Exploring the Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Author: Chris Hawkins, Programme Director

The Blue Mountains are easily reached from Sydney by car in about an hour and a half. This is genuinely one of my favourite escapes in the whole country - the perfect day trip to get right back to nature, especially once you've worked your way through the sights of the city. If you'd rather stay longer, camping is a wonderful option, and if you don't fancy going completely back to basics, there's plenty of accommodation too, from mountain chalets to cosy bed and breakfasts.

Katoomba makes a great base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Sitting at 1,030m above sea level, the air genuinely smells fresher and cleaner up here - you notice the difference the moment you step out of the car. Home to a long-standing community of artists, it has a real bohemian feel that carries through into the restaurants and coffee shops lining the main street. My personal favourite is the Elephant Bean Café - properly boho, with funky artwork covering the walls and shelves stacked with books to browse over an excellent barista-made coffee.

Echo Point is about 2km from the centre of Katoomba, and the viewing platform here looks out over the southern Blue Mountains and the magnificent Three Sisters. Look past the rock formation and out into the wilderness, and you'll notice a soft blue haze hanging over the landscape - that's exactly what gave the Blue Mountains their name. For a proper adventure, take the 980 steps down the Giant Stairway to the valley floor, then walk past Katoomba Falls and hitch a ride back up on the Scenic Railway. If you're after something a little less strenuous, I'd recommend the Scenic Skyway, with its glass floor, or the Cableway, the steepest cable car ride in the Southern Hemisphere. Both are found at Scenic World in Katoomba.

Echo Point and Scenic World can get busy with tourists, but both are absolutely worth the visit for those essential holiday photos. Quieter, and just as rewarding, is Wentworth Falls, with plenty of walking trails, dramatic landscapes, rocky overhangs and beautiful viewpoints, all set against an incredible backdrop. From the Wentworth Falls picnic area, there are several clearly labelled walking tracks, so you can choose your level - easy, medium or hard. My favourite is the Overcliff-Undercliff track. As the name suggests, it weaves between rainforest and paths beneath rocky overhangs, and the views of the falls and the wider Blue Mountains along the way are genuinely fantastic.

To really experience the wilderness and beauty of the Australian bush, Blue Mountains National Park has some excellent campgrounds. I stayed at Euroka campground - walking trails down to the Nepean River, cockatoos for company, and a proper sense of being right in the wilderness. Worth noting: many of the national park campsites, Euroka included, only have basic facilities - in this case, just a long-drop toilet! It took me a little while to adjust to that when camping in Australia, but it was genuinely worth trading home comforts for such unique, unspoilt surroundings. Bring your own water too, as there's no drinking water supply at the campground. Once you've picked your spot, pitch your tent and get the campfire going. There's honestly nothing better than sitting out under the stars, campfire crackling gently, with nothing but the Australian bush for company.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get from Sydney to the Blue Mountains?
By car, it's around an hour and a half. It's an easy, comfortable day trip, though I'd always encourage staying at least one night if your itinerary allows - the mountains reveal themselves properly once the day-trip crowds have gone.

Is Katoomba the best base for exploring the Blue Mountains?
It's a strong choice thanks to its proximity to Echo Point and Scenic World, plus its lively café and arts scene. If you'd prefer somewhere a touch quieter, neighbouring Leura is a lovely alternative with a more relaxed pace.

Do I need to book Scenic World in advance?
It's not essential, but Echo Point and Scenic World can get busy, particularly in peak season, so booking ahead or arriving early in the day will save you queuing.

Is camping in the Blue Mountains suitable for first-time campers in Australia?
It can be, but go in with the right expectations - campgrounds like Euroka have only basic facilities, no drinking water, and no power. If you'd prefer more comfort, there are excellent chalets and B&Bs throughout the region instead.

What's the best walk in the Blue Mountains for varying fitness levels?
The trails from the Wentworth Falls picnic area are ideal, as they're clearly labelled easy, medium or hard, so everyone in your group can choose their own route. The Overcliff-Undercliff track is my personal favourite for its mix of rainforest and rocky overhangs.