Top Things to do in Blue Mountains
Top Restaurants in Blue Mountains
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Top 10 Things to do in Blue Mountains, Australia
The Blue Mountains are named for the delicate azure haze that lingers along the region, which is actually a fine cloud of oil emitted by eucalyptus trees. The mystical mountains are a labyrinth of plateaus, gorges and gum trees. Check out the Katoomba Scenic Railway (the steepest railway in the world), the Jenolan Caves and the Giant Staircase nature walk.
Restaurants in Blue Mountains
1. Bilpin Cider Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 104 reviews
Bilpin Cider Co is a craft cider business based in the Blue Mountains region of NSW, about 90 minutes drive from Sydney CBD. All of our products are made from freshly crushed fruit and there is no added sugar, concentrates or syrups used in our production. We have a range of 5 alcoholic varieties and 1 non alcoholic variety and the visit to our Cidery includes a tasting across the range.
Reviewed By jennifer y - Sydney, Australia
Why not come here considering you’re already in apple town. I had a cider tasting here and the staff were super attentive and nice ?. Go for the original, pear and the mead my 3 faves, but each to their own. You can mix and...MoreHi Jennifer, Thanks for the excellent review and we hope to see you again on your next trip into the Mountains. Regards, Sean
2. High 'n Wild Mountain Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 125 reviews
High and Wild Mountain Adventures has been operating since 1989. We offer Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Canyoning and Bush Survival courses. We cater for beginners through to experienced outdoor adventurers and hold all of the relevant qualifications and licenses to operate these activities.
Reviewed By Jonathan466 - London, United Kingdom
We did the Juggler Canyon with High 'n Wild. On the day there were three on us joining the tour with one guide (Dave).
The tour itself was split into two parts; the first a set of abseils, with stunning views, to train the group (starting with a gentle 5m abseil leading up to 30m). Dave was patient and happy for us to take our time and for us to repeat any abseils we didn't feel comfortable with.
After lunch we went on to the main event where we did a series of four abseils through Juggler canyon, gradually working our way down the canyon, which was equally as stunning.
Overall a great day - thank you!
3. Govetts Leap
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
Reviewed By wucie - Bern, Switzerland
We stopped at a number of Lookouts throughout the Blue Mountains and this was easily the nicest.
For a start there’s the excellent Blue Mountains Heritage Centre nearby which dispenses invaluable and friendly advice and sells useful reference books and tasteful souvenirs. Well worth a stop if you wish to explore the Park in more depth.
Then there’s the lookout itself which comes with a generous parking, covered picnic spots, toilets but no bins (take your rubbish with you) and…
… those wonderful views over to Mounts Strzelecki and Caley and across the Grose River valley. Govett’s Leap (Leap is Scottish for waterfall), also known as Bridal Veil Falls, to the right of the lookout weren’t gushing but our afternoon visit rewarded us with a stunning rainbow.
There were less people when we visited in late February and Govett’s Leap certainly lacks the commercial, touristic feel of Echo Point, but then Blackheath is so much nicer and less crowded than Katoomba.
Most visitors seemed more than satisfied with the views, but it’s worth hiking the short but steep in sections Clifftop Track to Barrow Lookout for a closer view of Govett’s Leap Brook which you cross. You can also continue on to Evans Lookout and get someone to pick you up there—a leisurely 1.5 hours walk one way—or retrace your steps.
The very energetic can hike down to the foot of the Falls. This is definitely not for the faint hearted however as it is more or less straight down 1.8 km of mostly steps (366m as the stone drops!), and some aluminium ladders, with steep drop offs. It gets hot during the day (best to go early or late), though water dripping from the cliffs above does cool you down. You can swim in the pools at the foot of the Falls and are likely to come across wildlife, the superb lyrebird if you’re lucky, and many interesting plants including insectivorous ones and orchids. The trail continues below the Falls only slightly less steeply down into the valley, branching off towards the Grand Canyon to the right, the Blue Gum Forest to the left, but these are long and strenuous hikes which require more preparation and planning.
Tip: visit the Blue Mountain Heritage Centre to make the most of your visit and arrive early if you plan to hike to the bottom of Govett’s Leap as it does get hot and the route is very steep.
4. The National Pass
Overall Ratings
5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By tassietourer - Melbourne Australia
This walk has been on our bucket list for a while now and did not disappoint. The first part of the walk to Wentworth Falls is reasonably easy. From here it's all downhill,literally, steep stairs and you really need to use the handrails and wire rope to get down. The views from here are spectacular and well worth the effort. Upon reaching the base of the Falls you enter a rain forest environment. The base of valley is undulating and grand vista's in every direction. The trek up and out of the valley via Empress Falls is also very challenging and plenty of stone steps and metal stairs to conquer. It took us just on four hours to complete the walk and very satisfied at the end of the day.
5. Sublime Point Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By Dani2111
This walk is an easy walk and it brings you out to a gorgeous view. It is pathed some of the way and then it is a little slippery on some of the rocks down the actual lookout.
You can see The Three Sisters from here and There is also a picnic area half way down.
6. Hassan's Wall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By Anita T - Forster, Australia
Just a short drive out of Lithgow you find this fabulous lookout. It has sweeping views over the valley below looking towards the East. There are a couple of nice picnic areas. There is a newish suspended walkway out to the end of the lookout. The views are really great and worth taking some photos. The old lookout area is still there and we took a walk out to it which was brilliant. It was a cave which had been tunnelled out giving you an awesome view over Hassans Walls as well as the Valley. Definitely worth an explore.
7. Mayfield Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Mayfield Garden is one of the world's largest privately owned cool climate Gardens and is located just 11km from Oberon in NSW, Australia. Mayfield Garden consists of two gardens: i) a private family garden and ii) the Water Garden. The Water Garden sits on the North Eastern edge of Mayfield Garden and is a stunning stone and water feature garden which is open year-round to visitors - ticket prices and some closed dates are noted on website. An adjacent cafe and well-stocked cool climate nursery are also open to visitors throughout the year. The expansive private family garden at Mayfield Garden which extends beyond the Water Garden, is open to visitors for just a few days each autumn and spring - when visitors have the chance to discover 130acres of breath-taking manicured landscape. A walk through the private garden takes 3+ hours and includes features such as the walled kitchen garden, 80metre cascade, birch grove, rose garden and more. See website for ticket prices and visitor details.
Reviewed By BigKevTravels - Bristol, United Kingdom
We visited this amazing garden in the central tablelands. It is the vision of Garrick Hawkins, a hugely rich financier, who has decided to create a ‘garden’ in the European style in Australia. It’s just astonishing-it is built on an astonishing scale, particularly with the climate in mind. I suspect there’s more to see in spring and autumn but the scale of the ambition is jaw dropping. We had an outstanding lunch too-high quality cooking. Do make the effort to seek it out.
8. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden sits on 252 hectares of land with 28 hectares open to the public and is home to 21,000 plants and 900 species. The Garden is the only botanic garden in the world in a World Heritage Area and is focused on the conservation of cool climate plants. The Garden is a great place for you to relax, breathe in the clean mountain air and discover a world of cool climate plants at your leisure. The changing seasons create an entirely new and spectacular scene and you are invited to return again and again to witness the ever changing beauty. Complemented by an exciting calendar of events, Exhibitions and festivals, The Garden will inspire and entertain you. The Garden and surrounds make the perfect setting for your gathering. Venues available include Garden sites, barbeque picnic areas, pavilions and education spaces with projector, kitchen and heating for your ceremony, get-together, conference, school camp or photo shoot. On-site accommodation is available
Reviewed By wucie - Bern, Switzerland
The positives: Australia’s highest botanical Gardens are set in fabulous surroundings near the eponymous mountain and come with stunning views; located conveniently close to the Blue Mountains and a two hours’ drive from Sydney; feature some 21,000 plants (900 species), largely cool climate varieties; are open every day except Christmas Day (9.00-17.30 weekdays, half an hour less at weekends); and entry is free. The visitor centre provided us with free maps/advice and were extremely friendly and helpful. the Garden is divided into themed sections (including a boggy/carnivorous section which is sure to thrill the kids) and most are wheel/pushchair accessible along tarmacked paths though the less mobile can opt for complimentary wheelchairs, mobility scooters (A$10) or the Garden Shuttle (three tours a day @A$6.50). Gas BBQs are provided for picnics and the onsite restaurant and coffee shop comes with Terrace and fabulous views. A variety of tours and walks are proposed, self-guided or non, free or paying.
Less good: no public transport available to visit the Gardens and the parking isn’t big and must fill up fast; the Gardens are beautifully planted and landscaped but we were frustrated by the lack of plant name plates and felt the place was more leisure park than informative botanical Gardens (though to be fair we didn’t join a tour); our experience at The Potager left a lot to be desired (the service was unfriendly, slow and the brownie we ordered never arrived, though it was added to the bill).
Verdict: somewhat disappointing after Sydney and Melbourne’s excellent Gardens. Mt Tomah is a fabulous place in which to soak up the views or to picnic/relax in the shady, peaceful surroundings, but it isn’t really informative enough if you rely solely on the modest botanical plaques.
Tips: arrive early to bag a parking spot; bring a picnic and enjoy the shade and views; those interested in botany should book/join a tour and finally, the Gardens are steep so might pose a problem for those with mobility issues.
9. Blue Mountains National Park Glenbrook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By Tony W - Sydney
The Blue Mountains National Park is one of the fantastic parks on the outskirts of Sydney. An easy drive up the M4 motorway or a train ride on the Western Line to Glenbrook the park provides a relaxing escape from the pace of Sydney. A number of bush walks are available and on a good weather day its the perfect place for a family picnic.
10. Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By sandra w - Mareeba, Australia
What an incredible place, very well restored and the art gallery amazing. The grounds filled with statues, the Gardens well set out. I am amazed at what an incredible talented person Norman Lindsay was. Went into his studio which looks like he just walked out. Saw his etching studio and learned about etching of which I knew nothing. The guide was informative telling us of his life and talents. A gift shop where one could buy copies of his art work or books. Highly recommend a visit if you are in the area.
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