As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Located an hours drive from Sydney or nine hours from Melbourne in my case, are the magnificent Blue Mountains. Jaw dropping and spectacular, I couldn’t wait to over indulge in it’s beauty over the next three days. These are the Blue Mountains highlights.
[wpgmza id=”9″]
I had been here before, a lifetime ago and was just as excited this time round. Generally a beach destination kinda gal, I needed somewhere less chaotic during the summer months. A place I could get back to nature, the Blue Mountains provided that ten fold.
Blue Mountains Highlights
THE THREE SISTERS – ECHO POINT LOOKOUT
“it’s beauty on steroids”
Undoubtedly the most impressive Blue Mountains attraction.
This incredible overview is dramatic and widely expansive. The mountains dominate the horizon as far as the eye can see with the Three Sisters in the fore front . These unusual rock formations draw thousands of tourists each and every year.
I suggest if you are staying in the area to visit a couple of different times of the day. The view never tires and you can experience it in different lights such as early morning and late afternoon.
THE GIANT STAIRWAY
If you are looking for a challenge, this might be it!
The Giant Stairway is the starting point to seeing the Three Sisters close up. But it extends way beyond out. Descend 300 metres into the Jamison valley below via over 800 steps.
Head through Federal Pass at an easy and leisurely pace before coming to the Scenic World railway which will take back up the mountain. Last train leaves at 4.50 pm. Alternately you can opt to hike it all the way back up.
This is deemed a challenging walk though a reasonable amount of fitness should get you through just fine. Take plenty of water and good walking or hiking shoes.
SCENIC WORLD
“take it all in from different vantage points”
For a day with a difference head to Katoomba and enjoy the activities at Scenic World.
Open every day of the year it is best accessed early morning when ticket lines are not over crowded. We arrived 9 am sharp Christmas morning and were able to get on everything first try. Come any later than 11 am and you may find yourself in a frustrating queue as many reviews suggest.
Your ticket allows you unlimited access to the following:
Skyway : Spanning from one cliff top to the other, the Skyway takes in a glorious view of Katoomba Falls. If you have arrived early, jump on this first as it’s where everyone else will head also.
Railway : jump on the steepest railway in the world. Choose how far to recline your seat depending on your comfort level, the drop is steep. This ride takes under 2 minutes.
Walkway: once you exit the train there is a 2.4 km easy walk to take on an elevated board walk. The rainforest is well shaded and is beautiful throughout any season of the year.
Cableway: : Ascend back to Scenic World via the Cableway. This latest addition to the park offers up some very cool views as it passes by the sandstone cliffs. Try to stand in the front if possible for the best vantage point.
Alternately , you may choose to take the cable car down to the forest floor and ride the train back.
Grab your all day pass to Scenic World here.
EVANS LOOKOUT
Just another breath taking lookout!
A 15 to 20 minute drive from the township of Katoomba towards Blackheath will bring you to Evans Lookout. Take in the views toward Grose Valley. This is also the starting point to my absolute favourite hike in the area, Grand Canyon Track.
You can read more about that here.
There are three car parks you can access, preferably heading to the last one which is the closest.
GRAND CANYON HIKING TRACK
“nature can be so soothing”
If you have made it to Evans Lookout, you are at the starting point to the Grand Canyon track.
Think waterfalls, massive sandstone overhangs, creek crossings and towering ferns.
The walk is 6.3 km and filled with pristine scenery. You’ll make your way directly down onto the valley floor via a series a steps. From here it’s a beautiful walk through lush rainforest taking in all that gorgeous mountain air.
The walk ways are well paved and sign posted. Heading back up along a zigzagged path makes for a moderately challenging walk. Nothing a relatively fit person can’t handle, young or old.
Stepping stones across creek beds, steps, bridges, tunnels and railings make the Grand Canyon Track a popular choice for all visitors.
For the best hike in the Blue Mountains, read more about it here.
LEURA CASCADES
This easy walk is great for anyone and especially if you are not feeling like anything strenuous .
The track gentle works its way down along the creek showcasing the falls along side. Once you make it to the end you can view it looking straight on under a rock ledge. Its well shaded and a little muddy in some spots which can be easily avoided.
Confused about whether this circuit walk really did indeed circle around we kept going. Thankfully we did as we came across Bridal Veil Falls lookout only a minute further on. Note that this is not sign posted so be sure to look out for it.
Back at the car park area, there is plenty of parkland for a picnic lunch or just a nice place to stop for a while.
KATOOMBA & LEURA TOWNSHIPS
Many people visiting the Blue Mountains can’t decide which township to stay in.
Personally I chose Katoomba which is the bigger of the two because it had more accommodation options. They are only five minutes drive apart so if you have a car, either one is fine.
Leura is known to be more upmarket and is thriving most days of the week with visitors. The Leura Mall is lined with historic buildings and beautiful trees You will find gift shops, arts and crafts and much more.
Katoomba is a much bigger township but still has plenty of charm. You’ll find the bigger chain stores here but also many restaurants and local shops to explore.
JENOLAN CAVES
“Astonishing, a visual masterpiece”
If you have the time head to Jenolan Caves, if not then make time because this place is literally out of this world.
The limestone caves are around 90 minutes from Katoomba. Choose your cave and jump on a guided tour which will take between one and a half to two hours. Two caves is a good start and if you leave early enough you should be back to your starting point by mid afternoon.
The caves are the most beautiful in the whole of Australia and one of the oldest in the world.
I did the intricate Orient Cave and the River Cave for it’s underground reflective pool. A good all rounder if doing only one is Lucas Cave which is also the most visited. See my post on these incredible caves here.
Grab your cave tickets here or check out pricing.
The Blue Mountains will not disappoint. i recommend at least three days to really embrace some of it’s best highlights.
For a range of accommodation options- click here.
You will find some very well priced options under $100 per night. And as most the best things to do and see are free, it really is a budget friendly destination as well.
