The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a dramatic wilderness on the doorstep of Sydney, a UNESCO landscape of dizzying sandstone cliffs, deep forested valleys and cascading waterfalls, named for the blue haze cast by the oils of the vast eucalyptus forests. Its icon is the Three Sisters, a trio of weathered rock pillars above the Jamison Valley, and it offers superb bushwalks, lookouts and a scenic railway, an easy escape from the city.

Highlights

• The Three Sisters - the trio of rock pillars above the valley.
• The valley lookouts - the clifftop views over the forested valleys.
• The bushwalks - the trails to waterfalls and through the forest.
• Scenic World - the steep scenic railway and cableways at Katoomba.

When to go

Spring and autumn for the mildest weather and clear views; the mountains are cooler than Sydney, with crisp winters and even occasional snow. Misty days can shroud the famous views, so a clear day is best for the lookouts.

Practical notes

The famous Three Sisters lookout at Echo Point is popular and busy with tour groups, but the crowds thin quickly on the walking trails. Mist and cloud can hide the views, so a clear day matters. It is cooler than Sydney, so bring layers. A car helps to reach the quieter, scattered lookouts and walks.

Nearby

Sydney is two hours east; the Jenolan Caves and the Megalong Valley are nearby.