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While visiting Sydney, Australia, taking a Blue Mountains day trip was at the top of our must-do list. Blue Mountains National Park lies just west of the city and is easily accessible by train, car or tour.
The spectacular nature retreat features scenic landscapes, picturesque waterfalls, sheer cliffs and a network of hiking trails.
Additionally, an aerial cable car and steep railway at Scenic World allow park guests to enjoy unique experiences.
Because of the numerous Blue Mountains attractions, Sydney day tours are popular excursions. With so much to see and do, how should you plan to visit the Blue Mountains in a day?
How to Plan a Blue Mountains Day Trip
We carefully considered our options for a Blue Mountains trip from Sydney. From what to see in Blue Mountains to the best way to get there or should we take a tour.
We are sharing what we learned to help other travelers plan their perfect One-Day Blue Mountains Australia Trip.
Our Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney
After thoroughly researching the options, we decided to dedicate our 1 day Blue Mountains trip to nature and bush walking.
We debated between booking an organized Blue Mountains day tour that focused on hiking or planning our own trip via train from Sydney to Blue Mountains.
In our research, we discovered a hiking trail that we could easily complete on our own: the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Highlights of the trek are stellar viewpoints and tumbling waterfalls. Although it is technically a one-way trail, we discovered a way to create a loop so that we didn’t have to backtrack.
This Blue Mountains hike was the exact nature experience we wanted. Incredible scenery, but not overly strenuous.
Although some Sydney day tours to Blue Mountains offer a good value, we determined it was better for us to plan a DIY Blue Mountains day trip by train.
Detailed Blue Mountains Itinerary from Sydney
Creating our own Blue Mountains one-day itinerary from Sydney meant we had to sort all of the excursion details.
Our Blue Mountains in One Day Itinerary outlines everything you need to know. From how to get to there from Sydney to the must-see viewpoints to how to coordinate your timeline.
Follow in our footsteps and use this information as a guide to plan your own ideal trip from Sydney to Blue Mountains!
Getting to Blue Mountains via Train
Planning a Blue Mountains day trip by train is actually quite simple! The route from Central Station to Katoomba covers the distance in about two hours.
To make the most of your trip, hop on a Central to Blue Mountains Train that departs early in the day.
We took the morning Blue Mountain Express. Not because it’s a big time-saver (it’s only 15 minutes quicker), but because it got us to Katoomba by mid-morning.
Blue Mountains from Sydney by Train
- Train Departure Time from Sydney Central to Katoomba: 8:55am
- Arrival Time to Katoomba Station: 10:48am
- Sydney to Blue Mountains Train Fare: $10.33 AUD
- Blue Mountains Train Tickets can be paid with an Opal Travel Card or Contactless Credit Card
Arrive in Katoomba
Katoomba, with a population of about 8,000 residents, is the charming main town in Blue Mountains.
Many of the top places to see in Blue Mountains NP are accessible from Katoomba. To get from Katoomba Station to Blue Mountains Park, it is an easy 1.2 mile downhill walk.
Top Tip: Make a stop at a grocery store to pick up hiking snacks and items for a picnic lunch. We like Woolworth’s, but there’s also an ALDI just across the street.
First Blue Mountain Views at Echo Point
Offering panoramic views of the park’s most iconic landscape, Echo Point Lookout is a must for every visitor of Blue Mountains NP.
The spacious platform provides stunning views of the famous Three Sisters rock formation and Jamison Valley.
One level lower than Echo Point is Queen Elizabeth Lookout, which allows for an accessible secondary vantage point.
In addition to the informational plaques found at the railings, visitors can obtain Blue Mountains info at the Echo Point Information Center.
Blue Mountains Hikes from Echo Point
Many hikes commence at Echo Point Lookout. Hikers can hop on a trail that travels west to complete the Blue Mountains waterfall walk to Katoomba Falls (and on to Scenic World).
Ambitious trekkers can take the Katoomba walking tracks that lead south to the Three Sisters and down to the valley floor.
Viewpoint-seekers – like ourselves – will want to find the trail to the east, Prince Henry Cliff Walk, that follows the mountain’s edge to Leura Cascades and beyond.
A Blue Mountains hiking map can be purchased from the info center. We opted to use the Blue Mountains tourist map included in the free magazine available at the entrance. It was not the best map, but it served its purpose for our day of hiking.
Gaze at the Three Sisters
The Three Sisters is the most recognizable rock formation in the national park – and a must-see when you visit Blue Mountains from Sydney.
Thousands of years of erosion paired with aboriginal fables make Three Sisters a landmark destination in the national park.
According to the indigenous legend, three sisters were turned to stone when they wanted to marry men outside their tribe.
Consequently, a battle occurred between the two tribes. The only elder who had the power to return the sisters to human form was killed in the fight. Thus, the sisters remain stone for eternity.
Three Sisters Walk and the Giant Stairs
From Echo Point, there is a 1/2 mile walk that allows visitors to access the first ‘sister’ via the Honeymoon Bridge. Walkers can loop back to Echo Point or opt to continue to the valley floor via the Giant Stairway.
Three Sisters to Elysian Rock via Prince Henry Cliff Walk
Total Length: 2.8 miles | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 3-4 hours
Most of this walk is via a natural path that is enveloped in lush forest. Hugging the edge of the cliff, the easy-to-moderate trail offers more than 20 incredible lookout points.
The entire length of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk is about 4.5 miles. We walked about 3 miles from Three Sisters to Elysian Rock, via Leura Cascades. Below, we break down the hike into sections.
Bush Walk from Three Sisters to Leura Cascades
Length: 2 miles | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 1-2 hours
From Echo Point Lookout, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Leura Cascades begins behind the Info Center.
The trail joins the Three Sisters Walking Track, which leads to an up-close view of the first ‘sister’ and the top of the Giant Stairway.
If time allows, make the out-and-back detour to the lookout point and take the stairs down to the bridge and cross over to the iconic rock formation.
Follow the signs for the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, which roughly follows the ridgeline road, Cliff Drive. The dirt trail is enveloped in a forest of eucalyptus and other natural vegetation.
Listen for the shriek of the Wild Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos as they fly overhead. From the trail, there are numerous lookout points, each offering breathtaking views of the valley.
We recommend venturing out to each viewpoint, but be certain not to miss Burrabarroo Lookout (one of our favorites) and Bridal Veil Lookout for an awesome vantage point of the waterfall.
Top Tip: Wooden benches are found sporadically along the path. Great for a rest, but if you packed a picnic lunch, we suggest waiting until you get to Burrabarroo Lookout.
Blue Mountains Waterfalls: Leura Cascades and Bridal Veil Falls
The gently flowing Leura Falls Creek tumbles down stairstep rocks before streaming over the cliff’s edge into the valley below, creating what is better known as Bridal Veil Falls.
Follow the path along the stream and across bridges for the best views of the Leura Cascades.
Top Tip: At Leura Cascades, there is a picnic area, bathroom facilities and parking.
Leura Cascades to Elysian Rock
Length: 1 mile | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Just past the falls, continue along Prince Henry Cliff Walk to the Bridal Veil View path. Take this detour for the absolute best viewpoint of the Bridal Veil Falls, then retrace your steps to reconnect with the main path.
Shortly after the Tarpeian Rock lookout, the Olympian Rock Lookout is not too far – and the views are spectacular! Hiking on from Olympian Rock, you will arrive at Elysian Rock Lookout in less than 5 minutes.
We continued for another 10 minutes past Elysian Rock to Gordon Falls Lookout, but the view of the waterfall was a bit disappointing – especially after Leura Falls.
However, this portion of Prince Henry Trail was vacant. So, if you are seeking a bit of solitude in the forest, you might want to continue on.
Conclude Your Blue Mountains Hike in Leura
From Elysian Rock Lookout (or Gordon Falls), make your way up to Olympian Parade; turn left (west) and walk to Leura Mall.
Turn right (north) and follow the pleasant residential street for about 1.2 miles into the center of Leura. Here there are a handful of shops, cafes and restaurants. At the top of the street is Leura Station.
Blue Mountains to Sydney by Train
- Train Departure Time from Leura Station to Sydney Central: 3:17pm
- Arrival Time to Sydney Central Station: 5:17pm
- Blue Mountains to Sydney Train Fare: $10.33 AUD
What You Need for a Day Trip to Blue Mountains
For the best Blue Mountains experience, you need to be prepared with a few essential items.
If you are going hiking in the Blue Mountains, you need proper footwear. For the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, which is an easy to moderate trail, casual trekking shoes are adequate, such as these by New Balance or these by Merrell.
Don’t forget important items like a refillable water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen and binoculars. You’ll also want to have a Great Day Bag to pack it all in!
For the best pictures of the Blue Mountains, you will want an actual travel camera. We carry a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens, which together takes excellent photos.
More Blue Mountains Things To Do and FAQ
While we loved our quick day trip in the Blue Mountains, there’s heaps more to see in the area. We’ll start with some logistical info then expand on other activities.
Blue Mountains Train Line
Operated by NSW TrainLink, the Blue Mountains Train Line is the most direct and convenient public transportation option from Sydney.
The two most convenient Blue Mountains train stops are Katoomba Railway Station and Leura Railway Station.
Best Time to Visit Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are beautiful any time of year! In the summer months (December, January, February), it can be very warm, but cooler than in Sydney.
The autumn (March, April, May) is an ideal time for walks. In the winter (June, July, August), park visitors can expect cooler, but still generally pleasant, weather.
What To Do in Blue Mountains
There are many options of things to do on a Blue Mountains getaway – even if it is for just one day! Here are some of the other top things to include on a Blue Mountains Itinerary for 1 Day.
Scenic World
This is a hub of entertainment, including four main attractions: the Scenic Railway, the Scenic Skyway, the Scenic Cableway and the Scenic Walkway.
The tickets are inclusive of all Scenic World attractions. Find current prices and opening times on their official website.
Blue Mountains Bus Explorer
This is a fantastic option for park visitors who want to see multiple sights on a short timeline. The Hop-On-Hop-Off route begins at Katoomba station and transports passengers to the top sights – like Echo Point, Scenic World and Leura Cascades.
The stops are conveniently located at key points along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. This allows trekkers to easily complete shorter sections of the trail – as well as partake in other activities. Find out more!
Book a Blue Mountains Tour
There are many day tours from Sydney that offer an array of activities – both in the park and enroute to it. The best Sydney day trips to the Blue Mountains offer multiple attractions and value for money.
Highlights of the most popular tours are seeing the Three Sisters, visiting Scenic World attractions (cable car and train) and learning about native animals. Most tours include a guide who will share historic and Aboriginal information about the park.
Active travelers have a choice of difficult Blue Mountains hiking tours, 4WD excursions and climbing/abseiling tours. Visitors can also choose to go on a Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves tour that explore underground passages.
Classic Blue Mountains Tour
This 10-hour tour includes all the highlights of a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Visit a wildlife park, view Three Sisters from Echo Point and enjoy the rides at Scenic World and end the day with a river cruise. Book it!
Wildlife Park and Bushwalks Tour
Get up close and personal with native Australian animals and then join a guide for a fantastic trek through the forest. Find out more!
Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves Day Tour
This adventurous tour includes navigating Lucas Cave, visiting Scenic World (rides at own expense) and a river cruise into Sydney’s Circular Quay. Get More Details!
4WD Adventure Tour
Get off the beaten track and explore the Blue Mountains in a 4×4! See the top sights – and then take in vistas that most visitors miss. Check it out!
Hunter Valley and Blue Mountain Weekend Packages
This Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains 2-day Itinerary includes top sights and experiences with overnight accommodations. Learn more!
Blue Mountains Overnight Wildlife Safari
Escape the crowds and discover natural wonders on a Blue Mountains private overnight tour. Get the details!
More Sydney Travel Guides
Thanks for reading our Blue Mountains Day Trip Guide! Looking for more Things To Do in Sydney?
Check out our detailed posts for a Self-Guided Sydney Walking Tour, Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, and a great nature hike from Spit to Manly.
We can also help you find excellent Sydney Craft Beer and fun Bars at Bondi Beach after your long days of sightseeing!
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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