It only takes about two hours from Sydney to reach the incredible Blue Mountains National Park, a great place for hiking. Want to learn more? Read more for tips and fun things to do!
If you are looking for breathtaking nature, spectacular views, and unforgettable hiking experiences, the Blue Mountains National Park in Australia is the perfect destination for you. Located just 100 kilometers from Sydney, this beautiful national park offers an abundance of adventure activities and hidden treasures to explore.
In this blog post, I will take you on a virtual journey through the Blue Mountains, exploring all that this hiking paradise has to offer.
About Blue Mountains National Park in Australia
The Blue Mountains is a mountain range and nature reserve in New South Wales, Australia. The area gets its name from the blue glow caused by the oily vapors of the eucalyptus trees that cover the landscape. The Blue Mountains are about 100 kilometers west of (central) Sydney.
The mountain range covers an area of about 1,400 square kilometers and consists of high cliffs, deep valleys, dense forests, and waterfalls. The scenery is breathtaking and attracts millions of tourists every year.
The Blue Mountains is also home to the Blue Mountains National Park, a protected wilderness that is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The park has several hiking trails, lookouts, and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Blue Mountains also has a rich history and cultural heritage. It was originally the land of the Aboriginal tribes, and rock paintings and other remains can still be found that testify to their presence. Moreover, European settlers established settlements in the region in the nineteenth century, and there are still historic buildings and railroads that recall this past.
What to see and to do in the Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains National Park offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some highlights not to be missed during your visit:
Three Sisters: the most famous rock formation in the park
This iconic natural monument is a must-see. Three Sisters consists of three imposing sandstone rock formations that rise majestically above the valley. You can enjoy panoramic views of the Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout.
Hiking trails
There are numerous hiking trails in the national park, varying in difficulty and length. Whether you are looking for a relaxing walk through the rainforest or a challenging trek along cliffs, there is something for everyone. Some popular hiking trails include the Federal Pass Walk, Prince Henry Cliff Walk, and Wentworth Falls Loop Track.
Discover the most beautiful viewpoints
Thanks to well-established hiking trails, you can discover magnificent viewpoints. One is even more beautiful than the other! During my second day in the Blue Mountains, a cloud cover lay over the park, creating spectacular pictures. A great day for a hike to the various viewpoints.
Waterfalls
The Blue Mountains is known for its beautiful waterfalls that sparkle like pearls in the landscape. Wentworth Falls, Empress Falls, and Katoomba Falls are just some of the spectacular waterfalls you can admire during your visit.
Scenic World
If you’re looking for adventure and adrenaline, don’t miss a visit to Scenic World. Here you can enjoy exciting attractions such as the Scenic Railway (the steepest passenger train in the world), the Skyway (a glass-floored cable car), and the Cableway (a panoramic cable car).
Wildlife
Australia’s Blue Mountains National Park is home to diverse and unique wildlife. Known for its biodiversity, the park has more than 400 species of animals.
One of the most notable animals in the park is the koala. These cute marsupials are often found in the eucalyptus forests of the Blue Mountains National Park. If you are lucky, you can spot them while they are sleeping peacefully in the trees or eating.
In addition to koalas, the park is also home to several species of kangaroos, such as the Eastern Grey Kangaroo. These majestic animals can often be seen grazing in open areas of the park.
Other mammals found in the park include wallabies, possums, and wombats. These animals are often active at night and can sometimes be more difficult to spot.
For bird lovers, the Blue Mountains National Park is a true paradise. More than 90 species of birds have been identified, including the magnificent Superb Lyrebird, known for its spectacular imitation skills. These birds are usually heard before they are seen because they perfectly imitate the sounds of other animals and even human voices. I heard these during one of my hikes in the park and it sounded like they were imitating some kind of computer game, very special!
In addition, the park is home to reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, and a variety of insects, including colorful butterflies and beetles.
I (unfortunately) saw very little wildlife during my visit to the Blue Mountains, a good reason to return someday. I did see the occasional brightly colored bird, very special to see in this landscape.
Aboriginal culture
The Blue Mountains also has a rich Aboriginal history and culture. You can learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Darug and Gundungurra people on guided hikes and cultural experiences.
The Blue Mountains in Australia is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its breathtaking scenery, spectacular views, and diverse activities, the Blue Mountains National Park offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for adventurous hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, or cultural experiences, this destination is sure to enchant you. So pack your hiking boots, plan your trip to the Blue Mountains, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this natural wonderland.
Blue Mountains National Park: Practical information
How to get to the park and what are the best places to stay?
How to get there?
The most common way to travel to the Blue Mountains is by car or train from Sydney. If you go by car, you can use highways such as the M4 or Great Western Highway to get there. Several bus companies organize day trips to the national park.
Travel by train to the Blue Mountains
If you prefer to travel by public transportation, you can take the train from Sydney Central Station to various stations in the Blue Mountains, such as Katoomba or Leura. The train ride itself is an experience in itself, as you can enjoy beautiful views of the countryside along the way. I traveled by train from Sydney to Katoomba and it was truly a wonderful train ride!
The train goes very often and costs less than 10 Australian Dollars for a one-way ticket. Check this website for train times and costs. Katoomba is not very big, so you can walk almost anywhere from the station. From the station to the Three Sisters (the most famous viewpoint in the park) is about a 30-minute walk.
Staying overnight in the Blue Mountains
You can visit the Blue Mountains as a day trip from Sydney, but if you want to explore the park, I recommend spending at least two nights here.
I stayed at Flying Fox in Katoomba and I can recommend this hostel 100%. It is close to the train station, has both dorms and private rooms and has a very cozy living room. The owner is very friendly and has hundreds of tips on hiking in the Blue Mountains. It is not a party hostel; people of all ages sleep there.
Would you rather sleep in a hotel or B&B? Then these are some great places to stay:
- Carrington Hotel (4⭐) – Beautiful hotel in a renovated heritage-listed manor house. It is close to the train station.
- Kurrara Historic Guest House (4⭐) – A very cozy guesthouse in a historic house built in 1902. Breakfast is very extensive with lots of fresh produce.
For more options, availability, and prices, check Booking.com.
Book a trip to Australia
Would you like to visit the Blue Mountains in Australia? These are useful websites for booking your trip:
✈️ Plane tickets – The closest airport to the Blue Mountains is the airport of Sydney. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.
🚘 Rental car – Australia is a great country for a road trip and with a rental car you will see the most! Check Rental Cars to find the best deals. Please note that in Australia they drive on the left side of the road.
🚍 Travel by bus – You can also travel long distances in Australia by bus. Buses run to almost all popular tourist attractions. You can book tickets via Busbud.
💊 Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours and activities – Are you interested in guided tours and interesting activities? Make sure to check out Get Your Guide.
Want to read more about Australia?
Check out these travel guides for more tips and inspiration.
The Rough Guide to Australia (Travel Guide with Free eBook)
You can also read more about a trip to Australia on this website. You might like to read one of these articles:
- 3 week Australia itinerary: highlights of the East Coast
- Costs of backpacking in Australia | Budget for a 3,5 week trip
- Top 20 most beautiful places in Australia
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This article was published in September 2018. Last update with more tips and up-to-date info: December 2023.
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