How to Spend 1 Day in the Blue Mountains

An area of stunning natural beauty, home to dense forests, sandstone cliffs, dramatic canyons, and waterfalls, the Blue Mountains region is a highlight of any trip to Australia. With just one day, you’ll want to see as much of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as possible, so here’s how to make the most of one day in the Blue Mountains.

Morning: Take in the Region’s Sights

Many travelers visit the Blue Mountains on a day trip from Sydney. Most tour options include transport from the city, which saves you the stress of driving or booking train tickets separately. Regardless of whether you’re day-tripping or staying the night, take in the area’s most important landmarks this morning, such as the Three Sisters and Echo Point lookouts. Alternatively, if you arrive by train independently, a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour departing from Katoomba Railway Station lets you explore the area at your own pace.

Afternoon: Wildlife and Aerial Views

Head to Scenic World this afternoon, where you can enjoy unlimited access to all of its attractions with an all-day pass. You can ride the Scenic Railway along the Jamison Valley floor, hike the 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) Scenic Walkway, or enjoy spectacular views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and Jamison Valley aboard the Scenic Cableway or Scenic Skyway. Alternatively, spend your afternoon getting acquainted with some of Australia’s most iconic native animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to Tasmanian devils, koalas, wallabies, and wombats. The park offers keeper talks, feeding demonstrations, and the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and emus under supervision.

Night: Delve Deeper and Dine

True wildlife fans can take a nighttime tour of nearby Wollemi National Park, within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area, to discover its nocturnal wildlife. On a guided walk by spotlight, you’ll learn more about the behavior of  wombats, sugar gliders, kangaroos, and owls, as well as the history, ecology, and geology that make the landscape unique. Otherwise, round out your day with a leisurely dinner in Katoomba, Blackheath, Leura, or Blax. The popularity of trips to the Blue Mountains among Sydneysiders has inspired a raft of excellent restaurants, many of which use locally sourced produce and take advantage of the bounty of nearby wineries.