Blue Mountains

Things to do in the Blue Mountains (that is not hiking)

Discover the top activities in the Blue Mountains that don’t involve a single hike

The Everglades Gardens

Everglades Gardens
Credit: Destination NSW

A key attraction in Leura, the Everglades Gardens in Leura are Australia’s most spectacular inter-war period garden. It is where visitors can go to the World Heritage Listed gardens whilst admiring the views of the mountains with a scenic backdrop that frames these pretty gardens. Explore over 5 hectares of garden and take a walk around the gardens.

For art-deco inspired views, for gardens that are home to broad terraces, and amazing dry-stone walls which show off a whole range of seasonal colours, visit in the autumn! A splash of old English-style in a manicured garden with unchanged late 1800s architecture.

Feeling like a snack? Enjoy an English-style cream tea! For fresh scones and tea, indulge in a delicious cup of tea in the breakfast room and courtyard.

You’ll also be able to sample a ginger beer or local apple cider made from the nearby brewery.

Check out the plants and the carefully manicured greenery! Gardens full of azealias, and pretty, historic botanics that sprawl across the clean-cut lawns. The tour around the gardens is self-guided, so you’ll be able to explore the gardens at your own pace. Plenty of pretty things that you can see – like Peiris, Japanese maple trees, cherry blossoms, tulips, a waterfall and a reflection pool.

Don’t forget to stop inside the beautiful home, where you’ll find plenty of gorgeous art deco features and a bold staircase inside this regal establishment.

Or, check out the scenic walkway. It’s only a short 10–20-minute walk between the railway and cableway, and it takes you on a journey through Jamison Valley. Spot plenty of native plants. It will guide you through the flora and fauna of Australia.

The boardwalk trail is easy and family-friendly. Hop on a tour, and you’ll learn about the history of the blue mountains.

Learn about the culture/connection to the land

Three Sisters in Katoomba

When visiting the Blue Mountains, it’s important to recognise the sacred Aboriginal land that the mountains are situated upon.

The traditional owners of this land are the Gundungurra and Gharug peoples of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Learn about the formation of the Three Sisters at Echo Point, and take an Aboriginal art trail and look at the different rock artwork.

The rock art in the Blue Mountains is a snapshot of Indigenous life, preserving a time gone by. One significant piece of rock art is called The Flight of the Great Grey Kangaroo.

Come and join a tour!

We have two different Blue Mountains tours available, one of which doesn’t involve too much hiking! If you’re not too much into hiking, check out the Blue Mountains Deluxe Tour. With Sydney pick-ups, you’ll be transported door to door to various spots in the Blue Mountains – such as Echo Point and Scenic World!

Our Blue Mountains Day Tour starts at Sydney Zoo, making the ultimate stop-off! Then you’ll head over to the Blue Mountains, where you’ll get a great view of the whole scene.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.

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