About a two-hour drive from Sydney is one of the most famous natural areas in New South Wales: the Blue Mountains. This mountainous region is known for its deep valleys, steep sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and vast eucalyptus forests.
The name Blue Mountains comes from the bluish haze that often hangs over the landscape. That haze gives the valleys their distinctive color and makes for stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
A lot of travelers visit the Blue Mountains on a day trip from Sydney. If you're traveling through Australia in a campervan, I'd stay at least two or three nights. That gives you enough time to do several walks, visit different lookouts and also find the quieter parts of the area.
Why are the Blue Mountains worth visiting?
The Blue Mountains show you a completely different side of Australia. Not far from Sydney, you trade the beaches and the bustle of the city for mountains, rainforest and impressive gorges.
What makes the area so appealing is the mix of:
- spectacular hiking trails for every level
- waterfalls and deep valleys
- famous lookouts
- charming towns like Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath
- good places to stay overnight with a campervan
That makes the Blue Mountains an ideal first or last nature stop on a road trip along Australia's East Coast.
Top 3 walks in the Blue Mountains
1. Grand Canyon Track
The Grand Canyon Track at Blackheath is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful walks in the Blue Mountains. The route is about 6.3 kilometers long and runs through a narrow gorge full of ferns, small waterfalls, streams and tall sandstone walls.
First you head down to the canyon floor, then you walk through a green, almost tropical landscape. After that comes a steep climb back to the start. Allow about 2 to 3 hours.
The walk is grade 3 and doable if you're reasonably fit, but it has lots of stairs and ups and downs. Don't do this walk during or right after heavy rain, because the water in the gorge can rise quickly.
2. Wentworth Falls Track
Want to see one of the most famous waterfalls in the Blue Mountains without spending all day on it? Then the Wentworth Falls Track is a good choice.
This walk is about 1.4 kilometers round trip and takes you via Fletchers Lookout to the top of Wentworth Falls. Along the way you look out over the Jamison Valley and the cliffs around it.
The walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The distance is short, but you'll come across steep stairs and unfenced cliff edges. Always check the current status before you go, because the trails around Wentworth Falls are regularly partly closed for maintenance, landslides or bad weather.
3. National Pass Walking Track
This might be the most spectacular walk in the Blue Mountains. It's a 5.4 km loop that follows narrow paths literally cut into the cliffs. Along the way you pass several waterfalls, including Wentworth Falls, and walk along sheer rock faces with impressive views over the Jamison Valley.
It feels adventurous, and for many hikers it's one of the absolute highlights of the Blue Mountains. Plan on about 3 hours, so make sure you have enough time.
Note: the National Pass is regularly closed (partly or fully) for maintenance or because of rockfall. Always check the current situation before you set off.
Top 3 sights in the Blue Mountains
1. Three Sisters and Echo Point
The Three Sisters at Katoomba are the most famous symbol of the Blue Mountains. These three sandstone rock formations tower high above the Jamison Valley, and you can see them from Echo Point.
Want more of a challenge? Head down the Giant Stairway, which has more than 800 stone and metal steps. From the stairway you get impressive views over the Jamison Valley, and you end up down among the towering rock walls and eucalyptus forests.
This spot is on the traditional land of the Gundungurra and Darug People and has important cultural significance. Ideally, visit Echo Point early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The light is more beautiful then and you'll miss some of the crowds.
2. Scenic World
At Scenic World you see the Blue Mountains in a completely different way. It has the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway, which take you over and through the Jamison Valley.
It's a great option if you'd rather walk less, you're traveling with kids, or you want to see the landscape from different angles. From the rides you get views of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and the canyons around them.
3. Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout
For impressive views without the Echo Point crowds, drive over to Blackheath. Govetts Leap Lookout and Evans Lookout look out over the wide Grose Valley.
The Grand Canyon Track also starts at Evans Lookout, so you can easily combine one of the best lookouts with one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains. Govetts Leap is especially impressive after rain, when the waterfall pours down the high cliffs.
Camping with a campervan in the Blue Mountains
Katoomba Falls Tourist Park
Want to stay close to the most famous sights? Then Katoomba Falls Tourist Park is the most practical choice.
The campground has both powered and unpowered sites and works for campervans and motorhomes. You're close to Scenic World, Katoomba Falls and several trails, and downtown Katoomba is nearby too.
Blackheath Glen Tourist Park
For a quieter stay, go for Blackheath Glen Tourist Park. This campground is on the edge of Blackheath and makes a good base for the Grand Canyon Track, Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout.
There are powered sites, hardstand sites and room for larger campervans and motorhomes. The center of Blackheath is within walking distance and has several cafes, shops and restaurants.
Blackheath Glen Reserve
Looking for a simpler spot in the middle of nature? Then take a look at Blackheath Glen Reserve in the Megalong Valley.
It has basic facilities and a green, peaceful setting. The access road is narrow and winding, so it may not suit large campervans or motorhomes. Bring enough drinking water and check the current rules and access ahead of time.
Best time to visit the Blue Mountains
You can visit the Blue Mountains year-round. In spring and fall the temperatures are often pleasant for hiking and nature is at its most beautiful.
Summer can get warm, and winter can be quite cold, especially in the morning and evening. Higher towns like Katoomba and Blackheath can get low temperatures, fog and sometimes even snow.
The weather can change fast, so always bring enough water, warm clothes and a rain jacket. Check the current warnings and closures with NSW National Parks before every walk.
How much time do you need in the Blue Mountains?
For a first visit to the Blue Mountains, I'd recommend at least two nights.
With one full day you can see the Three Sisters and Scenic World and do a short walk. With two or three full days you can also drive over to Blackheath, hike the Grand Canyon Track and take your time at the different lookouts.
Don't rush the Blue Mountains. It's one of the most beautiful regions in Australia and well worth taking slowly.
