Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains has everything you need for a perfect day trip: fresh air, good food and spectacular scenery. Follow our guide for the perfect day out.
- 3 min read
Highlights
Highlights
Morning: Coffee, chocolates and waterfalls
As you drive out of Sydney towards the Blue Mountains, the Great Western Highway climbs into the mountains, winding its way past picturesque towns including Springwood, Faulconbridge, Wentworth Falls and Leura. A stop at Lawson’s Black Cockatoo Bakery is a must, where artisanal breads are crafted with organic stoneground flour, filtered water, sea salt and wild live cultures. Be sure to try the pastries, made with Pepe Saya cultured butter, and don’t leave without grabbing a few extra treats for the road.
From Lawson, it's just a 10-minute drive through pristine bushland to Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, where you can walk to the falls themselves. Start at Jamison Lookout, which boasts a sweeping vista of Jamison Valley. Then head to the Wentworth Falls Track and down log steps to Wentworth Lookout, making sure to keep an eye out for glimpses of the waterfall. For a closer view, take the sidetrack to Fletchers Lookout to get a view of the waterfall from up close.
Views across the Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary along the Three Sisters Walking Trail, Katoomba
The charming town of Leura is one of the prettiest in the region, renowned for its heritage homes and cool-climate gardens. Pop into Josophan’s Fine Chocolates and try pure Belgian drinking chocolate and handmade truffles. Afterwards, visit Kate Soady Gallery in Leura Mall, a serene space where the Sydney-born artist showcases her playful paintings and handcrafted candles. Inspired by the abundant bushland around Leura, Kate’s works are rich with vibrant banksias and cockatoos, evoking the spirit of the surrounding landscape.
Josophan's Chocolate Shop, Leura - Credit: Sydney Adventure Tours
Afternoon: Lookouts and bushwalks
From Leura, drive to Blackheath for a scrumptious lunch of Mediterranean share plates cooked on a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven at Ates. Or, for something on the go, head to This Little Piggy Deli for a great selection of pastries, salads and other homemade treats. After lunch, it’s time to take in the panoramic view from nearby Evans Lookout. Breathe in the refreshing mountain air as you peer out towards the sandstone cliff wall of Grose Valley with Govetts Creek winding across the forested floor. From Evans Lookout, it’s easy to set out on the Grand Canyon Track, a magical trail past waterfalls, rock walls and pristine rainforest brimming with native plants.
Grand Canyon Walking Track, Blackheath
If you have time, another top vantage point is Govetts Leap Lookout near Blackheath: one of the highest towns above sea level in the Blue Mountains. Govetts Leap boasts sweeping views of the valley below, which is blanketed in blue gum forest, and dotted with bottlebrush, acacia and myrtle flowers. Look out to the craggy peak of Pulpit Rock in the foreground, and the Bridal Veil Falls to the right.
Govetts Leap Lookout, Blackheath
Evening: Breweries and nighttime walks
One of the first breweries in the Blue Mountains and now recognised as one of the top breweries in Australia, Mountain Culture Beer Co. in Katoomba is ideal for indulging in gourmet burgers paired with award-winning small-batch beers. Relax in the restored heritage-listed building, which has housed everything from a dance saloon to a local newspaper, while sipping from a flight of the brewery’s much-loved pours.
Mountain Culture Beer, Katoomba
Another unmissable activity in Katoomba is the Beyond Skyway experience at Scenic World. A world-first 90-minute rooftop cable-car experience, Beyond Skyway invites guests to harness up before stepping onto the roof of the cable car that soars 270m above the Jamison Valley. Time your session well and you’ll feel as though you’re fully immersed in the sunset as well as the breathtaking, open-air panoramas of the Blue Mountains. After braving the rooftop, enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne, wine or beer as you return to base.
Once the sun sets, enjoy the natural beauty of Katoomba in a new light with the Katoomba Falls Reserve Night-lit Walk. At dusk, follow the trail of lights along a 1.3km route and see illuminated cascades, rock walls and natural formations such as Orphan Rock. From select vantage points, you can spy the Three Sisters lit up under the night sky.
Katoomba Falls Reserve Night-lit Walk - Credit: Hayley Lewis
Getting there
Getting there
