Are you planning to discover Australia? Enjoy it to visit the Blue Mountains, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world!
Located only 2 hours away from Sydney, the Blue Mountains Park offers you the opportunity to go on many hikes, discover breathtaking views: canyons and huge waterfalls. Enjoy the charm of the eucalyptus forests that extend to a loss of sight and participate in the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains region classified as World Heritage.
Visiting the Blue Mountains is a great bowl of fresh air for lovers of wildlife. Indeed, over the 140 kilometers of hiking trails, contemplate the beauty of the preserved bush, amaze yourself in front of the impressive rock formations and explore underground caves during a stay in the middle of nature.
History of the Blue Mountains
Ever since the Blue Mountains Park has attracted its beauty and riches. The first to be captured by these mountains are the Australian settlers who arrived in Sydney in 1788 with the First Fleet. A reputed insurmountable, this Australian country has been inhabited only by Aboriginal people for more than 14,000 years.
Over the years, several explorers are intrigued by the mysteries of this park. In addition to the beauty of the landscape, the aim is to take advantage of this abundant nature. In the middle of the 19th century, the gold rush on the side of Bathurst and Mudgee accelerates the extension of the network of roads and railways. Afterwards, men continue the urban extension in order to set up luxury hotels, pensions, lodgings... to better respond to tourist holiday desires.
For the little anecdote: In the center of the Blue Mountains are the rock of the Three Sisters. Behind him lies a legend. Originally, in Aboriginal culture, these three rocks were formerly Aboriginal women. By wanting to marry men of an opposing tribe, and because of differences of opinion, a war broke out. So, to protect them, a shaman turns them into stone. Unfortunately the latter dies in combat, leaving the three marble sisters. Still today, it is an emblem of the park.
Our tips to visit the Blue Mountains
Best times
To choose your departure date, remember that the seasons in Australia and Europe are reversing. Indeed, the European summer corresponds to the heart of Australian winter.
To visit the Blue Mountains, we recommend you go there at the end of the year, from October to January. December is the ideal month because, thanks to its warm ocean climate without dry season, the average temperature at Blue Mountains often exceeds 12 degrees. Nevertheless, we must not forget that even in the dryest month, there is a lot of rain.
The time of stay
Count to the minimum 3 full days to visit the Blue Mountains. However, it is recommended to stay a week to enjoy the different excursions around canyons, waterfalls and mountains.
To take in his backpack
- Good walking shoes.
- Water to moisturize.
- Cards to spot.
What to see and what to do at the Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains Park is full of various trails, roads and hiking trails. Over the days, during the day or during the evening, you will not be bored. Here are the things to see and do in the Blue Moutains Park.
The most charming villages
- Katoomba: main drop point for tourists, you will find a point of information, as well as tour operators offering you pay activities or equipment for rent. If you have a little time, don’t hesitate to admire the Street-Art Walk.
- Leura: picturesque village of the Blue Mountains, it is full of shops and small passages that will lead you to local artisans.
The best paths
Amaze yourself in front of the streams, waterfalls, wooded valleys and Blue Mountains cliffs following one of the many perfectly marked hiking trails. Here are the ones we recommend to visit the Blue Mountains:
- Overcliff-Undercliff track: this path 3.5km is in the scenic scenery of the Wenworth Falls.
- National Pass Walk: built on the edge of the cliff, it offers spectacular unmatched views of the many natural wonders, including the Valley of the Waters.
- Three Sisters Walk: This course is long enough, your hike will last at least three hours. However, the breathtaking landscape counterbalances this data. Indeed, you can see the entire park.
- Grand Canyon Track: A length of 6.3km, it allows you to discover the valley under the Evans Lookout while admiring the Blue Mountains.
Little trick: If you're tired of walking, you can visit the Blue Mountains by using the Scenic Skyway cable car (located at Katoomba Scenic World) and fly over the Jamison Valley. You will overlook the park and enjoy the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary and Katoomba Falls. If you are not comfortable in the air, no panic! Always borrow from Scenic World, the Scenic Railway, the world's most inclined railway with its 310 meters of denial. Throughout the journey, you can contemplate the valley and gorges.
The most beautiful places
- Wenworth Falls: this place is ideal for a picnic and even to refresh you in the river.
- Three Sisters and Echo Point Lookout : Visiting the Blue Mountains without going through this point of view is unthinkable! In front of you, a magnificent panorama stands out as a main attraction: the Three Sisters.
- Lincoln’s Rock: This huge flat rock stretches above the void and offers the best spot for a sunset on the Blue Mountains. The place is still uncommon and you will find without any problems a place of choice with stunning views over the valley.
- The botanical garden: With thousands of plants, Mount Tomah's Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is a must-see for nature lovers. This exceptional garden is 1,000 metres above sea level and offers stunning views of the region.
- Jenolan Caves The oldest caves in the world, with its underground rivers and impressive formations, are among the most beautiful and ancient cave networks in the world. The lucky ones can see kangaroos, wombats or the famous ornithorynques.
How much is a ticket for the Blue Mountains?
Access to the national park is free of charge, except for amusement points located in the Glenbrook area where there are entry fees (entrance rights) $8 (5€) by day and by vehicle, are in force.
While you can visit the Blue Mountains solo, we recommend you take a guided tour if you do not know the region and weather conditions. Authentic and rewarding, a guided hike will allow you to explore in detail the Blue Mountains Park.
How do I book a Blue Mountains ticket online?
You can easily book your visit to the Blue Mountains on the park's official website. It is also possible to buy a trip on a third-party site and take advantage of certain discounts or specialised visits.
Blue Mountains Park Times
The park is open daily, 24 hours a day.
However, due to fire risks, the park is likely to close sharply. If you would like to visit the Blue Mountains, we invite you to consult the opening calendar on the official website before you go there.
How to access the Blue Mountains?
The Greater Blue Mountains region, ranked as a World Heritage Site, is a two-hour drive west of Sydney. Although it is possible to get there by train, by bus, we recommend you to rent a car and go visit the Blue Mountains at your own pace.
By car
The car remains the best way to visit the Blue Mountains freely. The journey time is relatively short from Sydney because you only need 1:30 , by highway, to reach Katoomba and thus reach the national park.
However, other options are possible, it is the most accessible park around Sydney!
By bus
This is the most economical transport, however it is the longest. Indeed, for the sum of 5€ , the bus drives you to the Blue Mountains a little over 2 hours .
Note that for excursions, the price of the bus is included in the visit.
By train
Others prefer to be driven by NSW TrainLink Intercity trains. However finding its way to the Central Station dock is not a thin one to do. Arm your patience and read the directions well. Starting approximately every hour, a train takes you to Katoomba by 2h stopping at each station in the park. The rates turn around about ten euros.
Once in Katoomba, you can walk or take one of Katoomba's public buses.
Where to stay near the Blue Mountains?
To rest after your trip to the Australian mountains, we recommend sleeping in the heart of the Blue Mountains instead of returning to Sydney.
You can stop and sleep:
- Inhabitant : After the effort, comfort! You will find charming villages in the heart of the Blue Moutains, such as Katoomba or Leura, in which you can spend a night. Many Airbnb more typical and pleasant ones than the others will allow you to relax before returning to the march the next day.
- In a hotel : For more services and comfort, don’t hesitate to book in a charming hotel. Surrounded by nature, they all offer a wonderful view. If you have a substantial budget, feel free to stay in a luxury hotel. In fact, the Blue Mountains Park is home to many luxury hotel complexes composed of independent suites with private terraces and pools. In short, whatever your criteria are, do not hesitate to check the prices on a hotel comparison.
So we put on the hiking shoes, fill the dildo and go!
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