The Best Things to do in the Blue Mountains

With stunning scenery, crisp mountain air and cosy venues, the Blue Mountains has always been a favourite getaway for Sydney city slickers.

But it turns out the national park and its surrounds are also among the globe’s favourite spots, with a new list naming it as one of the world’s most TikTok-famous natural wonders.

Family travel site Kuoni analysed over 180 official UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites to see which is posted the most on TikTok, and our very own Greater Blue Mountains Area ranked 18th in the world—ahead of the Great Barrier Reef and in esteemed company like the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Italy’s The Dolomites and Yosemite National Park.

It really shouldn’t come as such a surprise, with sweeping valley views, some of the best hikes in the country and rich cultural experiences just a two-hour drive from the Sydney CBD.

Ready to uncover why this region is so beloved? Read on for our guide to the best things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Enjoy a Seasonal Feast

For us, food always comes first, and the Blue Mountains go above and beyond on that front. A region packed with passionate producers, you’ll find a bevvy of restaurants with an insatiable appetite for local produce and menus that follow the micro-seasons. Some of our favourites include woodfire-driven Ates, paddock-to-plate fine diner MEGALONG at LOT101, small plates providore Tempus and Asian fusion favourite Miss Lillian.

Discover the full edit of our favourite places to eat via our edits of the best restaurants in the Blue Mountains and the best cafes in the Blue Mountains.

Start Your Day With Some Wholesome Baked Treats

Famed for its gourmet offerings, the local bakeries in the Blue Mountains are nothing short of incredible. Bakehouse on Wentworth is famous for its handmade organic sourdough (try the olive and rosemary), but people travel far and wide for the gourmet pies, tarts and pastries, too. With locations dotted around the Mountains, your fix is never too far.

At Hominy Bakery in Katoomba, their potato sourdough is legendary, and it usually sells out, so we suggest calling ahead to reserve a loaf. And since the 80s, Blackheath Bakery Patisserie has been whipping German baked goods like pretzels, jam doughnuts, brot and crumbles. Finally, with storefronts in Lawson and Katoomba, we highly suggest you pop into Black Cockatoo Bakery to pick up a baked treat that has been lovingly made using organic and sustainable ingredients. 

Tea for Two

There’s something about the Blue Mountains and its opulent historic buildings that lends itself to a spot of tea. When the cravings strike, you’ve got options with the famed Wintergarden at the Hydro Majestic offering some of the best views and plushest scones in town.

Another favourite is Blue Mountains icon, Everglades House & Gardens. Blending 1930s Art Deco charm with ten hectares of dreamy gardens designed by Danish horticulturist Paul Sorensen, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and soak up views of the Jamison Valley. After exploring, linger a little longer at the Tea Rooms for a cosy high tea and some of the best scones.

The Megalong Valley Tearooms are also well worth a visit. As you look over the rugged mountains, you’ll be served Devonshire tea and scones with clotted cream.

Score Some Sweet Chocolatey Treats

If you love a sweet treat, you’ll find plenty here. Stock up on handcrafted chocolates at local institution, Josophan’s Fine Chocolates. For a hit of sugary nostalgia, head to The Candy Store to pick up some freckles, sherbet bombs, and colourful confectionery from around the world. At Blue Mountains Chocolate Company, you’ll find handmade Belgian chocolates dotted with local ingredients.

Enjoy a Local Brew

Whether you’re a cider, gin or beer fan, you’ll find plenty to quench your thirst in the mountains.

First cab off the rank, Mountain Culture. This born and bred Blue Mountains favourite’s Status Quo Pale Ale has been voted Australia’s #1 beer multiple times across the last few years. If that’s not enough reason to visit this cosy brewpub, the nostalgic delights coming from the kitchen are. Fries and curry sauce, classic burgers and potato gems are just a few of the bites on offer. The restored heritage building offers plenty of places to park your tush, including a pup-friendly outdoor deck ideal for watching the sun set.

More of a cider drinker? Bilpin’s family-owned craft cider producer is the perfect place to enjoy a brew straight from the source. Explore the scenic gardens, indulge in a tasting and dine on seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, before wandering around the orchard and wildflower meadows. The cidery is dog-friendly (on-leash) and offers picnic hampers on weekends, which can be pre-ordered and enjoyed on the lawns.

Head to Leura Mall

Once you’re all walked and feasted out, head to Leura Mall for Edwardian shopfronts, cherry blossom trees, antiques and boutique stores. You’ll find plenty to snack on at Leura Gourmet, an exquisite selection of reading material at Megalong Books, home-grown skincare brand iKOU and cosy loungewear at lifestyle brand Papinelle.

Shop Direct from the Producer

Thanks to its fresh, bountiful produce, the Blue Mountains is a hotspot for foodies. If you have a long weekend to explore the mountains, visit the Logan Brae Orchard, a charming apple orchard that dishes up great views as well as the most delicious apple pie.

Blackheath Growers Market

Held on the second Sunday of every month, Blackheath Growers Market is a bustling event with 60 stalls selling the best produce the region has to offer: think fruits, veggies, free-range eggs, meats, bread, cheeses, olive oils and wine.

Corner of Great Western Highway and Gardiner Crescent, Blackheath

Scenic World

A visit to the Blue Mountains isn’t complete without experiencing Scenic World. Suspended above lush rainforest canopies, this iconic attraction offers jaw-dropping views from every angle — whether you’re gliding across the valley on the Scenic Skyway, descending into ancient forest on the Scenic Railway, or strolling the Scenic Walkway through Jurassic-era wilderness. It’s immersive, unforgettable, and an ideal way to appreciate the dramatic beauty of the region. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a new perspective on the mountains.

Violet Street & Cliff Drive, Katoomba

Take a Hike

The Blue Mountains is a bushwalkers paradise with everything from short, accessible loops to multi-day extravaganzas.

For thrill-seekers craving a true Blue Mountains adventure, Butterbox Canyon delivers. This technical canyoning route near Leura is all about abseiling, swimming through natural pools, and scaling rugged rock formations — an adrenaline-packed way to explore the wilderness. Best tackled with a guide, it’s a chance to combine epic scenery with a serious adventure challenge.

Not one for heights? Take a hike instead!

Discover more of our favourite hikes in the Blue Mountains here.

Mount Hay Road, Leura

Echo Point Lookout

Easily one of the most photographed spots in the Blue Mountains, Echo Point Lookout is where you’ll find panoramic views of the Jamison Valley and the world-famous Three Sisters rock formation. A short stroll from Katoomba town centre, it’s a go-to for sunrise, sunset, or any moment in between. Bring a coffee, take a seat, and let the views speak for themselves — or use it as a starting point for one of the many surrounding walking trails.

Echo Point Road, Katoomba

Dryridge Estate Cellar Door, Megalong Valley

This boutique vineyard produces some of the best local mountain wine and happens to be nestled within one of our favourite Blue Mountain towns, Megalong Valley. While you’re sipping on one of Dryridge’s crisp Rieslings, tuck into a cheese platter and soak up the valley views. 

226 Aspinall Road, Megalong Valley

Wander the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

Perched on the peak of a mountain (Mount Tomah), the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Australia’s highest botanic garden. There are 28 hectares to explore, and they’re full of cool-climate plants and native fauna.

If you’re a space fan, make the most of the reduced light pollution and book into an astronomy session at the gardens here.

Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah

Blue Mountains Sauna 

The Blue Mountains Sauna is the perfect place to hang out after a day of hiking. Your entry covers you for two hours of access to the Finnish sauna and cold plunge as well as multiple chill out areas for between sessions. There’s a cosy tea lounge where you can hydrate, and you’ll also be supplied with a pair of slippers and a bench towel. The whole experience is deeply relaxing so prepare for the best night of sleep you’ve ever had! 

7 Quinns Avenue, Leura 

Aqua Ignis

Drift into total calm at Aqua Ignis, a boutique bathhouse perched atop the Blue Mountains. A one-and-a-half-hour escape from Sydney, you can luxuriate in hot rock saunas, herbal steam rooms, magnesium mineral baths, cold plunge pools, and Yin-Yang rest areas. It’s the kind of place that resets your senses.

239 Great Western Highway, Blackheath

Happy Buddha Retreats

Just 1.5 hours outside Sydney, escape to the Blue Mountains for a rejuvenating stay at the Happy Buddha Retreats. Running three retreats each week, for three days and two nights you’ll connect with nature through their range of uplifting workshops and classes.

Immerse yourself in yoga, meditation, drumming circles and self-guided bush walks. Don’t worry about food, you can expect health-conscious vegetarian meals that taste as good as they look. This is one health retreat in NSW you need to be booking into. 

50 Railway Parade, Wentworth Falls

Art Gallery Hop

For a culture fix, immerse yourself in the Blue Mountains’ thriving arts scene. The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre has a rotating roster of exhibitions, while the heritage Norman Lindsay Gallery provides a retrospective of the acclaimed artist, and Lost Bear Gallery always showcases the best in Australian art.

Katoomba’s Gallery ONE88 showcases everything from contemporary and indigenous works to performing arts, and Australian contemporary art specialists Day Gallery focus on local artists and significant modern and historical pieces.

Learn About the Aboriginal History & Heritage of the Blue Mountains

The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is located within the Ngurra (Country) of the Darkinjung, Darug, Dharawal, Gundungurra, Wanaruah and Wiradjuri peoples. Steeped in indigenous history, the Blue Mountains’ rich heritage is apparent in the architecture and community spirit.

To view one of the best showcases of Aboriginal rock art in the region, head to Red Hands Cave. For a more extensive look into the history and flora and fauna of the region, stop into the National Parks and Wildlife Service Heritage Centre.

Street Art Walk

Even while you are sightseeing, you can experience the Blue Mountains’ Street Art Walk. Sydney doesn’t have the monopoly on great local street art, in fact, the Blue Mountains have churned out some pretty impressive pieces as part of the Street Art Walk, displayed in Katoomba’s Beverly Place. Expect world-standard street art, covering all aerosol disciplines and a great mix of styles.

Beverly Place, Katoomba

Mount Victoria Museum

The Mount Victoria Museum is the perfect spot to catch some culture and history with relics dating back decades, to bygone eras. They have a range of collections to admire, from textiles and music, to convict relics and tools, that both grown-ups and kids find absolutely fascinating.

35A Station Street, Mount Victoria

Loved this edit of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains and after more inspo for cosy winter escapes? Check out our edit of the 6 best winter getaways in NSW and our wrap of the very best winter escapes in Australia to tick off your bucket list.