National park

Blue Mountains National Park

A sandstone plateau cut by deep eucalypt valleys, cliffs and waterfalls, only about two hours from Sydney. It is the most accessible of the state's World Heritage landscapes.

Region: West of Sydney
State: New South Wales
Nearest town: Katoomba
Established: 1959
UNESCO: Greater Blue Mountains Area, 2000
Best season: Autumn and spring

Before you go

Echo Point and the Three Sisters are busiest mid-morning; arrive early for better light and parking.
Lookouts at Govetts Leap and Wentworth Falls are quieter and start longer clifftop and valley walks.
Temperatures are cooler than Sydney, and bushfire season in summer can close tracks and roads.

Landscape and heritage

The Blue Mountains are an uplifted sandstone plateau, not true mountains. The blue haze comes from fine eucalyptus oil droplets in the air. The area is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, and is the traditional country of the Gundungurra and Darug peoples.

Walks and lookouts

Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath are the main bases. Short lookout walks suit families, while the descents into the valleys involve steep stairs and a hard climb back out. Take water, a charged phone and layers, and tell someone your route on longer walks.

Caves and the road west

Jenolan Caves lie west of the national park and are visited on guided tours only. Beyond them the Great Western Highway continues to Bathurst and the Central West. Fuel is available along the highway, but plan ahead if you drive the narrow Jenolan access road.

FAQs

How long should I allow for the Blue Mountains?

A long day trip from Sydney covers Echo Point and a few lookouts. Two nights lets you add walks into the valleys, Govetts Leap and Jenolan Caves without rushing.

Do I need a national park pass?

Some picnic and car-park areas in New South Wales national parks charge entry fees, and rules change, so check the park authority's website before you go. Many lookouts and village walks are free to reach.

What is the best season?

Autumn and spring have mild days and clear views. Summer is warm and can bring thunderstorms and bushfire closures, while winter is cold, with occasional frost and snow on the highest parts.