Once you cross the Nepean River as Sydney’s Western fringe, every town and village you pass notes the altitude as you drive past their “Welcome to” signs. Glenbrook – 163 metres above sea level. Springwood – 361 metres above sea level. Hazelbrook – 675 metres above sea level. Katoomba – 1017 metres above sea level. After the climb, the cooler air and the mountain atmosphere is palpable when you finally emerge from your car.
Since they emerged as a tourist destination in the late 1800s, the Blue Mountains have served as a summer escape and winter wonderland for Sydneysiders and those from further afield. The Mountains are home to enough quaint villages, dramatic scenery and quality eateries to spend weeks – or longer – exploring the region.
If you haven’t been to the Blue Mountains region, or if you’re looking to rediscover the area, we hope this 3‐day suggested itinerary can guide you to make the best of your time high in the range.
Day 1
Throw your bags in the boot and get on the road! Our first stop this morning will be Wentworth Falls. Spend an hour or two taking in the various dramatic views of the Jamison Valley and the falls themselves. Have a look at the maps and information signs in the area and if you have time go for one of the longer walks in the area.
Moving on from Wentworth Falls, head to Katoomba and stay in one of the town’s beautifully restored relics from bygone years. The town has many beautiful hotels from the late 1800s and wonderful art deco buildings from the 1920s. The iconic Carrington Hotel or the beautiful Palais Royal are top picks!
In Katoomba you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining options. The top end of Katoomba street has everything from Thai to Lebanese, Nepalese to Italian. Explore the street. There are no bad choices!

Day 2
Wake up early and find breakfast in town or your hotel. Your first stop today obviously needs to be the Blue Mountains most iconic attractions. Make your way to the Echo Point and check out the view of the world famous Three Sisters.
Feeling adventurous? Take a stroll from the visitors centre, descend the Giant Stairway and cross Honeymoon Bridge to find yourself right there on the first sister.
After spending the morning taking in the views of the Jamison Valley from Echo Point, make your way to the lovely village of Leura. You’ll get a great bite to eat at one of Leura’s many cafes. Leura has all the architectural and atmospheric charm of Katoomba but on a smaller and quainter scale. Straight out of a fairy‐tale, it is the quintessential mountain village.
After lunch make your way to Blackheath for wonderful views of the dazzling Bridal Veil Falls. Gaining a completely different aspect of the mountains really gives a sense of scale when contemplating the vastness of the 1 million hectares that make up the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Grab dinner at the pub in Blackheath or head back to Katoomba for another great meal out on Katoomba Street.
Depending on the time of year, go before or after dinner to a spot a lot of tourists miss out on. Cahill’s lookout, just to the west of Katoomba offers the most awe‐inspiring sunset view in the entire mountains.

Day 3
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. But it’s not all doom and gloom this morning! We have saved the most exhilarating (and scenic) thrills for very last.
After breakfast, make your way to Scenic World. Tickets include rides on Scenic World’s three most famous attractions. The Scenic Railway takes you on a hair‐raising forward‐facing descent to the valley floor before the Scenic Cableway brings you back up the 310 vertical metres to the top station. Finally, you will be treated to a return journey on the Scenic Skyway which appears to defy gravity as it traverses the Kedumba Valley and offers stunning views of Katoomba Falls. Stand on the glass bottom if you dare!
It’s time to bid adieu to the Blue Mountains. After the excitement of this morning, treat yourself to a hot chocolate at The Blue Mountains Chocolate Company before getting on the road back to Sydney.
Don’t despair too much; you’ll surely be back.
