A sandstone plateau escarpment west of Sydney, cut by deep eucalypt-forested valleys and famous for the Three Sisters rock formation at Katoomba. The blue haze that gives the range its name comes from oil droplets released by the eucalyptus trees scattering sunlight. It is a full day out: lookout walks, a cliff-face cable car or railway descent into the valley, and a small mountain town to eat in.
| Travel time | 2 hours by train; 1.5 hours by car |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train
- Details
- Blue Mountains Line from Sydney Central station to Katoomba - runs every 30-60 minutes
- Journey time
- 2 hours to Katoomba
- Cost aud
- 9.1
- Notes
- Opal card or contactless payment; trains continue to Lithgow
- Mode
- Car
- Details
- M4 Western Motorway to Lapstone then Great Western Highway (A32) to Katoomba
- Journey time
- 1.5 hours (light traffic)
- Cost aud
- 25
- Notes
- Toll road sections; parking available at Echo Point (free) and Scenic World (paid)
- Mode
- Guided tour
- Details
- Multiple operators offer day tours from Sydney including coach transport and guided walks
- Journey time
- Varies
- Cost aud
- 99
- Notes
- Most include Echo Point, Scenic World and one walk; some include Jenolan Caves
Highlights
- Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point
- Scenic World railway, cableway and skyway
- Wentworth Falls and National Pass Walk
- Grand Canyon Walk (Blackheath)
- Leura village cafes and galleries
- Jenolan Caves (extra 1 hour from Katoomba)
Tips for visiting
- Buy Scenic World unlimited pass for all rides (AUD 45)
- Visit Echo Point before 9am or after 4pm for fewer crowds
- Leura village (3km from Katoomba) has better cafes than Katoomba town