The Blue Mountains are about two hours by train west of Sydney and the easiest escape into nature: sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and gorges full of ferns. Katoomba is the main town with hostels and cafés. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.
The train from Sydney Central runs straight to Katoomba; the trip takes about two hours and only costs the Opal fare — especially cheap on Sundays. Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath all have their own stations. To the lookouts you walk from the station or take local buses.
The Blue Mountains sit at about 1,000 metres and are cooler than Sydney. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking, and in April and May the trees in Leura change colour. In winter it gets properly cold in the evening, and sometimes it snows. Summer is pleasant, but on hot days there is bushfire danger — follow the warnings.
A big hostel in an Art Deco building in the centre of Katoomba, within walking distance of Echo Point and the Three Sisters. With a fireplace, a big kitchen and lots of travellers — a good base for several days of walking.
A small, cosy hostel in Katoomba with an open fire in winter. A family atmosphere, cheaper than the big places and within walking distance of the station.
A free campground in the forest below Blackheath. There are only a few sites and no bookings — come early. Good for anyone with a tent or van who wants to save money in the Blue Mountains.
You see the three sandstone pillars from Echo Point in Katoomba — the best-known sight in the Blue Mountains. According to an Aboriginal story, they are three sisters turned to stone. They're most beautiful at sunrise; be there before 8 am, after that the tour buses arrive. From Katoomba station it's about a 30-minute walk.
A tiered waterfall with lookouts right on the cliff edge of the Jamison Valley. After rain it carries the most water. Since 2025, parts of the tracks have been closed after landslides — check on the NSW National Parks website which sections are open.
A rock platform with an open view over the Jamison Valley, reachable by car almost to the edge. At sunset one of the most beautiful places in the Blue Mountains. There's no fence — keep your distance from the edge, especially in the last light.
The lookout near Blackheath looks across the Grose Valley to Bridal Veil Falls and is quieter than Echo Point. Blackheath has its own station; it's about a 40-minute walk. Most beautiful in the morning.
A loop of about 6 kilometres through a damp gorge with ferns, creeks and overhanging cliffs — one of the most beautiful walks in the Blue Mountains. There are many steps and it's slippery after rain. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and allow three to four hours.
The main street between the station and Echo Point has cafés, bakeries and op shops — all within walking distance. Ideal for breakfast before a walk. In winter it gets properly cold in the evening, so pack a warm jacket.
A small shopping street with trees down the middle, one stop before Katoomba. In April and May the trees change colour — one of the few places in Australia with real autumn leaves. The cafés are busy at weekends.
Scenic World has the world's steepest passenger railway, plus cable cars over the valley and boardwalks through the rainforest down in the Jamison Valley. It costs money, but it's an experience — and easy if you don't want to hike down into the valley yourself.
A laundromat in town — handy after several days of walking or in the van.
By train from Central to Katoomba in about two hours for the Opal fare. On Sundays the daily cap is especially cheap.
At sunrise from Echo Point in Katoomba. Before 8 am it's still quiet; after that the tour buses arrive.
Yes, for example at Blackheath Glen Reserve. There are only a few sites and no bookings.
All spots on the Blue Mountains map. Back to Sydney by train. More day trips from Sydney are on the Sydney page.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.