Greater Blue Mountains Drive
With its bushland backdrop, incredible vistas and endless outdoor activities, the Blue Mountains is one of Australia’s greatest national parks and adventure playgrounds. Better yet, the deep forested valleys with their famous blue haze and collection of storybook villages are located just 90 minutes’ drive from the bustle of Sydney. Enjoy the beautiful sights of Sydney – its pristine beaches, spectacular harbour and stunning coastal walks – before embarking on a journey through the rugged and magnificent Blue Mountains.
🛣️Route: Sydney > Leura > Katoomba > Lithgow > Mount Tomah > Bilpin > Hawkesbury > Sydney
🚗Total distance: 370 km / 230 miles
⏲️Total drive time: 5 hours, 50 minutes
Days 1 – 3: Sydney | Arrive via Sydney Airport
Itinerary: Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge – visit famous beaches – enjoy a harbour cruise – embark on a coastal walk – dine at upmarket restaurants in Barangaroo
Sydney is one of the world’s most celebrated cities and the cosmopolitan New South Wales capital has plenty to explore, whether you’re fond of famous attractions, the laidback beach life, incredible flora and fauna, or urban cityscapes.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House with their stunning architecture and prime positions are bound to capture your undivided attention. Step it up a notch with BridgeClimb Sydney, an unforgettable experience that puts you on top of the nation’s most famous structure and gives you sweeping views of the picturesque harbour below.
As for beaches, Bondi and Manly are among the city’s most renowned, but there are many others to visit with 100-plus dotted along Sydney’s coast. Bondi, as well as Cronulla, Freshwater and Maroubra, are considered some of the city’s top surfing beaches. Tamarama is great for more experienced surfers, while Manly is ideal for beginners, as well as the perfect location for snorkelling or just a lazy day on the sand. For a break from the waves, lap up the saltwater in one of Sydney’s sparkling rock pools, perfectly positioned on the ocean’s edge. By now, you might like to become better acquainted with the inner harbour and its glittering treasures. That’s where a small group or private charter cruise can come in handy, zipping in and out of natural coastal inlets and gorgeous bays in otherwise hard-to-reach locations.
You can also enjoy views of the dramatic coastline on one of the city’s numerous coastal walks. There are routes for all fitness levels. The 80-kilometre Bondi to Manly Walk is particularly glorious, taking in all the major attractions, along with Aboriginal heritage, cultural sites and numerous beaches, and it can be separated into bite-sized pieces if the full distance is too far for you. However, the six-kilometre Bondi to Coogee stretch is one of the most popular – and it’s not difficult to see why – every twist and turn presents a memorable photo opportunity.
On the dining scene, Sydney caters to all tastes and budgets, and offers everything from beautiful waterfront restaurants to trendy urban eateries. The newly developed harbourside precinct of Barangaroo is brimming with excellent options, whether you’re lured by modern Australian fare, cuisines of the world, or simply a few rooftop cocktails. Alternatively, there are plenty of quirky cafes and award-winning restaurants to be found in the stylish inner-city suburbs of Surry Hills, Newtown and Chippendale.
Entertainment is the key word in family-friendly Darling Harbour, where premium attractions reign. From Merlin Entertainments, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds wax museum are all within walking distance of each other, while the Australian National Maritime Museum will wow visitors of all ages.
From late October, Sydney’s Jacarandas are in full bloom for a few gorgeous weeks, dotting the city with a delightful shade of purple. Have your camera handy! Meanwhile, in between March and June, autumnal colours give the city a romantic glow.
Days 3-6: Blue Mountains
Itinerary: Admire views from The Lookout – ride a cable car on the world’s steepest railway – hike the beautiful trails – shop in pretty Leura
The UNESCO heritage-listed Blue Mountains are just a short journey from Sydney and home to some of the country’s most impressive natural attractions. The region, which is renowned for spotting native wildlife, dazzles throughout the year and offers a fresh experience for the senses with each passing season. While outdoor activities are most popular in summer, thanks to countless walking trails and stellar views, blooming flowers and cherry blossoms are always sure to put on a show in spring. As the temperature drops, the region adopts a cosy approach, embracing orange hues and layered fashions before the romance of time spent curled up by the fireplace kicks into gear in winter.
Days 3 - 4: Leura | one hour, 27 minutes from Sydney
One of the Blue Mountains’ most popular stops is charming Leura. Adorned with character-filled heritage homes, beautiful gardens and a National Trust-classified town centre, this picturesque village is a welcoming sight.
Held each October, Leura’s annual Spring Gardens Festival is a blooming great time to visit – think azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods, camellia, cherry blossoms – although there are many gardens open year-round. If shopping appeals more than greenery, you will be busy on Leura’s high street, where eclectic fashion, homewares and antique boutiques are in generous supply.
Back to nature, take on the seven kilometre Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Katoomba to Leura for a peek at Gordon Falls, with sweeping vistas, excellent birdwatching and the mesmerising beauty of the 200m namesake. Meanwhile, the Kanangra-Boyd lookout offers unparalleled views across the Blue Mountains, including Kanangra Deep, Kanangra Walls and Mount Cloudmaker. For a change of pace, set up the picnic blanket at Leura Cascades, set among towering eucalypts and positioned at the start, or end, of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Food cravings are as easy to satisfy as nature cravings in Leura. Try Unique Patisserie for delicious cakes, pies and even soul-warming soups; Yellow Deli for breakfast and lunch favourites; and Lili’s Pad Café for traditional tea and scones. For dining with a view, Embers Restaurant at Fairmont Resort & Spa will impress – not only for its outlook – but for its fantastic food and tranquil stone fireplace too.
Days 4 - 5: Katoomba | 5 minutes from Leura
Just next door, Katoomba is at the heart of the Blue Mountains region and home to the unmissable Three Sisters, the remarkable rock formation that is best viewed from The Lookout at Echo Point. Other vantage points include Lincoln’s Rocks and Honeymoon Bridge Walk.
The Three Sisters is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, a certified Ecotourism Destination and a walker's paradise, with more than 140km of tracks and trails. And if walking isn’t adventurous enough, try abseiling or rock climbing.
Find out more about the stunning local flora and fauna on an eco-certified guided walking tour, and take in the awe-inspiring and magnificent views over the mountains on a thrilling glass-bottom cable car ride on the Scenic Skyway – it’s the world’s steepest railway.
Once you have worked up an appetite, enjoy a delectable afternoon tea located at The Hydro Majestic hotel and with a view over Megalong Valley. For fine dining, Echoes at Hydro Majestic is a treat, and you can’t miss Darley’s Restaurant, set inside the century-old Lilianfels House and serving innovative, exquisite set menus.
Perhaps it’s the fresh air. Either way, the Blue Mountains has attracted its fair share of creatives and their talents are on show through street art, in galleries and via events and festivals. The Katoomba Water Tank Art is a particularly fun creation worth checking out.
Campsites are available in Blue Mountains National Park, near Katoomba, Blackheath and Lithgow. Motorhome accommodation is also available.
Recommended dining options in Katoomba 🍽️
Arjuna Indian Restaurant
Arjuna Indian Restaurant in Katoomba specialises in Tandoori cooking. The extensive menu is full of authentic Indian favourites, with halal, vegan and vegetarian dishes included.Canton Palace
Just minutes from the Three Sisters, Canton Palace in Katoomba delivers some of the region’s best Asian food, including traditional Chinese and Malaysian dishes.
Day 5: Lithgow | 41 minutes from Katoomba
Just west of the Blue Mountains, Lithgow showcases the region’s natural history. Surrounded by wilderness, the beautiful valley is the perfect launchpad to myriad hidden treasures, including the Jenolan Caves. This underworld labyrinth is Australia’s largest cave system and a marvel to explore – a variety of guided tours are available. Don’t miss the glow worms.
In Oberon, uncover hidden grottos and waterfalls at Mayfield Garden. Pop-up glamping experiences are also available on the 16-hectare site, allowing you to immerse yourself in the majestic surrounds. Speaking of majestic, take a hike to Hassans Walls lookout, where the views over Hartley Valley are nothing short of spectacular.
Day 5: Mount Tomah | 30 minutes from Lithgow
With just a half hour drive between them, Lithgow and Mount Tomah can be comfortably explored in one day as you make your way back to Sydney, via the Hawkesbury. The Mount Tomah pitstop is a must, if only to spend some time admiring the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. As Australia’s highest botanic garden, it is a sight to behold, featuring 28 hectares of curated cool-climate plant species, surrounded by a further 244 hectares of tangled wilderness. Between March and June, the autumnal colours truly shine.
Days 5-6: Bilpin and surrounds | 11 minutes from Mount Tomah
The Blue Mountains are a rich, fertile fruit-growing region with apple and pear trees blanketing lush farmland. Bilpin is the place to drink it in, quite literally. Bilpin Cider presses quality apple and pear cider using the juicy harvest grown on site at high altitude. The cellar door is set across 10 acres, with beautiful gardens perfect for picnicking. Hillbilly Cider Shed is another local institution, where the woodfired pizzas are as alluring as the award-winning beverages. For a healthier option, there are plenty of opportunities to pick juicy apples and stone fruits in the local orchards. To finish, perhaps a little retail therapy in Kurrajong Village will appeal. If not, the views from the village, which stretch as far as Sydney Harbour, surely will.
Days 6-7: Hawkesbury | 1 hour, 44 minutes from Bilpin
Itinerary: Kayak along the Hawkesbury River – sample award-winning gins – taste pearl meat at a pearl farm
Just a one-hour drive from Sydney, the Hawkesbury is a wonderful short-break destination and worth adding to your Blue Mountains jaunt. Featuring historic towns and great outdoor adventures, the region revolves around the splendid Hawkesbury River, which winds its way by spectacular sandstone cliffs, and unspoilt islands and woods.
Cruising and kayaking are among the best ways to experience the Hawkesbury River and its delightful nooks and bends, while other outdoor activities such as bushwalking, horse riding and mountain biking are all popular in the region.
On the food front, you won’t be disappointed. Hawkesbury’s culinary delights are many and include abundant fresh produce straight from the grower. Pearl lovers should book a tour at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, where learning about pearl farming at the Shellar Door and tasting pearl meat is part of the experience. Better yet, the tours give you a chance to cruise along the stunning waterways.
At the multi-award-winning Ironbark Distillery, try the distinctly Australian Wattleseed and Cascara signature blends, and propose a toast to your unforgettable road trip. Cheers!
Are you ready to hit the road to explore the best of Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury? Start planning your next journey and find your flight tickets straight away at CheapTickets.sg.