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One Day in Sydney Australia’s Blue Mountains
Sydney Australia is full of incredible things to do, be sure to spend a day or two outside of the city. Australia’s Blue Mountains are the perfect day trip from Sydney. You will find waterfalls, canyons, rainforests, bushland, and hiking trails. The natural blue haze surrounding the mountains is created when the oil from the Eucalyptus trees mixes with the atmosphere and sunlight. The Blue Mountains are located in New South Wales and are an easy two-hour train ride away from Sydney. Two of the most popular hikes are the Prince Henry Cliffwalk (below) and the Valley of the Waters hike.
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Day Trip to the Blue Mountains: the Prince Henry Cliffwalk
Take an early train from Sydney’s Central Station to the Katoomba Station on the Blue Mountain Line. Purchase your online ticket here. Be sure to grab a seat on the left-hand side of the train’s upper level to enjoy the views along the way. There is a lot to see and do in the park, try to arrive by 10:00 and plan your time beforehand. The Blue Mountains Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a great way to get around the area quickly and make the most of your time. The buses run every 30 minutes and pick up/drop off at the Katoomba Station.
Begin your Blue Monitians day trip with a stop in Leura for a quick coffee break. Check out Leura Cascades and Bridal Veil Falls lookout. When ready begin the Prince Henry Cliffwalk toward Scenic World. If you are not up to the walk, hop on the bus and hop off at Echo Point.
Head to Echo Point to view the Three Sisters rock formation. Don’t miss the view from Spooners Lookout. Listen to the Katoomba tribe’s legend of the sisters and walk down to the Honeymoon Bridge to access the first sister. If you are spending extra time in the area hike down the 800+ steel and stone stairs of the Giant Stairway. If not, stop in the Waradah Australian Centre and learn about Australia’s Indigenous culture before continuing on.
Lady Darley’s Lookout, Allambie Lookout, and Wollumai Lookout all have amazing views of the mountains and valleys along the way. Be sure to photograph Katoomba Falls from the Cliff View Lookout. Spend some time at the Katoomba Cascades and Katoomba Falls Lookout.
Shop for souvenirs at Scenic World. Ride the Scenic skyway across Jamison Valley. Take the Furber Steps or ride the world’s steepest scenic railway to the valley floor, it’s a 52-degree incline! Wander the boardwalk along the rainforest floor and check out the old mine.
Have more time? Hike the Valley of the Waters past Red Rock Falls, Lodore Falls, Sylvia Falls, Flat Rock Falls, and Empress Falls. Or, head to Blackheath and check out the Grose River Valley from Pulpit Rock Lookout, Govetts Leap, and Evan Lookout. Visiting in July? Stay for a weekend to celebrate Yulefest in the Blue Mountains.
Be sure to check the Blue Mountains Australia Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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