Blue Mountains One Day Trip Itinerary – Sydney Australia.

 

Blue Mountains One Day Trip Itinerary – Short Walks and Lookouts.

 

So you would like to plan a Blue Mountains Day Trip? I will be writing a series of Itineraries where you will be able to access the blue Mountains Via car and train for short walks, itinerary comprising of longer walks and to photographic locations.

 

These options can be based on a one day return or simply staying in a local town or camping, like I love to do.

 

A Blue Mountains day trip is the perfect escape from the hustle and Bustle of Sydney; However, planning a Blue Mountains itinerary is not as easy as taking the drive UP THE M4 AT 6AM IN THE MORNING OR THE BLUE MOUNTAINS LINE ON THE SYDNEY TRAIN NETWORK.

 

As there is so much to see and do, the endless native wildlife to majestic waterfalls and lookouts only locals know about. Its no surprise that its a highlight for any tourist when visiting Sydney – So plan your itinerary and get the most out of your day.

 

I often find the best time to head up to the Blue Mountains is when its misty low cloud as you immerse into the majestic feel of being in the Mountains. Often after consistent heavy rain the temperate rainforest networks and water falls come alive and presents a great opportunity for photography.

 

Note this Itinerary is based on limited time –

 

Truth be told –  The Blue Mountains, the region is populated with Eucalyptus trees.

They emit droplets of oil, which mixes with dust particles, water vapour and light. Which reflects a bluey haze giving these mountains their famous colour.

 

 

 

HOW TO GET TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS FROM SYDNEY

 

Ok, so how do you get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney? There are three options – car, train or bus. It depends on your budget, time and what you want to do in the Blue Mountains.

 

If you’re a avid hiker, you may not want to be limited by train timetables. How ever Catching a train to towns such as Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath can still mean you can complete a good half or day hike.

 

Beating the crowds, may mean leaving as early as possible.

 

You may want to drive and leave as early as possible. If you want someone else to do all the hard work, a Blue Mountains bus tour may be your best option. Read below to find what best fits your situation.

 

How To Get To The Blue Mountains From Sydney By Car

 

Driving by car offers the most freedom as some of the highlights can be some distance apart. Being in control of your time means you can spend as much or as little at each location.

 

The Blue Mountains are only a 90 minutes drive from Sydney traveling via the M4 toll road and then along the Great Western Highway.

 

To begin our Blue Mountains day trip as early as possible, you can either choose to leave Sydney early or plan to stay at towns close to where you would like to start. Choosing accommodation or camping in the local area will mean you will support local businesses. This presents a fantastic way to give back to these communities.

 

 

 

 

Blue Mountains Day Trip By Train

 

The second option (and the most popular for many ) is to do your Blue Mountains day trip by train. The Sydney to Blue Mountains line is a great option if you’re on a budget or don’t own a car. The train costs around AU $6.20 single off peak each way and takes approximately 2 hours.

 

Blue Mountains day trip by train, its recommend going on a Sunday, when transport in Sydney is capped at AU$2.60. You can pay the train fare using a Opal Card

 

The Sydney to Blue Mountains line runs on a – regular or express service. The express has fewer stops along the way, albiet it’s only around 15 minutes faster. The train travels from Sydney to Katoomba , Mt Victoria and finally stops at Lithgow. Katoomba is the main town of the Blue Mountains and home to the famous, Three Sisters.

 

You can use the Online Planner to plan your travel time and ensure you can fit in all the sights and attractions you want to.

 

 

Blue Mountains Bus Tour

 

How to get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney by bus, unfortunately, there are no public bus services. However you can go for a organised tour and leave all the hassle to the tour company as your picked up from your accommodation and relax and learn some amazing history of the BLUIES.

 

It may be more affordable at the end of the day after car hire and petrol cost ect , how ever you will have someone else dictate your day. If hiking is more your thing a bus tour is probally not recommended for you.

 

If you have chosen to arrive by train from Katoomba, you can also hop on hop off the Blue Mountains Explorer bus which will drop you at more Blue Mountain attractions such as Scenic World and Leura Cascades. Another option if planning your Blue Mountains day trip by train is to take a train from Sydney to Leura and hike to Katoomba via the Prince Henry Cliff Top Track.

 

 

 

 

WHERE TO STAY IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

 

As previously mentioned it is easy to travel to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. To start your Blue Mountains day trip earlier, check out some amazing deals at Booking.com find your inspiration and head up there early. 

 

Or get into the Aussie spirit and try tent or car camping, you can find various camping sites at Wiki Camps

 

A great APP that gives you camping site locations both paid and free through out Australia – fantastic resource. A great resource is the NSW National Parks website which mentions free and paid sites and will also advise you on any parks restrictions or closures. 

 

 

BEFORE YOU START YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS DAY TRIP

 

You will not regret having your car or camper van as your companion, it will give you the freedom to start at any location you wish and way before the crowds come up from Sydney and often you can get the best light of the day for that photo you have seen zipping around Social Media.

 

Make sure you have plenty of water, sunblock, food and hiking gear –

 

For your Blue Mountains adventure why not gear up at The North Face %10 off your first online order

 

 

 

Govetts Leap Lookout

 

One of the reasons this is a great place to start is the lookout over looks the Gross Valley which can present a good opportunity for a sunrise. The light is much much softer in the morning and you have much less crowds than the famed Three Sisters.

 

In a future article I will highlight key areas for sunrise, time of day photography and sunsets in the Blue Mountains.

Govetts leap is fantastic because as you park your car, there it is right in front of you – The Grose Valley, a short walk from your car and the lookout poses some amazing views down into the valley and beyond. To the right you can see Bridal Veil Falls.

 

Govetts Leap is a fab spot and in my opinion, is just as spectacular if not better than the Three Sisters precinct. It has BBQ, picnic and toilet facilities. And reason the crowds are less is because its not close to the train line and the bigger tour buses don’t have the time to pass by there.

 

For walks Shorts or long you can do the Federation Walk which then connects Govett’s Leap to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre here you can find out some history of the region or important information on the National Park restrictions or closures that might be in place.

 

Other walks include the Pulpit rock track, the Cliff Top track to Evans Lookout or the more challenging Rodriguez pass track. 

 

 

Pulpit Rock Lookout 

 

Pulpit Rock Lookout is one of my favs from any stop in the Blue Mountains day trip. Your Quite often your the only ones there. It presents some amazing views of the eastern escarpment and Gross valley below.

 

The walk down to Pulpit Rock Lookout is a relatively easy decent, once you get to the main lookout point there are some amazing views right in front of you.

 

However there are three sections to this lookout and the middle showing a lower perspective. The third is a optional short but steep steel stair decent, giving you a very interesting perspective of the valley below. Those with fear of heights may want to rethink the third option.

 

Take your time, admire the scenery and enjoy those last few minutes of quiet as your next stop on your Blue Mountains itinerary may be the busiest.

 

 

Pulpit Rock lookout

 

 

Blackheath

On your way out, why not stop for a quick peak around this charming little town. Do your self a favour and visit the                   Bake House on Wentworth and grab a pie or coffee. What a great find, These are the best bakeries, they are off the main streets, the tourists don’t know about them and the locals do.

 

Anvil Rock And Wind Eroded Cave

Back up to Blackheath and out down Hat Hill road will give you access to Anvil Rock and the Wind Eroded Cave. And another great view of the Grose Valley. Short walks and photo opportunities before you head off to the Three Sisters.

 

Shipley Plateau Blackheath

Via Shipley road this remote and isolated lookout offers beautiful views of the Megalong Valley, the Kanimbla Valley, Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park, and the Narrow Neck Plateau.

 

 

Echo Point / Three Sisters

 

From Pulpit Rock to Echo Point it was only about a 30-minute drive. On the Great Western Highway going east from Blackheath take the Bathurst road turn off to Katoomba.Then place in your maps Cahill Lookout (great views of Narrow Neck and the megalong valley) Follow Cliff Drive to Narrow Neck lookout, Eagle Hawk Lookout and finally the Three Sisters.

 

 

 

 

Katoomba

 

If you are planning your Blue Mountains day trip by train, Echo Point is only a 20-minute walk from Katoomba train station. If you are travelling by car, parking is available directly at Echo Point. but beware its metered parking though I have never seen rangers there like down in Sydney.

 

Katoomba is a gorgeous old fashioned town. And one of the things I love about being up here is its willingness to keep its identity as it is. Without “changing with the times” and “influences” of the modern age. You have that mountain feel and vibe as soon as you park your car

 

Stop here to buy picnic or supplies for your road trip as there are supermarkets such as Woolworths as well as numerous bakeries and cafes.

 

hominy bakery – is a favourite of mine. As I have spent a lot of time up here, there will be a cafe, pub or restaurant to please your appetite in Katoomba. So please stop here and support the community, the best way you can support them is by buying local. 

 

 

 

Echo Point

 

So your here and from the serenity of the Blue Mountains, you are now bombarded with the throngs of tour buses and their customers. The Three Sisters is a unusual rock formation formed over thousands of years through wind, rain and rivers.

 

And guess what they even have names – They are called Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. 

 

The legend behind the landmark is that there were three sisters from the Katoomba tribe who fell in love with three warriors from the rival Nepean tribe. According to Aboriginal folklore, a fierce battle broke out when the Nepean men tried to capture the sisters, so as a method of protection a witch doctor turned them into stone. Unfortunately, he was then killed in the battle, and so the sisters remained as stone forever.

 

There is a main viewing platform offering the best view of the famous Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Queen Elizabeth lookout will give you fantastic up close views of the Three Sisters. You can choose to do the short walk over to Spooners lookout.

 

Lady Game lookout which is right above the “Sisters” or walk down to Honey Moon Bridge lookout. It’s very likely the reason you are planning this Blue Mountains itinerary – Is to see the famous three but to be honest, it is a slight anti climax due to the crowds.

 

As you drive up to Echo Point, you can count nearly half a dozen buses, and your heart might just sink a little. knowing a battle with selfie sticks was about to hit you head on. Its Naive to expect such a popular attraction to be quite. However, the crowds may spoil your experience at Echo Point so prepare for that. Its still a must stop and you have the Echo Point Visitors centre that offers history, maps and souvenirs.

 

If you are a hiker there are many short to long tracks to choose from. You can take the Giant Stairway (you will need time to continue its duration though).

 

For an easier but equally rewarding hike, take The Prince Henry Cliff Walk which starts at the Scenic World and will take you all the way to Leura and it’s about 7kms in total. Or you can attempt the Grand Cliff Top Walk (20kms) over one or two days. Starting at Wentworth Falls and finishing at Scenic World.

 

 

 

Scenic World

 

Scenic World needs a mention however it is somewhat the tourist Mecca of the Blue Mountains and it’s entirely up to you if you want to spend a good part of your day with hordes of other tourists. Or discover the true BLUIES. Explore nature through hikes, lookouts and trails. Simply because it’s cheaper, less crowded and touristy.

 

The choice is yours….

 

However scenic world is incredbally popular and if you are going to one activity I would take the steepest railway down.

Scenic World offers four ways (literally) to view the Blue Mountains – a skyway, walkway, cableway and railway.

• The Railway is one of the steepest in the world with an incline of 52 degrees.
• The Skyway is 270m high, travelling from Echo Point, over Jamison Valley with views of Katoomba Falls.
• The Cableway travels 545m to the valley floor – all the way to the rainforest.
• The Walkway is a 1.5-mile walkway which also takes you through the rainforest.

Ticket prices vary depending on what you want to explore. You can also purchase combo tickets, which include the Blue Mountains Explorer bus – this might be a good idea if you are doing your Blue Mountains day trip by train and won’t be able to drive to the next stops. you can find Information about on this link Scenic World

 

 

Luera

 

The highlight of luera would be to head straight to Luera Cascades Via Cliff Drive from the Three Sisters. A great place for a quite picnic after the hustle of the Three Sisters or Scenic World.

 

From here you will head down to Luera Cascades on a short formed walk with steps. If your time allows then you can walk down to Bridal Veil Falls and re trace your steps back to your car.

 

From luera Cascades drive south/east to Olympian Rock and Elysian Rock, which are both Lookouts on the Prince Henry Cliff Top walk. Great views of Mt Solitary and the Jamison Valley.

 

Across the road from Olympian rock is Luera Toy and Railway Museum which is a must for anyone that’s into old retro and antique items. Sadly its closed and the property being sold. Instead go back across the road and visit the Amphitheatre, for great views of Mt Solitary.

 

Luera Mall , the towns main street has several quaint cafes and iam sure there is something there that will find your fancy.

 

Wentworth Falls 

 

There are numerous waterfalls within the Blue Mountains National Park. However, Wentworth Falls is my favourite. The Wentworth Falls Track is one of the most well known in the Blue Mountains.

 

If you are arriving by train you could pick up the Charles Darwin walk which is across the road from the station and adjacent from the Bowling club.

 

The Charles Darwin walk will take you to weeping rock falls and other tracks and lookouts. One being Fletchers lookout – A great view of Wentworth Falls to the left. Have your camera at the ready and absolutely amazing after have rain. And is a must with any Blue Mountains Itinerary.

 

At the Wentworth falls car park and Picnic area there is also a short cut track that will take you the conservation hut and if time permits you might want to take a walk to down to Empress Falls.

 

A day or half a day could be spent here alone….

 

If you mange to pass Mountain High Pies before 4pm , drop in as they are worthy of a taste test.

 

 

 

Lincoln Rock

 

You can finish the day here with a sunset at Lincoln Rock – Beware it’s very popular and a few social media Selfies (oh yes I hate that word) have come from this location. As it can get very busy with Sunset Wedding Photos, hopefully thats not the case when your there.

 

There is a awesome cave below the huge rocky overhang and if your lucky you maybe able to watch the sunset from there.

Lincoln Rock is accessed via Tableland road, the Hordern road and finally Little Switzerland drive.

Take the little Switzerland trail to Wentworthfalls picnic area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For another great resource, Visit Blue Mountains – 

 

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IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU.

 

 

Gear for your trip, i recommend to visit The North Face Or for Backpacks visit Osprey Back Packs

 

 

Norman Herfurth

(C) Indigo Photography

Indigo Adventures

Yours In Adventure 

“This Blog is of the Opinion of my own Personal Experiences and are not necessarily Fact. And is written to the best of my knowledge, there may be omissions, errors or mistakes. This blog is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only and shouldn’t be seen as any kind of advice.”