Sydney to the Blue Mountains: 5 ways to play

The beautiful Blue Mountains are known for dramatic cliffs, lush forests and pristine waterfalls. The national park sits one hour west of Sydney. This World Heritage Site is ten times older than the Grand Canyon. It also has more than 300 walking tracks which span hundreds of kilometres.

Hire a car from Sydney airport, and discover these five highlights.

Waterfalls This picturesque region is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful waterfalls. One of the most popular is Katoomba Falls. It sits in a rainforest gully surrounded by ancient trees. Spectacular views of Bridal Veil Falls await if you walk from Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout. Then there’s the impressive Kanangra Falls.

Featherdale Wildlife Park This attraction is home to more than 1700 animals. Featherdale has more than 280 species, from echidnas and kookaburras to crocodiles. Watch little penguins play, cuddle a cute koala and hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. Then there’s the Reptilian Pavilion, where you can come face to face with lizards and snakes.

The Three Sisters The view of the Three Sisters is picture perfect. Standing nearly one kilometre above sea level, the Three Sisters have a fascinating dreamtime story that gives insight into their existence, according to local Aborigines. Take an easy walk from the Echo Point Visitor Centre to Lady Game Lookout for a superb view of this special rock formation. On the way back, detour with one of many walking trails.

Katoomba Heritage Walk The lovely township of Katoomba offers cosy cafes and traditional shopping. Walk through town and stop by art shops to buy locally-made creations. Throughout the shop-front windows are historical photos and information. Admire the town’s variety of old architecture. You’ll find miners cottages of the 1800s and Federation style buildings.

Blackheath Lookouts Drive through the highest point of the Blue Mountains between Katoomba and Mount Victoria. These are known as the Blackheath lookouts. They offer some of the most awe-inspiring views of dramatic mountain scenery of the national park. Anvil Rock and Evans lookouts are some of the most popular. Blackheath is heaven for photographers!

Also check out Seven of Australia's best waterfalls and 5 Amazing Things To Do With The Family 1 Hour From Sydney

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza is an Australian television reporter and part-time travel blogger. Originally from Melbourne, she's currently living in Cairns where she works for WIN News and spends her weekends exploring the outdoors Far North Queensland.

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