Sydney Day Trip to the Blue Mountains and Katoomba
Experience the exhilarating scenery of the Blue Mountains and exploring the picturesque town of Katoomba with this highly recommended day trip from Sydney
If you would like to escape the city for a day and explore the beautiful countryside that surrounds Sydney, this one-day trip to the Blue Mountains is outstanding.
You begin with an enjoyable 2-hour journey by train from Central Station in Sydney that takes you west right through the spectacular Blue Mountains National Park. This scenic train ride is almost half the fun. You will want to get an early start, so you have time to enjoy the day.
When you get to Katoomba, exit the railroad station to the south and walk straight south along Katoomba Street. Here you will find all kinds of boutique shops, coffee shops and little restaurants to explore. You may want to stop and enjoy lunch along the way before continuing to the lookouts.
As you continue south on Katoomba Street, it becomes more residential. Keep on walking until you get to a fork in the road. Take the right-hand fork onto Katoomba Falls Road. This leads to Katoomba Park. When you get to Cliff Drive, there's two options. Going left leads you to Echo Point Road and the Echo Point Lookout where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Blue Mountains and a close up view of the Three Sisters rock formation. Continuing straight for a short distance leads to Katoomba Falls lookout point. Many trails leading from the south side of the roads here explore the cliffs and mountains of this spectacular geological region. Please be very careful on these trails as they lead to the edge of tall cliffs.
Continuing just a little further west along Cliff Drive past Katoomba Falls Lookout you come upon Scenic World. This is an attraction you may well wish to visit. Ride the Scenic Skyway, a cable car with a glass floor that will slowly transport you across the 700-metre ravine a breathtaking 270 metres above the rainforest. You can also ride the Scenic Cableway, which takes you right down into the rainforest of the valley below. From there you'll explore the sights, flora and fauna from a 3 kilometre long raised boardwalk. Both the ride and the boardwalk are wheelchair user accessible. Last, but not least, is the Scenic Railway, the steepest inclined railway in the world. It will take you on an exciting 415-metre drop to the valley floor and the Scenic Walkway below. There are admission charges for the above rides, but they offer packages that include either 1, 2 or all three rides. See their website at the above link for up-to-date pricing.
Whether you visit the above attraction or just explore the trails and viewpoints on your own you will be treated to many fabulous views.
The walk from the railroad station to Katoomba Park and the Scenic World Attraction is about 2.5 kilometres or just over 35 minutes each way without stopping. Walking to Echo Point Lookout takes a little longer.
If you prefer the added value and convenience of a guided tour to the Blue Mountains we would strongly recommend the Blue Mountains Day Trip and Riverboat Cruise. This highly rated small group tour transports you to the Blue Mountains on a minibus. It includes hotel pickup, a morning tea and a two course lunch, admission to Scenic World including the Cable car and Railway ride, entrance to Featherdale Wildlife Park followed by a scenic river boat cruise along the Parramatta River back to Circular Quay.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No, unless visiting Scenic WorldThe Three Sisters Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia
Phone: (02) 4780 5000
Official Website: The Three Sisters
The Three Sisters Reviews
Rated out of 5
Absolutely breathtaking! If you’re looking for a place that feels like a literal escape from reality, the Blue Mountains are a 10/10 must-visit.
The first thing that hits you is the sheer scale of the landscape. Standing at Echo Point looking out at the Three Sisters, the blue haze—caused by the eucalyptus oil in the air—creates this incredible, ethereal atmosphere that photos just can’t fully capture.
Highlights of the Trip:
• The Views: Every lookout feels more dramatic than the last. Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout are perfect if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
• The Hikes: There’s a trail for everyone, from easy boardwalks at Scenic World to the more challenging (but rewarding) Grand Canyon Track.
• The Vibe: The air is so crisp and fresh. Stopping for a coffee in Leura or Katoomba afterward is the perfect way to end the day.
Whether you're a hardcore hiker or just want to take some stunning photos, this place is world-class. It’s easily one of the most beautiful spots in Australia. Don’t miss it! 10/10
Enrico Chaffey - 2 weeks ago
Following an invigorating trundle along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, we found ourselves at the Echo Point Lookout.
We were dropped off by the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus at Stop 9, then walked through to Echo Point.
The walking trail was easy to navigate and could be completed at a leisurely pace. The scenic lookouts along the way of the Blue Mountains were well maintained and safe. Brilliant views of the mountains and valleys were had.
Once at Echo Point, the crowds were evident, but not burdensome. The view of the The Sisters was spectacular.
If one is able and fit enough, it is well worth the effort. Set aside a day of your holiday for this adventure walk.
Kevin Marzahn - 2 months ago
Brilliant view to look out at the three sisters. Easy walk ways, busy area for tourists fighting for a spot for selfies, once you dodge them and get some a little spot it’s really peaceful and such a huge open space of nature to enjoy. One of the great natural sights in Australia well worth a visit.
Ben C - a week ago
Spacious lookout providing unobstructed view of the Three Sisters. Stunning during sunset and surprisingly quiet - we expected more crowds. Easily accessible by walking, clean toilets available. One of the highlights of Blue Mountains National Park.
M J - 2 weeks ago
The lookout here is great. The facilities here is keep improving. The authority did do work towards better.
A most easiest reach out Lookout without walking miles or kilometers to see the view. However, the parking sites is limited and expensive.
Vangelis - 2 weeks ago
Directions
| Intercity Train and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Intercity - Blue Mountains Line Central to Bathurst | Central Station | 35 minutes (less with bus) |
How to get to The Three Sisters by Intercity Train and Bus
Take the Blue Mountains Line Central to Bathurst train from Sydney Central Station for the enjoyable 2 hour journey from Sydney to Katoomba Station in the beautiful Blue Mountains and follow the walking directions above. If you wish you can considerably shorten the walk by taking a #686 Blue Mountain Bus south to Echo Point Rd Near Birdwood Ave. To catch this bus exit the train station to the south and go right (west) to Parke Street. The bus stop is around the corner to your left on Parke Street (directly across from the Fire Hall).
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Photo Gallery
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The exhilarating Scenic Skyway cable car attraction in Katoomba cc licensed photo by eliduke -
Photo Credit: dlerps - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Globetrotteur17... Ici, là-bas ou ailleurs... - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: D-Stanley - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: drakestraw67 - cc license via Flickr
