10 Local Tips For The Perfect Blue Mountains Day Trip

by Abhinav G. Movie Enthusiast

Blue Mountains Day Trip From Sydney

Sydney Tour Guide's Top Tips Updated for 2022

Blue Mountains day trips are one of the most sought-after Sydney tours, and with good reason. Experienced Sydney tour guide, I have personally facilitated hundreds of day trips to the Blue Mountains. Below are my top tips and 10 questions that will help you select the best tour option for you.

(Before I begin, I want to let you know that I am an private tour guide. The Blue Mountains is one of my favorite places to take my guests. I believe they should be enjoyed on a private Sydney tour with an expert local guide to get the most out of the day. We would love to talk with you about the options. Or, you can make a booking and get your own driver and guide.

Are the Blue Mountains worth visiting?

Blue Mountains can be found due west of Sydney. They are approximately 60 km away. The main tourist area of Katoomba or Leura is about 90 km away. They are worth visiting if time allows, in my opinion. Affordable Blue Mountains day trip in Sydney are a great option for nature lovers due to their close proximity to Sydney.

What can I expect to find if I visit?

The Blue Mountains Region is comprised of seven separate national parks. It covers approximately 10,000 kilometres. Because of its exceptional natural diversity, it was designated a Unesco heritage site in 2000. Instead of glacial mountains with sharp peaks, expect to see rounded peaks and towering cliffs. Sometimes, sparkling waterfalls can be seen soaring above them. Many guests compare the Grand Canyon to the sheer size of the majestic sandstone cliffs. You may be able to enjoy the more remote spots on a smaller tour. Blue Mountains tours will take you to the Three Sisters, the closest township to Katoomba.

Is it worth visiting Scenic World during our Blue Mountains day trip. Is it worthwhile?

I think the short answer is yes, especially for families with young children or those with limited mobility. Scenic World lets you experience a completely different side of the Blue Mountains. Enjoy the unique microclimate as you descend from the clifftops to the Jamison Valley below. While you may find the history of coal mining fascinating, I think the main reason to include this in your itinerary is to experience the cool climate rainforest below. This allows for beautiful short walks on boardwalks and trails, as well as the possibility to meet the Superb Lyrebird, one of the most interesting local creatures. It is possible to see better visibility and get under the clouds when the weather closes in.

Do we need to include Jenolan Caves on our tour?

This question is difficult to answer as it can have an impact on your Blue Mountains day trip. Because the Jenolan Caves will add 2.5 hours to your travel time and could limit your ability to experience other areas of the region, You might want to include this if you love caving and it is raining when you go.

How about Featherdale Wildlife Park. This should be included in our tour.

This is an option on many Blue Mountains day trips. It can be accessed from either Sydney or Blue Mountains. My preference is to ask my guests if they intend to visit similar zoos throughout their stay. I then make the final decision based on this. Featherdale provides a wonderful option for those with limited time and allows access to a variety of Australian native animals, including kangaroos and emus. You may want to spend more time in the mountains if you are planning on visiting Taronga Zoo and other zoos.

I was told about the Waradah Aboriginal Show in Katoomba. Should it be included?

Although the presentation is only 25 minutes long, it provides a great introduction to Aboriginal culture and history with music, dance, and story. This is an excellent addition for anyone looking for a knowledgeable experience. The Blue Mountains are home to the local tribes for more than 20,000 years. This is a great option, especially if it's wet or wild while you are there. This business is now closed, but we can arrange an Aboriginal-inspired experience upon request.

Is it possible for all tour operators and itineraries to be the same?

Not at all. Operators come in all sizes, and most have never been to the Blue Mountains. You can expect to be restricted to the most touristy areas if you opt for a larger bus or coach. These are the only areas that larger vehicles can access. A private or small group tour is the best way to get a balanced itinerary that not only shows you the most popular spots, but also takes you away from the crowds and reveals the hidden gems. You will have the best experience if you choose a private tour. To book a Blue Mountains Private Tour, please click the link below.

A lot of itineraries offer river cruises back to the city. Is this something you should do?

This is a great inclusion to include when the weather is good and my guests are close to the city center. It is possible to relax on a river cat (ferry service that reaches shallow areas of Sydney Harbour) at the end of your private Blue Mountains Tour and cruise back to Circular Quay. This is a good option, unless it's really bad. You have two options. One is a public ferry service, the other is private. Both offer drinks and snacks onboard. Each takes around 35 minutes to bring you into the city.

Can I drive to the Blue Mountains?

This is an option if you're comfortable driving in the area. However, I wouldn't recommend it unless you have at least one day to explore. You can see and do more if you have a limited time. A Blue Mountains day trip is professionally guided and customized to your needs. You should also be aware that many car rental companies in Sydney won't allow you to drive on unpaved roads. This will severely limit your ability see the best of the area.