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 a usual package tour, taking you to places that are locals’ favourites and unlike anything else in the area.
So here’s a local’s guide to the perfect day trip to the Blue Mountains.
Explore
Immerse yourself in the Blue Mountains’ natural beauty—from panoramic lookouts and cascading waterfalls to charming mountain villages and lush bushland trails.
Nature & Parks
- Echo Point & the Three Sisters — Take in the iconic view across Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary and that famous blue haze of eucalyptus from Echo Point .
- Prince Henry Cliff to Katoomba Falls Walk — A 1.5 km paved stroll along cliff‑top lookout points, offering amazing views at the foot of the upper cascades of Katoomba Falls. For a more unique experience, take on the Katoomba Night-lit Walk.
- Leura Cascades to Bridal Veil Falls Lookout Walk — A short gully walk through mossy cascades, finishing with the Bridal Veil Falls panorama.
- Govetts Leap Lookout — Head to the famous Govetts Leap Lookout for a breathtaking view of the Grose Valley and Govetts Leap Waterfall.
- Lincoln’s Rock (Wentworth Falls) — One of the Blue Mountains’ top sunset spots. There’s also a hidden cave beneath which offers a unique vantage point.
Arts & Culture
Delve into the Blue Mountains’ creative heritage with historic architecture, serene traditional baths, and a whimsical teapot museum.
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- Everglades House — Tour the historic Everglades House and its hilltop gardens.
- Japanese Bath House — Wind down at a local spa that transports you to Japan with an unforgettable onsen experience and stunning views of Lake Lyell. Bookings are required.
- Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms —A whimsical Leura attraction with more than 11,000 global teapots and on‑site high tea.
Shopping
- Leura Village — Wander the boutique shops on Leura’s Main Street
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre — Located right near Govetts Leap Lookout, the visitors centre showcases films about the area and is the perfect place to buy books and souvenirs.
Eat & drink
Savour a diverse food scene, from cozy cafés and garden‑walled lunch spots to award‑winning fine‑dining and fun, budget‑friendly eateries.
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- Tempus Café (Katoomba) — Kick off your morning with specialty coffee and seasonal share plates in a light‑filled space.
- Sorensen’s Glass House (Leura) — Have an unforgettable lunch and escape the hustle and bustle of the city at this cosy restaurant set in lush gardens
- Darley’s (Leura) — Multi‑hatted fine‑dining in Lilianfels, showcasing fresh local produce.
- 8 Things (Katoomba) — As the name implies, they only have eight menu items, but everything from their tacos to dosas is flavour‑packed and wallet‑friendly.
Tours & Experiences
Embark on unforgettable adventures and discover wind‑sculpted caves and sparkling glowworm encounters.
- Grand Canyon Track (Blackheath) — A 6.3 km loop through fern‑lined gullies and cliff‑top forest, the walk offers 2–3 hours of stunning scenery.
- Wind‑Eroded Cave & Anvil Rock — Marvel at a cave sculpted by centuries of wind and rain, then climb above the valley on ‘Anvil’ for sweeping views.
- Glow Worm Dell at Cataract Falls (Lawson) — After dinner, take a torch‑lit stroll to spot glowworms twinkling by the cascade—but be sure to switch to red light to protect them.
Keen to explore other parts of Sydney? Check out our other day trips.
