The Blue Mountains take their name from the blue haze that lingers in the atmosphere and is believed to come from the oil of the eucalyptus trees which abound in this beautiful area. The Blue Mountains are indeed blue, at least when seen from a distance. The overall effect with the warm sandstone cliffs and the dull green eucalypts is uniquely Australian.
​
This is one of the most picturesque areas of Australia and because it was established as a holiday destination by early settlers, it has a sense of history not usual in wilderness areas. The high sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, spectacular lookouts and walking tracks of various levels of difficulty make it an ideal destination for all who love the outdoors from the sedate walker to the adrenalin fuelled canyoner or climber. For those who prefer the quiet life, you can take in the beauty of numerous gardens, parks and scenic drives. It is so special that it has fulfilled the criteria necessary to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage area.
​
You need a few days, at least, to see the Blue Mountains, and more if you are planning some canyoning or bushwalking. These trips can take the best part of a day, and because they are so numerous and varied you will be dazzled for choice. You may like to fill some rest days in between by cruising the galleries and arty shops or enjoying a Devonshire Tea at Mt Victoria or the Megalong Valley, or a classy drink at Medlow Bath.
Blue Mountains Weather and Climate
​
The Blue Mountains are in a cool climate area with mild to warm, relatively wet summers and cool, drier winters. Overnight temperatures do not generally fall below freezing in winter in the towns along the ridge, but can be much lower in the valleys and canyons. The following table is for Katoomba, the main service centre of the Blue Mountains, but be aware that these are mean figures for the town, and do not take into account the rugged terrain of the surrounding country.
​
Weather in the Blue Mountains can change rapidly so ALWAYS check conditions before setting out on your outdoor adventures and ensure you have plenty of water. For the more extreme activities you should also carry snacks, all of the necessary safety equipment and a range of clothing.
ATTRACTIONS - click on each image for more information then click Go to link beneath the opened photo to be taken to the website.
 The Three SistersAn iconic formation that you must see at least once in your lifetime, it is the 2nd most visited tourist site in Australia. The soaring weathered sandstone cliffs make you feel small, especially when you consider they’ve been here for more than 50 million years. The towering rock formations constantly change as the sun crosses the sky, casting beautiful shadows and creating a spectacular colour palette as the day goes on. They are best seen from Echo Point Lookout. |  Govetts LeapGovetts Leap Lookout is a popular spot to stop and view the spectacular panorama before descending into the Grose Valley for one of the regions more physical walks where you can view the towering cliffs leading back up to Perrys Lookdown and Evans Lookout. Just inside the entrance on the left is the Visitor Centre while at the carpark at the top of the escarpment is a picnic area, toilets and access to cliff top walks plus the Fairfax Heritage Track which is suitable for wheelchairs and prams. |
|---|---|
 Campbell Rhododendron GardensThe Campbell Rhododendron Gardens at Blackheath cover an area of 18.3 hectares (45 acres) and comprise exotic plantings of rhododendrons, azaleas, maples and other deciduous trees and pristine native bushland. They are a place for the enjoyment of nature's beauty and exuberance in her diversity. Open all year round, the gardens are at their spectacular best in October and early November and also in April for the autumn colours. Dogs must be on a leash, and please clean up after them. |  Hat Hill GalleryThe Hat Hill Gallery in Blackheath is a commercial fine art gallery located in an original 1920s printing factory in Blackheath. Presenting fine contemporary art created by artists of the Blue Mountains region and beyond. Artists include Jenny Kee, Cate Dudley, Andrew Ireland and Viken Minassian. |
 Everglades House & Gardens LeuraThe National Trust brings Australia's heritage alive at the 1930s constructed Everglades Gardens. Considered Australia's most spectacular inter-war period garden, Everglades has received worldwide acclaim. A stroll along formal European-style terraces and winding paths reveals the many moods of Everglades from the tranquil Reflection Pool amongst towering trees from all over the world, through rose-lined walks down to the subtle charms of the lookout and contemplative Grotto Pool. |  Jenolan CavesJenolan Caves is one of the highlights of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, a spectacular labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone chasms carved by underground rivers. At a constant 15 degrees, even when it’s snowing outside, 9 of the 300 caves are open for public viewing. Open every day of the year, Jenolan Caves is regarded as one of Australia's most spectacular cave systems. |
 Scenic WorldRenowned for providing the ultimate Blue Mountains adventure - from native birdlife to breathtaking views of the World Heritage listed region including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley. Ride on the world's steepest incline railway, glide between cliff-tops on the glass-floored Skyway suspended 270 metres in the air, descend into the ancient Jamison Valley by Cableway, explore Jurassic rainforest along the 2.4 kilometres walkway - the Southern Hemisphere's longest boardwalk. |  Popes Glen WalkEnjoy the beauty of the Blue Mountains by taking a walk through the forests. Discover the diversity of the area as you travel through natural landscapes and those that exhibit the shaping hand of human occupation. There is a walk to tempt everyone - from a gentle stroll to the Blue Pool, a more difficult climb to see the Aboriginal hand paintings or the challenging Wentworth Falls track. The Blue Mountains are waiting to be explored by you. |
 Cliff DriveThe 'edge-of-the-world' drive around the cliff tops between Leura and Katoomba is part of the Blue Mountains Discovery Trail. Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, it is packed full of lookouts, picnic areas and walking tracks located alongside galleries, cafes, museums, antiques and accommodation in the villages of Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls. |  Blackheath Swimming PoolBlackheath Memorial Park surrounds Blackheath Pool - one of the most beautifully situated public swimming baths in Australia - set amongst sweeping lawns & mature rhododendrons, at 1065 metres above sea level. The pool is only open during the Summer months. |
 Blackheath Golf and Community ClubBlackheath Golf and Community Club is one of the most picturesque golf courses in NSW. Visitors are welcome to play a round or simply enjoy a meal at the Bistro. |  Victory Café and Antique CentreThe Victory Theatre Antique Centre and Café is a revamped 1921 Art Deco picture theatre and the largest antique centre west of Sydney. Today it houses 50 dealers over two floors as well as a popular café which opens for breakfast & lunch 7 days a week and dinner Thursday to Saturday. The building is a Blackheath landmark with its Jenny Kee designed community mural on the exterior. |
 The Edge CinemaCentrally located on the highway in Katoomba, the Edge Cinema runs the latest movies on its 4 screens including a large IMAX style screen Cinema 1. You can also experience a 737 type flight simulator with the VSjet at The Edge Cinema. Try this amazing piece of technology flying with a pilot who will guide you as you experience a takeoff from the airport of your choice. The Edge Cinema in is open daily. |  Zig Zag RailwayThe Zig Zag Historical Railway is an Australian heritage railway, situated near the town of Lithgow. The line climbs the western flank of the Blue Mountains, using railway zig zags to gain height. |
 Centennial Glen Stables |  Blue Mountains Explorer |
 Blue Mountains Trolley Tours |  Serenity Trike Tours |
 Segway Blue Mountains |  Greater Blue Mountains Drive |
There are hundreds of walking tracks, waterfalls, escarpment lookouts and cultural attractions in the Blue Mountains – for a more exhaustive list check out http://www.visitbluemountains.com.au/
EVENTS
RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS
The Blue Mountains offer numerous and varied gastronomic experiences from the very popular Megalong Tea Rooms down in the valley, to the village pubs and cafés. Some of these are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner while others are more specialised providing just dinner or a daytime snack. Perhaps you fancy a murder mystery dinner with a group of friends at the George Boutique Hotel in Blackheath or a quiet dinner for 2 at Thai Silk. If you're into stepping back in time, then High Tea at the Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath may be more to your liking.
​
There is a deli and 2 bakeries in Blackheath village as well as 2 small supermarkets should you wish to cater for yourselves. Mt Victoria (10 minutes to the west) and Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls (to the east) have many other dining options. Some of the information in the link below may have changed but this is just to give you an idea of what's around and you should check each venue's status independently.
Megalong Tea Rooms
Hydro Majestic High Tea