Blue Mountains Day Trip From Sydney

Top tips from a Sydney tour guide updated for 2024

The Blue Mountains is one of the most popular Sydney tour options and with good reason. I am an experienced Sydney tour guide who has lived in the Blue Mountains. I have personally led hundreds of day trips to this beautiful destination. In this blog post, I answer 10 of the most common questions and share some tips to help you select the best tour for you.

Before I begin, I’m a private Sydney Tour Guide. The Blue Mountains is one of my favorite places to show my guests. I think that a small private tour of Sydney is the best way to enjoy them and see more than just the touristy spots. We would be happy to discuss this in greater detail with you, or you can make a reservation for your driver and guide.

What are the Blue Mountains?

The Blue Mountains National Park starts about 60 km west of Sydney, and the tourist areas of Katoomba & Leura are about 90 km away. They’re worth a visit if you can. The Blue Mountains are a great day trip for nature lovers because of their proximity to Sydney, the natural beauty and sweeping views they offer, and their diversity.

What can I see in the city if I visit?

The Blue Mountains Region consists of seven separate national parks and measures approximately 10,000 square kilometers. In 2000, it was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site due to its natural diversity. You can expect to find rounded mountains with deep valleys, towering cliffs, and sparkling waterfalls. Many guests compare the Grand Canyon to the sheer size of the sandstone cliffs. You may find ancient Aboriginal rock carvings, as well as cool climate rainforests if you’re on a smaller group tour. All Blue Mountains tours will take you to Three Sisters, which is located near the township of Katoomba. It is one of Australia’s most famous rock formations. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and abundant birdlife, ornate gardens, and charming villages such as Leura and Blackheath.

What about a day trip to the Blue Mountains? Should we include Scenic World in our itinerary? Does it make sense to visit?

The answer is yes. This is especially true for people who have limited mobility or families with young children. Scenic World lets you experience a completely different side of the Blue Mountains. From the clifftops, you will descend into the Jamison Valley and experience its unique microclimate. The history of coal mining may be interesting to you or not. Still, I think the main reason to include this in your itinerary is to experience the cool climate of the rainforest, take some short walks on boardwalks (or trails for those who are more adventurous), and possibly meet the Superb Lyrebird, one of the most fascinating local creatures. The weather can close in on you, and mountains are no exception. This is a great opportunity to go under the clouds for better visibility.

What about Jenolan Caves?

It’s a difficult question to answer because it can affect the timing of your Blue Mountains trip. This is because the Jenolan Caves will add 2.5 hours to your travel time and limit the other things you can do in the area. You may ask to include caving in your itinerary if you love it or if the weather is bad. Driving to the caves can be very scenic. We often see wallabies and kangaroos along the road. If you’re lucky, you may spot a platypus swimming in Blue Lake.

What is Featherdale Wildlife Park like? What about Featherdale Wildlife Park?

This is included in many Blue Mountains day trips as it’s on the way to or from the Blue Mountains. My personal preference is to ask guests if they intend to visit any other similar zoos while on their trip and then make a decision based on that. Featherdale offers a variety of Australian native species, such as koalas. Kangaroos. Emus. Crocodiles. Wombats. You should spend your time in the mountains if you are planning on visiting Taronga Zoo and other zoos.

Does the Waradah Aboriginal Show at Katoomba deserve to be included?

This presentation is only 25 minutes long, but it gives a great introduction to Aboriginal history and culture through music, dance, and story. This is an excellent option for those who want to be well-informed. The local tribes have lived in the Blue Mountains for more than 20,000 years. This is a great option, especially if you are visiting during wet or stormy weather. This business is now closed as of mid-2020, but we are able to arrange an Aboriginal immersion experience upon request.

All tour operators and itineraries are the same.

Not at all. Many operators are of different sizes and shapes and have little or no experience in the Blue Mountains. You can expect to be restricted to the touristy areas if you opt for a larger bus or coach. This is because these vehicles are only able to access the places where the bigger vehicles can travel. A small or private tour is the best way to get a balanced itinerary, which includes the most popular spots and also allows you to explore the less-known secret spots. Private tours can be tailored according to your preferences, fitness level, and interests. They will give you the best possible experience. To book a Blue Mountains Private Tour, click the following link. Read more info about – best blue mountain day trips from in Sydney.

What are the best hiking options in the Blue Mountains for people of different fitness levels?

The Blue Mountains is an ideal place for hiking, with well-maintained trails. Country Trails offers Blue Mountains Hiking Tours with guides who can tailor the tour to your ability and fitness level. The hikes can range from 30 minutes up to three hours, and they can take place on clifftop trails or in lush rainforest canyons. They can also be done on elevated boardwalks. We are always happy to answer your hiking questions and guide you through the entire experience. Some of our favorite hikes include the Grand Canyon, Empress Falls Trail and Hanging Rock Trail.

What can we do in the Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney?

The Blue Mountains are known for their natural beauty. However, you can add other activities and attractions to your trip. Visit one of two Blue Mountains wineries that have cellar doors and sample the local wine. You can also visit the Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens at high altitude, taste some ciders along the Bell’s Line of Road or take a guided canyoning, mountain biking or climbing tour. These options can all be combined into one of our incredible private Blue Mountains tour. Talk to us about creating your perfect day.

Is it worth the money to take a cruise back to the city?

When the weather is good and my guests are staying near the city center, I offer this as an option. After your private Blue Mountains Tour, it is possible to relax on a rivercat (ferry service which accesses the shallow areas of Sydney Harbour). You can then cruise back to Circular Qay. This is something I recommend unless it’s really bad weather. You have two choices: a public service or a private operator that sells drinks and snacks on board. The journey into the city takes around 35 minutes.

Can I do a self-drive tour of the Blue Mountains?

This is an option if you’re comfortable driving in the area, but I usually only suggest it if you plan to spend more than one full day exploring. You will learn and see more if you choose a Blue Mountains Day Trip that is tailored and professionally guided. You should also be aware that many car rental companies will not let you drive on unpaved roads, which will limit your opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful views of the Blue Mountains.

What’s the best day-trip route to Blue Mountains if I drive myself?

The majority of Sydney locals who are planning a day trip to the Blue Mountains will simply take the Western Distributor and then the M4 which leads directly west. This is the main gateway for Sydney residents to reach the Blue Mountains. You can also stop at the charming village Glenbrook to grab a breakfast or coffee. The Bells Line of Road is a scenic route that takes you past fruit-growing towns such as Bilpin, where you can sample local ciders and pies. You can also stop by the beautiful Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, or the Blue Mountains during autumn (March to May) and swing past Mount Wilson.

Can we hire you to be our guide, you seem like someone who knows what they’re doing?

I never imagined you would ask. Absolutely. Having lived in and studied outdoor recreation at the Blue Mountains, and having led hundreds of day tours there, I would love to share this special region with you. We can accommodate groups of 1 to 20 people. Our tours are tailored to our clients’ preferences and fitness levels. We also provide refreshments and free wifi during the tour. You can email us if you need any more information or book our services online using .