-long exploration, here are 8 of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains.
Marvel At The Three Sisters From Echo Point
Let’s address the elephant – or rather, the rock formation – in the room first. The Three Sisters at Echo Point is the most recognisable sight in the entire region, and whilst it can get crowded (especially on sunny weekends), the views genuinely justify the hype.
These towering sandstone pillars hold deep significance for the local Aboriginal community, with a Dreamtime story telling how three sisters were turned to stone to protect them from danger. The lookout offers spectacular views across both the Jamison Valley and this unique rock structure, particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset when the changing light paints the cliffs in golds and purples.
From Echo Point, you can tackle the Giant Stairway – a challenging descent of 998 steps carved into the cliff face that takes you right to the base of the Three Sisters and into the valley below. Fair warning: what goes down must come back up, and those steps feel considerably steeper on the return journey.
Explore Scenic World’s Unique Attractions
For those seeking a different perspective without the hard yakka, Scenic World offers various ways to experience the landscape that even hiking purists might appreciate. The Scenic Railway, billed as the steepest passenger railway in the world, descends 310 metres through a cliff-side tunnel into the ancient rainforest. It’s genuinely thrilling.
The Scenic Skyway glides 270 metres above the valley floor, offering panoramic views of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and Mount Solitary. For those who fancy combining perspectives, the Scenic Walkway provides an elevated boardwalk experience through the rainforest canopy before you ascend via the Cableway. Whilst these attractions require paid entry, they make the Blue Mountains accessible to visitors of all abilities and provide perspectives you simply can’t get from ground level.
Hike The Grand Canyon Track
Near Blackheath, the Grand Canyon Track delivers one of the Blue Mountains’ most spectacular walks. This 6.3-kilometre loop takes you deep into a narrow canyon where massive sandstone walls tower overhead, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere enhanced by lush ferns, golden wattles, and trickling creeks.
The track features numerous semi-ledges and rocky sections, but it’s one of the few canyon walks that doesn’t require specialist equipment or technical skills. Starting from Evans Lookout, you’ll descend into cool, moist rainforest where the temperature drops noticeably and the soundscape shifts to bird calls and running water. The recently renovated sections make navigation straightforward, though the steep portions at the beginning and end remind you this is proper bushwalking territory.
Allow around four hours for the full circuit, and consider the walk more magical after rain when waterfalls are flowing and the ferns glisten.
Discover Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls village might be quieter than Katoomba, but it punches well above its weight for natural spectacle. The eponymous waterfall plunges 300 metres in stages, and several excellent walks let you experience it from multiple angles.
The Wentworth Pass Loop is particularly rewarding, taking you via a series of lookouts to Fletcher’s Lookout where the full majesty of the falls becomes apparent. You can descend further to the Valley of the Waters, where a series of smaller cascades and swimming holes await (the water is bracingly cold year-round). The track passes beneath the falls themselves – bring a jacket, as the spray can be substantial.
For those wanting to combine walks, the National Pass historically offered an incredible cliff-edge route carved into the rock face.
Experience Aboriginal Culture At Red Hands Cave
The Blue Mountains hold profound significance for Aboriginal peoples, with six groups having connection to this Country. Near Glenbrook, Red Hands Cave features one of the finest displays of Aboriginal hand stencils anywhere in the region – some dating back up to 1,600 years.
The two-hour return walk from the car park takes you through open forest before arriving at a rock overhang where dozens of ochre handprints cover the walls. These aren’t just historical curiosities; they represent a living connection to tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal occupation. The gallery includes both adult and children’s hands, offering a poignant reminder of the families who sheltered here.
Please don’t touch the artwork or use flash photography, as both can damage these irreplaceable cultural treasures. If you fancy a swim after your cultural immersion, the Blue Pool and Jellybean Pool are both accessible via short detours from the main track, offering refreshing spots to cool off after exploring this fascinating outdoor discovery.
Venture Into Jenolan Caves
Approximately 90 minutes drive from Katoomba (and worth every minute), the Jenolan Caves represent one of the world’s oldest and most impressive limestone cave systems – around 340 million years old, in fact.
The honeycomb network of caverns features spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and unique rock formations created over eons. Guided tours range from gentle walks through lit passages to more adventurous cave climbing in lesser-known sections. The Temple of Baal cave tour is particularly impressive, whilst the Orient Cave offers stunning crystalline formations.
Above ground, don’t miss the Jenolan River Walk – a pleasant family-friendly trail through the forest with small waterfalls and a suspension bridge. The bright turquoise waters of the Blue Lake are worth the short detour, and Carlotta Arch at the walk’s end provides excellent photo opportunities.
For those wanting expert guidance on experiencing both the caves and the broader region’s geological wonders, nature-inspired Blue Mountains exploration tours can provide comprehensive itineraries with insider knowledge about the area’s natural and Aboriginal history.
Take The Six Foot Track
For those seeking a proper multi-day adventure, the Six Foot Track is one of Australia’s classic bushwalks. This 42-kilometre route follows an 1884 horse track (built wide enough for horse-drawn vehicles – hence the name) from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves.
The three-day journey descends into Megalong Valley, passes through eucalypt forests and open farmland, crosses rivers, and climbs through varied terrain that showcases the Blue Mountains’ diversity. You’ll need to arrange camping equipment and transport (unless you fancy walking back), but the sense of genuine wilderness immersion is unmatched.
Several companies offer supported walks with gear transport and meals if you prefer a guided experience. The track attracts a steady stream of walkers year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures for sustained hiking.
Explore Blackheath & Govetts Leap
Often overlooked in favour of Katoomba and Leura, Blackheath deserves serious attention. The town sits higher and cooler than its neighbours, with excellent access to some of the most dramatic lookouts and walks in the entire region.
Govetts Leap lookout offers sweeping views over Grose Valley and the 180-metre Bridal Veil Falls. The Blue Mountains Heritage Centre nearby provides excellent exhibitions on the area’s World Heritage status, geology, and Aboriginal significance – well worth a visit before you hit the trails.
From Govetts Leap, both the Cliff Top Trail and Pulpit Rock Walking Track showcase the valley’s grandeur with relatively gentle gradients. For something more challenging, the descent into the Grose Valley via Rodriguez Pass takes you into genuine wilderness where you might not see another soul all day – the kind of free outdoor experience in spectacular natural settings that makes travel genuinely rewarding.
Blackheath’s dining scene has developed a reputation that rivals anywhere in the mountains. After a long day’s walking, settling into one of the town’s quality restaurants feels genuinely earned.
The Bottom Line
The Blue Mountains deliver that rare combination of spectacular natural beauty and genuine accessibility. Whether you’re scrambling down the Giant Stairway, contemplating ancient Aboriginal art, marvelling at 340-million-year-old caves, or simply soaking in panoramic views from a clifftop lookout, this UNESCO World Heritage Area offers experiences that linger long after you’ve returned to sea level.
The eucalyptus-scented air, that distinctive blue haze, the sense of ancient geological time – it all combines to create something genuinely special just 90 minutes from Australia’s largest city.
With proper preparation, respect for the environment, and perhaps some expert local guidance, the Blue Mountains offer an escape into wilderness that feels almost impossibly close to Sydney. Pack your walking boots, charge your camera, and discover why this corner of New South Wales has captured imaginations for generations with its natural wonders.
