Blue Mountains Tours

Eucalyptus trees release fine oil droplets into the air. Those droplets scatter short-wavelength light, so the haze over the valleys reads blue from a distance. The effect is strongest on warm still days, and it is why the ranges were named as they were.

Katoomba sits about 100 kilometres west of the city, roughly two hours by road depending on traffic through Parramatta. Our tours cover the drive both ways, so you get the day in the mountains rather than the day behind the wheel.

Three sandstone pillars at Echo Point, Katoomba, standing above the Jamison Valley. They are a weathered remnant of a cliff line, and they carry a Gundungurra story. Every one of our Blue Mountains tours includes the Echo Point lookout.

On the tours that visit it, yes, the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway are part of the day. The Walking Tour ($115) and the Sunset Tour ($175) are built around bushwalking instead. Check the tour page before booking if Scenic World is the reason you are coming.

It runs about five degrees colder than Sydney, more in winter, and the wind at the lookouts bites. Bring a jacket even on a warm Sydney morning. Closed walking shoes for the tracks, which are uneven sandstone and can be slick after rain.

Occasionally, in July and August, usually above Blackheath and Mount Victoria and usually for a day. It is never something to plan a trip around. Winter’s reliable feature is cold clear air and long views, not snow.

The standard day tour keeps to lookouts and short tracks, with a self-guided walk you can opt out of. The Walking Tour ($115) is a guided hike with waterfalls and rainforest sections and needs reasonable fitness.