Getting to the Blue Mountains

Getting to the Blue Mountains

To the west of Sydney are the majestic Blue Mountains, so alluringly close and easy to get to. The lower slopes of this striking region that includes a World Heritage-listed Area are just 90 minutes' drive from Sydney. If you're travelling by car, take the M4 Motorway out of Sydney or take the longer, meandering route via Windsor and Kurrajong along the Bells Line of Road. The rise from the coastal plain begins at Glenbrook, 65km west of Sydney, and the road passes through many small towns along the way to Leura, Katoomba and on to Blackheath. The stunning rock formation known as the Three Sisters is at Echo Point, Katoomba.

A great way to explore the region is on the Greater Blue Mountains Drive. 18 discovery trails branch off the main route, taking you on a unique adventure. The common link is the network of national parks and conservation areas that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area that stretches from the Upper Hunter, to Mudgee, Goulburn, the Southern Highlands and the Hawkesbury.

If you'd like to enjoy the scenery in a more relaxed way, travel by train.  The Blue Mountains are well serviced by CityRail services that depart almost hourly from Sydney Central Station for Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba, Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Lithgow. As a guide, the approximate travel time to Katoomba is two hours. A red double-decker Explorer Bus departs from Katoomba Station, taking you to the top 30 attractions in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains ExplorerLink ticket gives you all-day access to the hop-on, hop-off bus.

Alternatively, there are many coach companies offering day trips and tours to the Blue Mountains. Greyhound Buses also has a daily scheduled service which leaves Central Station for Katoomba and Lithgow. If you'd prefer to drive, there are several hire car companies in Sydney.

Useful links for travel to the Blue Mountains are New South Wales weather and traveller information for NSW roads.