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Offering everything from adventure to relaxation, the Blue Mountains is an adventurer's paradise as well as a romantic background for couples wanting a cosy weekend away.
Wine tasting in the beautiful Megalong Valley, hiking to stunning waterfalls, and abseiling down impressive cliffs are just some of the activities on offer in the region. Whichever you choose, you’re assured a memorable time in this UNESCO World Heritage area.
Whether you only have a day or a weekend or longer, keep reading to find the perfect way to spend your time.
Type of experience | Duration | Includes transport from Sydney? | Compare prices: |
---|---|---|---|
Three Sisters tour | 1 day | Yes | Get Your Guide - $125Viator - $135Adrenaline - $219 |
Scenic World visit | 1 day | Yes | finder.com.au - $145Get Your Guide - $145Viator - $234RedBalloon - $245 |
Abseiling or canyoning | 1 day | Yes | RedBalloon - $199Viator - $220Adrenaline - $250 |
Wentworth Falls visit | 1 day | Yes | Viator - $109 |
Golf experience | 2 days | No | RedBalloon - $839 |
Horseriding | 2 hours | No | RedBalloon - $149Adrenaline - $149 |
Mountain biking | 1 day | Yes | RedBalloon - $299Adrenaline - $115 (self-guided) |
Helicopter ride | Half day | Yes | RedBalloon - $920Viator - $1,150 |
Wine tasting | 1 hour | No | RedBalloon - $55 |
The Three Sisters is an unusual rock formation situated in the main upper Blue Mountains area of Katoomba. Aboriginal legend has it that three sisters from the Katoomba tribe fell in love with men from a neighbouring tribe, which was forbidden. When these two clans clashed in the valley below the rocks, the girls were turned to stone to protect them from harm.
The site has become an icon within the national park and is a picturesque viewpoint, as well as a starting point for several scenic hiking trails.
Highlights:
Scenic World offers a range of exciting experiences for visitors to Katoomba, each one showcasing the stunning vistas of the Blue Mountains National Park.
Test your nerves on the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world, as you descend down a 52° incline. At the bottom, stroll along the Scenic Walkway through ancient rainforest, and maybe spot a lyrebird. Take the Scenic Cableway back up the cliff face for panoramic views, and finish off with a ride on the Scenic Skyway to view the valley through a glass floor.
Highlights:
The Blue Mountains is an adventure lover’s paradise, with an abundance of challenging activities available for visitors. Abseiling and canyoning are just two of the adventure activities that are widely popular in the area.
Take the chance to see the UNESCO World Heritage site from a unique perspective. Whether you’re abseiling an adrenaline-pumping 18 storeys of overhanging rock, or navigating tunnel swims, waterfall scrambles and rock slides, you’re guaranteed a trip to remember.
Highlights:
Wentworth Falls is a scenic town in the Blue Mountains famous for its bushwalks, stunning views and, of course, its namesake waterfall. The most popular activity is to walk along the Wentworth Falls track where bushwalkers are rewarded with views from the top of the cascade.
After your hike, take a stroll through the main street and drop in to one of the coffee shops. Eat or drink in, or take away a snack and enjoy it amid the tranquil setting of Wentworth Falls Lake. Alternatively, enjoy a drink on the deck of the clubhouse overlooking the greens of the local golf course.
Highlights:
If you like scenic views with your golf, then head to the Blue Mountains for a glorious round surrounded by bushland. The mountains are home to multiple golf courses, including Leura Golf Club which was established in 1902 and is the oldest course in the Blue Mountains.
Play for the day or stay the weekend and enjoy some well-earned R and R after your game. Have a drink or meal at one of the clubhouses, or stay the night at the Fairmont Resort which adjoins the course in Leura, and enjoy some proper pampering.
Highlights:
Where there are mountains there are also valleys. The Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys are spectacular areas in which to explore the lay of the land on horseback. Surrounded by nature and farmland, they are nestled under stunning escarpments that reflect changing colours with the sun.
If you need some sustenance before or after your ride, pop in to the Megalong Valley Tearooms and sit among the gum trees while you eat. If you stay in the valley until sunset, you’ll also have a good chance of spotting some kangaroos. You can even book one of several cabins in the valley and sleep to the sound of nature.
Highlights:
A myriad of adventure activities await you in the Blue Mountains, and for those with a need for speed, mountain biking is a thrilling experience. It’s a fabulous way to experience the national park up close and personal, whether you prefer a gentle track, or something more challenging.
Keep your budget at bay and play it your way by following one of numerous bike trails throughout the area. Alternatively, there are various day tours available that include a guide to take you through the best spots and provide information about the area along the way.
Highlights:
For those short on time or seeking a unique perspective of this World Heritage site, a helicopter ride from Sydney is the ultimate day out.
Not only do helicopter rides provide you with the luxury of a quick and unique journey, many include a stopover in the mountains as well as meals and refreshments you can enjoy while soaking up panoramic views of the landscape. This is definitely the way to go for a special occasion.
Highlights:
The Blue Mountains area itself is home to two wineries, Megalong Creek Estate and Dryridge Estate, which are both in the Megalong Valley. Choose one or the other (or both) and spend an afternoon enjoying the views whilst sipping on a Shiraz or Riesling, or stay the weekend and really soak in the surroundings.
If you’d like a wider range of regional wines to taste as well, head to one of the villages and try one of the many eateries. Then pop in to fabulous Carrington Cellars in Katoomba and take home a local bottle or two.
Highlights:
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