Set off on this adventure in Sydney and head to the town of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. The World Heritage-listed wilderness natural area will amaze you with its rocky formations, vast forests, canyons, waterfalls, and wildlife. On the second day of your tour, enjoy short hikes to Katoomba Falls or Wentworth Falls and admire the natural paradise during the Three Sisters Walk. Soak up the scenic views and hop aboard the world's steepest railway into the Jamison Valley. On the last day, visit the beautiful Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens and enjoy the tranquilly and stunning display of plants and basalt cap forests.
Sydney, Australia’s most iconic city, is a vibrant hub of culture, beauty, and history. Home to nearly 20% of the country's population, it’s also Australia’s largest city. Perched along the stunning east coast, Sydney boasts an enviable mix of world-famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, alongside pristine white-sand beaches like Bondi and Manly. With a rich tapestry of history, art, and diverse culinary delights, Sydney offers something for every traveller, from sun-seekers and food lovers to adventure enthusiasts.
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Head to the Sydney CBD depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.
Today, you will journey away from the vibrant city of Sydney and into the peace and tranquility of the Blue Mountains. On your way out of the city, you will pass Sydney Olympic Park, home to the 2000 Olympic games.
Once the M4 becomes the Great Western Motorway, you will have countless opportunities to stretch your legs as you drive through the small towns of Springwood, Wentworth Falls, and Leura before arriving into Katoomba.
The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is a wilderness area showcasing ancient rock formations, vast canyons and waterfalls plummeting into valleys below. The breathtaking views over the region stretch to the hazy blue horizon, while the historic village towns nestled amongst the rainforest are dotted with tea rooms, cellar doors and breweries hosted by local producers. There is no shortage of adventure in the Blue Mountains with the rugged sandstone escarpments, underground caves and deep canyons providing the perfect playground for rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning and more. Of course, relaxation is also on the cards with a number of resorts, boutique guesthouses and day spas throughout.
Your accommodation: The Carrington Hotel
The Carrington Hotel has celebrated a long rich history since opening its doors in August 1883. This beloved Blue Mountains landmark offers a unique ambiance and timeless elegance of a bygone era. Steeped in history, you can sense the inimitable character and charm ingrained in the very fabric of this magnificent building.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 259 kms / 161 miles : 3.6 hours
There's no better way to enjoy the iconic views of the World-Heritage listed UNESCO Blue Mountains, than with the Unlimited Discovery Pass.
Navigate the site as you like, at your own pace. Hop aboard the world's steepest railway into the Jamison Valley. Explore kilometres of raised boardwalks through the rainforest, spotting Lyre Birds and ancient tree ferns amongst other flora and fauna. Ride the Cableway, to cruise past the sandstone escarpment and Orphan Rock. No visit is complete without gliding past Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters on the iconic Skyway.
Three Sisters Walk
1km. Allow 45 minutes.
This family-friendly walk treats you to ever-changing views of the grand Three Sisters, rising nearly a kilometre above sea level. Pass through the archway, next to the Echo Point Visitor Centre, and you'll soon be surrounded by soaring eucalypt forest, bird calls and fresh mountain air. Keep an eye out for the superb lyrebird and crimson rosellas as you walk the gently sloping path for 450 metres to Oreades lookout. Marvel at the incredible views of the Three Sisters' weather-eroded sandstone turrets, and the hazy 'blue' Jamison Valley stretching to Mount Solitary. From here, steps lead a further 50 metres to Lady Game lookout, for a closer view of this remarkable rock formation. A short but very steep set of stairs at the top of the Giant Stairway leads to Honeymoon Bridge, which connects to the first sister.
On the way back, enjoy the short signposted detour to Spooners lookout. If you’re feeling energetic, there are plenty of longer walks nearby.
Wentworth Falls
1.4km. Allow 1 hour.
This short but steep walk from the Wentworth Falls picnic area is well worth the effort. Follow the level path past Jamison and Wentworth lookouts before descending around 200 steps to the cliff-edge Fletchers lookout. Marvel at the waterfall that gives Wentworth Falls its name, as it plunges 100m to the valley floor.
From here, it's a few more minutes down steps to the very top of the Falls, where Jamison Creek cascades into a shallow pool to one side and the magnificent Jamison Valley opens out on the other.
Make your way back via the same route, or continue for a minute along National Pass to take in exhilarating views and wonder at this incredible feat of engineering, before backtracking to the picnic area. If you're feeling energetic, combine Wentworth Falls track with the short Weeping Rock circuit, the varied Undercliff track or the historic Princes Rock lookout track.
Katoomba Falls
2km. Allow 1 hour 15 minutes.
A short yet spectacular track through a lush rainforest gully leading to lookouts that boast some of the most iconic views in Blue Mountains National Park. Excellent for adventurous walkers looking for a shorter route, Round walking track packs in a swag of spectacular vistas and waterfalls, that highlight the dramatic beauty of the Katoomba escarpment.
Take in the spectacular waterfall views from Reids Plateau before making your descent down the stairs into the shadowy gorge. In the spring the new fern shoots brush your legs and flocks of rosellas and lorikeets flit through the rainforest canopy.
At Vanimans lookout you’ll have unsurpassed views of The Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. The medium difficulty track skirts the cliff edge leading to romantically named Juliets Balcony overlooking Witches Leap waterfall.
Ruined Castle Walking Track
7.5km. Allow 5 hours.
Ruined Castle walking track is a jewel among walks in the spectacular Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Beginning at the Golden Stairs and descending into Jamison Valley, this hard walk lets you climb one of the most recognisable landmarks in the valley; the Ruined Castle. It’s a beautiful rock formation that offers great views over the valley as far as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba.
Descending deep into the valley, you’ll enter the cool, lush rainforest with towering coachwood and sassafras, and a chance to spot a lyrebird. The track is an historic mining route with tell-tale embankments, cuttings and the tumbled ruins of miners’ cottages.
A steep scramble with some rock-hopping past large boulders leads to the impressive rock formation. At the top, enjoy unsurpassed views of Jamison Valley and Cedar Creek Valley. A perfect spot for a picnic before returning
Your accommodation: The Carrington Hotel
The Carrington Hotel has celebrated a long rich history since opening its doors in August 1883. This beloved Blue Mountains landmark offers a unique ambiance and timeless elegance of a bygone era. Steeped in history, you can sense the inimitable character and charm ingrained in the very fabric of this magnificent building.Discover a showcase of local and imported cool climate plants and basalt cap forests, surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage Area wilderness. Enjoy the tranquillity on the walking trails, wander the plant displays, or take a pitstop at the restaurant with views of the scenic mountains.
Today, you will journey away from the Blue Mountains and into the vibrant city of Sydney. On the way, you'll pass countless opportunities to stretch your legs as you drive through the small towns of Leura, Wentworth Falls and Springwood.
The winding Great Western Highway becomes the Western Motorway (M4) you can follow this all the way into Sydney's CBD, passing Olympic Park, Home to the 2000 Sydney Olympics on the way.
Explore more of Sydney before dropping your rental car at the depot.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 97 kms / 60 miles : 1.3 hours