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
Pretty breathtaking! Even though there were a few busloads of tourists, it had enough lookout points to be able to get in at the railing for a good view and photos. Cafes and bars on site are also great. Worth a stopover for an hour or so.
Lisa - 2 weeks ago
A great lookout with some short walks to other viewing platforms all with incredible views. We came about an hour before sunset and it was perfect timing to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. I was expecting it to be a lot busier but perhaps during winter there are fewer visitors. Lots of friendly tourists taking photos for strangers too so don’t be afraid to ask! A must do when coming to the Blue Mountains.
Ayla Good - 2 months ago
The Three Sisters are an iconic symbol of the Blue Mountains and a must-visit for any traveller. These sandstone rock formations, standing tall against the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding wilderness, are a breathtaking sight.
Why Visit the Three Sisters?
* Stunning Views: The panoramic vistas from Echo Point lookout are simply awe-inspiring. The Three Sisters, along with the surrounding valleys and cliffs, create a truly unforgettable landscape.
* Rich History: The Three Sisters are steeped in Aboriginal folklore, with legends and stories surrounding their creation. Learning about their cultural significance adds depth to the experience.
* Abundant Wildlife: The Blue Mountains are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the area.
* Hiking Opportunities: For those seeking adventure, there are numerous hiking trails in the vicinity of the Three Sisters, offering varying levels of difficulty and scenic rewards.
Tips for Your Visit:
* Arrive Early: To avoid crowds and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
* Wear Comfortable Shoes: If you plan to explore the area on foot, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
* Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially during the warmer months.
Overall, the Three Sisters are a must-see destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a scenic viewpoint, this iconic landmark is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Samuel A. Gyabaah - a month ago
The look out area is huge it has to be to contend with so many visitors. The view is spectacular! Very good souvenir shop and information. Good clean toilets. There is paid parking but the car park is not very big. You can get here by the cliff top walk which is a lovely walk but has many steps or bus or if you have a disabled parking permit you are allowed to park in the small car park in front of the information centre.
There are no steps at the lookout so wheelchairs can access and enjoy.
Shez H - a month ago
Beautiful place to visit. The stairs going to the three sisters is way too steep. Making it a bit wider would be nice. Someone with vertigo might fall there. It can cause anxiety and panic attack. But I enjoyed my visit though I almost had a heart attack climbing back up the steep stairs.
ROMMEL UY - 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: Tatters ✾ - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: VirtualWolf - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: D-Stanley - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: D-Stanley - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Globetrotteur17... Ici, là-bas ou ailleurs... - cc license via Flickr
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