The Blue Mountains is a ‘must do’ for anyone living in or visiting Sydney!  And it does not need to cost a fortune for you to really enjoy it.  The cheapest option will cost you as little as $2.60 for the whole day!  Yes, you read that right, only $2.60!

GETTING TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

From Central Station, in Sydney, you can catch a train to Katoomba Station in the Blue Mountains.  The train leaves every half an hour to an hour depending on the time of day.  The trip takes about 2.5 hours one way.  Using public transport for the whole day will cost you no more than $15.40 (on peak adult) or $2.60 (Sundays).  Just make sure you are using an Opal Card.  They are free with a minimum $10 credit loaded onto the card.  I recommend leaving Central Station between 7-8am so you arriving in Katoomba before 11am.  This is especially important on the weekends when there are more people out there.  From Katoomba Station just walk up Katoomba St to the bus stop and catch a bus heading to Echo Point and the Three Sisters.  The bus also takes an Opal card so it will not cost you any more than the daily cap previously mentioned.

Alternatively, you can drive out to the Blue Mountains.  This option means you have more time and can get to other areas of interest.  There are plenty of amazing walking tracks and lookouts to explore.  You could spend a few weeks out here and not see it all.  To find out more check out the official Blue Mountains Website.

ONCE YOU GET TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

OPTION ONE:  THE CHEAPEST OPTION – THE STAIRS

If you don’t want to spend a cent more than you will want to choose the stairs option.  I would recommend starting at Echo Point with the Giant Stairway.  First, be sure to take in the views from Echo Point and have a good look through the Information Center.  By doing this first you will hopefully beat the crowds and have a chance to gather any information you need.  From here follow the signs to the Three Sisters.  This will take you to a short bridge across to the first of the Three Sisters.  This is a really special place so be sure to find out about its history and enjoy more amazing views!

It is here that you can start the descent down the Giant Stairway, which is nearly 1000 stairs.  From the Information Center to the bottom of the stairs shouldn’t take more than about 30 minutes.  Once you get to the bottom of the stairs turn right and head to the Scenic Walkway, which is part of Scenic World.  This section should take you about 45 minutes. This is an easy walk with some nice spots to stop along the way. Not long before you get to the Scenic Walkway you will come to the Furber Steps which takes you back up to the top of Scenic World.  But don’t go up yet, carry on straight ahead to experience the Scenic Walkway.  This 2.4km track leads you around a beautiful ancient rainforest.  There are a few great places to stop and picnic if you have brought your own lunch or snacks with you.  Afterwards, you can then head back to the Furber Steps and make your way up to the Scenic World Shop and Dining.  The whole loop in total will take an average person about two hours.

OPTION TWO: THE NEXT CHEAPEST OPTION – THE CABLE CARS

The alternative is to make your way straight to Scenic World and the Scenic Walkway.  You can get here on the same bus that leaves from Katoomba Street.  You have to the option to pre-purchase tickets online which may save you a few dollars and time.  Lines for tickets can be long during peak season or holiday periods.  The standard price is $43.  This gives you access to all three cable cars all day.  If you are living in Sydney you may want to consider getting an annual pass for $99.  This not only gives you unlimited rides all year round but you will also get further discounts. The cable cars are a treat and offer some special views of the Blue Mountains that you can’t get on foot.  They are also super fun to ride in as long as you are not nervous around heights.  The red cable car is the most thrilling as it offers the steepest climb in and out of the Scenic Walkway.  The blue cable car will also take you in and out of the Scenic Walkway but at a more comfortable slope.  The yellow cable car takes you across a valley with amazing views on a clear day.  The other bonus of course with taking the cable cars is that you don’t have to walk all those stairs.  This is definitely a great option for the Blue Mountains if your budget allows. 

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

PLANNING A DAY IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS THAT WORKS FOR YOU

There are upper and lower walking tracks between Echo Point and Scenic World with the public buses stopping at both locations regularly throughout the day.  You can mix up walking, buses and cable cars throughout the day to create an adventure that suits you.  Last time I was there I did purchase a ticket for the cable cars and spent the first part of the day exploring the Scenic Walkway.   Then I walked to Echo Point and down the Devil’s stairway making my way back to the Scenic Walkway.  Instead of walking up the Furber Steps I took the red cable car back up to the Scenic World shop and eateries.

FOOD AND DINING

If you want to find a bite to eat you have several options in Katoomba to grab a snack or have a meal.  However, Scenic World has two great eating option with EATS270 and the Terrace Cafe.  They cater well for dietary requirements and are well priced.  You can find out more information on the Scenic World Website.

EVENTS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

My last visit out there was in autumn during the annual Sculpture at Scenic World Exhibition.   This was a really awesome event with a multitude of displays throughout the Scenic Walkway. There are events on all throughout the year so be sure to check out the Scenic World Calendar.  

Other activities you might enjoy in Sydney:

• The Best Nude Beaches in Sydney

• Explore the Sydney Harbour Heads

• Visit the Hunter Valley Wine Region

• New Years in Sydney

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