Tips for a Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney

Located only a couple of hours from Sydney, the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains is the perfect destination for a short day trip. Imagine breathtaking views, bushwalks, adventure tours, crisp clear air, gorgeous boutique stores, gourmet foodie heaven. The Blue Mountains really does have something to offer everyone! Here are our top tips for the perfect day trip at one of the Australia's most popular destinations:

Getting there - reaching the Blue Mountains from Sydney

The easiest (and most environmentally-friendly way) is to travel to the Blue Mountains by train. Trains depart at least hourly (sometimes more frequent during peak times) from Sydney's Central train station to Katoomba. The trip takes about 2 hours with stops at Parramatta, Westmead, Penrith and Springwood. There are express trains which have limited stops. Hop off at Katoomba.

For more details about catching a train to the Blue Mountains including timetables, be sure to check out Transport NSW.

Getting around the Blue Mountains

Once you've arrived in Katoomba, there are lots of options for getting around the Blue Mountains. We highly suggest the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus which offers a hop on-hop off service at all of the major tourist attractions in the area.  They offer lots of different ticket types to choose from with 29 stops and you get the added bonus of local knowledge.  For more information on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus visit their website

Alternatively, you can ride the local public buses however as time is short if you're only planning on spending one day in the Mountains, we'd advise you to stick with the Explorer Bus to make the most of your time in the Mountains.

The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus is a great way to get around all of the most popular destinations in the Mountains.

Top Destinations for Your Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

1.  Scenic World

Scenic World is one of the major tourist attractions in the Blue Mountains.  My personal favourite since childhood is the Scenic Railway - the steepest passenger railway in the world - with breathtaking views through the Jamison Valley and up to the Three Sisters.  Scenic World also has the Scenic Skyway, bushwalking and much more.  It's a popular destination for children as well as seniors with something to offer visitors of all ages.  Be sure to check the Scenic World website for any current events such as the popular Sculpture at Scenic World exhibition which is usually held in late April/early May each year.

2.  Visit Leura for lunch and shopping

The quaint village of Leura is one of the premier destinations of the Mountains.  It's full of beautiful shops, gourmet restaurants, chocolate shops, antique stores, art galleries and much more.  Be sure not to miss Josophan's for the most delicious hand-made chocolates and the famous candy store for some yummy treats!  You'll also find conveniences such as Woolworths and ATMs.

3.  See the Three Sisters and Snap a Selfie at Echo Point

When most people think of the Blue Mountains, they think of the famous Three Sisters rock formation.  It's a sight that you definitely shouldn't miss on any trip to the Mountains.  Echo Point is the perfect vantage point for a beautiful photo offering uninterrupted views across the ranges as well as access to the cliff-top walkway for an even closer look (the trip takes about 45 minutes).

All of the above destinations are official stops on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus.

Next time - Enjoy the Blue Mountains at a more leisurely pace

Regardless of the time of year there's always so much to see and do in the Blue Mountains!  We'd love to welcome you to Glen Isla so you can enjoy more time to explore and take in the beautiful scenery and crip Mountain air.  Beautiful Glen Isla is an historic weatherboard home in the heart of the Blue Mountains.  With 6 bedrooms, sleeping up to 12, and half an acre of private gardens you can experience the real beauty of the Mountains and feel yourself unwind.

>>Find out more about our multi-award winning self contained accommodation for groups of up to 12.

Enjoy the beautiful Blue Mountains!