36 Things Every Visitor Must Do In The Blue Mountains

More than just a beauty to behold, the Blue Mountains is a place of activity and adventure.

Those dusty-blue peaks may be the initial drawcard of the Blue Mountains region, but this sprawling wilderness dotted with idyllic towns offers a gargantuan array of activities.

Whether you visit for the weekend or a longer stay, it’s easy to jam-pack your itinerary with activites, from dining out to staying in, hiking, swimming, wine-tasting, glamping and partaking in all manner of heart-pounding adventures.

1. Hop on the Explorer Bus

If this is your first time in the Blue Mountains, get the lay of the land’s dramatic cliffs and adorable townships with a hop-on-hop-off ticket on the Explorer Bus. It’s the freedom to roam the big attractions without having to worry about directions and there’s even live commentary, so you can get your nose out of the guide book and actually take in the sights.

the Blue Mountains Explorer bus passing through Katoomba — Ride through the quaint streetscapes onboard the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Go chasing waterfalls

The Blue Mountains is bejewelled with plenty of crystal cascades you can visit and even splash about in come summer. From the moderately accessible and widely known Wentworth Falls, Katoomba Falls and Minnehaha Falls to the more difficult Linda Falls and Leura Cascades, there’s plenty of walking tracks that lead to these thundering gems.

Reach the top of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Forage for wild foods with an expert

Diego Bonetto foraging — Diego will show you how to safely identify saffron milk cap mushrooms.

The Blue Mountains are bursting with edible delights, just waiting to be discovered. Join expert forager Diego Bonetto on one of his annual mushroom or wild edibles foraging workshops. With over 20 years of experience, Diego will teach you how to safely identify and cook wild mushrooms like the saffron milk cap. In his edible foraging workshops, you’ll uncover the region’s natural bounty, including dandelion, sowthistle, farmer’s friend and peppercress. Rally your friends or family for a day surrounded by nature and learning new skills.

4. Search for glow worms in Newnes Plateau

Spend an evening ogling at bioluminescent larvae in this former rail tunnel in Newnes Plateau. You can book a tour to check out the worms – who use their glow to attract prey, such as mosquitos – or bring your torch and wander the 400-metre tunnel yourself.

Follow the bioluminescent lights of Glow Worm Canyon in the Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Visit the Three Sisters

The iconic Three Sisters are a must-see on any journey to through the Blue Mountains. Taking in their majesty is an easy 800-metre walk from the Echo Point Visitor Centre, where you can admire the ancient formations as they rise one kilometre above sea level.

the view of Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout, Blue Mountains — Take in majestic views of Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Soak in a Japanese bathhouse

Submit to bodily restoration with a visit to the Japanese Bath House, where you can bathe in a public onsen, enjoy a range of treatments and even spend the night in Japanese-style accommodation. With spectacular views to take in, it’s easy to spend a day soothing your aching muscles after a bush walk or hike.

7. Go canyoning with Blue Mountains Adventure Company

Where there are mountains, there are, naturally, valleys into which to descend. If your idea of taking in the majesty of this landscape is to discover the limits of your physicality, canyoning is going to be your thing.

The Blue Mountains Adventure Company offers a handful of tours that include abseiling and canyoning, with everything from slipping down waterfalls to jumping into pools. Choose from locations such as the Grand Canyon and Empress Falls to really get your pulse going.

people slipping down the Empress Falls, Blue Mountains — Guide yourself down the Empress Falls. (Image: David Hill)

8. Explore Scenic World

One of the most immersive ways to take in the drama of the Blue Mountains is to trundle up it, swoosh across it and glide above it at Scenic World. Here, in this veritable theme park of natural beauty, you can ride the world’s steepest railway or the southern hemisphere’s highest aerial cableway.

For those who can’t get enough of heights, try the heart-stopping Beyond Skyway experience, where you stand on top of the cablecar as it makes its crossing – yes, that means outside the car!

a cable car at Scenic World, Katoomba — Glide across the striking Jamison Valley on a Scenic World cable car. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Wander the markets

With its smattering of adorable mountain towns, including Blackheath, Katoomba and Leura, all populated with talented makers, artists, growers and producers, it stands to reason there are plenty of markets dotting the calendar. Spend the morning browsing for local wares and find something special to take home.

10. Have a pint at a Blue Mountains brewery

Craft brewhouses have popped up in plenty of places in the last decade, each proudly showcasing the distinct flavours of the region in their brews. The Blue Mountains follows suit with a handful of great local breweries, which you can visit for a cold one and a bite to eat.

On your list, be sure to include Mountain Culture Beer in Katoomba. For those with a particular love of the craft, hit the road on a Blue Mountains pub crawl – just make sure you have a designated driver.

beer tasting at Mountain Culture Beer — Order up a paddle for a tasting at Mountain Culture Beer. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Walk Katoomba Falls at night

While the magnificence of the Blue Mountains is on full display during daylight hours, there’s something magical and mysterious about the landscape at night.

Lean into the darkness on the beautiful Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk, which follows a 1.5-kilometre trail that passes Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, Katoomba Falls and Katoomba Cascades. The lights stay on until 11pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a post-dinner stroll.

the dimly lit trail at Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk — Stroll under the stars on a Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk. (Image: David Hill; Deep Hill Media)

12. See the night sky on a stargazing tour

As a pristine wilderness, the focus of the Blue Mountains National Park shifts from ground level skywards as the sun gives way to the night’s celestial adornments.

With so little light pollution, it’s the perfect place to look towards the dark skies above. Blue Mountains Stargazing offers a collection of tours, some including dinner, others an astronomy workshop, and others that are complemented by wine tasting.

a woman looking a the telescope, Blue Mountains Stargazing — Join a stargazing tour to admire the starry night sky. (Image: Destination NSW)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

13. Cosy up in a cute cabin

The Blue Mountains are proliferated with incredibly cosy cabins to cocoon yourself in during the cooler months, and to serve as a beautiful base for exploring. Even a cursory comb of Airbnb reveals plenty of places worthy of your Pinterest board. From luxury treehouses to off-grid tiny homes, there’s something to cater to all tastes!

a forest cabin at Wondernest — Stay in a cosy and cute cabin at Wondernest.

14. Trot through the bush on horseback

Invoke your inner child and take in the landscape on horseback. Canter across hillsides, trot through babbling streams and absorb vistas of valleys bathed in golden light as you explore the region upon a noble (or, at least, compliant) steed. There are a few places to find a horse-riding experience, including Megalong Valley Farm.

15. Tackle a hike

This one is a no-brainer and perhaps the most obvious activity on any Blue Mountains itinerary. But before you direct yourself to the nearest bushwalk, it’s worth doing some research to find the hike that’s best suited to you, as they vary in difficulty and scenery.

Some are challenging and require experience with walking, whereas others are short and easily accessible. An all-round favourite is the recently opened Grand Cliff Top Walk, which can be taken as a day hike or done over multiple days.

a couple enjoying a walk along the Wentworth Falls Track in the Blue Mountains National Park — Walk along the scenic edges of Wentworth Falls Track. (Image: Destination NSW)

16. Dine at the region’s best restaurants

With its proximity to Sydney ensuring a flow-on effect from the city’s fantastic dining scene, coupled with the fresh produce of the region, eating out in the Blue Mountains is a culinary treat.

From destination diners in Katoomba to cosy Leura cafes and beyond, there are loads of fine dining and casual eateries to choose from. A few noteworthy establishments include Blaqand Ates, two of Blackheath’s best restaurants.

a plate of food and drinks on the table at Blaq Restaurant + Bar, Blackheath — Dine on locally sourced produce at Blaq. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

17. Tour cellar doors

While often overlooked as a wine-growing region, the Blue Mountains certainly produces some beautiful drops. Pop into the cellar doors like Megalong Creek Estate and Dryridge Estate, both in the Megalong Valley, to sample their top wares with a view.

While you can explore yourself, there are also a handful of tours to join so you needn’t designate a driver – try Fantastic Aussie Tours to get you started.

the scenic vineyards of Dryridge Estate, Blue Mountains — Dryridge Estate has a vast vineyard to wander through.

18. Go underground at Jenolan Caves

The Blue Mountains may get star-billing, but what lies beneath is just as bewitching. The Jenolan Caves system is the largest in Australia, with an astonishing network of underworld chambers and rivers. Tours range from one to two hours and vary from easy to strenuous.

If you’re keen to explore deeper, stay overnight at the nearby Binda Bush Cabins. For everything else you need to know about visiting, check out our guide to the Jenolan Caves.

a group of tourists exploring Jenolan Caves — Explore the magnificent river cave system at Jenolan Caves. (Image: Destination NSW)

19. Discover the Zig Zag Railway

Trundle along this historic and deeply nostalgic railway that, as its name suggests, zig-zags round the mountain. First opened in 1869 as part of the Western Railway Line connecting Sydney to the west of the state, the steam-powered locomotive is a must-do experience that weaves across brick bridges and takes in dramatic Blue Mountains vistas.

a train passing through the Zig Zag Railway — The steam-powered locomotive Zig Zag Railway is a must-do experience. (Image: Salty Dingo)

20. Cycle the Blue Mountains bike trails

Absorb the sights and scents of the bush on a scenic bike ride. If you’re an experienced rider with your own bike on the hunt for two-wheeled thrills, there are loads of trails to test your mettle on throughout the mountains.

However, if you’re after a gentler experience that’s more sightseeing than adventure-seeking, join an e-bike tour that takes a lot of the grunt work out of the propulsion. Blue Mountains Biking Adventures offers beginner and intermediate tours, guided by locals that can show you some of the region’s best kept secrets.

bikers stopping for the view, Blue Mountains Biking Adventures, Katoomba — Go mountain biking on scenic trails with Blue Mountains Biking Adventures. (Image: Destination NSW)

21. Have a spa day

No matter what the weather is doing, a spa day never goes astray. But it can’t be denied that when the weather is chilly, spending the day in a cosy spa dials up the delight.

There are plenty of spas to book yourself into in the Blue Mountains, from the luxe spa at Lilianfels to Fairmont Resort‘s stunning day spa. Or, if you’re keen to revive tired muscles from more energetic pursuits, go for a session at the Blue Mountains Sauna.

the Lilianfels Day Spa welcome signage — Treat yourself to a pampering session at Lilianfels Day Spa. (Image: Destination NSW)

22. Get zen at Happy Buddha Retreats

The inherent tranquillity of the Blue Mountains goes a long way to facilitating mindfulness and personal serenity. But while a bushwalk is a great way to reset your inner zen, you can dive deeper into wellbeing at Happy Buddha Retreats.

Set in Wentworth Falls and surrounded by bushland, choose between simple hour-long classes and multi-day retreats to suit your spiritual needs. The accommodation is simple but lovely at this digital-free escape and there’s a wonderful pool for enlivening the senses.

a group of people doing meditation at Happy Buddha Retreats — Reset your inner zen at Happy Buddha Retreats.

23. Indulge at the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company

Weekends away dictate indulgence, so chocolate lovers ought to make a beeline for the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company in Katoomba, where guilty pleasures are happily accommodated. Purchase handmade chocolates and a candle-warmed hot choccie sipped on the veranda.

24. Garden hop at the Botanic Gardens

Although the untamed wilderness has its undeniable appeal, many tendered gardens in the Blue Mountains are worthy of your attention. Even if you’re not a natural green thumb, you’ll appreciate the toil that goes into maintaining the meticulous mountain gardens. Try Leura’s Everglades House and Gardens, The Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens in Mt Tomah or the Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath.

the scenic grounds of Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah — Revel in the natural beauty on offer at Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. (Image: Destination NSW)

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

25. Sip cider in Bilpin

The town of Bilpin on the other side of the valley is home to many an apple orchard. You’ll find Bilpin Cider Co. crushing the fruit for their refreshing tipples and Hillbilly Cider, with its live music and woodfired pizza. Both make for great pit stops on a Blue Mountains road trip.

cider bottles on display in Bilpin — Sample ciders in Bilpin.

26. Go shopping in Leura

The charming town of Leura is loved for many reasons, not least for its eclectic and lovely boutiques. With a collection of stores from second-hand stores and locally made homewares to book shops and art galleries, you can spend a very pleasant few hours perusing all manner of goods.

cafes and stores along Leura Mall in the Blue Mountains — Unearth unique treasures in the stores along Leura’s main street. (Image: Destination NSW)

27. Wander historic Hartley

Set on the western side of the Blue Mountains, Hartley and Little Hartley are a portal into a bygone era. Come to roam the former village with its well-preserved, historic sandstone buildings, where you can listen to the re-enactment of an old court case.

Take a liesurely stroll along the River Lett, stay overnight at the Old Trahlee or the more stately St Bernard’s Presbytery, the former of which is rumoured to be just a little bit haunted.

the historic Hartley in the Blue Mountains — Step into a bygone era in the historic t of Hartley. (Image: Lithgow Tourism)

28. Celebrate Christmas in July

On particularly wintry winters, when snow dusts the grounds, it seems only right to indulge in the fantasy of a white Christmas. Do so by embracing Yulefest events across the regio, including dinner at the Carrington Hotel. While Christmas in July is celebrated every year, it’s particularly special when it snows and the magic is conjured up with fairy lights, feasts and festive cheer.

a Christmas tree at the annual Yulefest in Katoomba — It’s never too early to celebrate Christmas at the Yulefest. (Image: David Hill; Deep Hill Media)

29. Go for a swim

When the mountains heat up, there are plentiful places perfect for cooling down in, especially after a hot hike. Glenbrook Gorge offers a natural plunge pool after a grade-4 hike, as does the nearby (and easier to reach) Jellybean Pools.

Katoomba’s Minnehaha Falls is picturesque and relatively easy to access, as is Linden’s Paradise Pool. There are plenty more, so look for one that suits your fitness levels, pack your towel and get hiking!

30. Play a round of golf

Tee off for a round of golf against the backdrop of the Blue Mountains National Park at Leura Golf Club, which is set on the grounds of Fairmont Resort. The 18-hole course is the oldest in the Blue Mountains and can’t be rivalled thanks to those Jamison Valley vistas.

There’s a golf course in almost every town in the Blue Mountains, from Springwood to Katoomba to Blackheath – take your pick and have a swing.

a man playing golf at Leura Golf Club in the Blue Mountains — Spend a day on the green at Leura Golf Club. (Image: Destination NSW)

31. Look out for lookouts

There are more scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains than anyone can be bothered to count. And while you can’t reasonably get around to them all in one trip, there are some notable spots for snapping that all-important mountain selfie.

High on the list are Govetts Leap Lookout and Echo Point, but be sure to add Leura’s Sublime Point Lookout for sweeping Jamison Valley views. Wentworth Falls has its thundering cascade of water, while Lincoln Rock is a great spot to catch the sunset.

hikers overlooking the Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park — Lose yourself in a sea of clouds at the Olympian Rock Lookout. (Image: Destination NSW)

32. Embrace a high tea experience

It’s almost impossible to visit the mountains without having a cuppa and scone thrust into your hand. High tea experiences here embrace this philosophy and you’ll find them proliferated from the high-end hotels to local cafes. High tea served in the Wintergarden of The Hydro Majestic sets a lofty benchmark.

an indulgent high tea tower at Hydro Majestic Hotel — Partake in an indulgent high tea at Hydro Majestic Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

33. Glamp at Mayfield Garden

The sprawling and exquisitely crafted Mayfield Garden in Oberon wanders for 65 hectares of themed horticultural vignettes. The private space is open most of the year for visitors to spend the day ambling about, but to fully immerse in the lush surroundings, opt for the one-night glamping experience.

Overnighters sleep in a beautifully appointed tent with access to hot showers and enjoy a three-course dinner for two at the onsite restaurant. Glamping is only offered during the spring, summer and autumn festival seasons, so check the website for availability.

glamping tents set up at Mayfield Garden, Oberon — Opt for luxe glamping in Mayfield Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

34. Partake in happy hour

Bar hopping through the Blue Mountains is an entirely agreeable way to extend your nightcap. Begin at Champagne Charlie’s at The Carrington, Katoomba’s oldest cocktail bar, which was named after French Champagne merchant Charles Heidsieck.

From there, take a three-minute walk to Bootlegger for good cocktails and southern barbecue-style snacks. Across the road (literally), slip into Station Bar, a groovy drinking den plastered with band posters – a fitting statement thanks to its constant live music rotation.

friends enjoying cocktails at The Bootlegger Bar, Katoomba — Head to Bootlegger and catch up with your friends over cocktails. (Image: Destination NSW)

35. Visit a ghost town

If you’d like to send shivers down your spine, pitch your tent at the long-abandoned silver mining settlement, Yerranderie Private Town. This carefully preserved collection of historic buildings includes a post office, tailor shop, general store, bank and cottages, providing a freeze-frame of another time when bush life was harsh and unforgiving.

campers gathering around a bonfire setup on the Private Town campground, Yerranderie Regional Park — Pitch a tent on the Private Town campground. (Image: John Spencer DPE)

36. Follow the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail

The Blue Mountains may be renowned for hiking, but a different kind of trail has popped up and is enticing a whole different type of explorer. The Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail is a local initiative that guides readers along a path of the region’s best bookshops. Starting in Springwood, it links local booksellers all the way to Lithgow. Bookworms – I’d be saving up for this one.

Gleebooks Blackheath in NSW — Gllebooks Blackheath is the 11th stop on the trail. (Image: Seamus Reece)

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison. From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s, is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery.

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures.

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive.

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa. Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum. Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays, every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping. Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.