Where should I stop between Sydney and The Blue Mountains?

Both the vibrant city of Sydney and the panoramic lookouts and hiking trails of the Blue Mountains are popular destinations to explore, but what is there to see between the two?

The drive from Sydney to The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains – the most popular rock formation to see in the region – takes less than 2 hours by car, but there is a bit to see along the way, so this travel time could easily be extended – and it will be worth it.

Featherdale Wildlife Park

Before you even leave the suburbs of Sydney, you could make a stop at the Featherdale Wildlife Park. This zoo is home to native Australian wildlife and gives visitors a unique opportunity to get up close with the friendliest critters. You can feed kangaroos and wallabies, pat farmyard animals, get a selfie with a quokka or meet a cuddly koala.

Sydney Zoo

Another stop for wildlife lovers. Sydney Zoo is home to both Australian and international animals. Families will love the exhibits of exotic animals – you’ll find elephants, tigers, giraffes, hyenas, lions, chimpanzees, little penguins and taipans – just to name a few. You’ll also have the opportunity for animal encounters with meerkats, camels and reptiles.

Kings Tableland

Leaving the city and the suburbs behind, it’s on to the Blue Mountains region. Kings Tableland plateau is a popular stop, providing access to Lincoln’s Rock lookout with impressive views. The large sandstone rock platform at Kings Tableland carries significant Aboriginal history, and when you visit this area you will learn about the traditions of the traditional gathering place from thousands of years ago.

There are many trails around this area, so it is a popular stop for hikes and cycling.

Wentworth Falls

Moving a little further on from Kings Tableland, you will find Wentworth Falls. You can stop for a picnic here and after a quick refuel begin the short but steep hike to Fletchers Lookout. Here you’ll have grand views of the Wentworth Falls waterfall, which cascades 100m down the mountain. You can venture back down to walk around the Wentworth Falls Lake on an easy walking circuit and spot some birdlife as you go.

Scenic World in Katoomba

Found in the charming town of Katoomba, Scenic World is home to the steepest railway in the world. There’s also a Cableway with a 510m decent and striking views of the region, plus the Skyway which will have you gliding 270 meters above the mountain. Scenic World is a fantastic way to explore the Blue Mountains and take in the size of the National Park.

Echo Point

Finally – after visiting one or several of the places mentioned – you will make it Echo Point; the short walking trail will bring you to a lookout with sensational views of Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters. Have your camera ready here, and don’t forget to take a moment to yourself. This is a beautiful part of the world, and a special moment to connect with the nature around you.

Parramatta Cruise

If you prefer to skip the Sydney traffic after a long day of hiking and exploring – you can jump on a river cruise from Homebush Bay and arrive back in Circular Quay via the water instead! A fabulous way to rest your feet and end a jam-packed day in nature.

Seeing how many stops there are along the way, you can join a tour to get to all the good stuff and learn about the Blue Mountains as you go. Be sure to wear your walking shoes and be ready to snap some amazing photos to share with family and friends back home.

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.