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Located just two hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a walker's paradise. The area is well known around the world for the fascinating 3 Sisters rock formation but there is much more to explore. The hiking is through remote canyons and colourful heathlands, along dramatic cliff top tracks and past numerous cascading waterfalls. The mountains are also renowned for quality historic B&Bs and guesthouses that feature gourmet dining.
The sheer beauty and botanical significance of the Blue Mountains has recently been recognised with a prestigious World Heritage listing. Towering cliffs, dramatic lookouts and numerous cascading waterfalls await those travelling on foot. Retrace the journey taken by early European explorers in search of fertile pastures. Explore remote rainforests, descend into the depths of pretty canyons and walk along trails that hug the sheer cliff faces. Emerge from the National Park at the end of each day’s walking to be pampered in style in our hand-selected accommodations.
Location
The Blue Mountains is about 2 hours west of Sydney, easily accessible by local train or car. We can also arrange private transfers from Sydney airport or city hotels.
Grading
30% easy, 35% moderate, 35% more strenuous. Longest day has 6.5 hours walking (can be reduced). Good public transport allows you to shorten walks if required.
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Accommodation
Boutique inn, guesthouses and B&Bs - private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Regional wine & food
The Blue Mountains is noted for its international cuisine with restaurants attracting some of the best chefs in the country. Accompany with award winning wines from the nearby Hunter Valley winery district.
What's included
7 day itinerary: 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage transfers, National Park fees, Scenicworld pass including Scenic Railway ride & Sceniscender gondola ride, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, walking notes, maps, guiding (on guided itineraries).
5 day itinerary: 4 nights accommodation, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, luggage transfers, National Park fees, Scenicworld pass including Scenic Railway ride & Sceniscender gondola ride, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, walking notes, maps, guiding (on guided itineraries).
Not included
Local train travel (allow $10pp), alcohol, additional meals.
The best time to go
Available all year except July. October-November is usually mild to warm. Temperatures warm up from December-February. March-April is usually cool to mild. Temperatures drop from May onwards and the days are cool to cold. July brings occasional snowfalls. Warmer, spring weather returns around September.
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Departure Dates
Self guided INN-to-INN - any day of the year except July, with a minimum of 2 people booking together.
Guided INN-to-INN 5 days - operates on demand for a minimum of 2 people booking together
Guided INN-to-INN 7 days - operates on demand for a minimum of 2 people booking together
Itinerary guide - 7 days
(includes 6 nights accommodation & 5 days walking)
Day 1: Starts at Mt Victoria any time after 2pm. There is no walking scheduled for today. Accommodation: Mt Victoria
Day 2: The walk begins with an easy climb to the highest point in the mountains, Mt Piddington, followed by a descent through remote forest into the heart of Cox’s Cave. Marvel at the tenacity of the early explorers who forged a route through this rugged terrain! There’s more remote walking this afternoon as you explore the first pretty canyon, emerging into a huge natural rock amphitheatre. Finish the day with a stroll through magnificent rhododendron gardens nearby. Accommodation: Blackheath
Day 3: Skirt around sheer cliff tops to see Bridal Veil Falls plummet 180 metres in a single drop! Enjoy breathtaking views from Govetts Leap, at the same time discovering why the Blue Mountains appear "blue". Then descend into the depths of the Grand Canyon where surreal forest giants tower overhead and the path allows glimpses into the deep, dark clefts of the canyon itself. Accommodation: Blackheath
Day 4: Take an exhilarating ride down the Scenic Railway into the depths of the rainforest then retrace the route used by coal miners over 100 years ago. Mining relics, tunnels and adits can be seen along the way and observant walkers are often rewarded with a glimpse of an elusive lyrebird. Lunch today will be shared with flocks of cheeky currawongs at an impressive rocky outcrop called Ruined Castle. Will you rise to the Furber Challenge? An alternative to riding up the Scenic Railway, this track climbs steeply through dense rainforest past delightful waterfalls and pretty grottoes. Accommodation: Katoomba
Day 5: Learn the Aboriginal legend of how the famous 3 Sisters were formed as you descend the 862 steps of the Giant Stairway. Then it’s away from the throng of tourists and into the depths of Leura Forest. Delicate ferns and mosses hug the rainforest trees as filtered sunlight creates a magical scene. Accommodation: Leura
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Day 6: The setting for the grand finale is Waterfall Valley. The route winds its way past waterfalls, beneath overhanging cliffs and through magnificent grottoes. A real highlight today is the "mid-cliff" walk along a wide path that has been carved into the sheer cliff face! Handrails, ladders and airy lookouts provide a birds-eye view over hundreds of miles of forests. The spray from spectacular Wentworth Falls refreshes weary walkers before climbing to the cliff top. Accommodation: Leura
Day 7: Trip finishes after breakfast
Itinerary guide - 5 days
(includes 4 nights accommodation & 3 days walking)
Day 1: Starts in Blackheath any time after 2pm. There is an optional afternoon walk available.
Days 2-4: As for days 3-5 above
Day 5: As for day 7 above
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