Blue Mountains walking tour & city guide
The Three Sisters, waterfalls and a blue eucalyptus haze.
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The Blue Mountains, about two hours west of Sydney, are a World Heritage area of sandstone cliffs, deep valleys and eucalyptus forests. The blue haze that gives them their name comes from oils released by the gum trees. Katoomba, the main town, sits on the edge of the cliffs, with famous lookouts just a short walk from its streets.
Echo Point and the Three Sisters
Echo Point in Katoomba looks out over the Jamison Valley to the Three Sisters, a rock formation of three sandstone pillars. The Giant Stairway, with around 800 steps, leads down past the Sisters into the valley. Katoomba Falls and its cascades are a short walk along the cliff edge.
Scenic World and the villages
Scenic World offers several rides into and over the valley, including the Scenic Railway, said to be the steepest passenger railway in the world, and a glass-floored cable car. Nearby Leura is a charming village of gardens, cafés and antique shops, and Wentworth Falls has spectacular walking tracks around a tall waterfall.
A classic clifftop walk
Start in Katoomba's main street and walk down to Echo Point for the view of the Three Sisters. Follow the Prince Henry Cliff Walk west along the edge of the escarpment to Katoomba Falls and Scenic World, passing several lookouts.
Alternatively, follow the same track east toward Leura Cascades and finish with lunch in Leura village. Each direction is about 3 to 4 kilometers.
Visiting tips
Trains run from Sydney to Katoomba in about two hours. The mountains are cooler than the city, and winter can bring frost and even snow. Spring and autumn are lovely, and in summer, check for bushfire warnings before walking.
Top sights in Blue Mountains
- 1
Echo Point and the Three Sisters
The most famous lookout.
- 2
Scenic World
The steep railway and cable cars.
- 3
Katoomba Falls
Waterfalls and cascades.
- 4
Wentworth Falls
A tall waterfall with tracks.
- 5
Leura village
Gardens and cafés.
- 6
Prince Henry Cliff Walk
A clifftop walking track.
Food markets & where to eat in Blue Mountains
Leura Mall
Cafés and bakeries.
Katoomba Street
Casual eateries in town.
Blue Mountains Food Co-op
A local produce store in Katoomba.
Food to try in Blue Mountains
Devonshire tea
Scones with jam and cream.
Meat pie
Warming after a mountain walk.
Lamingtons
Sponge cake with chocolate and coconut.
Local honey
From Blue Mountains bees.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Blue Mountains
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Blue MountainsCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Blue Mountains.
- eSIM for AustraliaStay online from the moment you land.
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