Visiting the Blue Mountains during your road trip through Australia

About two hours' drive from Sydney, you'll find one of New South Wales' most famous natural areas: the Blue Mountains. This mountainous region is known for its deep valleys, steep sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and vast eucalyptus forests.

The name Blue Mountains refers to the bluish haze that often hangs over the landscape. This haze gives the valleys their distinctive colour and creates stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Many travellers visit the Blue Mountains on a day trip from Sydney. If you're travelling through Australia with a Campervan, I'd stay here for at least two or three nights. This gives you enough time to do several walks, visit different lookouts and also discover the quieter parts of the area.

Why are the Blue Mountains worth visiting?

The Blue Mountains show a completely different side of Australia. A short distance from Sydney, you swap the beaches and bustle of the city for mountains, rainforest and impressive gorges.

The area is particularly attractive because of the combination of:

• spectacular walking trails for different levels
• waterfalls and deep valleys
• famous lookout points
• charming towns such as Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath
• good facilities for overnight stays with a Campervan

The Blue Mountains therefore make an ideal first or last nature stop during a road trip along Australia's east coast.

Top 3 walks in the Blue Mountains

1. Grand Canyon Track

The Grand Canyon Track at Blackheath is in my opinion one of the most beautiful walks in the Blue Mountains. The route is approximately 6.3 kilometres long and runs through a narrow gorge full of ferns, small waterfalls, streams and high sandstone rock walls.

During the walk you first descend to the canyon floor, after which you walk through a green and almost tropical landscape. This is followed by a steep climb back to the starting point. Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours.

The walk has difficulty grade 3 and is manageable with reasonable fitness, but includes many stairs and elevation changes. Don't walk this route during or immediately after heavy rain, as the water in the gorge can rise quickly.

2. Wentworth Falls Track

Want to see one of the Blue Mountains' most famous waterfalls in relatively short time? Then the Wentworth Falls Track is a good choice.

This walk is approximately 1.4 kilometres return and takes you via Fletchers Lookout to the top of Wentworth Falls. Along the way, you'll look out over the Jamison Valley and the surrounding cliffs.

The walk takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Although the distance is short, you'll encounter steep stairs and unprotected cliff edges along the way. Always check the current status before setting out, as walking tracks around Wentworth Falls can regularly be partially closed due to maintenance, landslips or weather conditions.

3. National Pass Walking Track

Perhaps the most spectacular walk in the Blue Mountains. This route is a 5.4 km loop that follows narrow paths literally carved into the cliffs. Along the way you'll pass multiple waterfalls, including Wentworth Falls, and walk alongside steep rock faces with impressive views across the Jamison Valley.

This walk feels adventurous and ranks among the absolute highlights of the Blue Mountains for many hikers. You'll spend about 3 hours on this route, so make sure you have enough time.

Please note: the National Pass is regularly closed (partially or fully) due to maintenance or rockfall. Always check the current situation before you set off.

Top 3 attractions in the Blue Mountains

1. Three Sisters and Echo Point

The Three Sisters at Katoomba are the most famous symbol of the Blue Mountains. The three sandstone rock formations tower high above the Jamison Valley and can be viewed from Echo Point.

Want more of a challenge? Descend via the Giant Stairway, which consists of more than 800 stone and metal steps. From the stairway you have impressive views over the Jamison Valley and you'll eventually find yourself amongst the towering rock walls and eucalyptus forests.

The location sits on the traditional land of the Gundungurra and Darug People and holds important cultural significance. Visit Echo Point preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The light is more beautiful then and you'll avoid some of the crowds.

2. Scenic World

At Scenic World, you can experience the Blue Mountains in a completely different way. Here you'll find the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway, which take you over and through the Jamison Valley.

This is a great option if you want to do less walking, are travelling with children, or want to see the landscape from different perspectives. From the attractions you'll have views of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and the surrounding canyons.

3. Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout

For impressive views without the crowds of Echo Point, you can drive towards Blackheath. Govetts Leap Lookout and Evans Lookout overlook the expansive Grose Valley.

From Evans Lookout, the Grand Canyon Track also begins. This means you can easily combine one of the most beautiful viewpoints and walks in the Blue Mountains. Govetts Leap is particularly impressive after rain, when the waterfall flows down the high cliffs.

Camping with a Campervan in the Blue Mountains

Katoomba Falls Tourist Park

Want to stay close to the most famous attractions? Then Katoomba Falls Tourist Park is the most practical choice.

The campground offers both powered and unpowered sites and is suitable for Campervans and motorhomes. You'll stay close to Scenic World, Katoomba Falls and various walking tracks. The centre of Katoomba is also nearby.

Blackheath Glen Tourist Park

For a quieter stay, you can choose Blackheath Glen Tourist Park. This campground is located on the edge of Blackheath and makes a good base for the Grand Canyon Track, Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout.

There are powered sites, hardstand sites and options for larger Campervans and motorhomes. The centre of Blackheath is within walking distance and has several cafes, shops and restaurants.

Blackheath Glen Reserve

Looking for a simpler spot in the middle of nature? Then you can check out Blackheath Glen Reserve in the Megalong Valley.

This location has basic facilities and is set in a green, peaceful environment. The access road is narrow and winding, which may make the spot less suitable for large Campervans or motorhomes. Bring sufficient drinking water with you and check the current rules and accessibility in advance.

Best time to visit the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains can be visited year-round. In spring and autumn, temperatures are often pleasant for walking and nature is at its most beautiful.

In summer it can get warm, while in winter it can be quite cold, especially in the morning and evening. At higher elevation spots like Katoomba and Blackheath, low temperatures, fog and sometimes even snow occur.

The weather can change quickly. Therefore, always bring sufficient water, warm clothing and a rain jacket. Check the current warnings and closures via NSW National Parks before each walk.

How much time do you need in the Blue Mountains?

For a first visit to the Blue Mountains, I'd recommend at least two nights.

With one full day, you can visit the Three Sisters, Scenic World and do a short walk. If you have two or three full days, you can also drive towards Blackheath, walk the Grand Canyon Track and leisurely discover various lookout points.

You don't want to rush your visit to the Blue Mountains. This is one of Australia's more beautiful regions and well worth visiting at a relaxed pace.