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The Best Things to do in the Blue Mountains
Planning a weekend trip to the mountains? Make the most of your time away with our edit of 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. The best things to do in the Blue Mountains, about two hours’ drive from the Sydney CBD, start in Katoomba: ride the world’s steepest railway at Scenic World, take in the Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout and walk the free, after-dusk Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk. Further out, Aqua Ignis in Blackheath does hot rock saunas and mineral baths, while Leura Mall rewards a slow browse.
Ready to uncover why this region is so beloved? Read on for our guide to the best things to do in the Blue Mountains.
Editor’s Pick
Visit This Tiny Blue Mountains Bakery Which Opens Just Once a Week
Tucked into the Blue Mountains bushland, House of Suns is a tiny roadside bakery run by Chilean-born mum of three Romina Gardella, who makes everything from scratch at her off-grid home. Her menu celebrates the Chilean cakes and pastries she grew up with, many featuring homemade dulce de leche. For Romina, baking is a way to keep her heritage alive for her children while introducing more Australians to the sweets she grew up loving. “Food is one of the most beautiful ways I can keep that connection alive and help my children understand where they come from,” she told Sitchu.
The little yellow stand is open on Saturdays only, with locals and visitors making the trip to get their hands on her bakes before they sell out.
Sitchu Tip: Look out for Romina’s torta panqueque, a traditional Chilean layer cake that she loves for the patience and precision it takes to make. Her passion fruit version is a bestseller, balancing tangy fruit with sweet dulce de leche, while her lúcuma cakes showcase a nutty, distinctly flavoured fruit native to the Andean region that’s still relatively unfamiliar in Australia. If you spot either on the menu, consider it a good excuse to try something new.
Best Things to Do in the Blue Mountains for First-Timers
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
Enjoy a Free Night Walk
One of the Blue Mountains’ prettiest after-dark adventures is glowing again. The Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk has reopened its full 1.5-kilometre route after upgrade works, taking you past Orphan Rock, Witches Leap and the Cascades, with the Jamison Valley and Three Sisters lighting up the views along the way. The lights switch on at dusk, making it a very good excuse for an evening wander, and better still, it’s completely free!
Sitchu Tip: Bring a torch even though the path is illuminated, as two short sections are still being restored after recent wet weather. Dogs are welcome on leash, and there’s free parking at Katoomba Falls Reserve.
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
Best Outdoor Adventures and Walks in the Blue Mountains
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
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!
Mount Hay Road, Leura
Discover more of our favourite hikes in the Blue Mountains here.
Where to Eat and Drink 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 local 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.
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.
Best Bakeries and Sweet Treats 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.
Best High Tea in the Blue Mountains
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.
Shopping, Markets and Farm Gates in the Blue Mountains
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.
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
Dryridge Estate Cellar Door, Megalong Valley
This boutique vineyard produces some of the best local mountain wine and happens to be located 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
Best Day Spas and Wellness Retreats in the Blue Mountains
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, Culture and Aboriginal Heritage in the Blue Mountains
Art Gallery Hop
For a culture fix, immerse yourself in the Blue Mountains’ burgeoning 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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Things to do in the Blue Mountains
The best things to do in the Blue Mountains combine big views, good food and a slower pace. First-timers should start at Scenic World in Katoomba, where the Scenic Railway, Skyway and Walkway take in the Jamison Valley, then head to Echo Point Lookout for views of the Three Sisters. Leura Mall suits an afternoon of antiques and boutiques, while Aqua Ignis in Blackheath and the Blue Mountains Sauna in Leura are ideal after a day outdoors. For culture, Red Hands Cave holds some of the region’s best Aboriginal rock art.
The Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk is the standout after-dark option in the Blue Mountains. The free 1.5-kilometre route passes Orphan Rock, Witches Leap and the Cascades, with lights switching on at dusk and views across the Jamison Valley and Three Sisters. Dogs are welcome on leash, and there’s free parking at Katoomba Falls Reserve. For something different, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah runs astronomy sessions that make the most of the area’s low light pollution, while Mountain Culture’s outdoor deck is a relaxed spot to watch the sun set.
Yes. The Blue Mountains sit roughly two hours’ drive from the Sydney CBD, so a day trip works well if you focus on one area. Katoomba is the easiest base, with Scenic World, Echo Point Lookout and the Street Art Walk in Beverly Place all in town. Add lunch at one of the region’s seasonal restaurants and a bakery stop for the drive home. If you want to fit in Blackheath, the Megalong Valley, a bathhouse session or a cellar door visit, an overnight stay or a long weekend will give you far more breathing room.
Several of the best Blue Mountains experiences cost nothing. The Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk is free, with free parking at Katoomba Falls Reserve and lights that come on at dusk. Echo Point Lookout, a short stroll from Katoomba town centre, offers panoramic views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters and connects to surrounding walking trails. In Katoomba’s Beverly Place, the Street Art Walk showcases large-scale aerosol work across a mix of styles. Browsing Leura Mall’s Edwardian shopfronts and the Blackheath Growers Market, held on the second Sunday of each month, is free unless you buy.
Rain doesn’t have to derail a Blue Mountains weekend. The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre runs a rotating program of exhibitions, the heritage Norman Lindsay Gallery offers a retrospective of the artist’s work, and Gallery ONE88 in Katoomba covers contemporary and Indigenous art. The Mount Victoria Museum holds collections ranging from textiles and music to convict relics, which appeal to adults and kids alike. For warmer options, book high tea at the Hydro Majestic’s Wintergarden or Everglades House & Gardens, or a session at Aqua Ignis in Blackheath or the Blue Mountains Sauna in Leura.
Loved this edit of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains? 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.
