Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a sandstone plateau west of Sydney, known for cliffs, eucalyptus gorges and the Three Sisters viewpoint, and close enough for a day trip.

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The Blue Mountains are a sandstone plateau and mountain range in New South Wales, Australia, with foothills about 50 km west of central Sydney. Eucalyptus forests, deep gorges and cliff edges make up much of the scenery, and the towns of Katoomba, Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Springwood sit on the heights. Sydney visitors often take the range as a day trip.

The Three Sisters rock formation near Katoomba is one of Australia's most-photographed landmarks and the main viewpoint over the Jamison Valley. The area is part of the Greater Blue Mountains Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Area, and holds Aboriginal sites such as Red Hands Cave near Glenbrook and Kings Tableland at Wentworth Falls. Visitors come for lookouts, walking, rock climbing, canyoning and mountain biking. At Katoomba, summer days reach about 22 °C, while clear winter nights can drop to about −1 °C.

Blue Mountains in five

Start at Echo Point for the Three SistersNSW National Parks lists Echo Point in Katoomba as the place to marvel at the Three Sisters. Go early, then combine the lookout with a short stretch of cliff-top walking before the crowds arrive.
Walk the Wentworth Falls track if you can climb stairsAbout 200 steps lead down to Fletchers lookout, with the falls plunging 100 m to the valley floor. The track has hidden cliff edges and steep stairs unsuitable for prams, so wear proper shoes.
Ride the steepest railway at Scenic WorldScenic World runs a railway on a 52 degree incline into the rainforest, plus a cableway, skyway and walkway. Compare the passes on its site before you buy, and check opening times.
Plan the Grand Cliff Top Walk as two daysNSW National Parks suggests a 19 km hike from Wentworth Falls to Leura and on to Katoomba over two days. The national park lists over 140 km of tracks, so shorter sections suit a day trip.
Check park alerts before you walkTracks and lookouts close after storms and fires. Download the NSW National Parks app for maps without mobile reception and check alerts on the park page on the day.

Things to do in Blue Mountains

See all attractions in Blue Mountains

Sight · Blue MountainsEverglades

Sight · Blue MountainsBlue Mountains Cultural Centre

Historic site · Blue MountainsRed Hands CaveBring water and snacks for the longer routes.

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Need to know

Getting there: Trains and roads run west from Sydney to Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls Read more
Getting around: Local buses and walking; a car helps for Blackheath and Govetts Leap
Best base: Katoomba or Leura for walks; Blackheath for quieter lookouts
Time needed: 1 long day from Sydney; 2 nights for the cliff top walks

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good

JanuaryRain17 rainy daysHigh27°Low15°Warm, storms
FebruaryRain15 rainy daysHigh26°Low14°Warm, humid
MarchRain16 rainy daysHigh23°Low13°Mild, clear
AprilPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh20°Low9°Autumn color
MayPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh16°Low5°Cool, crisp
JunePartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh13°Low3°Cold, fog
JulyPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh13°Low3°Coldest
AugustPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh15°Low3°Cold, clear
SeptemberClear8 rainy daysHigh19°Low5°Spring, mild
OctoberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh21°Low8°Mild, spring
NovemberRain12 rainy daysHigh24°Low11°Warm, dry
DecemberRain13 rainy daysHigh27°Low13°Warm, fire risk

Average daily high and low in Katoomba, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Blue Mountains

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 16°
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 9 km/h
Chance of rain: 100%

Blue Mountains

12:34 PM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+11

Today22°12°100%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 22°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 100%.
Wed24°11°24%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 24%.
Thu20°9°45%Thursday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 45%.
Fri22°7°2%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 22°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 2%.
Sat21°6°75%Saturday: Rain. High 21°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 75%.
Sun15°3°15%Sunday: Drizzle. High 15°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 15%.
Mon20°3°12%Monday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 12%.

Updated 09:51 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.423 AUD

Amount

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AUD · Australian Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Blue Mountains

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

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Day trips by train

Sydneyback by train or carMost visitors base in Sydney and visit for the day; see the Sydney guide for bases.Read the guide
Canberraa long drive south-westThe capital's free galleries and parliament make an easy second stop on a road trip.Read the guide
Jenolan Cavesa long day from the mountainsA limestone cave system reached by road; check opening and tour times with the operator.

Before you go to Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains day toursLookouts and walks from SydneyCompare day trips

Stays in Katoomba or LeuraWalking bases near the cliffsCheck availability

eSIM for the mountainsSignal drops in valleys, not townsRead the guide

Insurance for hikingCover for walks and weather changesRead the guide

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Rules for Blue Mountains, checked

Wentworth Falls track: stay on the track because of hidden cliff edges; steep stairs are not suitable for prams. Use the NSW National Parks app for maps.Checked Oct 2, 2026 · Source

Plan around Blue Mountains

Sydney

Harbor ferries, coastal walks and where to stay

Read the guide Canberra

The capital, a road trip south of Sydney

Read the guide New South Wales

Parks passes and the wider state

Read the guide All of Australia

ETA, regions, flights and money basics

Read the guide Travel insurance

Cover for hiking and activity cancellations

Read the guide

Blue Mountains FAQ

Can you visit the Blue Mountains as a day trip from Sydney?

Yes. Trains and tours reach Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls, and a day covers the Three Sisters, a short walk and Scenic World. Walks like the Grand Cliff Top Walk need an overnight.

How many days do you need in the Blue Mountains?

One long day covers highlights; two nights allow a full walk, quiet lookouts and a rest day. Hikers can fill three days with the tracks around Wentworth Falls and Blackheath.

What is the best time to visit the Blue Mountains?

March, April, October and November give mild, clear days. Winter is cold and can be foggy, and summer brings storms and fire risk.

Is the Three Sisters worth seeing?

Yes, especially early in clear light at Echo Point. The lookout is free and short, and it pairs well with a walk rather than a quick stop.

Where should I stay in the Blue Mountains?

Katoomba for the Three Sisters and Scenic World, Leura for village charm, Blackheath for quiet lookouts and Wentworth Falls for waterfall walks.