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Blue Mountains National Park
Blue Mountains National Park

Blue Mountains National Park travel guide: things to see

Blue Mountains National Park | NSW National Parks

Nature has created a panoramic theatre for visitors to immerse themselves in giant ravines where your imagination can take flight. Sandstone plateaus where visitors can view the sheer enormity of the landscape before them. Forests, gullies and quiet places where waterfalls cascade provide intimacy and a sense of quiet. The age and timelessness of ancient rock art talks of people about the place the Blue Mountains has in the hearts of all Australians. Named a World Heritage site in 2000, the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area contains eight national parks and protected areas, four internationally significant wetlands and a rich cultural tradition of some six Aboriginal groups dating back many thousands of years. More than 1,500 species of plants and a third of Australia’s bird species live in an area ten times older than the Grand Canyon. With luxury retreats, attractive villages and towns, and a flourishing artistic community, it’s easy to see why the Blue Mountains are the most popular mass tourism day trip from Sydney. As mentioned in our TIPS ‘been there, done that’ day trip can diminish your experience to the level of a souvenir refrigerator magnet.

Blue Mountains National Park, Australia @dreamtime_pictures

Highlights:

  • Exhilarating gondola views from a glass bottomed floor, perpendicular rail journeys, 4WD tracks, ghost towns, convict stories and Australia at its most glorious
  • Walks from slow lingering strolls around quiet corners to all day tramps
  • Photo moments with the soft merging light in the early morning or at dusk.
  • Blue haze rising lazily from the eucalyptus trees carpeting the
  • Opportunities to stay in pampered luxury, remote camping sites embedded in the wilderness or popular holiday towns with cafes, galleries at your fingertips.

Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Mountains

  • Want to visit the Blue Mountains on a day trip? 

Check out information on Katoomba.

  • Want to go on a multiple day tramp in the Blue Mountains? 

Check out information on Blackheath

  • Want to visit the Blue Mountain gardens? 

Check out Blackheath for its rhododendron festivals as well as Leura for its garden festival in October.

  • Want to visit the Blue Mountains on public transport? 

Check out Katoomba links to the Sydney rail system.

  • Can visitors camp in the Blue Mountains? 

Yes, there are lots of choices. Check the park regions for camping details.

  • What are the best places to visit in the Blue Mountains?

If you love rhododendron gardens, spring blooms then the mountain towns are a good bet. For visitors after convenience and ease of getting around perhaps consider Katoomba and the hop on hop off bus service. If you are a waterfall fan then check out details for Wentworth Falls.

  • What are the best places to visit for short easy walks?

Every walk is graded as easy, medium and hard. If there are steps these are described. Remember if you are still not sure the park online resource is a click away with additional detailed information. At the beginning of each walk is a signboard also describing walking conditions

  • What do you recommend for children?

A combination of activities from walks (depending on age of the child), visits to Katoomba region Conservation Hut (has cafe attached as well as toilets), perhaps the Toy museum in Leura and one or two paid attractions depending on budget considerations. While the paid attractions are exhilarating you can enjoy the great outdoors without paying for additional entertainment.

  • Is it free to enter the park?

Absolutely it is free.

  • Can I take a dog?

No, dogs are not allowed in any National Park.

BLUE MOUNTAINS SIX REGIONS
1

Katoomba area is the heart of Blue Mountains National Park. This area is a magnet for day trips from Sydney and home of the iconic Three Sisters. It’s packed with heritage walks, world-class views and waterfalls, including Wentworth Falls. Being on the train route it is the most easily accessible part of the park

2

Blackheath showcases spectacular walks and opportunities for mountain biking. Govetts Leap offers instagram famous cliff top views. There is the lesser known Grose Wilderness area. Blackheath is home to Blue Mountains Visitor Heritage Centre.

3

Glenbrook area is your eastern gateway to Blue Mountains National Park from Sydney. While close to Sydney Glenbrook is natural wild with camping areas dotting the landscape and natural swimming spots. Aboriginal rock art, walks and mountain biking.

4

The Lower Grose Valley area of Blue Mountains National Park are temptations to get Sydney-sides exploring the great outdoors. Lower Grose Valley is less than 1.5 hours from Sydney.

5

Mount Wilson is exhilarating and remote. You have freedom to explore canyons and an untouched wilderness.

6

Oberon and the Southern Blue Mountains area near Oberon are off the beaten track where the 4WD routes, wilderness walks and campgrounds give visitors a chance to connect with their inner outback soul. For heritage fans Yerranderie historic mining town is a highlight.

TIP: Are you ready for action? Sydney to the Blue Mountains Katoomba region is a 2 hour one way drive. Viewing the Blue Mountains in one day is exhausting and for the driver not very rewarding. Over four hours driving time is off putting. Give yourself some time overnight or several days dedicated to the park, the views, sights and places for a taste of what the Blue Mountains have to offer.

Katoomba, most guided tours spend the bulk of their time in this region. It is the most well-known access point for the Sydney rail system. It is two hours by train from Sydney’s Central Station to Katoomba, where you’ll find buses to some of the leading attractions, such as Scenic World’s cable car and the gondola with its glass bottomed floor.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: DAY TRIP FROM SYDNEY ON THE TRAIN TO BLUE MOUNTAINS

TRAIN TO BLUE MOUNTAINS

Trains depart from Sydney Central Railway Station on an hourly basis. Trains usually stop at Strathfield, Parramatta, Penrith and stations to Springwood, Katoomba, Mt Victoria or Lithgow. Check for up to date information on BMT-Blue Mountains Line for timetables and booking details.

TIP: No cars, no traffic jams, no hassle – a trip on a train from Sydney’s Central Railway Station to Katoomba. A self-guided day trip via rail gives visitors, short on time a taste of what the park has to give.

HOP ON & HOP BUS TOURS

Use the Hop on hop off bus stops on the main street of Katoomba, Katoomba Street, opposite the Carrington Hotel (Stop 1) as your starting point. The hop-on hop-off bus tour has 29 stops around Leura and Katoomba. Plan your day at your own pace with the option of visiting the waterfalls, attractions, galleries, gardens, bushwalks, cafes, and restaurants in the area as well as the major attractions of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Scenic World.

Blue Mountains Explorer Bus has done the hard work on working out how to get to the best views without any map reading on your part. It is a great one day trip option as well as a rainy day way to get around. Children get to troop on and off the bus without parents trying to find a carpark in narrow mountain roads.

BLUE MOUNTAIN TOURIST TOWNS

 

Route map between towns of Glenbrook, Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath

KATOOMBA

Katoomba is home to Scenic World, Beverley Place street art, laneways with quirky artisan stores, cafes and restaurants galore, souvenir shops and pop up stalls and refrigerator magnets. For self-guided visitors, using the Sydney rail system Katoomba or Leura make for convenient overnight STAY options. It is 35 minutes or 2.5 km walk between the two tourist towns.

LEURA

Highlights:

  • Sublime Point
  • Gordon Falls lookout
  • Elysian Rock lookouts connected by an aerial bridge
  • Leura Cascades

Leura is home to cafes and restaurants and is a heritage pretty mountain town. It is a great place to relax and energise yourself for the next foray into the park with numerous eateries. Leura’s outskirts merge into Katoomba along the main Western railway line and Great Western highway that bisects the Blue Mountains. Leura’s elevation at 985 metres results in brisk winters with occasional snowfalls. There are numerous cool climate English style gardens which attract visitors especially in spring and autumn.

Leura is home to:

  • NSW Toy and Railway Museum has one of the largest collections of twentieth century toys and memorabilia. If you are a fan or collector the Barbie, Popeye, Tintin and other well known brands might captivate you and you never get to participate in the planned walks. A great rainy day spot for all visitors.
  • Leura Garden Festival (October). It is a garden focused month with funds being raised for Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital in Katoomba with private gardens open for viewing. The Leura Village Fair is usually run at the same time as the garden festival.
  • Leura Harvest Festival (May)

WENTWORTH FALLS

Along the Great Western Highway you will reach the historic Grandview Hotel. As the name indicates the town is blessed with soaring views of valleys and mountain peaks. Cafes and restaurants aplenty. Wentworth School of Fine Arts is a popular venue for stalls and pop up markets. The Fine Arts School has the local library and hosts theatre productions. Yester Range is a heritage home, now a function centre for private events.

Wentworth Falls is the closest town to:

  • Wentworth Falls and Lake
  • Golf course (18 holes)
  • Blue Mountains Cooking School
  • Charles Darwin walk
  • Princess Rock walking track
  • Kings Tableland
  • MacMahon’s lookout
  • Ingar Picnic area
  • Valley of the Waters Track (Empress Falls and Sylvia Falls)

BLACKHEATH

Blackheath region is known for its spectacular vistas. The region is the highest point in the park Blackheath has cafes, restaurants and shops catering for day trippers from Sydney as it is a popular destination for Sydney Sunday drives. Blackheath is a base for multiple day mountain tramps into the park. It’s position on the mountain ridges makes for a frigid winter with snow falls and in summer brisk winds can offer a cool respite from the summer heat. The weather can cause fog blocking mountain views. Campbell Rhododendron Gardens are cultivated and nurtured by volunteers with 45 acres planted in conjunction with Australian bush canopy. The Blue Mountains Rhododendron Society of New South Wales creates a glorious sight in early spring. The Rhododendron Festival is (late September). Blackheath is home to the Blue Mountains National Park visitor centre. Visit Blue Mountains Heritage Centre to get expert advice on walking tracks, Aboriginal heritage, plants and animals and activities.

GLENBROOK

Located in the lower Blue Mountains the town is home to a number of attractions…  The town is approximately one hour drive from Sydney suburbs.  The town is not on the Sydney to Blue Mountains rail network.

  • Glenbrook Railway Heritage Walk
  • Glenbrook Lagoon
  • Glenbrook Native Plant Reserve
  • Red Hand Lagoon indigenous rock art
  • Lennox Bridge
BLUE MOUNTAIN REGIONS WHAT TO SEE AND DO

TIP: Check NSW National Parks website for closures and up to date track information before setting out or planning a trip.

KATOOMBA REGION WALKING TRACKS AND VIEWS

1

Three Sisters walk leads to the popular instagram selfie location of Eagle Hawk Lookout. There are toilets at the Scenic World carpark. The walk is less than a 1km, easy flat walk with wide boardwalk and guardrails. Three Sisters walk is a great choice if you only want to do one walk.

2

Echo Point lookout is the gateway to many great walks and nature experiences in the area. Access is via the short Three Sisters walk. If you have time, Prince Henry Cliff walk connects Echo Point to Leura Cascades and takes you past many scenic lookouts along the cliff edge. Or try going down the Giant Stairway to get to the tracks below the cliffs. Echo Point lookout (Three Sisters) | NSW National Parks. Marvel at the incredible views of the Three Sisters’ weather-eroded sandstone turrets, and the hazy ‘blue’ Jamison Valley stretching to Mount Solitary. From here, steps lead a further 50m to Lady Game lookout, for a closer view of this remarkable rock formation. A short but very steep set of stairs at the top of the Giant Stairway leads to Honeymoon Bridge, which connects to the first sister.

3

Echo Point to Scenic World via the giant’s stairway.  Arriving at Scenic World, you might be tempted to ride the historic Scenic Railway to the cliff top. Originally built in the 1880s to carry coal, it’s the steepest railway of its kind in the world and tilts at a whopping 52 degrees. Just remember, the last train up is at 3.50pm, so give yourself plenty of time to reach the station. If you’re after more heart-pumping action, you can finish by walking up Furber steps instead of taking the railway. Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway | NSW National Parks is 4.7 km one way, duration 2 -3 hours.

4

Overcliff and Undercliff walk does not have guardrails. Following this scenic track, you’ll pass through swamp, heath and lush rainforest, with wonderful views across Jamison Valley. Experience the dramatically exposed clifftops and large rock overhangs. In the warmer months, the area erupts with a dazzling array of wildflowers, including the vibrant red and yellow Christmas bells. The Undercliff track joins Overcliff track at Den Fenella track junction. You can round off your walk with a delicious snack by following Overcliff track to Lyrebird lookout, then climbing up the steps to Conservation Hut. From here you can take the Shortcut track to get back to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Overcliff-Undercliff track is 3.5 km loop walk, medium grade, duration 1 – 2 hours.

5

Lyrebird Dell walk is 0.5km in length, easy track to a picnic area in a large sandstone cave. The walk has the requisite pretty waterfall and is a significant area of human occupation reaching back thousands of years. The area has large native fern trees making it a cool shaded walk in the heat of summer.

6

Nature track is a 3.5 km track, medium grade and a favourite for nature photography.

7

Charles Darwin walk acknowledges the visit of Charles Darwin to the area in 1836.

8

Furber Steps scenic railway walk is  steep. The track offers scenic views, waterfalls, birdwatching, a visit to Katoomba Falls, and the chance to ride the Scenic Railway in Blue Mountains National Park. Furber Steps-Scenic Railway walking track | NSW National Parks 2.4 km return, medium grade.

9

Ingar Picnic Grounds is recognised as the traditional grounds of Gundungurra people. It is thought (carbon dating) the land has been occupied over twenty-two thousand years ago.

10

Walk starts at Leura Cascades car park, Leura Cascades Circuit passes cascading water as the walk leads to the Leura Falls. There are picturesque views of the valleys and Mt Solitary in the distance. Length 4.5 km (loop) Medium due to steep ascent on the return loop. A purpose built path and boardwalk makes for easy underfoot walk.

11

Kings Tableland walk is 1.6 km, easy walking track through heritage aboriginal gathering place and dry scrub demonstrating the survival adaptations of the Australian bush. The walk has plaques and signs indicating indigenous engravings, axe grinding rock grooves and modified bathing rock pools. A short detour from Rocket Points completes this walk to the majestic views of Wentworth Falls in the park.

12

Wentworth Falls picnic area and walks. The walks (signposted) range from easy to to medium grade. This area is part of the Valley of Waters track. Flowing water makes for great photo moments. For flowing water fans the Conservation Hut is a must do stop. Valley of the Waters track has visitors traversing a deep gorge, past two striking waterfalls . The track is 1.8 km in length however there are a number of steep steps and can be damp and slippery underfoot. The length of time to complete the walk is estimated at 1.5 – 2 hours return.

13

Wentworth Pass Circuit is a 4.8 km walk, duration 4 – 5 hours (return), is considered a breathtaking walk as it embraces cascading waterfalls, vistas and temperate rainforest. The panorama of the historic walk is a favourite of day tramps who take their time to linger over special places where the coolness of the forest is layered with sweeping views around the next corner.

14

Wentworth Falls Princess Rock lookout is a standout for the photo moments of the 187 metre drop falling into the pools below. The Princess Rock lookout walk is an easy 1.8km return walk. Wentworth Falls track is 1.4 km, medium grade short walk. There are a number of handrail steep steps.

15

Wentworth Falls to McMahons lookout track. Wentworth Falls to McMahons Point is unsealed 4WD and the cycle trail follows Kings Tableland Road from Wentworth Falls to scenic McMahons Point lookout. Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Burragorang and the Greater Blue Mountains wilderness. Cycle / walking trail 42 km return, medium grade.

16

Conservation Hut, at Wentworth Falls is the winner of regional awards for visitor experience is a great place for snacks and bite to eat. Since the 1960s, the “Hut” has been a meeting place for the Blue Mountains Conservation Society and a valued rest stop for hikers. Rebuilt in mud brick in 1989 to house two Reinis Zusters paintings, the Hut continues to inspire sustainable ecological values. Today, Conservation Hut is also a great place to meet your mates for a coffee and hearty meal before setting out on a bushwalk, and likewise, a good spot to refuel when you’ve finished hiking. The Conservation Hut is an information resource as well as a restaurant.

17

National Pass | NSW National is an iconic 4.5 loop walk. For details check the link as well whether the walk is open to visitors. Parts of the walk can be closed due to rockfall. This is a great walk for keen photographers  as walkers pass magnificent views of the valleys below. The track starts at the Wentworth Falls picnic area, where you can stroll over to Jamison lookout. Get the camera out for the sweeping views. Then follow the steps towards Fletchers lookout and down to the top of Wentworth Falls waterfall. There are also easy detours to Weeping Rock or Rocket Point lookout. Beyond are stepping stones, which can be slippery in damp conditions you will encounter the historic Grand Stairway, hand cut in the 1900’s. The visitor is descending to the base of the waterfall. Your imagination will go into overdrive as you think of men perched on the side of mountains with picks chipping away with the occasional use of dynamite blasting paths through the mountains for visitors.

BLACKHEATH WALKING TRACKS AND VIEWS

  • Govetts Leap (overlooking the Grose Valley) is a favourite instagram spot. According to legend Govett, a bushranger rode off the cliff rather than be captured. Another version is William Roamine Govertt, assistant to Surveyor General in 1831 might also have named a spot after himself. Govetts Leap lookout is easy short walk. NOTE The following walks all begin at the lookout: Fairfax Heritage walking track, Govetts Leap descent, Pulpit walking track, Rodriguez Pass walking track and Cliff Top walking track.
  • Evans Lookout is an alternative spot for Govett Leap views into the canyons of the Grose Valley.
  • Hanging Rock is off the beaten track with the rock ledge literally separated from the cliff. The gap is narrow and there are no guard railings. The rock falls in the area are constant and it is not recommended visitors walk to the edge of the hanging rock due the instability of the rock to hold any additional weight.
  • Asgard Kiln and Mine is 5.6 km easy walk, duration 2 hours (return) passing a dry service track through native wetlands environment.
  • Breathtaking Pulpit walking track, from Govetts Leap lookout, is 7 km return, duration 2 ½ hours medium track offers scenic valley views, lookouts, birdwatching, and wildflowers in Blue Mountains National Park,
  • Anvil Rock Lookout is a short 15 minute walk with views across the Grose Valley.
  • Beauchamp Falls is 3.1 km easy / medium walk, duration 2 hours. The views from Evans lookout are stunning, the walk finishes dropping down to the Beauchamp Falls the creek below the Falls.

For visitors interested in historical convict narratives GC6ABJM Scariest place in the Blue Mountains (Traditional Cache) in New South Wales, Australia created by *JOSHWA27* describes the Convict pits and graves as…

Blue Mountains residents still doggedly refer to the sites as “convict pits”, “isolation cells” or “convict holes”.

The pits run close to the original route of William Cox’s stony road, hacked over the mountain ridges from Emu Plains amid rain, severe cold and swirling mists in the winter of 1814.

The noisy Great Western Highway still roughly follows Cox’s road, which in turn followed in the footsteps of the intrepid three explorers Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, the first Europeans to successfully cross the mountain barrier in 1813 to open up the vast western grass plains to Bathurst.

Because of increasing road traffic, a lot of Cox’s rough, early road along the ridges was improved from 1822 by former Newcastle prison camp commandant Lieutenant William Lawson, then commandant at Bathurst, who followed in his own pioneering footsteps of nine years before.

Then in the 1830s and 1840s, up to 300 convicts in iron gangs maintained the colony’s vital route to the west, based at stockades such as The Pass (Mount Victoria) where mammoth earthworks were constructed.

For Blue Mountains paranormal investigator “Paranormal” Pete Clifford, one thing is certain. That’s the knowledge that the “scariest” place on the mountains today is “the pits”; two remote convict pits/wells about 400 metres off the road between Mount Victoria and nearby Mount York.

According to local legend, the most feisty convicts were once lowered by rope into these deep pits in the ground overnight to stop them escaping.
Many convicts who died while labouring on the road were buried in unmarked graves without any religious ceremony and some believe their souls still haunt the bush.

Blue Mountains Historical Society president Dr Peter Rickwood said later that despite years of research, the exact role of Blackheath’s five pits and others remained unknown.

“And more pits are still being discovered. But they’re nowhere near the railway line or road. It’s very peculiar,” he said.

“One mystery pit off Station Street, Blackheath, was filled in as a former homeowner was worried a child might fall in it. Firemen also have to be careful in other places while fighting fires.

“These pits are beautifully constructed and a lot of work has obviously gone into them, but we still have no definite explanation of why.

GLENBROOK

  • Jellybean track is a great family treat in the forest with tea coloured water to paddle in. A short walking track to the jellybean pool. Jellybean track is 1 km return, 30 minutes.
  • The family will love a day-trip to Blue Pool walking track. The tranquil bush setting is ideal for swimming and picnicking in Blue Mountains National Park. Length 0.5 km easy walking track. Blue Pool walking track is 0.5 km length, 15 minutes.
  • Nepean Lookout is a short and easy track that leads to the unfenced lookout where you can gaze down the steep tree-lined gorge on your left and Nepean River on the right. Admire the magnificent angophoras, with distinctive salmon-coloured bark that grow nearby. Spring is a special time to visit as the surrounding heath blazes with colour and fragrance. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with silvereyes, thornbills and striated pardalotes often seen flitting among the trees. Nepean River walking track is 1.8 km, easy track.
  • Red Hands Cave is one of the best showcases of Aboriginal rock art in the area. It’s reached via the Red Hands Cave loop walking track. The track is 8 km (loop) 2 – 3 duration. Medium grade track. Red Hands Cave remembers to check park online resources for up to date information.

Stay

Euroka campground

Campsites at Euroka campground in the Blue Mountains are popular with both campers and kangaroos. Just south of Glenbrook, it’s near to picnic areas and walking tracks.

If you’re after a truly authentic Australian experience, pack up your camping gear and head to the Euroka campground, near Glenbrook on the eastern side of the park, right near the beautiful Nepean River.

Whether you’re into camping or glamping, unwind in the company of the majestic eucalyptus trees and a range of birds, like cockatoos and parrots. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a great weekend getaway.

There are so many things to explore, so it’s a great place for a family camping trip. You can take in the breathtaking landscapes at the Tunnel View lookout, give your legs a good workout on the Red Hands Cave track, and try mountain biking along Oaks firetrail.

There’s plenty to see and do whilst staying at the Euroka campground, but the first thing to do is choose your campsite for the weekend. There are 5 camping areas within Euroka: Appletree Flat, Bennett Ridge, Darug, Nioka and Red Gum.

Murphys Glen campground

Murphys Glen campground, near Woodford, offers walking and birdwatching. It’s the perfect nature getaway if you have a 4WD and want to spend a weekend in Blue Mountains National Park.

When it’s time to swap the noise of the city for the sounds of the bush, pack up the car and head for Blue Mountains National Park. Rustic Murphys Glen campground, only a short drive from Sydney along the Woodford Station to Murphys Glen 4WD trail, is the perfect getaway for independent campers who like to escape the city for a weekend.

Pitch the tent among the tall forest of blue gums and towering turpentines that surround this campsite. There’s space for family and friends at this spacious campground. When you’re ready to explore, a short walking track will take you to several small pools, and another leads to Murphys lookout.

As the shadows lengthen, cook up a feast around the campfire and watch the night sky fill with stars. Enjoy the sounds of the local nightlife with possums, sugar gliders and bats making a delightful racket.

LOWER GROSE VALLEY

National Parks describe the Lower Grose Valley as “The Lower Grose Valley area of Blue Mountains National Park tempts you with crowd-free nature escapes. Discover remote camping, walks, and mountain bike trails to secluded lookouts and waterfalls, less than 1.5 hours from Sydney.

Hidden off the beaten track at Woodford, Transit of Venus walking track is a local gem, with family friendly walks to 3 pretty waterfalls including Edith Falls.

Mountain bikers and trail runners will love easy to access trails. Faulconbridge Ridge trail treats you to spring wildflowers and unspoiled views across the lower Grose Wilderness.

Blue Gum Swamp, at Winmalee, is a good spot for bird watching. It’s also a sanctuary for threatened species like the yellow-bellied glider, gang gang cockatoo, and powerful owl. Enjoy birdsong as you walk or cycle into the cool, fern-filled valley of tall blue gum forest. Test your legs and push on to Grose Head South lookout for dramatic views of the Grose River, as it carves its way to meet the Hawkesbury River.

Why not combine your visit with the magnificent lookouts, challenging mountain bike trails and fascinating Aboriginal culture of nearby Yellomundee Regional Park.

From Richmond, the scenic Bells Line of Road forms the northern border of the Lower Grose Valley area. Enjoy a picnic at Vale of Avoca lookout overlooking the wild Grose River, near Kurrajong. Head to Bowen Mountain or 4WD to Burralow Creek, where crimson waratah flowers attract picnickers, photographers and birds in spring. Koalas have even been spotted here.

Deep in the valley, remote Burralow Creek campground is a great escape for 4WD adventurers. In summer you might encounter the endangered giant dragonfly as you walk to Bulcamatta Falls via the rainforest gully. By night, there’s fantastic stargazing and wildlife spotting to enjoy.”

Stay

Burralow Creek campground and picnic area

Get back to nature at secluded Burralow Creek campground and picnic area in Blue Mountains National Park, around 2 hours from Sydney. You’ll find walking and picnicking opportunities just moments from your tent.

Burralow Creek campground and picnic area is nestled beside Burralow Creek, in the Lower Grose Valley area of Blue Mountains National Park. Set up camp on the grass, surrounded by native scribbly gums and a natural sandstone amphitheatre.

This peaceful spot is popular with families and groups of friends looking for a remote bush escape close to Sydney. There’s plenty of space for the kids to roam free.

From your tent, take an easy bushwalk past a convict-dug pit, along the creek and through a small rainforest gully to Bulcamatta Falls. The nearby Burralow peat swamps provide habitat for the nationally endangered giant dragonfly in summer, and keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the rare glossy black cockatoo.

Cook up a barbecue feast for dinner and see if you can spot the nightlife, including swamp wallabies, sugar gliders, brushtail and ringtail possums, and several species of owl. Then settle in and watch the night sky fill with stars.

MOUNT WILSON REGION

  • With scenic wilderness views, wildflowers and birdwatching, Mount Banks Road is a great mountain bike ride and walking track, near Mount Tomah, in Blue Mountains National Park. Check the park’s online resource for safety information regarding this cycle trail. The track is 10 km return, it is steep with occasional rocks and uneven terrain.
  • The region is known for its extraordinary views and steep walking trails. Mount Wilson area check online park resources for up to date information.

SOUTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS

Yerranderie Historic Mining town

The region Is tantalizing with its authentic ghost town, hidden corners and the sense you are definitely off the beaten track. Explore remote campgrounds, wilderness walks and 4WD routes. Nearby, Yerranderie historic mining town is a highlight.

The park’s online resource aptly describes the area, “The best way to explore this wild area is along the 4WD Oberon-Colong historic stock route. Pack up the car and follow the unsealed road along the rugged Murruin Range. You’ll get tantalising glimpses of sandstone mesas and the World Heritage Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness next door.

Stop to set up base camp, spread a picnic blanket or stretch your legs at Mount Werong campground. From here you can walk to historic Ruby Creek — you might even have the place to yourself. Longer walks to the pristine Kowmung River will challenge self-sufficient explorers. Or gear up for underground adventures in Colong Caves, if you have caving experience and a permit. Explore the many fire trails by mountain bike or 4WD. The Caves to Caves route, between Jenolan and Wombeyan caves, is a favourite for 4WD touring.

The stock route is the only access to historic Yerranderie Private Town, one of NSW’s most authentic silver mining ghost towns. Book a tour around the preserved settlement and stay onsite at the campground or historic accommodation.

The tall, old growth forest in this area is a sanctuary for wildlife. By day, spot mobs of grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, wallaroos, an echidna or large goanna. At night look out for wombats, owls and if you’re lucky, the threatened yellow-bellied glider.

Closer to Katoomba, at the end of the Megalong Valley, you’ll find the open, grassy Dunphys campground. It’s a great base for extended walks along Coxs River or to Kanangra Walls. You can also connect with the 132km Katoomba to Mittagong trail.”

Stay

Dunphys campground

Located at the end of Megalong Valley, Dunphys campground is a remote yet well-maintained campground for adventurers and families, in Blue Mountains National Park.

Dunphy’s campground is a great option if you’re looking for a Blue Mountains camping getaway, less than an hour’s drive from Katoomba and Blackheath. Offering 15 sites in a grassy, open setting with views of Mt Cloudmaker and the Wild Dog mountains, it’s suitable for both tents and camper trailers.

The campground makes a great base for day walks and fishing along the Cox’s River, extended hikes to Kanangra Walls, and climbing Narrow Neck’s cliffs. The short, family-friendly walk up to Bellbird Point is delightful in spring. You can also connect with Six Foot walking track, down the road, or the 132km Katoomba to Mittagong trail.

Nature lovers are well catered for here. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and wombats visiting the grassy clearings, or wedge-tailed eagles and flocks of cockatoos above. History buffs can check out the ruins of an original settler’s cottage nearby. The campground is named after conservationist Myles Dunphy, who played a key role in the formation of Blue Mountains National Park.

Dunphys campground is equipped with undercover gas barbecues, fire rings, picnic tables, toilets and parking.

Mount Werong campground

Mount Werong campground is a great base to explore the mountain bike trails, bushwalks, and historic heritage in the remote south of Blue Mountains National Park, near Oberon.

Mount Werong campground is a great base to explore the remote and wild southern Blue Mountains by 4WD, on foot or mountain bike. It’s also a popular destination for history buffs and  families. Discover a rugged landscape rich in tall forests, wildlife, and both Aboriginal and European heritage.

This area is part of the traditional lands of the Gundungurra and Wiradjuri people, and you may be lucky enough to see Aboriginal rock art sites and grinding grooves.

Close to the campground, Ruby Creek Mine harks back to early pioneering life. You can explore these old mine remnants along the 2.5km Ruby Creek walking track. Learn more about the area’s mining history at nearby Yerranderie Private Town along the 4WD Oberon Colong historic stock route.

At night, settle in around the campfire and enjoy an evening beneath a blanket of stars. Listen out for the call of the powerful owl echoing through the darkness. Remember to bring your mountain bike to explore the nearby trails.

Government Town campground

Stay the night at Government Town campground in Yerranderie Regional Park. With unmarked sites for tents and camper trailers, you’ll be moments away from the fascinating history of a forgotten silver mine ghost town.

Travelpack information

  • Blue Mountains National Park | NSW National Parks
  • Scenic World
  • Skywalk
  • Blue Mountains track conditions, length of the walk and grade information is sourced from the Blue Mountains National Park online resource. At all times check the online resource for up to date information and follow safety and other information as provided. It is advised that you contact the visitor centre and follow their advice for any off road activity including tramps, cycling or 4WD.

The journey is worth it.

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