No visit to Sydney is complete without visiting the Blue Mountains. This World Heritage listed area is packed with incredible viewpoints, hiking trails, waterfalls and canyons, making it one of the must-visit places in Australia. In this itinerary, we’re going to give you more than usual package tour, taking you to places that are local’s favourites and unlike anything else in the area. However, we’re going to make sure you still get to see those iconic spots.

So here’s a local’s guide to the perfect day trip to the Blue Mountains.

The Perfect Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

Morning

Start in Katoomba, the heart of the Blue Mountains, but before you get active it’s time to get your brunch fix. Start at Tempus, a recently opened cafe that’s popular for a reason.

After sipping on some of the best coffee in the mountains, head to Echo Point for that iconic view of the Three Sisters. From here you’ll get one of the best views in the Blue Mountains, across the Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary and you’ll get a glimpse of the blue haze produced by the eucalyptus trees that give this area it’s name.

From the Three Sisters, head along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Katoomba Falls. This walk is 1.5km each way, but it is paved and relatively easy going. The trail offers more amazing views all the way to the foot of the upper cascades of Katoomba Falls. The cascades are beautiful at any time, but come to life after heavy rainfall. This short walk can also be done as part of Katoomba Night Walk, where rock formations and the waterfall are lit up for a unique night time experience.

After exploring Katoomba, head to the neighbouring Leura, one of the most picturesque villages in the Blue Mountains. Here you can have a choice of the boutique shops along the Main Street or you can visiting the historic Everglades House which has beautiful gardens and great views over the mountains.

If you’re still looking to enjoy the wilder side of the Blue Mountains, then take the short walk along the Leura Cascades, which as the name suggests is a set of beautiful cascades in a narrow gully and culminates with a view from the top of Bridal Veil Falls.

For lunch, head to the unique Sorensens Glass House, a restaurant set inside a glass house inside a beautiful garden.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to Blackheath, another bohemian village that is the gateway to the Megalong and Grose Valleys. Start by heading to the famous Govetts Leap Lookout for a break taking view of the Grose Valley and Govetts Leap Waterfall. The nearby visitors centre is also showcases films about the area (including an audio visual trip into the stunning Claustral Canyon) as well as books and souvenirs of the area.

After checking out the lookout, those looking for a great hiking trail should head to the Grand Canyon – one of the best day walks in Australia. This 6.3km loop takes about 2-3 hours and the trail drops you down below the cliffs into a magical canyon, covered in ferns. It feels like you’re entering another world before the trail raises up and heads back above the cliffs once more.

If the idea of the Grand Canyon sounds a bit too much, then head to the Wind Eroded Cave. As the name suggests, this cave has been eroded over the centuries by wind and rain to create a unique formation that has an incredible view. It’s also nearby Anvil Rock, a rock formation shaped slightly like an anvil, but gives an elevated view above the valley.

For the best sunset view, head to Lincoln Rock in Wentworth Falls. Whilst this has become more popular in recent years, it is still one of the best places to see the sunset in the Blue Mountains. There’s also a hidden cave beneath which offers a unique vantage point.

Evening

For dinner, those looking for one of the best dining experiences in NSW should look no further than Darley’s. This fine dining restaurant is situated in Lilanfels and is a multi-hatted restaurant known for its fresh local produce and innovative cuisine.

If you’re looking for something on more of a budget, but still serves up incredible food, then check out 8 Things. This quirky restaurant has just 8 things on the menu, but they range from tacos to Indian dosas, New York cheese burgers to Bali Nasi. All of the options have incredible flavours.

If you still have some energy left, then why not check out a secret that even more Blue Mountains residents don’t know about! This part of NSW has a several populations of glow worms, which come to life in the dark. Most locals are well aware of the tunnel in Lithgow and Helensburgh, but few know that there are glow worm dells in Lawson, Hazelbrook and Springwood.

Our pick is Cataract Falls in Lawson, as it’s an easy walk and you get to see glow worms by a flowing waterfall. Take a torch and be careful on the trail before switching to a red light to protect the glow worms and enjoy the spectacle!