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
Breathtaking Views at Echo Point Lookout – A Must-Visit in the Blue Mountains!
If you’re visiting the Blue Mountains, Echo Point Lookout is an absolute must-see. The view of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation is simply stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light paints the cliffs in golden hues.
The lookout is easily accessible and perfect for all ages. There are plenty of photo opportunities, and the walking tracks nearby offer more incredible viewpoints for those who want to explore further.
The area is well-maintained with clear signage, toilets, and a visitor centre that provides great background on the history and Aboriginal significance of the site.
Whether you’re on a day trip from Sydney or staying in Katoomba, Echo Point offers an unforgettable experience with some of the best scenery in New South Wales.
Double Ve Ve - a week ago
Arrived around 4PM to see the iconic Three Sisters, and it was truly breathtaking! The view is absolutely worth it, especially as the sun starts to dip and the colors get warmer.
Travel tip: It gets pretty cold in the late afternoon (around 14°C when I went), so make sure to bring a jacket or something cozy—especially if you plan to stay for sunset.
Expect lots of tourists snapping pics, but there’s still enough space to enjoy the scenery peacefully. It’s a quick and easy stop that gives you a gorgeous slice of the Blue Mountains without needing to hike.
Would totally recommend if you’re road-tripping or doing a day tour nearby!
Cindy Jöviānd - a month ago
The Three Sisters at Echo Point is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the Blue Mountains—and for good reason. The rock formations are absolutely stunning up close, with dramatic cliffs and deep valleys stretching out into the distance. The viewing platform at Echo Point offers unobstructed, panoramic views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters themselves—perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.
The lookout is well-designed, spacious, and easily accessible, but it’s definitely a popular spot and can get quite crowded, especially on weekends or during holidays. Parking is limited near the main entrance; we had to find street parking about 600 metres away, so be prepared for a short walk.
Despite the crowds, it’s absolutely worth a visit—especially if it’s your first time in the Blue Mountains. The views are breathtaking and the geological formations are even more impressive in person.
Lexi - 2 months ago
Beautiful spot with stunning views and plenty of lovely photo opportunities. The area is well maintained and definitely worth a visit. Parking is a bit of a nightmare when it’s busy, and very expensive. I think we paid $5 for around 15 minutes. There’s no free parking nearby, even in the residential streets, so it’s something to keep in mind. Still, a gorgeous place overall!
Caitlin C - a week ago
It's our Three Sisters! Always a beautiful destination regardless of time of the year. I've never seen the same view twice after countless visits. The site and amenities have been upgraded over the years and are now world class. Suggest visiting either side of the day for beautiful sunrises or stunning sunsets!
Abe Khamis - a month 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
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Photo Gallery
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The exhilarating Scenic Skyway cable car attraction in Katoomba cc licensed photo by eliduke -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: D-Stanley - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Globetrotteur17... Ici, là-bas ou ailleurs... - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Nasir Khan Saikat - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: serilium - cc license via Flickr
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