What to do and see in Blue Mountains, New South Wales: The Best Free Things to do

September 12, 2021 Yuk Petri

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. The National Pass

Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales Australia +61 2 4757 3827 http://www.nationalpass.com.au
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 171 reviews

The National Pass

Reviewed By janegY5176OH - Armidale, Australia

We walked as a family of 2 adults and our kids age 16 and 14, setting off from the Wentworth Falls picnic area and completing the circular trail in a clockwise direction. The walk is challenging in places, so there is a level of fitness required in order to enjoy. 'Slack Stairs' wasn't as bad as it was made out to be I felt. The infrastructure was secure, though some of the paths along the bottom were a bit rough. We walked at a steady pace and thoroughly enjoyed the walk which took us 3 hours.

2. Kanangra-Boyd National Park

New South Wales Australia +61 2 4787 8877 [email protected] http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0016
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Reviewed By Reviewers17

There are 3 walks: Waterfall (30 mins max) Lookout (10 mins max from car park) Plateau Walk (30 mins max each way but you will want to spend some time admiring the incredible view). You can look at a cave enroute - it says 10 min return but it is only about 30 seconds along the path. It took us 30 mins to drive there from the entrance to the park in our 4wd. It can be done in a normal car but a little slower. There was a campground enroute and lots of other driving and walking tracks if you have time to explore more before getting to the Kanangra Walls. It then took us 20 minutes to get to the Jenolan Caves from here.

3. Pulpit Rock Lookout

Pulpit Rock Track, Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales 2570 Australia +61 2 4787 8877 http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/Lookouts/Pulpit-Rock-lookout
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 73 reviews

Pulpit Rock Lookout

Reviewed By Skootamattaken - Kingston, Canada

This is one of the best vantage points for scenic views across Grose Valley, taking in Blue Gum Forest and Govetts Leap in Blue Mountains National Park. There are many signposts to give you guidance which trail to take, their difficulty of grade, length and distance. Birding is quite good here too. Don't forget to bring your camera! Free admission.

4. Bilpin Cider Company

2369 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin, New South Wales 2758 Australia +61 2 4567 0704 [email protected] http://www.bilpincider.com
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 216 reviews

Bilpin Cider Company

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 789jesn - Leura, Australia

So many delicious ciders, many little touches such as an optional picnic blanket/ basket Staff were so lovely and helpful

5. Grand Canyon track

Evans Lookout Road, Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales Australia +61 2 4787 8877 http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/Walking-tracks/Grand-Canyon-track
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 110 reviews

Grand Canyon track

Reviewed By MrButterfly2014 - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom

The Grand Canyon Loop is just over 6km long, This Grand Canyon Walk was a true bushwalking adventure, with wonderful views, vibrant rainforest, waterfalls, creek crossings, impressive sandstone walls and massive rock overhangs. Whilst it had some very steep sections both climbing down into the ravine and later climbing out, the track itself was very well maintained and had countless stunning views along the way. However the last forty minutes or so climb up the canyon wall to the top edge was very tough going but finally we got to Evans lookout which did not disappoint, wiith breathtaking views across the immense Grose Valley. After a further 30 minutes, we reached our cars for a well earned sit down. Well worth a visit..

6. Cahill's Lookout

258-276 Cliff Drive, Katoomba, New South Wales 2780 Australia +61 2 4723 5000 http://www.weekendnotes.com/cahills-lookout
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Cahill's Lookout

Reviewed By DanielBry - Canberra, Australia

Grab a few drinks and some snacks, take a blanket, and arrive about half an hour before sunset to score a spot overlooking Boar's Head and Narrow Neck Plateau. It's really magical to see the cliffs lit up in the fiery red of the sunset. Perfect way to say farewell to the sun.

7. Ruined Castle Walking Track

Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba, New South Wales Australia https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/ruined-castle-walking-track
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Ruined Castle Walking Track

8. Wentworth Falls Lookout

Wentworth Falls, New South Wales 2780 Australia +61 1300 653 408 [email protected] https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/blue-mountains/katoomba-area/wentworth-falls/attractions/wentworth-falls-lookout
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,180 reviews

Wentworth Falls Lookout

Reviewed By Subodhsj - Sydney, Australia

This place is full of beauty and amazing views, there are different walks to explore these points, you can try 30mins to 4hours walk. Park your car near Picnic area or get there by bus and walk through Jasmine lookout and walking track towards Wentworth fall, you may see small cascades depending on weather. Best time to visit is light rain, do not try this place in heavy rains. If you are trying more than 30mins walk have some food and water with you for quick energy. Keep watching sign boards to follow direction.

9. Govetts Leap

Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath, New South Wales 2785 Australia +61 2 4787 8877 http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/Lookouts/Govetts-Leap-lookout
Excellent
76%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 622 reviews

Govetts Leap

Reviewed By 565johanness - Wollongong, Australia

Really enjoyed an easy 40 minute walk from the NPWS office to Govett’s Leap lookout. Peaceful forest, with many bottlebrush and acacia flowers to enjoy, finishing with the spectacular view from the lookout, with Bridal Veil falls to the right and Pulpit Rock straight ahead. The power of this landscape is so much more impressive when there’s so little human intrusion. Went to Pulpit Rock the next day.

10. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah, New South Wales 2758 Australia +61 2 4567 3000 [email protected] http://www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 452 reviews

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

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 BruceM599 - Sydney, Australia

The Mount Tomah botanic gardens, whilst a little damaged by the Christmas 2019 bushfires in this part of the blue mountains, are still largely intact, like its counterpart in central Sydney, it's chock full of exotic mature trees and shrubs from Australia and other countries. It's a delightful place to while away a couple of hours wandering the paths that snake through the grounds. There is a nice cafe and small restuarant in the upper section of the gardens that have wonderful views out over this part of the Blue Mountains

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.