UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2024! The Blue Mountains National Park quickly became one of my favorite places in Australia. It was the first place I visited outside of Sydney, and I loved it so much that I visited a second time a week later, once I hit the road driving up the East Coast. I returned for a third time right before finishing my Lap of Australia back in Sydney! There are so many incredible places to see here, with stunning views over the blue-tinged mountaintops. Here are the best hikes in the Blue Mountains.

Boar’s Head (and Cahill’s Lookout)

This isn’t really so much of a hike, as a viewpoint. It’s absolutely incredible though, and can’t be missed on a trip to the Blue Mountains. Visit Cahill’s Lookout first, for a view down over the valley. You can spot Boar’s Head, the funky rock formation that looks – surprise! – like a boar’s head in the distance. Then walk or drive just down the road and hike down towards the rock itself.

Distance: Minimal

Time: 5-10 minutes

Katoomba Falls and Echo Point (Three Sisters)

The Three Sisters is one place you have to visit on a trip to the Blue Mountains. These three rocks have an epic view out over the mountains – it’s one of my favorites in Australia so far. Start your hike at Katoomba Falls, and follow the cliff walk around to Echo Point. Time your hike so that you finish at sunset – Echo Point is the best sunset spot in the area, with good reason.

Distance: About 2km following the cliff walk one-way

Time: 1 hour

Ruined Castle

This was my first proper bush hike in Australia, and I loved it! It’s a challenging hike, particularly the extremely steep descent down the Golden Stairs. I started at the Narrow Neck lookout in Katoomba, as the road to the parking area at Golden Stairs was closed when I visited. You hike through the peaceful rainforest until coming to the ruined castle, which is really just a big rock. Climb up to the top for the views over the surrounding valleys! Then hike back the same way you came.

Distance: 12km

Time: 4 hours

Wentworth Falls

There are so many trails to explore around Wentworth Falls. But I chose to just hike a small section down to the base of the falls, and then back up again. You can walk across the top of the waterfall, before the steep stairs take you down to the base of the falls. If you’re short on time, you can also just walk to the viewpoint.

Distance: 4km

Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Minnehaha Falls

This is a short hike to see a beautiful waterfall in the Blue Mountains. As a Minnesota girl who grew up in Minneapolis with my own Minnehaha Falls, I had to go and see this one in Australia! The trail is relatively easy, until the steep stepped section down to the base of the falls. This is a top spot for swimming! It was unbelievably cold when I went for a dip in the middle of April, but so worth it. The hike returns the same way.

Distance: 3 km

Time: 50 minutes

Grand Canyon

You’ve heard of the Grand Canyon in Arizona – but have you heard of the one in the Blue Mountains? This is a quiet hike through the rainforest, descending down into the canyon and then walking along the bottom before hiking back up to the top. I didn’t have the best weather when I went, but it was super atmospheric to do in the rain and drizzle. I was rewarded for the climb up out of the canyon with the clouds lifting and showing the incredible view at the lookout!

Distance: 8km

Time: 2 hrs

Hanging Rock

The trail to get to Hanging Rock is on a well-trodden fire trail – it’s pretty easy. The reward at the end is getting to see the epic Hanging Rock, which is exactly what it sounds like: a rock hanging out over the edge of the cliff! You can hike down and go out onto the rock itself, although I was way too scared haha. Note that there is a gap that you have to jump between the main cliffs and the rock! This is such an iconic sight and I definitely recommend this hike when in the Blue Mountains.

Distance: 11km

Time: 3 hrs

Victoria Falls

This is a steep, steep hike down to a gorgeous waterfall. The trail starts from the car park at the end of Victoria Falls Road, which is unsealed but suitable for 2WDs (maybe take it slow in really wet weather). Zig zag down the cliffside to see Victoria Falls – bring your swimsuit if you think you might want to go for a dip! The return is tough work, as you climb up out of the gorge on the switchbacks – there’s about 332 meters of elevation gain! This is a perfect short hike to do in the Blackheath area of the Blue Mountains.

Distance: 4.5km

Time: 1.5 hours

Planning Your Trip to the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is one of the most popular daytrips from Sydney – it’s only about two hours away. But I really recommend visiting for a few days (or even a week!) to really explore what the park has to offer. The most convenient airport is Sydney – I use Skyscanner to book flights. There is a direct train from Sydney through the Blue Mountains, stopping at popular spots like Wentworth, Katoomba, Blackheath, and Mount Victoria. Trains run regularly and there’s no need to book your ticket in advance. There is a local bus network around many of the hotspots like Wentworth and Katoomba. However, having a car will give you so much more freedom – especially getting to trailheads that have no access by public transport.

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Interested in joining a tour to the Blue Mountains? Check out the options below!

Where I Stayed in the Blue Mountains

I’ve visited the Blue Mountains three times: once using public transport, and twice with my car and camping. I first stayed at Flying Fox Backpackers in Katoomba, which I would highly recommend. This is a great hostel! There are a lot of long-term backpackers living here, but everyone was really friendly. There’s a basic free breakfast included in your stay, and once or twice a week they do a free dinner. The only downside is that there definitely aren’t enough bathrooms for everyone staying here; I had to wait for one to become available quite a lot. That being said, it’s a really cozy, comfortable place for exploring the Blue Mountains.

When I came back to the Blue Mountains with my car, I camped at Blackheath Glen Reserve. This is a free campsite, located down a winding road with lots of switchbacks. It’s a basic site, with drop toilets (no toilet paper) and some fire pits. I actually got my car stuck here and needed to call my breakdown assistance to help get it out – it meant I became friends with lots of people who were staying here, haha! I’d recommend this site (keeping in mind that it’s free so facilities are minimal) and would stay here again. Note that there is very poor phone signal (Optus) here.

I’ve also stayed at the Mount York free campsite in the Blue Mountains. This is more accessible and easier to get to then Blackheath Glen Reserve, but because of this it was very crowded when I was there. There are drop toilets here, too, and it’s near a pretty scenic lookout.

Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains

Not everyone wants to stay in budget accommodation, and that’s okay! Here are some top recommendations on hotels, B&Bs, and unique places to stay in the Blue Mountains.

• Rowan Brae Historic Guesthouse – a charming property in Blackheath, with lots of character and a beautiful garden
• Carrington Hotel – elegant rooms in a heritage-listed hotel in the heart of Katoomba
• Mountain Heritage Hotel – luxe rooms, some with mountain views, and a spectacular panorama from the on-site restaurant and bar
• Falls Mountain Retreat – modern studios and apartments in Wentworth Falls, all with either a courtyard or balcony, and a spa bath for ultimate relaxation
• Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa – a luxurious resort with period decor, an outdoor pool, two on-site restaurants, and a superb location in Katoomba
• Chalets at Blackheath – luxurious chalets, perfect for a getaway in nature, with all the amenities you need and stunning garden views

You can find more accommodation options in the Blue Mountains using the map below!

Booking.com

The Blue Mountains was one of my favorite parts of my Australian adventure. It was my first experience away from the city, and a taste of what was to come on my road trip up the East Coast. There are so many superb hikes here, I’d love to go back and do even more of them! But these are my top picks if you only have a few days. I hope this post helps planning your hiking trip to the Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales!

Have you visited the Blue Mountains? What were your favorite hikes or places to see?

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