Getting to the Blue Mountains

Located a leisurely 90min drive from Sydney or two hours by train, the Blue Mountains is Sydney’s favourite playground. With incredible scenery, a vibrant dining scene and a cool climate with blooming gardens and possible winter snowfalls, this is the place to head for a weekend escape or carefree holiday any time of year.

Public transport

Sydney trains depart from Central Station every hour and take about two hours to get to Katoomba, with stops at Parramatta, Penrith and Springwood. You’ll need an Opal card to travel on NSW TrainLink Intercity services, including to and from the Blue Mountains.

For train travellers, there are public buses in Katoomba to Echo Point, home to the legendary Three Sisters. Another ideal way to take in the sights is the hop on, hop off Blue Mountains Explorer Bus. Starting from Katoomba Station the big red bus travels in a giant loop, stopping at all the major attractions from Scenic World to Leura. You can also catch a shuttle to Megalong Valley to enjoy its wineries, tea room and to walk the Six Foot Track.

Explore by car

To enjoy a Blue Mountains getaway by car, travel from Sydney on the M4. Beyond Penrith the Great Western Highway climbs into the mountains to take you past Springwood, Woodford, Wentworth Falls and Leura, each worth a stop. An alternative route is via Windsor and the Bells Line of Road.

Highlights on the Bells Line route include the orchards around Bilpin, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah and a spur road to the gorgeous village of Mount Wilson before rejoining the Great Western Highway at Mount Victoria. Allow 2h 15min from Sydney to Mount Victoria.

Going further

For a great road trip, the Greater Blue Mountains Drive is hard to beat – a series of linked drives connecting the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area to surrounding regions. The drive takes in everything from natural wonders to wineries and country markets.