Each year, millions of people head west from Sydney to visit the Blue Mountains. A favourite among both tourists and locals, this beautiful region is one of the top weekend getaways in New South Wales.
In this guide, we explore 25 of the most popular attractions and activities in the Blue Mountains. Starting in Glenbrook in the Lower Blue Mountains, we’ll take you on a clockwise journey all the way to Bilpin:
- Glenbrook
- Lawson
- Wentworth Falls
- Leura
- Katoomba
- Blackheath
- Mount Victoria
- Lithgow
- Bells Line of Road
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1. Knapsack Bridge
Let’s start our list of Blue Mountains attractions with a rewarding bushwalk that leads to an impressive, nearly two-century-old viaduct.
The Lapstone Zig Zag walking track in Glenbrook follows a disused railway line built in the second half of the 19th century.
Opened in 1867, the Knapsack Bridge, with its roadway sitting 40 metres above the gully, is a beautiful sight in the Blue Mountains.
More info: Lapstone Zig Zag Walk.
2. Jellybean Pool
If the weather is warm, a visit to Jellybean Pool in the Glenbrook area can make for a fantastic day out.
This scenic natural swimming hole on Glenbrook Creek offers easy access and plenty of space to swim and relax around the water.
However, Jellybean Pool is very popular and tends to get busy on weekends and during school holidays. For a quieter experience, consider going early or visiting on a weekday.
More info: Jellybean Pool.
3. South Lawson Waterfalls
The South Lawson waterfall circuit walk may be short, but it is an absolute gem with no less than four pretty waterfalls to discover:
- Adelina Falls
- Junction Falls
- Federal Falls
- Cataract Falls
It’s a bushwalk that is perfect for the whole family (including the dog) and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
More info: South Lawson Waterfall Circuit.
4. Wentworth Falls Waterfall
A visit to one of the most impressive waterfalls in New South Wales is a must when exploring the Blue Mountains.
The Wentworth Falls area offers a variety of walking tracks, from short and easy to longer, more challenging hikes. To get up close to the waterfall, you’ll need to descend the historic Grand Stairway, a steep set of stairs leading to its base.
If hiking isn’t your preference, several nearby lookouts provide stunning views of both the waterfall and the Jamison Valley.
More info: walking tracks in Wentworth Falls.
5. Valley of the Waters
The walking track through the Valley of the Waters in the western section of the Wentworth Falls area is a real treat, with four scenic waterfalls to explore:
- Empress Falls
- Sylvia Falls
- Lodore Falls
- Flat Rock Falls
The 2.5 km return walk starts from the old Conservation Hut and is quite steep. Make sure you bring decent hiking shoes and your camera for the best photos of the waterfalls.
Note that Empress Falls and Sylvia Falls are the most impressive of the four, so if you want to make this a shorter walk, visiting those two waterfalls will give you the best value.
More info: Valley of the Waters walking track.
6. Leura Cascades
Did you know that the peaceful Leura Cascades picnic area was once home to a public swimming bath? That’s right; Katoomba Municipal Baths first opened here in 1913.
A century later, instead of swimming, visitors can now enjoy a relaxing picnic in beautiful surroundings, with facilities like tables, seating, and plenty of shaded areas.
But a picnic isn’t the only reason to visit. The Leura Cascades walking track is a short, picturesque trail along Leura Falls Creek, leading to a scenic lookout with amazing valley views.
More info: Leura Cascades.
7. Sublime Point Lookout
Sublime Point Lookout is a hidden gem in the Leura area of the Blue Mountains, offering panoramic views of the Jamison Valley.
A short, easy walking path with stairs and a small footbridge leads to the lookout platform. With several other scenic spots nearby, it’s the perfect place for a day of exploring.
More info: Sublime Point Lookout.
8. Lockleys Pylon
One of the lesser-known hikes in the Blue Mountains (and one of our favourites) is the track to Lockleys Pylon, located just north of Leura.
The trail winds through picturesque open bushland before reaching a small mountaintop, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Grose Valley and the cliffs of Mount Hay and Mount Banks.
More info: Lockleys Pylon Walking Track.
9. The Town of Leura
Leura is one of the best places to stop for a good lunch and coffee, nestled between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba.
Leura Mall, the town’s charming main strip, offers a wonderful mix of coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. We recommend trying the authentic Devonshire tea, a local favourite.
Be sure to explore beyond the main street, where you’ll find tree-lined avenues, quaint village charm, 19th-century cottages, and stunning cool-climate gardens.
More info: things to do in Leura.
10. The Three Sisters
For many first-time visitors to the Blue Mountains, the Three Sisters is a must-see attraction.
These iconic sandstone formations were shaped by wind, rain, and river erosion, gradually breaking up the cliffs surrounding the Jamison Valley over time.
While the best views of the Three Sisters are from Echo Point, we recommend doing the short walking trail from Echo Point to meet them in person.
More info: Three Sisters Walk.
11. Katoomba Cascades
Katoomba Cascades is a small yet picturesque waterfall on the Kedumba River, located in the Katoomba area of the Blue Mountains.
It’s a family-friendly spot with plenty of sightseeing opportunities and a lovely picnic area for a relaxing lunch in scenic surroundings.
From Katoomba Cascades, you can follow two short walking trails to lookout points that offer stunning views of the Jamison Valley.
More info: Katoomba Cascades.
12. Katoomba Falls
Katoomba Falls is a striking segmented waterfall located between Echo Point and Scenic World.
A scenic walking track from Scenic World leads through lush rainforest to the waterfall, offering panoramic views of the Jamison Valley along the way.
As one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba Falls is part of the Kedumba River, which plunges nearly 150 metres into the valley.
More info: Katoomba Falls Round Walk.
13. Scenic World Rides
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, Scenic World in Katoomba is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Blue Mountains.
Visitors can enjoy a range of rides, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, waterfalls, and rainforests.
The most thrilling of these is the Scenic Skyway, a cable car with a glass floor that glides over the rainforest of Jamison Valley, suspended between two clifftops.
More info: Scenic World.
14. Cahill’s Lookout
While most tourists flock to nearby Echo Point, Cahill’s Lookout is just as impressive but attracts far fewer crowds.
Tucked away at the westernmost point of Cliff Drive, this quiet lookout offers breathtaking views of the Megalong Valley and the Narrow Neck Peninsula.
More info: Cahill’s Lookout.
15. The Town of Katoomba
Katoomba, home to many iconic tourist attractions, is the most popular and visited township in the Blue Mountains.
Its main street is a must-see, featuring a wide range of restaurants, cafés, galleries, and heritage buildings.
With a train station offering a direct connection to the city, Katoomba is the perfect starting point for a day exploring the Blue Mountains.
More info: the town of Katoomba.
16. Evans Lookout
Evans Lookout, in the Blackheath area of the Blue Mountains, offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Grose Valley and beyond.
For the best experience, visit at sunrise or sunset on a clear day, when the valley and cliff walls are even more stunning.
More info: Evans Lookout.
17. Grand Canyon Walk
Opened in the early 20th century, the 6 km Grand Canyon Walk has it all: waterfalls, lush rainforests, sandstone cliffs, creek crossings, and rock overhangs.
Although it features some steep sections, the track is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The cooler temperatures in the valley also make it a refreshing adventure during the warmer summer months.
More info: Grand Canyon Walk.
18. Govetts Leap Lookout
Govetts Leap Lookout, near Blackheath, is another popular vantage point, offering stunning views of waterfalls and the valley.
It’s also the starting point for several walking tracks, including one that leads to Barrow Lookout, where you can get a close-up view of the Govetts Leap waterfall.
More info: Govetts Leap Lookout.
19. Mount Blackheath
The Blackheath area of the Blue Mountains boasts many scenic lookouts, but Mount Blackheath remains a bit of a hidden gem.
It’s a fantastic spot with several lookouts, parking, toilet facilities, a picnic area, and a launch ramp for hang gliders.
The valley views from the main lookout are stunning and offer a unique perspective compared to the more popular lookouts on the other side of the highway.
More info: Mount Blackheath.
20. Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock, in the Blackheath area, is one of the most iconic (and photographed) landmarks in the Blue Mountains.
A 10 km return walk takes you first to Baltzer Lookout, where you can enjoy breathtaking valley views. The trail then continues to Hanging Rock, an impressive sight set against a stunning valley backdrop.
More info: Hanging Rock and Baltzer Lookout.
21. Zig Zag Railway
The Great Zig Zag Railway in the town of Bell was built in the 1860s to transport people and goods from the western plains of New South Wales to Sydney.
Today, it’s an exciting tourist attraction, offering rides on a classic steam locomotive through beautiful landscapes, with stunning views of old sandstone viaducts.
After being closed for several years due to restoration work following bushfires and landslides, the Zig Zag Railway reopened in 2023.
More info: Zig Zag Railway.
22. Dargan Arch
Dargan Arch is a unique sandstone formation shaped like a natural arch, located in an isolated spot between Bell and Lithgow.
A short bushwalking trail leads to this hidden gem, where visitors can walk across the top of the arch and explore the bottom for the best views.
To reach the trailhead, turn into Sandham Road near the Bells Line of Road and Darling Causeway junction. Stay on that road for about 3 km until you see a clearing on your right.
More info: Dargan Arch.
23. Walls Lookout
Walls Lookout, located along Bells Line of Road, is an unspoiled hidden gem offering 360-degree views of the Grose Valley and beyond.
The 2 km return walking track to the lookout is short and easy, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a purpose-built, fenced platform. It’s a natural cliff edge where visitors can wander and soak in the views.
More info: Walls Lookout.
24. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Located in Mount Tomah, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden spans 28 hectares and showcases thousands of plants from the southern hemisphere and around the world.
Established in 1972, the garden sits 1,000 metres above sea level and specialises in cool-climate plants that wouldn’t thrive in Sydney’s warmer conditions, making it home to many unique species.
More info: Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.
25. Cider Tasting in Bilpin
Bilpin, known as the Land of the Mountain Apple, is a popular stop along the 60 km Bells Line of Road. It’s home to numerous fruit orchards and beautiful gardens.
You’ll find roadside stalls selling homemade produce, as well as eateries offering apple pie and other treats.
Bilpin also boasts a few charming cider-tasting venues, where you can sample locally brewed ciders and enjoy a relaxing lunch.
Find cider tasting in Bilpin here and here.
