Top 10 Things to See at the Blue Mountains

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The Blue Mountains lie at Sydney’s doorstep, towards its west, extending about 60 to 180 km from the city.

Comprising seven national parks and one Conservation reserve, the Greater Blue Mountains Area is a gargantuan UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with sandstone ridges and escarpments, native eucalyptus forests, expansive valleys, and magnificent canyons, not to mention the hundreds of species of native wildlife and birds that find a sanctuary here.

It is a nature-lovers paradise, which explains why the Blue Mountains region attracts the highest number of daytrippers in Australia.

Though not exactly a mountain but a plateau, the Blue Mountains include a string of quaint little towns, starting with Glenbrook and Lapstone at the foothills (closest to Sydney) and extending to Blackheath, Lithgow, and beyond to the west.

Rich in history and heritage, these towns are very easily connected by train from Sydney, have hop-on-hop-off buses at the more popular attractions, and are accessible within a two-hour drive from Sydney.

Though the Blue Mountains bucket list is extremely lengthy and can take months to explore, here are the top 10 draws of this region:

1. Commence Your Journey at the Three Sisters, Katoomba

The quaint town of Katoomba is the closest to finding an epicenter in the sprawling Blue Mountains.

Katoomba is the largest town in the mountains, and no visit is complete without making the pilgrimage here and paying homage to the Three Sisters – a striking rock formation comprising three reddish-tinged pillars, which is perhaps the most iconic landmark of the Blue Mountains.

Rising majestically from the Jamison Valley, the Three Sisters are steeped in Aboriginal legend, representing, well, three sisters who were turned to stone.

Aboriginal stories and songlines (connecting landmarks through easy-to-remember songs that helped create an aural map in ancient times) connect the Three Sisters to many locations in the far north of the continent, including the Kimberly.

Lookouts abound here, and the most famous is the Echo Point, which provides the best views of the Three Sisters, particularly around sunset.

Other nearby attractions: Leura Cascades Picnic area, Dardanelles Pass Loop walking track

2. Be Mesmerized at the Scenic World, Katoomba

Very close to the Three Sisters lies the Scenic World, famous for its cable car and railway (the latter is claimed to be the steepest funicular railway in the world).

Once a colliery that used the train tracks to transport coal and miners from these mountains, Scenic World allows visitors to glide above lush rainforest canopies while descending steeply into the Jamison Valley for a close-up look at the stunning landscapes.

When on the cableway, look out for the Katoomba Falls cascading through the sandstone cliffs with the Three Sisters in a panoramic background. The Scenic Walkway is another attraction, a 2+ km elevated boardwalk that meanders through ancient rainforests and lets you explore the serene rainforest valley floor.

Other nearby attractions: Katoomba Falls, Boar Head Lookout

3. Go Back in Time at the Red Hands Cave, Glenbrook

Glenbrook is one of the first towns as one ascends the Blue Mountains from Sydney. It is famous for its Red Hands Cave, perhaps the best-preserved example of Aboriginal art near Sydney.

The name suggests, it is a wall filled with red hand stencils, thought to be created by the Gundungurra people, dating back thousands of years. The place requires a bit of a walk though, through beautiful bushlands, eucalyptus forests, and native wildlife.

Red Hands Cave is not only a captivating archaeological site but also a serene spot for reflection and appreciation of Australia’s Indigenous culture. The Jellybean Pool at the start of the walk is a delectable watering hole to cool yourself at the end of your walk, besides being a destination by itself, especially for kids.

Other nearby attractions: Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook town center, Sunday Rotary markets on select Sundays

4. Hike to a Viaduct Where the First Train Ascended the Blue Mountains, Lapstone

The Lapstone Viaduct Walk is a secluded piece of history that is a well-kept secret in the Blue Mountains.

Originally built in the late 1800s as part of the railway line connecting Sydney to the Blue Mountains, this impressive stone structure – with 7 gigantic arches – stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity, especially of John Whitton, often considered the Father of Australian Railways who started his ambitious project of connecting the Blue Mountains at this ascension point with a zigzag line.

(In a railway zigzag – designed to climb steep gradients with minimal need for tunnels and heavy earthworks – a train is required to change its direction of travel to continue its journey. For a short distance corresponding to the middle leg of the letter “Z”, the direction of travel is reversed before the original direction is resumed, allowing the train to ascend in steps until it reaches the top of the ridge.)

Neither the railway line nor the zigzag exists today, but the arches remain. They are part of a wonderful walk that meanders through lush bushland, providing opportunities to spot native flora and fauna.

Other nearby attractions: Knapsack Reserve, John Whitton’s memorial, Elizabeth Lookout, Marges Lookout

5. Chug Inside the Historic Lithgow Zig-Zag Train

Lapstone’s zigzag no longer exists, but on the other side of the Blue Mountains, John Whitton developed yet another grander and bolder zig-zag line in 1869 to let the same train descend down the Blue Mountains to the plains beyond.

Not only does the zig-zag line exist, but ardent volunteers have restarted the Zig zag railway as well, as a historic train that offers passengers and day-trippers the opportunity to relive in nostalgia and imagine the journey as it was over 150 years ago.

Trains run on weekends and it is one of the most noteworthy trips you will take in the Blue Mountains.

Other nearby attractions: Lithgow itself is a destination with its numerous parks, museums, and historic buildings

6. Visit the Region’s Most Celebrated Artist at Norman Lindsay Gallery, Faulconbridge

The Norman Lindsay Gallery, located in the picturesque village of Faulconbridge, is a captivating tribute to the life and work of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, writers, and illustrators.

Housed in the artist’s former home, the gallery showcases an extensive collection of his paintings, etchings, and sculptures, reflecting his unique artistic vision and love for the natural world.

The surrounding gardens, featuring lush landscapes and stunning views, enhance the experience, inviting visitors to explore the beauty that inspired Lindsay’s creativity.

The Gallery is a pilgrimage for art lovers and can be considered the Blue Mountain’s equivalent of Rodin’s house in Paris or Monet’s mansion in Giverny.

Other nearby attractions: Valley Height Rail Museum, Lawson waterfall walks, Linden Observatory

7. Get Drenched Under the Wentworth Falls

The Wentworth Falls is perhaps the largest and most popular waterfall in the Blue Mountains in the township with the same name, named in turn after Wentworth, who along with Blaxland and Lawson discovered the first trail to cross the Blue Mountains.

The falls plunge over steep cliffs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle, especially after rain when the water flows in full force. You can walk all the way down to the two bases of the falls, that cascade twice.

The walk is pleasant, a bit steep at places but makes for a refreshing hike. You can continue walking along the Valley of the Waters track – nearly 7 km long – and continue beyond the Wentworth Falls to Sylvia Falls and Empress Falls for what is the most spectacular waterfall walk in the Blue Mountains.

If you do not want to walk the full distance, there are multiple lookouts within very short walking distance to view the spectacular falls from multiple angles (the Princes Rock Lookout being the best).

Other nearby attractions: Wentworth Falls Lake, Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum, Everglades House & Gardens; the town of Leura close by is the second largest town in the Blue Mountains after Katoomba and is another delectable destination full of interesting spots.

8. Marvel at Native Blooms at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

The Botanic Gardens at Mount Tomah is a sister garden to the more popular Royal Botanic Garden in the heart of Sydney. However, the former is targeted towards cool climate plants given its location in the cooler altitude of the Blue Mountains.

Look out for the pretty (and sometimes hard to find) native blooms such as stunning waratahs (state flower of New South Wales) and proteas.

Other nearby attractions: Wildwood Garden, fruit-picking options at Bilpin

9. Admire Autumn Colors at Antiquated English Gardens of Mount Wilson

Beyond Mount Tomah lies the secluded Mount Wilson, renowned for its exquisite gardens developed by forlorn Englishmen who wanted to recreate gardens reminiscent of their homeland in the new colony of Australia.

Come autumn, these gardens transform into a vibrant tapestry of ruddy colors each year, drawing visitors eager to experience its seasonal beauty.

The cool climate and rich volcanic soil create the perfect conditions for a stunning display of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows as deciduous trees like maples and oaks reach their peak.

Iconic gardens like Breenhold, Windyridge, Yengo and Nooroo, among many others, come alive with colors, making Mount Wilson a cherished destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike during the autumn months.

Other nearby attractions: Walnut and chestnut picking at Mount Irvine, Walls Lookout, Mount Banks Picnic Area

10. Go Subterranean at Jenolan Caves

Jenolan Caves is one of Australia’s most impressive limestone cave systems and a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

With a series of stunning underground chambers and intricate formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear pools, the caves offer guided tours that delve into their geological wonders and fascinating history.

Visitors can explore various tours tailored to different interests and fitness levels, from easy walks to more adventurous spelunking experiences. The surrounding area also boasts beautiful bushland and scenic walking trails, making Jenolan Caves a perfect spot to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region.

Other nearby attractions: Mayfield Gardens, Oberon Dam

If You Go:

• Most of the larger towns in the Blue Mountains are connected via train from Sydney’s central station with regular trains running up to Lithgow.
• There are also multiple coach tours and private tours to the Blue Mountains from Sydney (explaining and justifying why the Blue Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park of Australia).
• If you do get an opportunity, stay for a night or two and make the most of your time exploring the cozy town centers and quaint shops. There are countless Airbnb accommodations in all the main towns, both mainstream and offbeat. The Hydro Majestic, nonetheless, is the most famous (and among the oldest) hotels here.

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Author Bio: Ayan Adak is a consultant by profession who loves traveling, and has been to nearly 30 countries. He likes writing about his travel experiences besides scribbling poetry, short stories and essays. _