It was easy for the Blue Mountains to earn its Unesco World Heritage status because they really are so incredibly beautiful. Eucalypt trees blanket the valleys and slopes. It is the oil from their leaves that infuses the air with a blue haze giving the mountains their hue.
The sandstone cliffs change color with the light, becoming rosy pink at dusk and dawn. There are seemingly endless bushwalks (hikes) through towering tree ferns and glow worm caves, passed swimming ponds and waterfalls, and over chiseled rocky outcrops with gob-stopping views. For rock climbers and abseilers, the Blue Mountains are quite the playground.
Location: The Blue Mountains begin just 65 km inland from Sydney and rise to 1100 meters.
Getting There: You can catch the train to Katoomba from Central Station in Sydney (2 hours), or drive (1.5 hours).
How long do I need: You can do a day trip from Sydney, but there is just so much to see here, I recommend spending a couple of days at least. If you have wheels, you can explore the little towns such as charming Leura or Mount Wilson with its incredible spring gardens and autumn colours. I’ll write another blog on ‘Things to do in the Blue Mountains’ which will help you decide how long you want to give them.
And without further ado, allow me to present the magnificent Blue Mountains, Australia. (All photographers have been credited with their names or Instagram names.)
Tree Ferns, Blue Mountains, Australia. Photo: CraigWallPhoto
A fun, free, and affordable way to explore Australia is by camper van. Four friends, a family, or a couple can rent one from as little as $49 per day all inclusive (plus insurance at $3/day if you need it). For trips longer than 3 months, buying an ex-rental and selling it back when you’re finished is a more economical way of doing it. See my article on why the best way to see Australia is in a camper van.
If you know of any magic places in the Blue Mountains you’d like to share, feel free to write about them in the comments.
Happy travels!
Little Green Nomad 
TCP Day Tours has been operating tours around the Blue Mountains for ten years. We specialise in Garden Tours and Food and Wine Tours, but have recently added a shuttle to Jenolan Caves for the Six Foot Track. We also are now picking up car-less people staying in Katoomba hotels and take them across to Mt Tomah for the Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tours. And our latest tour is our Walking Food Grazing Tour of Lawson. Check our website for more details. Cheers Nyla.
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Thanks for the info, Nyla! The shuttle to the Six Foot Track is a handy addition for people wanting to do that one way. It sounds like you have a passion for the region!
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I see you’re as big of a fan of the area as I am. Unfortunately, the photos can’t capture the unique sounds and smells that come from walking through the eucalyptus forest. Great post!
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Lorain, I totally agree. Getting out in that immense eucalypt forest is such a sensory experience. Thank you!
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This makes me nostalgic for Australia!
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Maybe it’s time for another visit? 🙂
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