How to Visit Blue Mountains by Train From Sydney: Guide&Tips The train is currently running at least as far as Katoomba and possibly to Mount Victoria unless any new fires pop up. In my own opinion, yes they are definitely worth visiting if you have time during your visit. If you are not much of a shopper, I suggest you get off at stop 22 and explore Lyrebird Dell or Everglades Gardens. Hi, Likely to Sell Out. Journey to the heart of the Blue Mountains on this full-day tour from Sydney, including hotel pick-up. Overview Head into the Blue Mountains with this small group tour from Sydney. As you make your way to the top of the falls, youll see Jamison Creek cascading into a shallow pool and Jamison Valley on the other side. A Blue Mountains day trip is one of the most popular Sydney tours available, and for good reason. In the vicinity of the lookout are various short and long hiking trails, one leading to the Barrow Lookout, from where you can see the Bridal Veil Falls close by. Transport for NSW operates a train from Central Station to Wentworth Falls Station every 30 minutes. If youre looking for something fun to do with the kids, the Jellybean Track is perfect. Local taxis and bus services will get you to all the key locations and attractions. The bus will pass by NarrowNeck and Cahill Lookout thank u for this informative article There is an incredible network of hiking trails and lookouts all across the Blue Mountains, that hikers of any skill and fitness level can complete in a couple of hours. I am a seasoned Sydney tour guide and have lived in the Blue Mountains and personally guided hundreds of day trips to this beautiful destination. Walk through the stone archway next to the visitors centre and follow the path to Honeymoon Bridge, where you can walk out onto the first sister. The main streets of Katoomba are where youll find a variety of international cuisine, from delicious Korean stews at Sanwiye to Thai green curry at Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant, Mexican tacos at 8Things Katoomba, and even fried potato momos from Tibet Kitchen. If youre looking to spend more than a day in the Blue Mountains, there are plenty of campgrounds for you to set up camp and spend the night, from secluded gems to full-service campgrounds. Got the little ones in tow? Its only a short walk to get there and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. day trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, all-inclusive full-day Blue Mountains tour from Sydney, Full-Day Canyoning Experience at Stunning Empress Canyon, helicopter ride above the rainforest canopy, luxury Blue Mountains tour with a barbecue lunch and wine tasting experience, 8 best caravan parks for your next New South Wales road trip, Camping on a budget: 8 spots you can camp for free in NSW, Kid-Friendly Cellar Doors Near Sydney to Visit for a Fun Family Day Out. The journey takes just under two hours, and most of it is not that scenic, so pack a book or have a little snooze. How does that affect this itinerary? The Bridal Veil Falls is to the right and Pulpit Rock to the front. All Blue Mountains tours should take you to the iconic Three Sisters, which is closest to the township of Katoomba and is one of the most recognised rock formations in Australia. If you choose to stay, you will need to take a local bus back to the station. From Leura, drive to Medlow Bath for a scrumptious lunch of comfort food with a seasonal twist at hip eatery, Tournament. April can be cooler but its usually lovely walking. NSW TrainLink Intercity services stop at most Blue Mountains stations. Blue Mountains Day Trip Including Parramatta River Cruise - Viator Whatever time of year you visit you should includeclosed walking shoes or runners, a light rain/wind jacket, hat, warm jacket, sunscreen and plenty of water. From the train station, head towards Wilson Park, situated on the other side of the Great Western Highway. AU$1,220.00. Hi Sir, i am planning to visit the blue mountain on 17 December. Walk down to the Three Sisters viewing platform for fantastic views of the famous rock formation and across the valley to Mount Solitary; if you are up for a walk, head down to see the Three Sisters up close. Helpful. The Walls Lookout is still a bit of a hidden gem in the greater Blue Mountains region, but the views are fantastic. Any advice on day parking while exploring cities/areas with a relatively large vehicle of length 6.5m, width 2.3m, height 3m? It is most economical to travel off-peak return (before 7 am or after 9 am on weekdays or all day Saturday) at $6.51 each way. NSW TrainLink Intercity trains travel from and to Sydney at least every hour, and take around two hours to reach the top of the Blue Mountains, with stops atParramatta, Westmead,Penrithand Springwood. Try the pastries with Pepe Saya butter and leave with extra treats for the road. The views of the waterfall and the Jamison Valley from that lookout are amazing. From there its a short walk to the Olympian Rock lookout point (map), which offers breathtaking views of the Three Sisters, the Jamison Valley, and beyond. Passionate about all things travel and e-commerce, Carissa is a content strategist in Singapore who loves freelance writing. The first waterfall is the beautiful, 3-tiered, 187m high waterfall that is Wentworth Falls. Itinerary 1: Charles Darwin Walk and Wentworth Falls Area Highlights of this itinerary: Charles Darwin walk Rocket Point lookout Wentworth Falls Grand Stairway The beauty of the Charles Darwin walking track is that it links the train station in the village of Wentworth Falls with the actual waterfall and surrounding area. You can take the 685 bus from the station to near the start of the walk. You will descend from the clifftops down into the deep Jamison Valley below and enjoy its unique micro climate. Septemeber temperatures are usually lovely and cool about 15-18 degrees Celcius. I am not an iPhone user so I am not sure of the exact instructions. The environment is a lot wetter, and ferns flourish here. The Scenic Cableway will take you back up to the base station from the valley floor. Yes I would suggest you return via the same route. 13 Most Scenic Train Rides On The East Coast - TheTravel Just a couple of hours west of Sydneys Central Station, the Blue Mountains is a perfect day trip to visit friends and relatives, or stay longer and experience the cultural elegance and natural wonder of the mountain life. Day 3: Blackheath to Mount Wilson, Bilpin and Sydney. Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney. If youre driving to the Blue Mountains, youll be rewarded with scenic views throughout the journey, along with the flexibility to make pit stops along the way whenever you like. If you do have spare time and dont mind a bit of walking, its recommended to follow the short and easy Three Sisters Walk that leads to the Honeymoon Bridge which is attached to the first of the Three Sisters. My own opinion is that they are best enjoyed on a small private Sydney tour with an experienced local guide so that you can get the best value out of your day and get beyond just visiting the more touristy locations. If you come later in the day, leave Scenic World until mid-afternoon. This is an inclusion that I like to offer when the weather is fine and when my guests are staying close to the city centre. The Blue Mountains in Australia is a popular Sydney day trip destination, but my biggest tip for visiting the National Park is to NOT take a day trip from Sydney! Image Credit: Hayley Lewis. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers one of the most therapeutic train rides on the East Coast. Visiting the Blue Mountains by train on a day trip is a great way to save some money and have more control over what you see and do while you are there. Great Western Highway To get to the Great Western Highway in the Blue Mountains from Sydney, follow directions to Parramatta via Parramatta Road. Climb mountain trails to spy cascading waterfalls and iconic sandstone formations. A far more scenic way to head to (or home from) the mountains is via the twisty and scenic Bells Line of Road which takes you through fruit growing towns like Bilpin where you can try local ciders or pies at numerous spots. The first HOHO bus leaves Katoomba at 9am and arrives at Scenic World at 9:17am. Great itinerary! At dusk, follow the trail of LED lights along the 1.3km walk and see illuminated cascades, rock walls and natural formations such as Orphan Rock. This first itinerary focuses on the best-known spots in the Blue Mountains, Echo Point, home of the Three Sisters, Scenic World and Leura. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art of the Dharug and Gundangurra people, the custodians of this land. There is also the promise of little waterfalls along the way. So i plan to board King Cross Station interchange at Central and then travel to Katoomba Station. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult trying to fit everything into a one-day itinerary. Being able to hop on and off the bus is perfect for families with young kids who may struggle to keep up on a group tour. The Blue Mountains Train Line offers regular services from Sydney Central Station to the Blue Mountains, stopping at Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba, Medlow Bath, Blackheath and Mount Victoria. If you want to eat dinner in the mountains before you head home our two favourite options at The Bootlegger, opposite the station or Mountain Culture a couple of blocks west. Train operators. You can also choose print and save as a PDF to your phone. The Blue Mountains are the perfect place for hiking, rock climbing, or soaking up the views. Hang out with the areas cockatoos, parrots, and kangaroos, head to the Tunnel View lookout to take in spectacular landscapes or give yourself a good workout by taking on the Red Hands Cave track. Another shoutout from the U.S. We will be in Sydney in early September of 2020. What is the typical weather like in early April in the Blue Mountains? There was nothing significantly different on this part of the walk, so its okay to skip it if you like. How to Get to the Blue Mountains | Sydney Uncovered Trains back to Sydney leave Leura at 4:24 pm and then hourly until the last one just before 10:30 pm. Trains leave from Katoomba five minutes earlier. For anyone with limited time during their visit, Featherdale is a great inclusion and gives access to an array of Australian native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, emus, crocodiles, wombats and many others. Both take around 35 minutes to get you into the city. 1. how do i know when i have buses? Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Leura. Discover the Blue Mountains and its World Heritage wilderness by train. As my daughter lives in Sidney maybe I will revisit someday. The walkway and train rides were exciting and the view spectacular. Its relatively easy and armed with our detailed advice; you have everything you need for a fantastic day trip from Sydney. If youre keen on planning a day trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, weve compiled a handy guide with all the things you can do in a day. could u plz tell me if I got this right: so if i want to do the wentworth falls walk, i take the train from sydney to Katoomba Station and if i want to stop at the 3 sisters lookout i take the bus number 686. and then to do the wentworth walk i need to take the same bus back to katoomba and take another bus 685 to North Wentworth Falls. Katherine. Is there a way I can save this on my iphone? The Perfect Blue Mountains Day Trip From Sydney | Faramagan Should I come early, like Thursday/Friday or stay late, like Sunday? Before you begin this itinerary, be sure to check any track mentioned for closures. To go to the Blue Mountains by train you'll need to leave early. Our starting point for today is Central Station. The dramatic Grose Valley from the Govetts Leap lookout in Blackheath makes a perfect afternoon stop. Running between Woodford and Glenbrook, it is a mostly downhill ride with a steep final section as you exit the park through Glenbrook Gorge to Glenbrook station. A Sydney Tour Guide's Top Tips updated for 2022. Katoomba Area: The most popular day trip from Sydney as this is home to the Three Sisters - one of the most visited Blue Mountains attractions. 1. There are public buses in Katoomba to Echo Point or the hop on, hop off Blue Mountains Explorer Bus runs from Katoomba Station for a circuit of the major attractions from Scenic World to Leura. If you need more suggestions study the guidebook your driver will give you. The route we follow starts in Wentworth Falls, followed by Katoomba, and finishes in the Blackheath area. It gets more interesting as it cuts through the Chattahoochee National Forest, where tourists can enjoy watching native wildlife. Evans Lookout in Blackheath, Katoomba Area. You'll feel free as you ditch your digital devices and leave Sydney for trekking trails with mountain views and refreshing dips in waterholes. While you can expect light showers, the scenery is still spectacular with blankets of clouds above the mountain range and gushing waterfalls. My husband and I will be in Sydney November 14-18, 2019 (soon!) The best way to reach the national park is to take the train from Central Station in Sydney and get off at either Katoomba Station or Leura Station. The cost of tickets depends on the time of the day and the day of the week. Contact Transport for NSW for information, feedback, lost property, Opal customer care or regional bookings or follow us on social media. Visit Featherdale to see koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, and more incredible animals. Places to visit Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Discover the Blue Mountains and its World Heritage wilderness by train. If you catch the train in the official off-peak time before 6.30am or after 10am it is $6.51 one way; during peak times it is $9.31. The World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park is also home to the much-photographed sandstone formation, The Three Sisters so dont drive home without taking the time to marvel at this fascinating work of nature. However, you can still walk to the Wentworth Falls area from the station via the streets. Views across the Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary along the Three Sisters Walking Trail, Katoomba. As you drive out of Sydney towards the Blue Mountains, the Great Western Highway climbs beyond Penrith and into the mountains past charming towns including Springwood, Faulconbridge, Wentworth Falls and Leura. Thanks for all this wonderful information! Visit Wentworth Falls, Echo Point, and the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains National Park. 2. how long does it take from one station to another? Arguably one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba Falls forms part of the Kedumba River, dropping almost 150 meters into the valley below. Image Credit; Julie Miller. Plan your travel in NSW using the Trip Planner orapps, check timetables andtravel alerts and find information on stations, stops, wharves and how to get to events. The first lookout point is the Jamison Lookout, followed by the Wentworth Falls Lookout, a few hundred metres further away. Stretch your legs among rare and exotic plants in Windyridge Garden. Trains to the mountains leave from Central Station, usually from platforms 5-12, which are in the main hall. The best spots to experience snow are usually in the upper Blue Mountainsanywhere from Wentworth Falls to Mount Victoriawith snow that varies from brief flurries to heavy falls. There are lookouts all along the way and you should be able to cover it in an hour or so. 3 replies; Katoomba vs. Leura / Rental car or no? Nature Track Wentworth Falls. 2:54pm Reboard the bus at Leura Station (stop 34) and travel to the Three Sisters (Echo Point). Time required: 3 to 5 hours, depending on skill level and sightseeing stops. 7 Best Blue Mountains Tours from Sydney | Sydney Uncovered It contains 16 more walks, plenty to keep you busy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Oct 2021 - 3 min read A day in the Blue Mountains region, just a short drive from Sydney CBD, is one of the best antidotes to bustling city life, with forested valleys unfolding under the famed blue haze and storybook villages to explore. The M4, known as the Western Motorway, feeds into the Blue Mountains from Parramatta and Sydney. Find out about Opal orbook NSW TrainLink Regional train and coach services. Trains depart from Central Station every hour and take about two hours to get to Katoomba. If youre planning a special occasion, maybe even splash out on a helicopter ride above the rainforest canopy or a luxury Blue Mountains tour with a barbecue lunch and wine tasting experience? ), 8 Best Mini Golf Courses in Sydney (Indoor and Outdoor), 10 Best Indoor Rock Climbing and Bouldering Gyms in Sydney, 20 Things to Do During School Holidays in Sydney, Charles Darwin Walk and Wentworth Falls Area, Wentworth Falls, Leura Cascades and Katoomba Falls. There are many more options, and these are outlined in the guidebook you receive with your HOHO bus ticket. Hi Linda (Before I start, let me be up front and let you know that I am a private Sydney tour guide and that the Blue Mountains are one of my favourite places to take my guests. We tailor our tours to suit our clients tastes and fitness levels and include refreshments and complimentary wifi on board during the tour. Buses depart from Katoomba Station every hour starting at 9 a.m., and all you need to do is purchase a full-day pass before getting onto the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus. Average temperatures are between 17 / 9 Celcius. If youre headed to Leura, then the express train is not an option because it does not stop there. Tickets and fares for metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail and coach within Sydney and around NSW. If you plan on visiting Scenic World, lines for tickets can be very long at times; having a ticket means you can get straight to the rides before the crowds. Thanks for sharing. Blue Mountains Day Trip Itinerary By Train or Car The best part about exploring the Blue Mountains is that you can visit anytime during the year and it will still be extremely enjoyable. Driving by car will allow you to visit the major sights and walking tracks and the lesser-known destinations at your own pace. 2:47 pm Head back to Stop 23 for the bus to Leura Village, where your walking ends and the coffee and cake are calling. To get to Cahills Lookout from Echo Point, follow Cliff Drive past Scenic World and turn left into a smaller road that continues as Cliff Drive. Since we are doing a LOT of touring on foot for 3 weeks, do you think the first itinerary is best for us? The train from Central Station in Sydney takes approximately 2 hours to reach the mountains. Both the Leura and Katoomba train stations are close to the respective town centres, from where you can catch local buses to the various tourist hot spots. If you absolutely love caving or the weather is rainy when you visit, then you may want to ask for this to be included in your itinerary. The drive takes in everything from natural wonders to wineries and country markets. Please note that the Charles Darwin walking track is closed due to maintenance and repair work, with an expected reopening in 2023. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); things to see and do in the Blue Mountains, 3 Blue Mountains Day Trip Itineraries by Train, 3 Blue Mountains Day Trip Itineraries by Car, the best walking tracks in the Blue Mountains, the best waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, guide to the best Blue Mountains day tours, 5 Best Trampoline Parks in Sydney (Go Jumping! Depending on how much time you have, you can either continue the walk deeper into the valley or hike back to the top of the waterfall via the Grand Stairway. Can you use your Opal Card on the train from Sydney to Katoomba? If you prefer not to walk head into the bar called the Lookout and have a nice cold drink while you take in the views. Once in the Blue Mountains, the Western Motorway changes into the Great Western Highway, which continues past Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba, Medlow Bath, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, and then all the way to Bathhurst. Temperatures in Summer (Dec Feb) can get well over 30 degrees celsius and in Winter (Jun Aug) temps can drop to below zero, so its best to be prepared. I never thought you would ask Absolutely, having lived and studied outdoor recreation in the Blue Mountains and having guided hundreds of day tours to the region, I would be delighted to share this special place with you. These instructions have you going backwards from stop 9 to stop 7 how is this possible? From Leura train station, catch bus 695 from Leura Mall to Olympian Parade. The drive from Sydney to Katoomba is just 90min and trains regularly depart from Central Station. Hopefully this will entail the Winter Festival. From the Leura Cascades Picnic Area, follow Cliff Drive past Echo Point until you arrive at Scenic World, where you can park your car. (Stop 11). From Lawson, it's just a 10min drive past pristine bushland toWentworth Falls Picnic Area, where you can walk toWentworth Falls. The fastest route requires toll roads but gets you to the Blue Mountains in about one and a half hours. If youd like something a little different, you can also opt for a 1-hour Trike Tour, roam around on an open-air ex-Australian Army Land Rover, go off the beaten track on a mountain e-bike, or take to the skies in a scenic flight. The circuit walk takes roughly 90 minutes, and while there are a few steep sections, the track overall isnt too hard. All the latest news and updates for Sydney and surrounds and Central West and Orana. We are in good shape, but in our 60s. Their close proximity to Sydney and the unique natural beauty and diversity of this region makes a Blue Mountains day trip a perfect nature lovers getaway. Once you arrive, you can easily travel around by train, bus or on foot. Trail visibility is always easy to follow, but check the latest trail reports before heading down. Follow the signs to the main Katoomba Falls lookout before backtracking and following the walk Katoomba Cascades. At certain vantage points you can spy theThree Sisterslit up under the night sky. There is a train at 8:20 pm that would work well and have you back in Sydney at 10:21 pm. We have put together two one-day itinerariesfor visiting the stunning UNESCO listed Blue Mountains using a combination of the train from Sydney and HOHO Bus. The next stop is the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, which has two beautiful lookout points within walking distance. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is a 28ha public botanic garden that features thousands of plants from the southern hemisphere and around the world. There are car parks in different areas of the Blue Mountains depending on where youre headed, so just double check your itinerary to make sure theres one close by. Book Sydney to Blue Mountains Day Tours [Updated 2023] | Blue Mountains 9:00 am Join the bus on the main street of Katoomba, Katoomba Street,opposite the Carrington Hotel (Stop 1). We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present. On weekend, the return fare is set by the Opal weekend travel cap of $8.40 per day. The next stop is very close to Echo Point but attracts far fewer tourists, even though the views are just as stunning. Rather than being pointy glacial mountains, you can expect to see more rounded peaks with deep valleys and towering cliffs, often with sparkling waterfalls plummeting over them. NSW TrainLink also services this route twice a week. For dessert, the matcha crme brule is a must-order. What is your budget like? The office opens at8:45 am on weekdays, and 8:15 am on weekends. Train from Sydney CBD. Visiting the Blue Mountains from Sydney LAIDBACK TRIP The next stop is the Leura Cascades Picnic Area, located along Cliff Drive in Leura. Itinerary Two The HOHO bus and lots of bushwalking, Perfect Valentines Day Restaurants in Sydney 2023, https://sydneyexpert.com/where-to-stay-in-the-blue-mountains/, https://transportnsw.info/alerts/details#/metro-train, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/blue-mountains-national-park, Coffee in Kings Cross: Journey Along the Caffeine Kilometre, Wine Wonderland: Unearthing the Best Wine Bars in Potts Point, See Sydney on a Budget: Top Tips from a Local Expert [2023], Beauty and the Beast in Sydney 2023 [Review]. Before you go, check the official NSW National Parks website for the latest updates on the trail you are intending to dosome might be closed due to upgrading works, repairs, or weather alerts. My question is how do i return to Central Station via train from Katoomba station. Its a very relaxing day trip, with hardly any walking required. By public transport, the Blue Mountains Train Line operated by NSW TrainLink is the most direct and convenient option between Sydney and the Blue Mountains. This page contains affiliate links. This 2.3km walk is graded at moderate and there are quite a lot of steps but its not to challenging for anyone with average fitness. This itinerary includes three walks. I also suggest checking out Sydney Greeters and also our self-guided bus tours and our walking tours. Its a great choice for anyone who would prefer to keep their bushwalks limited to 30 minutes or less or those who have not had time to do much research. All Inclusive Small-Group Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney with The walk Along the way, you pass a cave with Aboriginal engravings. With so many things to see and do in the Blue Mountains, it can be challenging for first-time visitors to work out where to go in one day. 5. After lunch (own expense), head to Scenic World to ride the Cableway, Skyway and Railway for unbeatable aerial views of the Jamison Valley . From Bells Line of Road, turn into Mount Banks Rd at the big signpost. If youd rather leave it to the experts, why not opt for a guided tour of the Blue Mountains? Fully revised for the 2023 Explorer Bus timetable. Day trip tomorrow from Sydney on train advice - Blue Mountains Forum 19 replies; blue mountain itinerary 4 replies; Best place to stay and see Kangaroos in Blue Mountains? There are three main ways to get to the Blue Mountains: by train, car, or an organized bus tour. The sheer scale of the soaring sandstone cliffs and vistas frequently induces elated WOW responses and many guests make excited comparisons to the Grand Canyon. One of the easiest to get to is the Blue Mountains, National Park. This walk is accessible for prams and wheelchairs with a natural incline and handrails along the way.