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Tourist Attractions

All the best tourist attractions and experiences not to be missed on your visit to the Blue Mountains. From ways to get here, to things to do while you're here, in one easy location.

Campbell Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath

A Garden Unique in the World

Everglades house & gardens - national trust (nsw).

Breathtaking Views Over The Jamison

Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum & Tearooms

Quality is Timeless

Scenic world.

A Must See For Blue Mountains Visitors!

Blue mountains cultural centre.

Dryridge Estate

Offering unique vineyard accommodation, national trust norman lindsay gallery and museum, megalong creek estate, zig zag railway co-op ltd, history highway inns, woodford academy, blackheath rhododendron festival, penrith regional gallery and lewers bequest, josophan's chocolate shop, the blue mountains botanic garden, mount tomah, mt victoria & district historical society museum, leuralla toy & railway museum nsw, blue mountains heritage centre, convict road builders memorial, trees adventure, zig zag brewery, museum of fire, blue mountains glow worm tours, bunnamagoo wines, jenolan caves, valley heights locomotive depot heritage museum, blue mountains chocolate company.

• Day Spas, Hair & Beauty
• Blue Mountains Tours
• 4WD Adventures
• Events & Exhibitions
• Abseiling, Canyoning and Rock Climbing
• Child Friendly Activities
• Cycling & Mountain Bikes
• Eco-Tourism
• 4WD, Abseiling, Canyoning & Cycling
• Festivals & Events
• Health, Sport & Fitness
• Guided Bushwalks
• Tours, Horse Riding & Guided Walks
• Horse Riding
• Tours to the Blue Mountains
• Arts, Crafts, Galleries & Antiques
• Music - Bands - Entertainers
• Dining/Live Entertainment
• Shows - Demonstrations
• Party Services

Have You Visited

Guide to the Blue Mountains

The blue mountains is an australian highlight, a vast region stretching out 11,400 kilometres of mountain tops, sandstone cliffs, and lush forest filled valleys..

Folk will come across thundering waterfalls, epic lookouts, and even an array of unique wildlife when trekking through the land. Regardless of your choice in adventure, the Blue Mountains is truly the perfect place for an action-packed adventure amidst the Australian natural beauty.

The Formation

The indigenous history.

The very first people to inhabit the Blue Mountains were the indigenous people of Australia; the Australian Aboriginal community. The Gundungurra and Darug people were the local tribes of the region, as well as the Burra Burra tribe who inhabited the nearby Jenolan Caves. It is unknown how long these tribes inhabited the region, but it is estimated many thousands of years.

European Discovery

The name “blue” mountains, things to do & see in the blue mountains, the three sisters.

Undoubtedly one of the most essential sights in the entire Blue Mountains; the glorious rock formation known as the Three Sisters. This natural wonder features three enormous rocks on top of a sandstone cliff which guts down towards the Jamison Valley. The structure has become both a local and tourist favourite, being a part of the landscape for millions of years. The rock formation is not just a natural wonder however, as it has a strong connection with the indigenous people of the area, even having a famous Dreamtime story attached to it. The legend goes that there were once three beautiful sisters called Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo, who fell madly in love with three brothers from the neighbouring tribe, Sadly, the two tribes were emeries, and marriage between them was forbidden. Unable to help themselves, the brothers set out to capture the women, which launched a war between the tribes. A local witchdoctor decided to help the women, transforming them into stone to protect them from the war’s danger. However, tragedy struck during the battle when the witchdoctor was killed, leaving no one able to reverse the spell and bring the women back to life. And so, the three sisters remain rocks for all eternity, standing mournfully high above the Jamison Valley, never to be human again.

Jamison Valley

Jenolan Caves

The Lookouts

Govetts Leap Lookout

Evans lookout, sublime point lookout, the waterfalls.

Wentworth Falls

Leura cascades, katoomba falls.

Scenic World

Simply put, Scenic World is the best way to see the sights of the Blue Mountains. A self-guided nature-based experience, from walkways weaving through the bush, to epic skyway sights hanging above the tree canopy, it truly offers you a view of Blue Mountains at every angle.

Scenic Railway

Scenic skyway, scenic cableway, scenic walkway, the wildlife.

Hidden within this natural landscape, Blue Mountains is home to an endless amount of wildlife . In fact, are more than 400 different types of animals that roam the area.

Featherdale Wildlife Park

Parramatta river.

Explore Our Blue Mountains Tours

1 Day Blue Mountains Deluxe Tour from $169

2 Day Blue Mountains Trip with Jenolan Caves $369

Blue Mountains Day Tour from $99

Sunset Blue Mountains Tour $170

2 Day Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens Tour $275

Blue Mountains Walking Tour $115

1 Day Jenolan Caves and Blue Mountains Tour $145

The Blue Mountains and the east Travel Guide

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Towering behind Kingston and enticingly visible from anywhere in the island’s eastern third, the Blue Mountains conform with few people’s mental image of Jamaica, land of sand, sea and reggae. Forming one of the longest continuous ranges in the Caribbean, their cool, fragrant woodlands are shrouded in mist and offer some of the best hiking on the island, including Blue Mountain Peak , the remarkable botanical gardens at Cinchona and estates producing some of the most expensive coffee on earth.

The Blue Mountains

Mountain trees and plants, animals and birds, the colonial authority’s response, jamaica after the rebellion.

South of the range, St Thomas is one of the country’s poorest and least developed regions, despite a rich history. Tourist development remains negligible and there are only a handful of hotels, but these are good bases nonetheless to visit the delightful mineral springs at Bath , or the deserted beaches around Morant Point Lighthouse .

Contrasting in scenery and atmosphere, on the northern side of the mountains is the northeastern parish of Portland , justifiably touted as one of the most beautiful parts of Jamaica, with jungle-smothered hillsides cascading down to postcard-perfect Caribbean shoreline. Though increasing, particularly at the luxury end, tourism is less conspicuous here than in other resort areas, but that’s all the more reason to come – the wetter climate supports some stupendous natural scenery, including beautiful waterfalls and the magical Blue Lagoon . The parish capital, Port Antonio , has plenty of historical charm, while inland you can hike in pristine rainforest or take a gentler rafting trip on the Rio Grande . Some of the island’s best beaches are also found here, and they’re far less crowded than those further west, with lovely places to stay to boot: from surf-pounded stretches at Long Bay and Boston Bay to calm and idyllic Frenchman’s Cove and Winnifred Beach, visitors come to Portland to chill out and experience a lower-key Jamaica than found elsewhere.

Top image: Blue mountains © Photo Spirit/Shutterstock

The Blue Mountains begin where Kingston ends, and a starker contrast would be hard to imagine, with the chaotic concrete maelstrom fast replaced by lush tranquillity and staggering natural beauty. The mountains are named for the mists that colour them from a distance, and their craggy slopes form an unbroken, undulating spine across Jamaica’s easternmost parishes, a fabulously fertile wilderness with a surprisingly cool, wet climate. The dense forest provided perfect cover for the Windward Maroons during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, though as a whole the mountains have proved largely inhospitable, with today’s sparse population concentrated in settlements like Gordon Town and Newcastle .

The northern slopes of the mountains are covered by a huge quilt of dense, primary forest, but deforestation has badly affected the southern side, where great chunks have been cleared by coffee planters, farmers and (catastrophically) hurricanes Gilbert and Ivan in 1988 and 2004. Though cattle are farmed on some of the denuded lower slopes, to try to protect the wilderness from further devastation 200,000 acres were designated a national park in 1993, with the stated aims of managing natural resources for long-term sustainable use and generating income opportunities through ecotourism (see blueandjohncrowmountains.org ). To assist with the latter, hiking trails have been carved into the interior of the forest, often following ancient mule trails over the mountains.

Tourism here, though on the rise, is small-scale with just a few hotels and budget options – but most have spectacular locations. Coffee is the mainstay of the local economy, and excellent tours for those keen to see how the stuff is produced are to be found at the coffee factory at Mavis Bank and at smaller plantations such as Old Tavern . Dark and earthy, Blue Mountain coffee is considered one of the world’s best by experts, and prices reflect that assessment, though you can usually find it cheaper here – at hotels, coffee factories or direct from the farmers – than anywhere else. Visitors also come here to hike up Blue Mountain Peak or to follow the well-maintained trails at Holywell or around Lime Tree Farm – superb trekking, for which you’ll nonetheless need to be well prepared. Elsewhere, the botanical gardens at Cinchona are a delightful spot, a magical splash of colour 5000ft up.

Many visitors find mountain residents more gentle and welcoming than Jamaicans elsewhere – despite the evident poverty and grinding workload that many of them face.

Blue Mountain coffee

Coffee trees from Ethiopia were introduced to Jamaica in 1728 by Governor Sir Nicholas Lawes, and they flourished on the cool slopes of the Blue Mountains. Cultivation reached new heights of excellence during the first half of the nineteenth century, when expert coffee growers arrived from revolution-torn Haiti, soon meeting an increased demand from European coffeehouses. Jamaica became one of the world’s main coffee exporters, producing up to fifteen thousand tons of beans per year.

The industry suffered its first crushing blow with emancipation in 1838, as streams of former slaves left the plantations to set up their own small farms. Soon afterwards, Britain abolished preferential trade terms on coffee, and direct competition with the coffees of South America crippled small Jamaican farmers. The decline continued into the twentieth century, and it was only after World War II that the Jamaican government took belated steps to save the Blue Mountain plantations. It established quality guidelines for both cultivation and processing, stipulating that only coffee grown at a certain altitude and on the regional soil type could claim the Blue Mountain name (you’ll see coffee produced in Mandeville called High Mountain and elsewhere around the island Low Mountain). This exclusivity heightened the coffee’s cachet and helped to underpin its reputation as one of the world’s finest. Given that expansion of the precious beans was finite, high prices were ensured.

During the 1980s and 1990s, production of Blue Mountain coffee reached its zenith, with Japanese companies drawing on a big domestic market to invest huge amounts in the best of the plantations. Until as recently as 2010, up to eighty percent of the crop was sold to Japan; with traders there controlling the larger part of the market, Europe and North America saw very high prices for the coffee. While today Japan still imports around a third of the crop, deals between the Jamaican government and China appear to have widened the market, and Jamaican exporters have sought new deals in North America, Europe and Russia, as well as in the Far East.

Blue Mountain coffee has always been vulnerable to hurricane damage , and hillside deforestation has only heightened this. During Hurricane Ivan in 2004 the usual rainfall for September fell in two days, resulting in the loss of valuable topsoil and mature plants in landslides. With entire plantations wiped out, there was a shortage of beans for three years, costing Jamaica US$30 million and leading to a huge burden for small-scale mountain farmers, many of whom had effectively no income during 2005. More recently, coffee rust disease has added to farmers’ travails, with around twenty percent of trees lost since 2012. While natural risks certainly help to maintain Blue Mountain Coffee as a limited and high-end label, the on-the-ground reality for coffee workers is that of extreme livelihood insecurity, heightening the need for tourism revenue.

Blue Mountain Peak

Undeniably the most rewarding hike in Jamaica, Blue Mountain Peak (7402ft), the highest point on the island, seems daunting but isn’t the fearful climb you might imagine – though it’s hardly a casual stroll, either. It is magnificent by day, when you can marvel at the opulence of the canopy, the thousands of orchids, mosses, bromeliads and lichens, the mighty shadows cast by the peak and the coils of smoke from invisible dwellings below. It’s also thrilling by night when, after a magical moon-lit ascent, Kingston’s lights occasionally twinkling in the distance, you find yourself at Jamaica’s zenith as a new day dawns.

From Abbey Green, the climb to the peak is around thirteen kilometres, and can take anything from three to six hours depending on your fitness level. If you’re staying at one of the hostels, you can start at around 1am and catch sunrise at around 5.15 to 6.15am, depending on the time of year. A full moon also means you’ll get natural floodlighting – otherwise, take a flashlight. Signposts make much of the route easy to follow without a guide, but in this remote area it’s sensible to go with someone who knows the way. Don’t stray onto tempting “short cuts” – it’s illegal, you’ll damage the sensitive environment and you’ll almost certainly get hopelessly lost. Rescue patrols can take days to mobilize effectively, by which time you’ll be in serious trouble.

Blue Mountain Peak is the furthest you can go into the Blue Mountains, as thick forest and treacherous terrain means that even the burly pig hunters seldom venture further east, preferring to enter the John Crow range from Millbank in Portland.

The peak trail

The first stretch of the trail, a steep series of switchback turns through thick forest aptly named Jacob’s Ladder , is said to be the most arduous, and you’ll appreciate arriving at the halfway point at Portland Gap Ranger Station (7km), where you can rest at the gazebo, top up water and let the rangers know that you’re walking the trail (leave a note if you arrive in the early hours).

Once past Portland Gap, it’s another five and a half kilometres to the peak through twisted montane and then low-lying elfin forest, in which the gnarled soapwood and dogwood evergreens are so stunted by low temperatures, exposure and lack of nutrients that they grow no higher than 8ft. You’re still only about 6000ft up, but you might already be a little dizzy from the rising altitude; if so, go slowly and eat a high-energy snack. At 7000ft, the plateau at Lazy Man’s Peak is where some call it a day, but it’s certainly worth struggling on for another twenty minutes.

If you’ve arrived at the peak before dawn, you’ll be completely bowled over. The inky black slowly melts into ever-intensifying pinks, oranges and purples until finally a hint of wispy blue heralds the sun and reveals the surrounding ranges. It’s quite possible you’ll be here alone, the highest person in Jamaica and feeling – literally – on top of the world. As the sun burns off the mist, the spectacular panorama becomes recognizable; you can make out Cinchona and, on a good day, Buff Bay and Port Antonio’s Navy Island to the north and Kingston, Portmore and coastal St Thomas to the south.

Cinchona Botanical Gardens

Most people hike to Cinchona Botanical Gardens from Clydesdale, though it is possible to drive all the way from Westphalia or Mavis Bank in a 4WD (guide needed) up the abysmal road that snakes through the precipitous coffee groves covering Top Mountain. The gardens are at the summit, and their semi-orderliness is a surprise after the rugged and wild hillsides below. Clinging to the ridge opposite Blue Mountain Peak and overlooking the Yallahs River valley, the ten-acre maintained gardens were initially a commercial venture, planted with Assam tea and cinchona trees – which produce quinine, used as an anti-malarial before the advent of modern drugs – in 1886. However, the inaccessibility of the site and competition from Indian plantations led to the project’s decline, and it became a government-run public garden in 1968. Botanical research is still occasionally carried out here.

Despite obvious recent neglect, the gardens have a magical feel, with eucalyptus whistling in the breeze, and Norfolk Island pine, Japanese cedar, weeping cypress, rubber and camphor trees flourishing in the mist. The vivid flowerbeds are bursting with blooms, and wild coffee smothers the slopes. You can see the whole layout from above on the Panorama Walk (preferably accompanied by one of the gardeners – leave a tip), which takes you through a tunnel-like thicket of Holland bamboo and eventually back to the main house, an ancient oblong of stone that still contains most of its original fittings. Other guided (unsigned) trails are also available, among the most rewarding the sweaty ten-kilometre hike down to Mavis Bank, the six-kilometre hike to Catherine’s Peak and the historic (and now somewhat impenetrable) sixteen-kilometre Vinegar Hill Trail to Buff Bay, an old Maroon trading route that the British used to transport supplies from Kingston to the north coast.

Hiking and biking in the Blue Mountains

Most places to stay in the mountains are a good starting point for information and guided tours, with some offering ascents or ridge walks directly from their properties. Cycling is also an attractive option; several hotels offer day-long biking expeditions, calling in at small coffee farms and private homes, including Mount Edge Guesthouse and Forres Park .

Extreme weather conditions, ecological protection projects and lack of funding mean that of thirty recognized hiking trails in the national park, only twenty or so are open at any given time; information on weather conditions and trail access is available at the main ranger station , located at Holywell, and at smaller stations at Portland Gap and Millbank (not always manned). Ordnance survey maps are also on display. You can get information over the phone from the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust in Kingston, which runs the park. Bear in mind that adventures in the rainy season (May–June & Sept–Oct) pretty much guarantee getting drenched.

All usual, common-sense guidelines apply to mountain hiking and biking. Bring decent boots or training shoes, plentiful drinking water (pine bromeliads hold much water between their leaves, but as they’re home to insect nymphs and tree frogs, you’ll only want to sup in an emergency), snacks, insect repellent and a torch.

It’s almost always advisable to use a guide in the Blue Mountains; given changeable weather conditions and poor maps (alongside few obvious landmarks), it’s very easy to get lost. Security can also be a problem for unaccompanied hikers, particularly on the Kingston side of the mountains. A guide will ensure your safety, clear overgrown paths and provide an informed commentary. Contact the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust for more information.

The mountain environment

The Blue Mountain range is Jamaica’s oldest geographical feature, formed in the Cretaceous period (between 144 and 65 million years ago). Though the peaks are named for their cerulean tint when seen from afar, some of the rock actually is coloured blue by crossite minerals.

Categorized as montane (high-altitude woodland), the forests are mostly native cedar, soapwood, sweetwood and dogwood evergreens, with a few blue mahoe, mahogany and teak trees, but the eucalyptus and Caribbean pines introduced in the 1950s are also having an impact. The primeval-looking cyathea ( tree fern ), with its diamond-patterned trunk and top-heavy fronds is particularly distinctive; the tallest are more than 150 years old. Below the dense canopy are shrubs , of which the red tubular flowers of the cigar bush are the most identifiable. Every tree trunk or exposed rock is festooned with brightly coloured epiphytes, including inexhaustible swathes of dirty lime-coloured old man’s beard. Wild strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and rose apples provide a free feast, and you’ll doubtless encounter prickly climbing bamboo, the only variety native to Jamaica; each one blossoms simultaneously with tiny white flowers once every 33 years – due in 2017 and 2050. Alongside are over five hundred species of flowering plant , including 65 varieties of orchid. Begonias, blue iris, agapanthus, lobelias, busy lizzies and fuschias proliferate, while wild ginger lilies lend a delicate perfume.

Other than mongooses, coneys and the wild pigs that roam the northern slopes, there are few mammals . You may hear the scuffles of feral cats, mice and rats in the undergrowth, and a few Jamaican yellow boas inhabit the lower slopes. The presence of bats is poorly documented; you’re most likely to see them around the limestone slopes of the John Crow Mountains to the east. By contrast, bird life flourishes; the forests ring out with the evocative whistle of the rufous-throated solitaire, and mockingbirds, crested quail doves (known as mountain witches), white-eyed thrushes, blackbirds and Jamaican todys add to the cacophony, backed by the squeaking mating calls of tree frogs.

The mountains are the sole habitat of one of the rarest and largest butterflies in the world, the six-inch giant swallowtail , but its distinctively patterned dark brown and gold wings rarely flutter into view – again, the warmer John Crow range yields the most sightings. Insects, on the other hand, are multitudinous – in summer it’s common to see thousands of fireflies (known as peenie-wallies) clustering on a single bush and lighting it up like a Christmas tree.

Portland , north of the Blue Mountains, is generally considered the most beautiful of Jamaica’s parishes – a rain-drenched land of luscious foliage, sparkling rivers and pounding waterfalls. Eastern Jamaica’s largest town, Port Antonio , is an attractive destination in itself, but most visitors prefer to base themselves along the exquisite coastline heading east, containing fabulous beaches, the Blue Lagoon and a number of exquisite hotels. The surf-pounded stretches of sandy beach at Long Bay and Boston Bay are well-established destinations for budget travellers, who come for the waves and chilled-out atmosphere – while roadside vendors at Boston Bay also do a roaring trade in authentic jerk pork and chicken. The gorgeous waterfalls at Somerset Falls and Reach Falls are within striking distance wherever you stay, while heading into the John Crow Mountains in the interior you can be poled down the Rio Grande on a bamboo raft or hike through the rainforest along the centuries-old trails of the Windward Maroons.

Brief history

Portland’s history is distinctly one of boom and bust. The parish was officially formed in 1723, one of the last to be settled, despite Port Antonio being blessed with two natural harbours. Reports of the difficult terrain and the constant threat of Maroon warfare had deterred would-be settlers, though eventually the Crown was obliged to offer major incentives, including land grants, tax exemptions and free food supplies. The early economy was dependent on sugar until a surprise replacement crop – bananas – proved perfect for Portland’s fertile soil towards the end of the nineteenth century. Port Antonio boomed, ushering in a golden era of prosperity with businessmen pouring in, and in 1905 the town’s first hotel was built on the Titchfield peninsula. Cabin space on banana boats was sold to curious tourists, who rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous – publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, banker J.P. Morgan, actress Bette Davis – swanning in on their private yachts.

The boom proved to be short-lived, though the high-end tourism it had helped to engender remained. With the enthusiastic patronage of movie stars like Errol Flynn, Port Antonio’s place in the glitterati’s global playground was assured, and Jamaica’s first luxury hotel was built at Frenchman’s Cove – to this day a testament to faded glamour. The movie business injected much-needed capital, too, in the 1980s and 1990s – films shot here include Cocktail, The Mighty Quinn, Club Paradise and Lord of the Flies . Celebrities still sequester themselves in Portland, but the area can’t compete with Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios for mass tourism. Although Portland is a long way from the prosperity of its heyday, its natural water features and beauty spots are open to anyone who cares to find them – a lower-key Jamaica that’s a welcome change for many visitors travelling the island.

Brought to Jamaica from the Canary Islands in 1520, the banana remarkably only became popular in 1871, when captain Lorenzo Dow Baker took a shipload of the foodstuff formerly deemed unpalatable from Port Antonio to Boston. His gamble paid off handsomely – the entire stock was sold for a healthy profit and mass demand ensued, earning him and others colossal fortunes. By the second half of the nineteenth century, sugar was already declining, and farmers rushed to plant the new “green gold”. With high rainfall and fertile soil Portland was perfectly placed, and armies of planters and pickers arrived to earn pitiful wages, living in wretched conditions while production output hit thirty million stems per year.

The arrival of banana ships at the wharves was signalled by blasts on a conch shell, followed by frenetic activity as the labourers cut stems and carried the fresh fruit off the estates and onto waiting trucks. At the dock, the banana stems were taken to the checkers, who ensured that each had the nine hands required to count as a bunch – hence, in the banana-boat song, Day O , “six hands, seven hands, eight hands, bunch!”. Once aboard the ship, the tallyman gave the carrier a tally to redeem for payment, and workers made their weary way back to the plantation or to the bar.

Sadly for Portland, the boom didn’t last – by the 1920s, Panama disease and hurricane damage had decimated the crop, and World War II compounded the problems. Today, the end of long-standing preferential trade terms with Europe has caused many farmers to abandon bananas (being unable to compete with huge US operations) and the days of the banana as an important export crop certainly look numbered.

East of Port Antonio

Made all the more alluring for its delicious sense of faded glamour and relative lack of visitors, the rugged stretch of coast east of Port Antonio is one of the most attractive parts of Jamaica. It’s a fairy-tale landscape of lush, jungle-smothered hills rolling down to a coastline studded with fantastic beaches, such as Frenchman’s Cove , San San and Winnifred , and swimming inlets like the Blue Lagoon , a fabulous aquamarine pool of salt and fresh water made famous by the eponymous 1980 movie. A series of super-smart hotels vie for business with a handful of less expensive guesthouses (though none are as cheap as you’ll find in town), while for eating you can plump for romantic international feasts accompanied by live jazz or mento at the salubrious restaurants of the region’s best hotels – most of which are open to non-guests – or more authentic Jamaican cooking at Winnifred Beach and the renowned jerk stands at Boston Bay .

Errol Flynn

For many, the bumpy six-kilometre route between Boston Bay and Long Bay, with its great views of pounding surf and rolling pastureland, will always be known as Errol Flynn country . The erstwhile screen idol bought a 2000-acre estate here in the 1950s, and his widow, Patrice Wymore, managed the groves of coconuts and guavas and its grazing beef cattle here until her death in 2014. The prime seafront property had already been on sale for some years, but her passing may well speed the pace of change.

By the time he arrived in Jamaica in 1947, Errol Flynn’s movie career was already in decline. The era of the swashbuckler was drawing to a close, and the Australian actor – star of classic movies like The Sea Hawk and Captain Blood – had begun to fall from favour with the studios. Nonetheless, coming ashore in his famed yacht Zaca (now moored in Monaco and allegedly still haunted by Flynn’s face and the sounds of a wild party), Flynn quickly worked his way into local legend. Well known for his powers of seduction, formidable drinking and addiction to gambling, the star reputedly lost Navy Island off Port Antonio in an unfortunate poker bet.

Flynn loved Jamaica, buying the Titchfield Hotel in Port Antonio, plus Navy Island, and later, with his third wife Patrice Wymore , setting up a ranch near Boston Bay. A string of celebrities attended the wild parties at his hotels – but unsuccessful efforts to resurrect his movie career and continuing bouts of heavy drinking and ill health were already taking their toll. During his final years, Flynn spent much of his time at Titchfield with the teenage actress Beverley Aadland. On his death in 1959, Aadland asked that Flynn be buried in Jamaica, but Wymore insisted that his body go to Hollywood. Today, despite the tarnishing of his reputation through tales of his exploitation of local girls, many people in the area remember the one-time heartthrob with affection.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is where 14-year-old nymphet Brooke Shields (and now-obscure cherub Christopher Atkins), playing child castaways on a deserted island, frolicked naked in the movie of the same name. Enclosed by high cliffs and forest, which give a deep green tint to the noticeably turquoise depths, the lagoon is a result of several underwater streams running down from the mountains. The whole effect is very picture-postcard, and swimming here is serene, with a layer of chilly fresh water covering waves of warm sea below. The lagoon drops to 198ft at its deepest spot – just enough for World Freediving Champion David Lee to set the world record here: in 2002 he dived without assistance to 167ft in three minutes 45 seconds. Lee’s parents run scuba/watersports operator Lady G’Diver, which offers dive packages and courses in specialist freediving at the lagoon.

At the time of writing, facilities at the lagoon were nonexistent following a protracted land dispute – swimming is free, though touts inevitably cash in on parking fees (going over J$500 would be exorbitant). However, the lagoon’s western side was recently acquired by Lee Chin of Trident fame, and the seriously creative designers at Geejam are tasked with building a spectacular contemporary restaurant and villas in keeping with the serene surroundings, likely to open in 2016.

Winnifred Beach

Winnifred Beach (also known as Fairy Hill Beach) is one of the most appealing beaches in all Jamaica; to get there, turn left and then immediately right just east of the Jamaica Crest Hotel at the start of Fairy Hill village, following the road for a kilometre through a neat housing scheme before descending through the forest. You can drive right down onto the beach if it hasn’t been raining; if it has, park where the tarmac ends and continue on foot.

Used as the setting for the Robin Williams movie Club Paradise , the wide, golden crescent of sand is supremely laid-back and justly popular with Jamaicans. The small reef just offshore is perfect for snorkelling (you’ll need to bring your own gear) and protects the bay from the waves, ensuring clear, calm, bright-blue water that shelves gently from the sand. At weekends, local operator Scotty offers children’s horse rides along the sands, and fishermen will provide boat trips to nearby Monkey Island. At the western end, a small mineral spring offers a freshwater rinse (the changing facilities are best avoided).

Given Winnifred Beach’s secluded beauty it’s perhaps no surprise that the government attempted to authorize a private villa development here, threatening the beach’s public access like so many others on the north coast. Local resident Cynthia, co-proprietor of much-loved lunch spot Cynthia and Painter’s , has spearheaded the campaign to keep it public ( w free-winnifred.com ). At the time of writing, six years since the dispute first arose, a court case was still under way to ensure public right of access. Unpaid locals currently manage and clean the beach, so you may be asked to pay a small unofficial “fee”. You’re under no obligation to pay (most Jamaicans refuse) – but there’s no harm in tipping people you see genuinely tidying up the place. Seek out Cynthia if you’d like to contribute to the campaign.

Port Antonio

The days of movie stars coming to stay in PORT ANTONIO are long gone, and these days the town feels a little isolated. That said, sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, this somewhat sleepy place has a charm all its own – there are many remaining timber buildings and with a smart new marina and plans to develop Navy Island and the Titchfield peninsula, things seem to be stirring once again. There’s not a huge amount to see here and there’s little in the way of watersports or shopping, but “Portie” is a friendly and beguiling place with a bustling central market and a couple of lively nightspots.

The town is easily navigable, with two main streets, and you can walk the handful of sights in a couple of hours. West Palm Avenue runs into West Street (from the western entrance of Port Antonio to the central clock tower), while Harbour Street cuts through the middle. To get your bearings, walk the steep climb up to the now defunct Bonnie View Hotel from the town centre; while the hotel itself is now closed you’ll get a great view over the entire town.

Most people find Port Antonio something of a relief after the harassment of the north coast, and any hassle you do encounter tends to be fairly half-hearted. Even so, don’t wander off the main streets after dark, and also be wary of police roadblocks east of town.

The Rio Grande valley

Portland’s interior – the Rio Grande valley – is a fantastically lush and partially impenetrable hinterland of tropical rainforest and waterfalls. The Rio Grande , one of Jamaica’s major rivers, pours down from the John Crow Mountains through a deep and unspoilt valley of virgin forest. Despite its beauty, the area is little explored; many people do rafting trips , but there is also superb river and mountain hiking .

Many of the rivers and springs here are named after local Maroon leaders – Nanny, Quao, Quashie and Quako – and the major remaining Maroon settlement is Moore Town . If you’re craving rustic isolation, some of the other villages beyond have lovely settings and fascinating names – Alligator Church, Comfort Castle – indeed, the only thing holding up booming ecotourism here is the abominable road, which in its higher reaches is barely navigable by car.

Rafting the Rio Grande

Once a means of transporting bananas, rafting down the majestic Rio Grande is now Portland’s most popular attraction, ever since Errol Flynn raced with his friends in the 1950s. It’s a delightfully lazy way to spend half a day, although the sun can get fierce.

From the put-in point at Berridale , ten kilometres southwest of Port Antonio, the thirty-foot bamboo rafts (each with a raised seat) meander down the river for two hours through outstanding scenery, poled downstream by a captain and stopping periodically for swimming, waterfall hunting or to buy snacks. Tickets are sold at Rio Grande Experience in Berridale (daily 9am–4pm; US$78/raft; t 993 5778) and by hotels and tour offices in Port Antonio. The trip is one-way, terminating at Rafters’ Rest in St Margaret’s Bay, so if you’re driving , leave your car at Berridale and have an insured driver take it down for US$15, or else use a taxi – to Berridale and then back to Port Antonio from Rafters Rest costs around US$30. If you’re desperate to save cash, the Berridale route taxi from Port Antonio (J$220) runs close by the put-in point, and route taxis to Port Antonio from Kingston and Buff Bay pass the entrance to Rafters’ Rest regularly.

A recent popular addition to the trip downriver is to arrange a lunch en route cooked by master chef Belinda, who descends on foot from the hills with the freshest ingredients and cooks delights like curried fish, jerk pork or crayfish right there on the river bank. Order through your hotel or call Belinda directly on t 389 8826.

You’ll also find people touting unofficial rafting trips in Port Antonio and St Margaret’s Bay for a lower price. Don’t hand over the cash until you’ve finished the journey at Rafters’ Rest, and don’t go with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.

St Thomas , nestling below the Blue Mountains, is the most neglected of Jamaica’s parishes, and as a result, its villages are somewhat impoverished with meagre facilities for tourists. For some, however, the region offers a slice of the “real” Jamaica, untouched by the demands of tourism. The main attractions are the rambling old spa town of Bath in the foothills of the mountains, and also remote Morant Point , where a candy-striped lighthouse overlooks a stunning beach. A couple of waterfalls in other areas are interesting diversions, though there’s little to do in the parish capital, Morant Bay , except to reflect on one of the bloodiest periods in Jamaica’s volatile history. The parish’s friendly people remain probably the biggest draw; large-scale sound-system parties and stageshows (such as the excellent roots-reggae East Fest, held in late December/early January) are to be found on public holidays, and, largely due to the presence of the descendants of free Africans, St Thomas is the cradle of Jamaica’s African-based religions, with roadside Kumina sessions found frequently.

The little-visited village of BATH stands at the edge of the John Crow Mountains. Born when a runaway Spanish slave stumbled across hot mineral springs in the late 1690s, it was discovered that the waters could cure wounds. Ironically, the same slave’s master sold the spring and some 1130 acres of land surrounding it to the British in 1699 for £400; they swiftly carved a road through the hills and erected a spa building here in 1747.

Bath Botanical Gardens

In the 1700s, Bath glittered in the colonial spotlight, but just a century later it fell from grace through a combination of political disputes and hurricane damage. A reminder of its heyday is to be found at the Bath Botanical Gardens established in 1779, adjacent to the dilapidated Anglican church. This was where many plants – including cinnamon, jacaranda, bougainvillea and mango – were first introduced to the island, but the ravages of time and Hurricane Gilbert (which levelled the village for the second time in 1988) have ensured that little remains of the carefully ordered labels. You’ll still see descendants of the breadfruit trees brought from Tahiti by Captain Bligh of HMS Bounty fame in 1793, alongside guava trees, royal palms, bamboo and crotons. The annual breadfruit festival in September commemorates the seminal event in Jamaican history.

Bath Fountain Spa

Taking the waters at the rambling old Bath Fountain Hotel and Spa remains the main attraction for visitors to the village. The spa has ten small cubicles, each with a sunken tiled bath. The water is high in sulphur and lime and, like most mineral baths, slightly (though not dangerously) radioactive – no more than thirty minutes is recommended due to the risk of dehydration.

Bear in mind that outside the hotel and spa you will most likely be accosted by a group of aggressive hustlers offering to take you to the open-air spring at the hotel’s rear; while this hot and cold “Sulphur River” is a pleasant spot (water from the two springs is diverted to the spa inside and mixed to provide a bath of a more even temperature), the unofficial “guides” most certainly are not, and their amateur massages are inevitably exorbitantly priced.

Hiking trails lead from the spa for kilometres across the Blue Mountains; the best is the Cunha Cunha Maroon trading route through the John Crow range to Bowden Pen – for a guide contact the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust or Sun Venture Tours.

The breadfruit and the Bounty

Up until the late eighteenth century, Jamaica was not self-sufficient in food, relying on imports to feed the ever-increasing slave population. As a result, the American War of Independence (1775–81), which severely disrupted food supplies, brought tragedy, with thousands dying of malnutrition and related disease. To eliminate this catastrophic dependence, planters lobbied the British government for a source of cheap food that could be grown locally. The starchy, nourishing breadfruit – about which Captain Cook had rhapsodized, “If a man plants ten of them…he will completely fulfil his duty to his own and future generations” – was at the top of their wish list.

Setting sail from England in 1787, the HMS Bounty commanded by Captain William Bligh , was assigned the task of procuring breadfruit plants from their native Tahiti. After a dangerous journey around Cape Horn, captain and crew were garlanded with flowers before loading up the breadfruit plants and moving on. Three weeks later, on another arduous crossing with a captain who seemed to care more for his plants than for his men, the ship’s crew mutinied. Bligh was cast adrift in the Pacific with a handful of loyal followers, while the rest made for Ascension Island and their place in history. Incredibly, Bligh survived. He found his way back to England, where he was cleared of any blame and entrusted with another ship, HMS Providence , to complete his mission. The Jamaican House of Assembly conferred him a substantial gift of 500 guineas to encourage his endeavours, and the Providence left England in 1791, finally delivering the breadfruit to the island in February 1793. The plants were propagated at Bath Botanical Gardens and eventually spread throughout the island, an important step towards Jamaican self-sufficiency.

Three Finger Jack

A roadside marker at the village of ELEVEN MILES recalls Jack Mansong (known as Three Finger Jack), a formidable nineteenth-century runaway slave who, after the bungled attempted murder of the slave trader who’d transported his parents from Africa – one Captain Henry Harrop – escaped from his execution, carrying Harrop to a cave where, with delicious irony, he forced his master to become his slave. Fuelled by the promise of a rich reward, Quashie, the Maroon who had relieved Mansong of his fingers, shot him in the stomach and cut off his head, preserving it in a bucket of rum all the way to Spanish Town.

The Morant Bay Rebellion

In August 1865, Baptist Deacon Paul Bogle – supported by George William Gordon , a wealthy mulatto member of the National Assembly – led a 87-kilometre march from St Thomas to Spanish Town to protest to the island’s governor, Edward Eyre, over legal inequity, which invariably supported white landholders over small farmers who struggled to find decent land to cultivate. A generation after emancipation, living conditions for Jamaica’s black population remained abysmal, with food shortages, lack of access to property and high taxation, and it was only a matter of time before people registered their grievances. After being turned away, the marchers returned to St Thomas with plans to create a “state within a state” at Stony Gut , Bogle’s home village. Worried by the force of the uprising, the police had two of Bogle’s supporters arrested on trumped-up charges of assault and trespass. On October 7, Bogle and his men marched to Morant Bay in military fashion and disrupted proceedings by surrounding the courthouse. Despite the protest’s peaceful nature, the authorities issued a warrant for Bogle’s arrest – yet the police were thwarted by the sheer power of numbers and forced to swear oaths that they would no longer serve public officials.

Undeterred, on October 10, eight more policemen set out for Stony Gut, but again they underestimated Bogle’s support and were quickly overpowered and forced to swear allegiance to him. Back in Morant Bay, they impressed the seriousness of the situation on then-Custos Baron Von Ketelhadt, who promptly arranged for one hundred soldiers to set sail aboard the HMS Wolverine from Kingston. On October 11, Bogle and his men again marched into Morant Bay, raided the police station for arms and attacked the courthouse where the council was meeting. Eighteen soldiers and council members were killed as frustrations erupted; the courthouse was burnt to the ground, and arms, gunpowder and foodstuffs were taken from the town’s shops. Unrest quickly spread, and the government troops aboard the Wolverine arrived too late to quell the disturbance when they put ashore on October 12. Fearing that the whole country would soon be engulfed, the authorities gave free rein to the army, and the protesters were crushed with brutal ferocity. A staggering 437 people were executed , another six hundred men and women flogged, and over a thousand homes razed to the ground. Bogle evaded capture and fled to the hills, where he remained undetected for several days. In Kingston, Governor Eyre declared martial law in St Thomas and wrote a warrant for the arrest of George William Gordon, who was hanged outside the Morant Bay courthouse on October 20. There was nowhere for Bogle to hide; he was captured at Stony Gut on October 23 and went to the gallows two days later. His last words quoted slave leader Sam Sharpe from 1831: “I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery.”

The rebellion marked a key political and social watershed for Jamaica. Governor Eyre was immediately recalled to England and stripped of his position, and the island came under direct rule from Britain until reforms in education and the legal system could be put into place – policies that never would have got past the local elite. Though progress for the poor was still painfully slow, Bogle’s defiant legacy ensured that Jamaica remained relatively peaceful until well into the next century. The Jamaican government eventually recognized Paul Bogle (and George William Gordon) as National Heroes, and monuments to them stand in National Heroes Park in Kingston.

The southeast tip

The far southeastern corner of the island, beyond Bath and Port Morant, is a seamless feast of banana, sugar and coconut plantations, the least developed yet one of the most picturesque corners of Jamaica. The slightly dishevelled communities of Golden Grove and Duckenfield hold neat but dilapidated rows of homes on stilts, accommodating cane cutters working at the Duckenfield sugar plantation, while Rocky Point Bay has a delightfully secluded beach and a fleet of small fishing boats.

Morant Point

The cane fields and the mangroves of the Great Morass, a wide, forested wetland, lead to the serenely isolated hundred-foot Morant Point lighthouse (ask locals for directions from the Duckenfield sugar factory; the route is sometimes impassable in the rainy season except by 4WD). The lighthouse itself was cast in London in 1841 and put up here by Kru men from Sierra Leone, among the first free Africans to be brought to the island after the abolition of slavery. Tip the lighthouse keeper to climb to the top; deserted and windswept, with Atlantic surf crashing onto the rocks, there’s a magnificent panorama of the Blue Mountains, the vast mangrove swamp and gorgeous Holland Bay , a deserted swath of fine white sand and pellucid water overlooked by a few ragged palms – the perfect place to live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies. If you can’t face the drive, arrange a tour here overland with Our Story Tours or by boat with Zion Country Cottages .

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3 days in the Blue Mountains

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Explore the World Heritage-listed wilderness on the outskirts of Sydney. 

By Natasha Dragun

Need to know

• Always stay on marked walking trails
• Be aware that trails can be closed for maintenance and repairs at various times of the year
• Temperatures in the mountains can be cooler than Sydney, so come prepared

Day 1: An introduction to the Blue Mountains

Drive just an hour from Sydney to discover World Heritage-listed wilderness, sandstone escarpments and waterfall-cooled rainforest valleys. Start your holiday with a few of the highlights.

Day 2: Have an active adventure

Stretch your legs in charming villages, explore by bicycle, see the sights on a horse ride or try your hand at abseiling. The Blue Mountains are made for adventure.

Day 3: Explore further afield

The Blue Mountains covers a lot of territory. While most attractions are within easy reach of each other, some you will have to travel further afield to enjoy.

Explore more nearby

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Blue Mountains

A world of wonder.

The Blue Mountains are justifiably world famous. And it’s not just those World Heritage-listed landscapes that draw people back. Grand gardens, fabulous food (much of it with equally fabulous views), crisp mountain air, heritage hotels, galleries and artisans, and a string of townships each with their own charm… there are few better places to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself.

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A day trip to the blue mountains.

Enjoy an exciting day trip in the Blue Mountains from Sydney. Hike beautiful trails, enjoy delicious food and treats at some of the area's fantastic eateries, and marvel at the incredible views in this beautiful World Heritage site.

Take a Blue Mountains road trip

Unveiling a spectacular wilderness in all its rugged glory, the Greater Blue Mountains Drive is an epic journey through the alluring sandstone plateaus west of Sydney, an elixir of fresh air, adventure, country hospitality and a tantalising gourmet scene.

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Absolutely EVERYTHING to see, do and experience in Australia

15+ Best Things to do in Blue Mountains (inc. walks, stays & eats!)

The Blue Mountains are not exactly what you would imagine when picturing Australia (but our guide to the best things to do in Blue Mountains including walks, stays and eats might be enough to change your mind and help you understand why visiting is an essential Australia bucket list experience!)

With spectacular waterfalls tumbling into deep valleys, forested mountains of verdant green, small mountain villages with friendly locals, a hippy vibe, and even snow in winter, the Blue Mountains are about as far removed from coastal life in nearby Sydney as you can get.

The Blue Mountains are named for the blue haze that is seen when gazing out over them, commonly believed to be created by the oil of the many Eucalyptus trees that cover the mountains reflecting light. This is best seen at sunset when they are at their bluest.

This gorgeous region is home to a thriving creative community, with artists across many disciplines, photographers, actors and writers choosing this slice of paradise as their home.

Because of their influence, the Blue Mountains is now an art and culture hub, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year in the various towns and villages, as well as a number of artists retreats and galleries.

The locals take their food very seriously and this is reflected in the dining scene which is exploding at the moment. There is a wide selection of inventive restaurants focusing on local produce and representing cuisines from across the globe, many of which are award-winning.

A lot of travellers head to the Blue Mountains on day tours from Sydney and this would be a great day trip if you are short on time, but the charms of the Blue Mountain region are best appreciated by lingering.

And the good news is that even if you are on a tight budget, you can still see the best that the Blue Mountains has to offer.

So hang around for a while, try different cafes, wander different towns, do a few hiking trails. These mountains are undoubtedly special, as you will find out for yourself if you spend some time there. You may never want to leave.

This post was written by Katie of The World on my Necklace – a native New Zealander who has been living abroad for 17 years and currently calls Colorado home.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 How To Get To the Blue Mountains
• 1.2 Where To Stay in the Blue Mountains
• 1.3 Where To Eat and Drink in the Blue Mountains
• 2.1 Ogling the Three Sisters
• 2.2 Get Out Into the Wilderness of the Australian Bush
• 2.3 Discover Your Favourite Blue Mountains Town
• 2.4 Admire the Autumn Colours
• 2.5 Visit the Blue Mountains Botanical Gardens
• 2.6 Sample Apple Pie in Bilpin
• 2.7 Gaze Upon Beautiful Waterfalls
• 2.8 Visit a Weekend Market
• 2.9 Chestnut Collecting on an Autumn Day
• 2.10 Cool Off in a Swimming Hole
• 3.1 Grand Canyon
• 3.2 Wentworth Pass Loop Trail
• 3.3 Charles Darwin Walk
• 3.4 Three Sisters Walk
• 3.5 Dardanelles Pass
• 3.6 Katoomba Falls

Essentials Blue Mountains Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

• There is no entry fee into Blue Mountains National Park
• Book Accommodation in advance, especially during long weekends, budget accommodation such as hostels can book out quickly.
• There are large Coles and Woolworths supermarkets located in Katoomba, within walking distance of the main street. If you are looking for something special, check out Carrington Cellars and Deli underneath the Carrington Hotel, which has a vast array of gourmet and speciality foods, fine wines, and craft beers.
• There are numerous ATMs in the Blue Mountains villages

How To Get To the Blue Mountains

If you don’t have a vehicle then it is easy to catch a train from Central Station in Sydney to various points in the southern Blue Mountains including Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls, and Blackheath. Trains leave regularly throughout the day and the trip takes approximately two hours.

Getting around between the main Blue Mountains villages mentioned above is pretty easy, with regular trains running between the stations. For other Blue Mountains towns and hiking trails, you will need a car or catch a taxi.

If you want to get between Katoomba and Leura and you don’t mind a bit of a walk, it only takes 25-30 minutes one way.

Where To Stay in the Blue Mountains

• Flying Fox Backpackers – Katoomba A cosy, colourful hostel that is a great spot to meet fellow travellers, the Flying Fox Backpackers offers a free breakfast each morning. There is a mix of private rooms, mixed dorms and a female dorm and they run regular specials on accommodation. Free wifi.
• No. 14 Lovel Street Hostel – Katoomba Quiet and clean, the No. 14 Lovel Street Hostel is a great spot if you want to relax after a day of exploring. Spotless private rooms are available with good quality bedding. Central heating, free breakfast and free wifi.
• Blue Mountains YHA – Katoomba Award-winning hostel housed in a restored National Trust Building, the Blue Mountains YHA is perfect for large groups and families, with dorms, private and family rooms available. There is a large kitchen, wifi hot spots and a cosy lounge with a fireplace for guests.
• Ingar Campground – Wentworth Falls A beautiful spot in front of a deep pool perfect for swimming, Ingar Campground has eight basic campsites. Sites are free although you need to pay a $6 booking fee, and you can reserve online or by phone. Facilities include BBQs and pit toilets. Bring your own water.
• Perry’s Lookdown Campground – Blackheath Incredible views from a clifftop location, Perry’s Lookdown is a basic camping ground with five sites. It is free to camp here but you will need to book it and there is a $6 booking fee. Make sure to bring your own water. Pit toilets are available.

You can also visit the Blue Mountains as a day trip from Sydney although I recommend staying longer if you have the chance.

Where To Eat and Drink in the Blue Mountains

• The Yellow Deli – Hands down my favourite place to eat in the Blue Mountains region, stepping into the Yellow Deli feels like stepping into Hobbiton, with its beautiful split level wooden interior, a roaring fireplace, and small handmade tables and chairs. The menu is wholesome and delicious with breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and soups along with a range of teas, juices and smoothies.
• Sanwiye – Korean Cafe offering soups, noodle dishes and my favourite, bulgogi, a Korean style stir-fry with meat options and vegetables in a delicious sauce. a peaceful ambience and cheap prices.
• The Old City Bank Bar & Brasserie – A vibrant bar and restaurant serving pub-style meals and a large selection of beers. There is live music most weekends. A lively option if you are looking for a night out in Katoomba.
• Hominy Bakery – An artisan bakery offering incredible pies, cakes and pastries along with a range of bread. The perfect place to grab a picnic lunch from if you are heading out for a day of hiking.
• Bakehouse on Wentworth – A gourmet bakery with inventive handcrafted pies, delicious cakes and tarts, a wide range of organic bread, and awesome coffee. There are also locations in Blackheath, Glenbrook and Springwood in the Blue Mountains.
• Victory Cafe – Housed in the foyer of a beautiful Art Deco building that used to be home to a cinema, the Victory Cafe is one of the most popular cafes in Blackheath, and serves up seasonal brunch and lunch menus with local produce used as much as possible.
• Pizza Delish – A well-loved pizza place with one of the longest pizza menus I have ever seen. You can find all of the traditional pizzas as well as more inventive creations. If you are eating with others, go for one of their special deals which are great value.

Wentworth Falls

• The Conservation Hut – With possibly the best view of any of the cafes in the Blue Mountains, the Conservation Hut overlooks stunning Jamison Valley and offers breakfast, lunch, hot drinks, and snacks throughout the day. A great place to stop if you are hiking in the area.
• Mountain High Pies – The award-winning pies at Mountain High Pies are drool-worthy, and there are so many to choose from including sweet pies and a range of vegetarian and vegan pies. Try their popular breakfast pie, the big breakfast, which is filled with sausage, homemade baked beans, chorizo, poached egg, mashed potato and bacon.

Incredible Things To Do in Blue Mountains

Ogling the three sisters.

These iconic rocky outcrops are popular for a reason, and looking out over them offers truly one of the most beautiful views in the whole country. Get there early to avoid the crowds, or go just before sunset for some incredible photos.

Get Out Into the Wilderness of the Australian Bush

There are trails that lead to viewpoints with spectacular views, to impressive waterfalls, into deep canyons, and through dense native bush.

Even a short hike will start to give you a feel for the impressive natural beauty of the area. You can find a list of my favourites in the next section of this guide.

Discover Your Favourite Blue Mountains Town

With so many beautiful small towns to explore in the Blue Mountains, there is something for everyone.

Tourist-friendly Katoomba has a bohemian vibe and is where you can find wonderful cafes and shops housed in historic buildings. Katoomba is also a great place to browse for antiques, with many antique and secondhand stores along the main street.

Elegant Leura is possibly the most beautiful town in the region. Upmarket Leura Mall is lined with galleries, boutiques and restaurants, and has an attractive median strip planted with cherry trees.

Blackheath is the highest town in the Blue Mountains and is a quieter alternative to Leura and Katoomba. It is home to a vibrant and creative community.

Mount Wilson is a small village that is known for its beautiful private gardens. The town centre consists of just a church, a community notice board and a Village Hall.

Wentworth Falls is another small and pretty village with a handful of excellent cafes and restaurants, and great hikes nearby.

Admire the Autumn Colours

There is a pleasant nip in the air, with perfect temperatures for long walks through autumnal woods, with a hot chocolate or coffee in hand.

In particular, the back streets of Katoomba, the small mountain hamlet of Mount Wilson with its private gardens, and the Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens offer spectacular autumn foliage.

Visit the Blue Mountains Botanical Gardens

In this 28 hectare garden, there are plants from cooler climates around the world. Come in spring to see a sea of yellow daffodils, or in autumn for a park awash with reds and yellows.

Sample Apple Pie in Bilpin

I have been told that the Bilpin Fruit Bowl has the best pie, and of the two places I had pie, this was certainly the best.

If you want to spend longer in the area you can also go apple picking at some of the orchards as well as picking up fresh apple juice, apple cider, or just plain apples in their purest form. This place is definitely for all you apple lovers out there.

Gaze Upon Beautiful Waterfalls

You can reach the bottom of the falls by hiking down steep stone-cut stairs. Bridal Veil Falls is my favourite and is a wispy fall dropping straight down from a high clifftop into the rugged Grose Valley, best seen from Govett’s Leap lookout.

Smaller waterfalls such as the Leura Cascades and Katoomba Falls are pleasant stops for a picnic, and there are even a few waterfalls that you can swim under in summer.

Visit a Weekend Market

If markets are your thing, there is a myriad of choices in the Blue Mountains, with almost every Blue Mountain town holding one or more markets at least once a month.

These local markets sell everything from locally made products such as candles and knitted clothing items, through to local jams and chutneys, fruits and vegetables and other bric-a-brac.

Purchasing goods at a local market is a great way to support local farmers and vendors and a great way to get a sense of the local community.

Chestnut Collecting on an Autumn Day

I had never done it before and I found it so much fun wandering under the large chestnut trees, foraging in the long grass for hidden chestnuts and trying to beat others to the ones that we saw falling off the trees.

We quickly collected a basket full of them and I loved roasting them in the oven to eat once we got home.

Cool Off in a Swimming Hole

A few of the best are Minnehaha Falls in Katoomba, Ingar Campground near Wentworth Falls, and Jellybean pool in Glenbrook.

The Best Blue Mountains Walks & Hiking Trails

There are so many hiking trails in the Blue Mountains area including multi-day backcountry hikes. People have been known to get lost in these mountains on a regular basis so make sure to follow signs and take plenty of water and food.

Grand Canyon

A narrow slot canyon filled with dense rainforest and waterfalls, the Grand Canyon is very different from its American counterpart but still very beautiful and peaceful.

The hike descends into the canyon and continues along a creek and by waterfalls, before exiting the canyon to stunning views over the valley. The trail then loops back along the road to the car park from Evans Lookout.

Wentworth Pass Loop Trail

Probably my favourite trail in the Blue Mountains, the Wentworth Pass Loop begins with stunning views of Wentworth Falls and into the forested Jamison Valley, before descending rock stairs that were cut into the side of the cliffs over 100 years ago.

From the base of the falls, the trail descends further into the valley where it leads through dense rainforest before climbing back out again near Conservation Hut.

Charles Darwin Walk

A gentle trail, the Charles Darwin trail is a pleasant bush walk following Jamison Creek from the train station to the Wentworth Falls lookout. A great walk if you want to get to the Wentworth Falls trails and you don’t have a car. Charles Darwin himself walked this trail in 1836.

Three Sisters Walk

A short but worthwhile walk, the Three Sisters Walk leads along the top of the valley for a short distance before descending steeply down to the Three Sisters rock formations. You can sit on a bench inside the first sister and there are great views of the Jamison Valley below.

Dardanelles Pass

For a longer walk in the Katoomba area, the Dardanelles Pass loop is great choice. Descend further into the valley from the Three Sisters and along a thickly forested path, home to the ubiquitous lyrebird that you may get the chance to see if you are lucky.

The trail rises back out of the valley at Leura Cascades then continues along the clifftops back to Echo Point.

Katoomba Falls

A paved trail from Echo Point to Katoomba Falls that is privy to outstanding views of the Jamison Valley along the way.

So there you have it – hopefully we’ve given you enough information help you plan your trip to the Blue Mountains – and given you a great list of Things To Do in Blue Mountains to make sure you get the most from your visit. Don’t forget to let me know your own highlights once you’re back!

Oh, and if you liked this post please share on Facebook, tweet or pin – I’d really appreciate it! Click the P in the share bar for the full size image!

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Blue Mountains

• 1.1 Lower Mountains
• 1.2 Mid Mountains
• 1.3 Upper Mountains
• 1.4 Oberon Council
• 2 Other destinations
• 3.1 History
• 3.3 Climate
• 3.4 Orientation
• 4.2 By train
• 4.3 By tour
• 5.2 By public bus
• 5.3 By Blue Mountains Explorer bus
• 5.4 By train
• 5.5 By foot
• 5.6 By taxi
• 6.1 Lookouts
• 6.2 Attractions
• 6.3 Monuments
• 7.2 Mountain bike
• 9 Stay safe

The Blue Mountains , immediately to the west of the sprawling metropolitan area of Sydney , constitute one of the most accessible areas of relatively unspoilt natural highland beauty in New South Wales . Although not particularly high as a mountain range, the Blue Mountains are nonetheless renowned for their majestic scenery of a unique kind, their cultural attractions and a relatively tranquil, alternative mode of life.

Part of Australia's Great Dividing Range , the Greater Blue Mountains region has been inscribed as a World Heritage Area .

Settlements are listed in order from east to west along the Great Western Hwy (A32) and the Blue Mountains Line (Main West railway line).

Lower Mountains

• -33.766667 150.619444 1 Glenbrook - The entry point to the Blue Mountains National Park. Close by to Blaxland
• -33.7 150.56 2 Springwood - Known for its small art galleries, including the Norman Lindsay Gallery

Mid Mountains

• -33.717 150.433 3 Lawson - A small town in the middle of the mountain range; there's a group of small villages surrounding the town.
• -33.716 150.366 4 Wentworth Falls - Close to Katoomba, bush, views and Bed and Breakfasts.
• -33.716 150.333 5 Leura - Right next to Katoomba, is known for its quaint craft shops, cafes and boutique shopping.
• -33.712 150.312 6 Katoomba - The largest and most visited town in the Blue Mountains, with Echo Point, Scenic World, and shopping. Known for its artsy, hippie population.

Upper Mountains

• -33.666667 150.28333 7 Medlow Bath – the home of the Hydro-Majestic, and its sweeping views along the Megalong Valley
• -33.6311 150.2911 8 Blackheath – genuinely pretty mountain town, surrounded by parks and scenic walks.
• -33.5833 150.25 9 Mount Victoria – the highest point of the mountains.
• -33.500833 150.394722 10 Bell and Mount Wilson – two small towns 14 km apart, one home to the area's train station and an important road tripoint, the other is home to the several privately-run botanic gardens known for their impressive autumn colours.
• -33.483333 150.15 11 Lithgow (including Zig Zag) – the end of the Blue Mountains region. A mining & train town, close by to the Zig Zag historical railway.
• -33.481667 150.034444 13 Rydal – small country railway town, primarily visited for its agricultural and daffodil show.
• -33.5167 149.917 14 Tarana – at the crossroads of the Main Western and Oberon railway lines.

Oberon Council

• -33.716667 149.866667 15 Oberon – well-renowned for its autumn colours.

Other destinations

The Blue Mountains range is most famous for its national parks and other sites of natural beauty:

• -33.967778 150.304167 1 Blue Mountains National Park – the state's most visited national park.
• -33.937778 150.090833 2 Kanangra-Boyd National Park – known for the Kanangra Walls.
• -33.8167 150.0333 3 Jenolan Caves – the world's oldest cave network.
• -33.154619 150.040969 4 Gardens of Stone National Park – known for the Newnes Plateau Cliffs, which are very similar to many of the other cliffs but rather quiet and hidden.
• -32.998333 150.334444 5 Wollemi National Park – contains dinosaur-era trees.

The Blue Mountains have been inhabited for several thousand years by the Gundungurra people.

The European settlers found that the Blue Mountains cliffs were sufficiently challenging to prevent explorers from penetrating the inland of New South Wales from Sydney for some time. Attempts to cross the mountains began in the very early 1800s and it was not until 1813 when Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson found a way across the mountains by following the ridges rather than the watercourses.

Once the route was found, roads, railway and development followed rapidly. The roads and railways today follow almost exactly the route taken by the original explorers. A visit to many of the scenic vistas, cliffs and waterfalls in the mountains will give you some appreciation of the challenges anyone would face trying to follow the rivers and creeks across the mountains.

The mountains are a major weekend destination for Sydneysiders, but also have a passionate local community. Making your way up involves passing through many villages and towns.

The lower villages are almost an extension of the Sydney urban area, but the higher you go the more a mountain way of life becomes evident.

Locals of the Blue Mountains tend to be retirees, folks looking for an alternative lifestyle, including a large and active gay and lesbian community, artists (including, in the past, the infamous Norman Lindsay) and people who want to get back to nature.

There are also the Gundungurra Aboriginal people, who are now represented by the Gundungurra Tribal Council Aboriginal Corporation, based in Katoomba. It is a not for profit organisation representing the Gundungurra traditional owners, promoting heritage and culture and providing a support for Gundungurra people connecting back to Country.

The Blue Mountains locals have resisted much development - you'll only find one fast food restaurant between Glenbrook and Lithgow.

If you stay long enough to get to know the place, you'll find an interesting mix of 1860, 1960 and last year.

The temperature is usually a few degrees cooler in the mountains, but it can be up to 10°C colder than on the coast during the day, and drop even further overnight. There is probably only one or two days of snow every one or two years, but there are many more winters days where it feels like it might snow!

If you're in Sydney for a week or so, and planning a day trip to the mountains, it pays to check the weather forecast for each region before deciding which day to travel. A hot day in Sydney can make the mountains a pleasant escape, and coastal showers in Sydney can also see the mountains still dry and sunny. However, cold winter rainy days can see mountain views completely obscured by fog for the entire day – sometimes this adds mood and atmosphere, but more often than not, it can act as a hinderance.

Orientation

The main visitor district of the mountains centres around Katoomba, with Echo Point (Three Sisters), Scenic World, Wentworth Falls and Leura all within a few kilometres each direction. The towns of Blackheath and Mount Victoria are smaller tourist centres in their own right, only around 15 minutes drive from Katoomba. Jenolan Caves are a significant distance further, over an hour to drive from Katoomba.

Travellers visiting Sydney are often faced with the dilemma of how to best get to the mountains to spend a day or a couple of days. It is quite possible to visit for a day, and to see many of the main sights.

The closest airport is Sydney Airport .

Take the M4 out of Sydney, then continue as the M4 becomes the Great Western Highway (A32) on Lapstone Hill. Sydney to Katoomba is 103 km and takes about one hour and fifty minutes in good traffic.

Renting a car from Sydney to spend a day or two in the mountains is a popular option for visitors to Sydney, however an issue often encountered by people staying in the CBD is that car rental companies along the city strip generally close before 6PM, and can have queues when they open at 9am. This can make for a very short day in the mountains. The alternative is paying for an extra days car hire, and for overnight parking in the city for two nights, which can add considerably to the cost.

Trains run every hour (or half hour during peak periods) to the Blue Mountains from Sydney Central, and can also connect at major stations along the way, including Strathfield , Parramatta and Blacktown . Standard trains are used with no seating reservations. Trains run every hour or so as far as Mount Victoria and usually every second one will proceed to Lithgow . While the train will get you to the mountains, you need to determine how to get around when you get there, as there are a number of locations that you won't be able to reach without a car. That said, most of the main towns in the Blue Mountains are linked together by the rail line, and the prime tourist spots are walkable or accessible by visitor friendly bus services. See how to Get around below.

Many tour companies operate single- or multi-day tours up to the Blue Mountains from Sydney . A number of companies operate chartered tours that offer tour guides and coaches with modern facilities such as toilets and air conditioning. Expect a rushed trip, to take in all the sights and the usual wildlife park stop on the way.

Blue Mountains Transit operates bus route 690P from Penrith to Springwood.

Once you get up the mountains, it is easy to get around the mountains by car, and congestion or parking is generally not a problem. Popular car parks like Wentworth Falls can fill on summer weekends, but travel on the street until you find an available spot. The Great Western Highway (A32) crosses the Mountains east to west, and most places aren't far from it. Expect to pay for parking at Echo Point (The Three Sisters) at $8 per hour, but everywhere else is free of charge. There are large free multi-storey parking lots at Scenic World. if you are going to Scenic World and Echo Point, then park at Scenic World, and walk from the Skyway east station to echo point, to save the drive and parking costs.

• Local Car Rental is available in Katoomba from Hertz . You pay a premium to hire in the mountains - but after considering the additional fuel, car parking in Sydney, and inconvenient opening times, you may still end up ahead.

By public bus

Blue Mountains Transit operates public bus services in the mountains under a service contract to the state government. Their routes are extensive, but can be infrequent - especially on weekends. Check the timetables before deciding to get around the mountains by public bus.

The most useful bus is the 686, that runs between Katoomba station, Echo Point, and scenic world every 30 minutes. This route is actually the same bus as the express trolley , that forms part of the Trolley Tours Hop-on Hop-off service. It is a real bus, just painted on the outside to resemble a trolley. Other useful buses are the 685 Wentworth Falls Katoomba loop that will take you near to Wentworth Falls.

All the Blue Mountains public buses use the same tickets and ticketing structure as Sydney. You can pay cash fares or use an Opal Card.

If you are taking the train from Sydney for the day and using an Opal Card, you'll probably already have hit your day-cap, and using the public buses in the mountains comes at no incremental cost.

Bus route 690K is also a useful bus for people who want to see the scenic mountains. It goes from Springwood to Katoomba. There are 38 services a week departing from Springwood train station and arriving at the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba.

By Blue Mountains Explorer bus

The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus consists of two routes: A Katoomba - Leura circuit, that is similar to route 686 bus above, and a second longer route, which includes some areas more remote from Leura station. Many of the stops in both routes are close to a number of the hotels in the Upper Blue Mountains region.

Opal cards are not valid on these services. You can buy tickets just for the bus for $55 that includes travel for one calendar day, or online.

If travelling between towns in the mountains (like from Katoomba to Leura, Blackheath, Medlow Bath, or Mount Victoria), train is also available. Trains generally run every hour or so east of Mount Victoria, more frequently during peak times.

If you are travelling by train and wish to have a mountains experience around Katoomba, you can walk in about 30 minutes to Echo Point, then descend the Giant Staircase at the Three Sisters, walk along the valley floor to Scenic World, come back up the Scenic Railway, then walk along the top of the cliff back towards Echo Point, and then back to Katoomba.

Wentworth Falls is about an hours walk along the Charles Darwin Walk from Wentworth Falls station, however if you can skip this part and allow more time to do the National Pass walk that is more worthwhile. (The National Pass is closed due to rockfall risk).

If you are without a car, taxi is a good option to see worthwhile destinations like Wentworth Falls and Leura Cascades that are away from the stations.

• -33.732 150.312 1 Echo Point . The most popular attraction near Katoomba , a major lookout with incredible views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters . There's also an information centre here with displays about the environment of the area, so its a good place to start your visit to the mountains. Maps and souvenirs available for sale. Come back at night to see the area lit up. There is an easy walk down to a bridge where you can walk to the base of the sisters. Free, but parking close to the point is expensive . ( updated Nov 2017 )
• -33.628 150.315 2 Govett's Leap . A lookout at Blackheath with fantastic views over the Grose Valley. A number of walking tracks around the edge of the escarpment start here ( updated Nov 2017 )
• Cliff Drive , around Katoomba and Leura has many pull-offs for admiring the view.
• -33.728 150.374 4 Wentworth Falls . ( updated Nov 2017 )

Attractions

• Watch a IMAX movie at The Edge Cinema in Katoomba - its giant screen has somewhat regular showings of 'The Edge Movie', which is a documentary about the Blue Mountains, but check times on their website first, to make sure they aren't showing the latest Disney feature when you plan to visit. The cinema is about 10 minutes walk from Katoomba Station, the other direction from Echo Point.
• In the more residential lower Mountains commuter belt, there are a couple of mildly interesting tourist sites at Faulconbridge - the Corridor of Oaks , which has oak trees planted by many Australian Prime Ministers, and Sir Henry Parkes' Grave , the final resting place of a man considered to be the 'Father of Federation'.
• Megalong Australian Heritage Farm , 1 Megalong Road, Megalong Valley ( 30 Minutes from Katoomba ), ☏ +61 47 878 188 . 9AM-5PM . A unique venue offering rural experiences. Set in 2000 acres the venue has a restaurant, horse riding, 4WD, bushwalking, children's petting farm, wilderness camping sites and B&B accommodation.  
• Writes of Passage Retreats , 7 Seventh Avenue Katoomba +61 402 959 946 A boutique retreat centre to stay or day visit for tarot readings, astrology/numerology readings, art therapy and other self-development activities.

There are literally hundreds of walking opportunities in the mountains, from short 1 km trips to lookouts, to multi-day walks, and the famous Six Foot Track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. They will have all the details at the visitor information at Echo Point, and online.

Do check for track closures before setting out on the national parks website. Closures are becoming more common, in an increasingly risk-averse environment.

• The Giant Stairway descends to the bottom of the Jamison Valley, right next to the Three Sisters at Echo Point. You can walk along the base of the valley for around 2 km to get to Scenic World, at take the Scenic Railway back up the hill. From here you can walk to 2 km back along the top of the cliff, by following the Price Henry Cliff Walk back to Echo Point, via Katoomba Falls. There is food and drink at Echo Point, at Scenic World, and at a kiosk along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The track is well marked, (you will see the signs to Scenic Railway) and well traversed, so you don't need to be too prepared to do this one. If you are driving, then consider parking at Scenic World, and doing the Prince Henry Walk first, that way you can avoid the parking charges at Echo Point. If you want to test your fitness, go down the scenic railway, and then up the thousand steps.
• National Pass Trail at Wentworth Falls opened originally over 100 years ago. Running along the cliff line at Wentworth Falls, and not as steep as it may sound, it can be conquered as a challenge by someone of average fitness. There is about 3 hours of walking in all. If you choose to only do a section of the walk be aware that but the steep sections are at the very beginning and end of the track, with the centre being largely level along the cliff line. It really is best to plan to do the entire length of the walk if you can. The shortcut track at the top of the cliff will get you back to the start in only 30 minutes or so. Many sections of the walk are fenced, but many steep sections are not. If you are travelling with young children, then you may not be comfortable on sections of this walk. The walk is closed due to risk of rock fall (2017).
• Faulconbridge Point Lookout/Grose River.
• Govett's Leap.
• To get away from the crowds in "scenic" Katoomba, get a bus (or taxi) to Leura falls, and walk down the steps to the wedding veil falls and along Federal Pass - a fantastic walk, not too hard, and loads of wildlife!

Mountain bike

• Ride the Oaks Trail on your mountain bike. This is a classic mountain ride, through bushland fire trail well away from the highway. It goes from Woodford to Lapstone, almost all downhill. You can get the train from Lapstone back up the hill to the start.
• Ride on one of the scenic rides into the Jamison Valley from Katoomba.

There are many accommodation options in the mountains, including resorts, bed and breakfasts (popular, but can be expensive, especially on weekends), guest houses, motels, pubs (many have been gentrified, but not all) and camping.

Listings can be found in city pages.

People have died when they have lost the trail while bushwalking in the Blue Mountains. There is a large variation in the signposting and difficulty of walks. Know your limits, and check with visitor information. Also note that getting lost is easy to do and can prove fatal.

There are a number of walks you can take in the mountains to experience them, where the tracks are well marked and well traversed. You can walk from Echo Point to the Scenic Railway, down the steps at the Three Sisters, and take the Scenic Railway back to the top. You can also walk the National Pass walk. These walks have some mobile reception, and you will have no problem following the tracks and signs if you are careful. However, even on the cliff walks near civilisation some places do not have any mobile phone coverage whatsoever. There are shorter walks at Echo Point too. Check at visitor information.

Personal locator beacons are available free of charge from Katoomba Police when undertaking more remote walks. Always let someone you trust know your route, and when you will be back. Take a mobile phone (not always in range) and a GPS.

Some cliff edges are unfenced. Cliff edges near creeks and water may be slippery, and losing your footing can prove fatal.

Although the Blue Mountains are a large nature reserve, the wildlife is not particularly dangerous. However, if you see snakes on the path, stay clear until they move away. Don't disturb rocks and branches with your bare hands for spiders and insects.

• Tour the show caves at Jenolan Caves . Note that this is quite a long way from the Blue Mountains proper, and is probably a full day affair. If you don't have a car, you'll need to join a bus tour.
• West to Oberon or the historic gold rush towns of Bathurst and Sofala

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Blue Mountains 1-Day Itinerary: the complete guide

In this article, based on my recent visit, I have put together a detailed 1-Day itinerary for visiting the Blue Mountains. If your schedule permits, you can also expand this itinerary into a multi-day holiday with additional walking trails and attractions around the Blue Mountains (as mentioned in the itinerary below).

Tips: The Blue Mountains is one of Sydney’s most popular weekend destinations. To avoid the crowd, try to plan your visit on weekdays and outside of school holidays.

How to Get to the Blue Mountains

Since the Blue Mountains National Park is only a 90-minute drive from Sydney , many visitors visit the Blue Mountains by car for convenience. With that said, public transport is also a great option when visiting the Blue Mountains from Sydney.

Visit the Blue Mountains By Car

Katoomba is a major town in the Blue Mountains, and it is also the first stop for many visitors visiting the Blue Mountains National Park. Located 100 kilometres west of Sydney, Katoomba is a 90-minute drive from Sydney CBD via toll roads . If you are trying to avoid using toll roads, it will usually add around 30 minutes in a one-way commute.

Once you have driven past Woodford, the drive tends to get very scenic, with lush green mountain tops and picturesque villages. You may also wish to check out the charming little town of Leura before arriving at the buzzing Katoomba. From Katoomba, most walking tracks and lookouts are typically only a short drive away.

Visit the Blue Mountains by Public Transport

If driving is out of your consideration, you can still easily visit the Blue Mountains from Sydney via public transport.

Blue Mountains Line is a train service between Sydney and the Blue Mountains. It only takes 2 hours for a one-way ride between Sydney Central Station and Katoomba & stops at popular attractions, such as Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Blackheath. With regular departures and extended operating hours, the train service between Sydney and Katoomba is undoubtedly very convenient for people visiting the Blue Mountains.

You can pay for the train rides using an Opal Card or a credit/debit card (contactless payment option required). A train ride between Sydney and Katoomba is currently AUD 9.31 during peak hours & AUD 6.51 off-peak (February 2023). This makes it very affordable to visit the Blue Mountains instead of car hire.

Once you have arrived at Katoomba (or Leura, if preferred), you can take a local bus to popular attractions, such as Echo Point Lookout, Katoomba Falls, and Scenic World.

Where to Park in the Blue Mountains

Since Echo Point Lookout is undoubtedly the most famous and popular attraction in the Blue Mountains, parking at Echo Point Lookout comes at a cost. I remember it was around AUD 4 per hour to park at Echo Point Lookout when I visited. Free off-street parking was available on nearby side streets, but most have a time limit. If you are only planning to visit the lookout, it should be fine, but if you are considering a hike from Echo Point, you may need to find an alternative parking option.

From my experience, the best parking option was at Scenic World , where I found plenty of suitable free parking spots. The only thing to note is this car park closes at 7 pm daily, so you will need to make sure your car is out of the gate before 7 pm.

Alternatively, you can also find free parking spots at Katoomba Falls Reserve . It is also within walking distance of Echo Point Lookout, Katoomba Falls, Scenic World, and various walking tracks.

Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains

Scenic World Discovery Pass

The cost of a Scenic World Discovery Pass is AUD 49.9 per adult (February 2023). You can take these rides as many times as you wish throughout the day. It is an excellent addition to a scenic trip to the Blue Mountains & can also save you some walking time between certain attractions.

My favourite part of using the Scenic World Discovery Pass is taking the Scenic Skywalk across Jamison Valley. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush green rainforest and sandstone cliff face of the Blue Mountains . It also offers a full view of the cascading Katoomba Falls , which is only visible via Scenic Skyway or helicopter rides. This view of Katoomba Falls alone is already well worth the cost of a Discovery Pass.

Since I visited the Blue Mountains with a Scenic World Discovery Pass, this Blue Mountains day trip itinerary will include the use of the Scenic Walkway, Railway, and Cableway. If you are not interested in obtaining a Discovery Pass, you can also reach all the attractions on this itinerary by walking or by car.

Blue Mountains 1-Day Itinerary

To get the most out of your Blue Mountains day trip, leave Sydney early in the morning so you can have more time to explore the Blue Mountains. If possible, try to leave Sydney before 7 am . This is especially true if you are driving to the Blue Mountains.

Katoomba is a charming country town located in the heart of the Blue Mountains. It is also only a short drive away from many Blue Mountains landmarks , such as Echo Point Lookout, Katoomba Falls, and Wentworth Falls.

As the largest township in the Blue Mountains and a busy tourist town, you can find a range of shops and restaurants in Katoomba, especially along its buzzing main street, Katoomba Street. There are also a few interesting antique stores along Katoomba Street, which can be great fun to check out.

With many delicious bakeries and cafes along Katoomba Street, make sure you grab a coffee and a bite in Katoomba before heading into Blue Mountain National Park. You can also find Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI here in Katoomba if you need to stock up on water and snacks before the hike.

Scenic World

Scenic World is not an attraction but a vital transiting hub when visiting the Blue Mountains with a Scenic World Discovery Pass. Although a Scenic World Discovery Pass is optional when visiting the Blue Mountains, I highly recommend it to any first-time visitors.

Scenic World makes a great spot to park your car before exploring the surrounding walking tracks. It is also an excellent place to recharge after a long hike with its well-maintained amenity rooms and cafe . Storage lockers are available at Scenic World, which can be handy if you want to offload some baggage before your hike.

Within Scenic World, visitors can find a couple of lookout platforms overlooking the beautiful Jamison Valley. Make sure you check them out as well when in Scenic World.

Cliff View Lookout

From Scenic World, you will board Australia’s highest cable car, Scenic Skyway , to glide over the stunning Jamison Valley to reach Cliff View Lookout, on the opposite side of Jamison Valley.

Scenic Skyway is a 720 metres journey across Jamison Valley. It provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the lush green Jamison Valley, the sheer cliffs of Mount Solitary, the steep cascading Katoomba Falls, and the Blue Mountains’ most famous landmark, Three Sisters Rock . Hanging at 270 metres in the sky, you can also admire Jamison Valley’s rainforest canopy through Scenic Skyway’s glass cabin floor .

A oneway ride along the Scenic Skyway only takes around 5 minutes , but you can take the ride back and forth as many times throughout the day with your Discovery Pass. The Scenic Skyway is also wheelchair and pram accessible , so it can be an excellent option for everyone to gain a breathtaking view of the Blue Mountains’ best landmarks.

Once you have arrived at Scenic Skyway’s East Station, Cliff View Lookout will be easily located just beneath the station platform. If you are visiting without a Scenic World Discovery Pass, you can walk over to Cliff View Lookout from the Scenic World via Prince Henry Cliff Walk . Along this walk, you can also find some platforms overlooking Jamison Valley (covered later in this article). This walk takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your fitness level.

Located just below the Skyway station building, Cliff View Lookout offers another peak of the Jamison Valley and a great lookout platform to watch the Scenic Skyway gliding through Jamison Valley. From Cliff Point Lookout west, you can follow Prince Henry Cliff Walk to visit Katoomba Falls up close and back to Scenic World. From Cliff Point Lookout east, you can follow Prince Henry Cliff Walk to visit Echo Point Lookout and beyond.

For this itinerary, we will head east along Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Cliff Point Lookout to check out the views at Lady Darley’s Lookout before arriving at the famous Echo Point Lookout . This walk will likely take around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on fitness level.

Echo Point Lookout

Echo Point Lookout is the most famous and popular vantage point in the Blue Mountains. It is not hard to tell why.

From Echo Point Lookout, you will have an unobstructed view of the expansive Jamison Valley and beyond, with the iconic Three Sisters Rock nestled on your left. The views from here are simply awe-inspiring and mesmerising. It is undoubtedly a must-visit spot in the Blue Mountains.

Since Echo Point Lookout is often populated with visitors, it can get crowded during peak visiting hours. However, there is another lookout only a few minutes east, Spooner Lookout . It can be accessed from just behind the visitor centre & can be a great alternative if you are after a more private view.

Echo Point Lookout is the starting point of various walking tracks. You can continue along Prince Henry Cliff Walk to check out Leura Cascade or head down the Giant Stairway for a selection of walking trails within Jamison Valley.

For this itinerary, we will head down to the Giant Stairway to admire the Three Sisters up close and explore the Jamison Valley through its beautiful walking trails . Make sure you use the restrooms at Echo Point Lookout before continuing with this itinerary, as it will be the last one you see before arriving at Katoomba Falls Reserve or Scenic World.

Three Sisters

From Echo Point Lookout, there is a short 10-15 minute track, the Three Sisters Walk , for visitors to get an intimate view of the Three Sisters at Honeymoon Bridge. Although not a flat walk and with some stairs towards the end, the Three Sisters Walk is relatively easy and should be suited to most visitors .

The Three Sisters are three adjacent towering sandstone formations standing above 900 metres tall in the beautiful Jamison Valley. Apart from how spectacular they appear, they are also significant to the local Aboriginal culture.

Honeymoon Bridge is a wooden bridge connecting the end of Three Sisters Walk to the first of the Three Sisters for a unique view of these iconic sandstone formations . However, due to natural erosion and overuse, access to the Three Sisters via Honeymoon Bridge was already closed when I visited in October 2022. With that said, the views of the Three Sisters were still quite impressive, even without getting onto the bridge. I highly suggest you check it out as well.

Giant Stairway

From Honeymoon Bridge, we will continue our descent to the floor of Jamison Valley via the Giant Stairway.

The Giant Stairway is a set of over 900 metal and stone steps carved into a rocky cliff face , connecting the Three Sisters Walk to the floor of Jamison Valley. Along the sharp descent of Giant Stairway, you can also obtain some spectacular views of the Three Sisters and the impressive Jamison Valley .

Although named the Giant Stairway, the steps along this walk are certainly not giant in width. These steps are very narrow, making them very difficult to climb . Since the Giant Stairway was initially completed almost 100 years ago, some stone steps have gotten quite slippery, especially when wet , making them even harder to climb. So make sure you are wearing the correct attire on this day trip.

With that said, the Giant Stairway is easier to climb than many people might have thought . As long as you don’t have many health issues affecting your mobility or exercise tolerance, most visitors should be ok. Just make sure you take as many breaks as needed to recuperate.

For me, a one-way descending walk only took about 25 minutes , with breaks here and there. I did not head back up from the same route, but it definitely will be harder to climb back up to Echo Point from the base of the Giant Stairway. FYI: I’m female with an average fitness level.

Federal Pass

From the base of the Giant Stairway, you can then join the Federal Pass to head back to Scenic World. For many people, this track is also a great way out of the misery of climbing back up via the Giant Stairway .

Federal Pass is a relatively easy track, tucked at the base of the Three Sisters and the rocky cliffs along Jamison Valley. With winding creeks and beautiful waterfalls along the walk, it is a very scenic break after your sharp descent via the Giant Stairway.

Towards the last 10-15 minutes walk along Federal Pass, you will cross a metal bridge located at the base of Katoomba Falls . Since Katoomba Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall, you will not be able to view the entire fall from this angle, but it is still a beautiful place to take a quick break to admire this nature’s masterpiece.

Not long after you have walked past Katoomba Falls, you will come to an intersection where you can decide if you wish to hike back up to Scenic Skyway East Station by walking up Furber Steps or head over to Scenic World Railway Station at the base of Jamison Valley .

For people opposed to climbing up another set of stairs, taking the short walk to Scenic World Railway Station can be your best bet. From Scenic World Railway Station, you can either take the world’s steepest passenger train back to Scenic World or check out the Scenic Walkway before taking a Scenic Cableway back to Scenic World. The walk along Federal Pass between the base of the Giant Stairway and Scenic World Railway Bottom Station only takes less than 1 hour , in my experience, and it should be well-tolerated by most visitors.

If you still have some energy left, I highly suggest taking Furber Steps to head back to Scenic World instead. Furber Steps is a set of 900-plus steps connecting the floor of Jamison Valley to Round Walk and Prince Henry Cliff Walk along the clifftop. Although it will be a heart-pumping climb, you will find many breathtaking vantage points along the walk to view the mesmerising Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley.

For this itinerary, we will take the scenic walk along Furber Steps to Katoomba Cascades and Scenic Skyway East Station before taking the Skyway back to Scenic World.

Katoomba Falls

Katoomba Falls is a picturesque cascading waterfall between Echo Point and Scenic World. It starts from the beautiful Katoomba Cascades before plunging deep into Jamison Valley and becoming a majestic waterfall.

During your walk along Furber Steps , there will be various lookouts to view Katoomba Falls from many angles. Along the clifftop, you can also obtain a bird’s eye view of Katoomba Falls via different lookouts along Round Walk and Prince Henry Cliff Walk . However, due to its long drop, it is impossible to get a full view of Katoomba Falls on land, so be sure to check out the spectacular view of Katoomba Falls during your ride along the Scenic Skyway .

With that said, the various lookouts along the clifftop are still worth checking out for a different perspective of the Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley. Make sure you also check out the beautiful Katoomba Cascades along Prince Henry Cliff Walk .

Scenic Walkway

After returning to Scenic World via Scenic Skyway, we will take full advantage of the Scenic World Discovery Pass to check out the exclusive Scenic Walkway.

Scenic Walkway is an elevated boardwalk in a moss-covered rainforest on the floor of Jamison Valley , between the bottom station of Scenic Railway and Scenic Cableway. Home to a range of ancient native flora and fauna, this flat boardwalk makes a perfect stroll for all ages to enjoy.

Among the different walking tracks on Scenic Walkway, you can spend as little as 10 minutes or up to 1 hour along the Scenic Walkway. Make sure you have used the restrooms at Scenic World before heading down via either Scenic Railway or Scenic Cableway, as there are no restroom facilities within the valley .

Since both Scenic Railway and Scenic Cableway can take you between Scenic World and Scenic Skywalk, it is up to you to decide how to get to and from the Scenic Walkway. I suggest heading down to Scenic Walkway via the Scenic Railway, for some adrenaline kick, before catching Scenic Cableway to ascend back to Scenic World with a thrilling view of the Orphan Rock .

Leura is one of the most beautiful townships in the Blue Mountains. Located just outside the Blue Mountains National Park and adjacent to Katoomba, Leura is a convenient spot to stop by & grab a bite after a long hike within the national park.

Leura is home to a range of delightful cool-climate gardens , which are even more stunning during the Spring months . Its main street, Leura Mall , is super picturesque, with a middle strip lined with beautiful cherry trees, which come to full blooms around mid-September and early October each year.

Along Leura Mall, you can locate a range of popular eateries offering numerous fabulous food options. There are also a few interesting boutique shops along Leura Mall for visitors to enjoy some retail therapy after a long hike.

Not far from Leura Mall, visitors can enjoy some impressive views of Jamison Valley via various lookouts along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. A range of walking tracks is also available near Leura, such as the Pool of Siloam. These lookouts and walking trails will make an excellent itinerary if you have an additional day to explore the Blue Mountains.

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls is a spectacular 3-tiered waterfall with a drop of 187 metres . It is a short drive from Katoomba & can be easily accessed by bus from Katoomba or Leura.

Right next to the parking lot for Wentworth Falls, visitors can easily find an impressive lookout platform, Jamison Lookout , offering a breathtaking view of the expansive Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary. Just a short 5-minute walk along a flat paved footpath from Jamison Lookout, you will find another superb lookout, Wentworth Falls Lookout , for a magnificent view of Wentworth Falls.

If interested, make sure you follow one of the walking tracks near the car park to check out Wentworth Falls up close.

For the best views, I recommend you check out Fletchers Lookout , a cliff-edge lookout with a good view of Wentworth Falls from above. A return walk between the car park and Fletchers Lookouts takes about 40 minutes on average.

If you prefer a shorter and easier walk, try to check out Princes Rock Lookout instead. With an easy 20-minute return walk from the car park, you can obtain a full view of the spectacular Wentworth Falls at the Princes Rock Lookout.

Longer and more challenging walks are available around Wentworth Falls if you have enough time and are up for the challenge. But you will likely need another day in the Blue Mountains to complete these walks.

Alternative Blue Mountains Day Trip Options

The Blue Mountains is home to many walking tracks and scenic lookouts. Visitors can also find numerous unique restaurants and cafes within the Blue Mountains. Hence, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Blue Mountains.

Another alternative is to join a Guided Blue Mountains Tour , so you can pick the trip you prefer and let someone else organise everything for you. Here is a list of these tours, which you may find interesting.

• For a Guided Blue Mountains Tour to see all its highlights: Blue Mountains Ultimate One-Day Tour .
• Enjoy a Private Guided Tour of the Blue Mountains : Private Blue Mountains and Wildlife Park Tour .
• Explore the Blue Mountains with a Mountain Bike : Blue Labyrinth Tour .
• Enjoy food, wine, and beer tastings in the Blue Mountains: Blue Mountains Local Produce Tasting Experience .
• Learn local Aboriginal culture while exploring the highlights of the Blue Mountains: Blue Mountains Tour from Sydney with an Aboriginal Experience .
• Marvel at the Blue Mountains’ spectacular sky after dark : Stargazing with an Astrophysicist in the Blue Mountains .

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Get Away Completely

Georgia's blue ridge, tourism and community website of the fannin county chamber & cvb.

Luxury mountain cabins, stunning views, hiking trails, waterfalls, wineries and craft breweries, galleries, shops and friendly people.

If you live anywhere in the southeast, you're within driving distance of Blue Ridge, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 on the Georgia-Tennessee-North Carolina line.

With 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest , 300 miles of hiking trails , the start of the Appalachian Trail and 100 miles of trout streams , Blue Ridge is the perfect place for a romantic getaway , family vacation , mountain vacation home, retirement or new location for your business. There are so many things to do in Blue Ridge GA!

Blue Ridge was recognized by Southern Living Magazine as one of the 2022 South’s Best Mountain Towns . Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, following the Toccoa River to the town of McCaysville. Sample craft breweries, wineries , surprisingly upscale shops , galleries and restaurants . Hike to a local waterfall, tube or kayak the Toccoa River or go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. Or just relax and take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Explore the Towns of Blue Ridge, McCaysville, & the Copper Basin

You will fall in love with the mountain towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville . Blue Ridge was once considered an elite health resort because of its pure mineral waters. It was established as a railroad town, with the depot at its heart. Visitors would ride the train to town, eat dinner and take a leisurely walk to the mineral springs after dinner. Today, visitors still ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and take a walk along Main Street, enjoying the antique and specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, small town atmosphere and friendly people. A river runs through the quaint town of McCaysville, twin city with Copperhill, Tennessee. Stand in both states at one time at the Blue Line, which marks the spot where Georgia ends and Tennessee begins.

5 Hikes Under 5 Miles in Georgia’s Blue Ridge

There are a multitude of long day-hike trails in Blue Ridge, but if you want just a touch of Mother Nature’s beauty before you hop aboard the train or head into downtown for dinner then these five hikes under five miles are your best bet.

Stay in Georgia's Blue Ridge

Georgia's Blue Ridge is only 90 miles north of Atlanta, but a million miles away from it all. The area is filled with wonderful options for a romantic getaway for two, a family vacation, girlfriends getaway, guy's fishing trip, family reunion, business retreat - the list goes on and on. There is a perfect cabin, luxury vacation home, hotel or bed and breakfast waiting for you here. Choices include lodging with stunning mountain views, creekside retreats, riverfront fishing lodges, cabins on the lake, quaint bed and breakfasts, cozy or luxury cabin rentals, resorts, lodges, hotels and campgrounds.

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April 27th, 2024, in Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $10.00 at the gate, kids…

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Discover the Top 10 Things to do

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Upcoming Events in the Area

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Jun 6 — Jun 30

Wine Tasting at 34th Degree Wine Merchant 146 Depot St, Suite 101 Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Wine Tasting at 34th Degree Wine Merchant

146 Depot St, Suite 101 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 946-3434

Jun 6 — Jun 16

Swan Drive-in ~ Double Feature - Grease & Footloose! 651 Summit Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Swan Drive-in ~ Double Feature — Grease & Footloose!

651 Summit Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-5235

Blueberry U-Pick at Mercier Orchards 8660 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513

Blueberry U‑Pick at Mercier Orchards

8660 Blue Ridge Drive Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513 (706) 632-3411

Jun 6 — Jun 9

Live Music & Food Truck ~ Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery 2281 Tennis Court Road Blue Ridge, GA GA

Live Music & Food Truck ~ Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery

2281 Tennis Court Road Blue Ridge, GA GA (706) 223-3750

Jun 6 — Jun 28

Live Music & Events ~ Tipping Point Brewing Co. 322 W Main St Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Live Music & Events ~ Tipping Point Brewing Co.

322 W Main St Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Jun 6 — Jul 6

2024 World Collage Day - Blue Ridge Mountain's Arts Association 420 W Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513

2024 World Collage Day — Blue Ridge Mountain’s Arts Association

420 W Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-2144

Live Music at The Vine and Eatery 632 East Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Live Music at The Vine and Eatery

632 East Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 946-8463

Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards 5704 Clear Creek Road Ellijay, GA 30536

Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards

5704 Clear Creek Road Ellijay, GA 30536 (706) 698-9463

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The 10 Best Campgrounds in North Carolina to Visit

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

Camping in North Carolina is uniformly fantastic, from the coastal islands and the rolling hills of the Piedmont to the high-flying peaks of the Western NC mountains .

North Carolina is home to 3 massive national forests and the 2 most visited national parks in the United States.

So many of the best NC campgrounds are located in (or near) some of the most popular places in the country.

Of course, the  NC state parks are also phenomenal, and some of the best campsites in North Carolina are in iconic places like Hanging Rock and Lake Norman.

Multiple towns offer beachfront campgrounds in North Carolina, and the lakeside camping opportunities in NC  are also primo.

But in our admittedly biased opinion, North Carolina camping is arguably at its best in the Blue Ridge Mountains .

As a longtime resident of the state and an ardent camping enthusiast, I’ve been exploring these places for years now. Read on for my list of the 10 Best Campgrounds in North Carolina!

READ MORE:  The 40 Best Camping Gifts and Hiking Gifts

  Places to Stay near North Carolina Campgrounds The Inn on Pamlico Sound (Buxton waterfront boutique hotel and restaurant) Carolina Beach Inn (Pet-friendly quiet boutique hotel walking distance to beach) Holiday Inn Express (Brevard hotel near Pisgah NF w/outdoor pool & breakfast) Folkestone Inn (near Deep Creek, excellent farm-themed chef driven B&B) Bees B&B (Mt Airy historic Victorian home w/ wonderful breakfast) Hyatt Place Chapel Hill (12 miles from Jordan Lake, upscale near UNC) Azalea Garden Inn (rustic rooms and a cozy cabin on Blowing Rock’s Main Street)  

10 Best Campgrounds in North Carolina Guide

• Cape Point Campground  (Cape Hatteras National Seashore)
• Carolina Beach State Park Campground  (Carolina Beach NC)
• Cheoah Point Campground  (Robbinsville NC)
• Davidson Campground  (Pisgah Forest NC)
• Deep Creek Campground  (Bryson City NC)
• Hanging Rock State Park  (Danbury NC)
• Jordan Lake State Park  (Pittsboro NC)
• Julian Price Memorial Park Campground  (Blowing Rock NC)
• Lake Norman State Park  (Troutman NC)
• Lake Powhattan Campground  (Asheville NC)

READ MORE: The 15 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains

1. Cape Point Campground (Cape Hatteras National Seashore)

46700 Lighthouse Road, Buxton NC • (252) 475-9018

Official Website

Cape Hatteras National Seashore has several campgrounds, but the Cape Point Campground is most centrally located to the attractions.

This campground is cozied between a huge maritime forest and rolling sand dunes. It’s just a short walk to the beach for some of the best surfing in the state and the best fishing on the coast.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (the tallest brick lighthouse in the USA) is less than 2 miles away. In the shadow of the lighthouse, The Museum of the Sea shares info about the Outer Banks’ history, both natural and otherwise.

Campsites at the Cape Point Campground include standard non-electric and tent-only non-electric sites.

Campground amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, showers, and paved parking/roads. There are also BBQ grills, a picnic area, and paved parking.

READ MORE:  The 10 Best Campgrounds in Virginia

2. Carolina Beach State Park Campground

1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach NC • (910) 458-7770

Campgrounds on the beach in North Carolina are a great way to visit on a budget and still make the most of these amazing places. Carolina Beach State Park is about 12 miles south of Wilmington NC, and it’s a super cool spot!

The park is home to the famous Venus flytrap, the massive Sugarloaf Dune, and 3 lime-sink ponds whose extremely unique ecosystems boast abundant (and rare) plant life.

Carolina Beach SP also has a marina that provides access to Cape Fear River and the Intercoastal Waterway, so it’s ideal for boaters and anglers.

All campsites here have fire rings with grills and picnic tables, and sites with electric hook-ups are available. The grounds have flush toilets, drinking water, and showers.

Within the park, there’s also a lounge area with Wi-Fi, a marina store, and a boat launch ramp.

READ MORE:  The 20 Best Lakes in North Carolina (Mountains, Coast & Beyond)

3. Cheoah Point Campground (Nantahala National Forest)

1373 Thunderbird Mountain Road, Robbinsville NC • (828) 479-6431

Located in Robbinsville NC , the Cheoah Point Campground is a personal favorite because it offers stunning views over a mountain lake and quick (walkable) access to a swimming beach with an impressive picnic shelter.

Additionally, this location puts you close to the  Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest , a 3,800-acre tract of old-growth forest with massive poplar trees. It’s an amazing hike, and a magical place a la the redwood forests of the West Coast.

All Cheoah Point campsites have the standard tent pad, fire ring and grill, and picnic table. Flush toilets and showers are available at the campground, as are standard electric sites for RVs.

This North Carolina campground is a loop on a peninsula jutting into Lake Santeetlah, and the sunsets are stunning over the lake.

If you’re looking for more luxury, check out the nearby Historic Topoco Lodge Resort , near the Tail of the Dragon.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Great Smoky Mountains Resorts in NC & TN

4. Davidson River Campground (Pisgah National Forest)

1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest NC • (828) 577-4558

The southern Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest is incredibly special to me because I’ve spent a lot of time there. When I visit, I always love camping at the  Davidson River Campground .

NC camping doesn’t get much nicer than this. It’s huge and family-friendly, but also wooded and cozy. It has a sweet swimming hole in the river and lots of choices for campsites, including full hook-ups and tent-only loops.

Davidson River Campground is close to the park Visitor Center, the Cradle of Forestry , and Looking Glass Falls.

Also nearby are popular trails like Pink Beds, Sliding Rock Falls, and tons of other waterfalls near Brevard NC . 

The town of Pisgah Forest is just a couple of miles away, right at the entrance to the forest, and tasty Brevard restaurants and breweries are less than 15 minutes away by car.

READ MORE:  The 20 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County

5. Deep Creek Campground (Great Smoky Mountain National Park)

1912 East Deep Creek Road, Bryson City NC • (828) 488-3184

Located in one of the most remarkable sections of Great Smoky Mountains National Park  and renowned for an amazing 3-waterfall hike, Deep Creek is a fantastic campground in  North   Carolina .

One of my personal Top 5 favorite NC waterfalls—Tom Branch Falls— is here, and the other two waterfalls on the main trail are Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls.

The Deep Creek section of GSMNP is only a few minutes outside of Bryson City , home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad . It’s also a short, 20-minute drive from Cherokee NC and the Oconoluftee Visitor Center .

This campground has flush toilets, drinking water, and sinks, but not showers.

As with most of these North Carolina campsites, they also have a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a tent pad. Non-electric RV sites are available as well.

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Great Smoky Mountains Campgrounds to Visit

6. Hanging Rock Campground (Hanging Rock State Park)

1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury NC • (336) 593-8480

Located 30 miles north of Winston-Salem and 28 miles southeast of  Mount Airy , Hanging Rock State Park is a longtime favorite getaway for locals.

It has great North Carolina hiking trails , a lake with a beach, and an impressive collection of waterfalls . It’s also one of many first-class NC State Park campgrounds.

The namesake feature of the park is a stunning rock outcropping that requires a great moderate-level hike (ideally with good hiking shoes ) to reach, and an awe-inspiring place to have a picnic.

Other attractions at the park include 20+ miles of hiking trails, as well as mountain bike and horseback riding trails. It also has a small lake and access to the Dan River for boating, fishing, and river tubing .

This campground is a bit beyond typical North Carolina state campgrounds, with several cabins available for let. Warm showers are also available, and seasonal concessions are open in Summer at the lakeside beach.

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7. Parkers Creek Campground (Jordan Lake State Recreation Area)

Parkers Creek Recreation Road, Pittsboro NC • (919) 362-0586

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a huge local attraction for Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, with 1,000+ North Carolina camping sites to accommodate visitors from those cities.

With nearly 5,000 acres of lakeside woodlands and nearly 14,000 acres of lake, the area is beloved for its 15 miles of hiking trails, great paddling and swimming opportunities, and primetime fishing.

Jordan Lake is also one of the largest summertime nesting areas for Bald Eagles, so spotting the national bird is very common here.

Parkers Creek is one of three large campgrounds on the lake , with over 250 campsites spread between four different lakeside loops. There’s also a boat ramp in the campground.

The campground loops have trails linking them, and there’s even a children’s loop south of Loop 1.

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8. Julian Price Campground (Blue Ridge Parkway)

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock NC • (828) 963-5911

My wife Emma and I stayed here during our trip on the  Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall , and we were immediately smitten with this North Carolina campground and Julian Price Memorial Park .

This park has a magnificent mountain lake at its heart. So canoeing, kayaking , and paddleboarding are a huge draw, and equipment is for rent within walking distance from the campground.

The hiking trails at Julian Price are also great, with the most notable being the 5.5-mile Boone Fork Trail, which features awesome Western North Carolina waterfalls , rocky outcrops, and several types of forests.

Julian Price Campground has just under 200 sites, over half of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All offer conveniences like flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, and dump stations.

Julian Price Memorial Park is just a couple of miles away from Moses H. Cone Memorial Park , which is another must-see while visiting the NC High Country.

READ MORE:  The 13 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds to Visit

9. Lake Norman Campground (Lake Norman State Park)

759 State Park Road, Troutman NC • (704) 528-6350

As the largest city in the state, Charlotte NC may not inspire thoughts of camping. But there are several nice options an hour or so away from downtown.

Located just 40 miles north of Charlotte , the Lake Norman Campground is probably the top choice.

Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. It’s fed by the Catawba River and empties into yet another lake, offering over 500 miles of shoreline and over 50 square miles of surface area.

The state park is located at the northern end of the lake , offering over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, kayaks and paddleboards for rent, and a swimming area. It’s also home to over 25 Great Blue Heron nests!

Camping options there include tent sites, trailer sites, RV sites, and camper cabins that can sleep up to six people. The campground has flush toilets, hot showers, and shared potable water spigots.

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10. Lake Powhattan Campground (Pisgah National Forest)

375 Wesley Branch Road, Asheville NC • (828) 877-3265

A true Asheville campground in the  Pisgah National Forest , the Lake Powhattan Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the North Carolina mountains.

In addition to being on the lake, it’s adjacent to one of Asheville’s favorite hiking trails , the Hardtimes Loop. It’s surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in the Eastern US, close to numerous waterfalls , and concealed in dense forest.

The lake  has a sandy beach for swimming, and fishing is permitted. However, personal watercraft are not allowed on the water in order to protect the riparian ecosystem.

This campground has standard and tent-only non-electric sites, standard and RV electric sites, as well as 12 glamping tents.

Hendersonville NC is just 20 minutes away, as is Downtown Asheville  and the Sierra Nevada Brewery .  –by Jonathon Engels

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Jonathon Engels

After visiting North Carolina for the first time, Senior Writer Jonathon Engels and wife Emma spent 2 years exploring Western NC in search of a homestead property. They first lived in Brevard, where Jonathon taught writing at Blue Ridge Community College and extensively explored the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. For the last several years they have lived just off the BRP near Elkin, Southwest Virginia, and the NC High Country. The couple also volunteers with the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, the Elkin Valley Trail Association, and Reeves Downtown School of Music.

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Go deeper in the Blue Mountains Australia

The Three Sisters rock formations are famous the world over. But we’re so much more than that. With 26 villages scattered throughout World Heritage-listed wilderness – if you’re looking for something to do, just look a little deeper.

World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area is located within the Country of six first nations being the Darkinjung, Dharawal, Dharug, Gundungurra, Wonnarua and Wiradjuri Traditional Owners.

More than the mountains.

Events for all seasons.

Heritage hotels, B&Bs, campsites and enchanted treehouses.

Adventures above and below ground, indoors and outdoors.

Basement level cafés, secret wineries and fine dining restaurants.

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Visit blue mountains magazine, itineraries.

Breath Retreat

The retreat is aimed at looking at healing our wounded feminine and masculine aspects and includes two different styles of breathwork.It starts off with an active yang breath to help access the wounded masculine and end each day with a gentle loving yin breath to access the wounded feminine.This breathwork retreat is suitable for those new to breathwork as well as those who have experienced it alr...

Jetblack 24 Hour - Rydal NSW

Gear up for the ultimate test of endurance at the Jetblack 24 Hour mountain bike race, making its triumphant return to the stunning Seven Valleys region! Riders from across Australia will converge at Rydal Showground in Lithgow, gearing up to tackle the challenging trail network nestled in the picturesque Lidsdale State Forest.The centerpiece of this event is the renowned 24 Hour Solo competition,...

Oberon Outdoor Festival

This is a month-long festival with something for everyone from a teddy bears picnic for the small members of the community, to a fun run, sip and splash for the over 21's, redfin roundup fishing comp and a fossicking day out at burraga dam.

Oberon Chamber Music Festival

Welcome to the Oberon Chamber Music Festival and what better place to make music than the gorgeous Malachi Gilmore Hall, with its superb acoustics, in this peaceful and idyllic town of Oberon?This year’s program brings together world-class musicians, each of whom are greatly respected in their own right; by uniting them together to make chamber music in specially curated ensembles, an absolutely m...

Blue Mountains Artfest

Blue Mountains Artfest is an annual two day event on the second weekend in November every year. Blue Mountains Artfest celebrated it's 40th year in 2023 & will again be back in 2024!Celebrate local artists, crafters and community with the proceeds supporting Wentworth Falls Public School. Browse or buy original artworks, artisan markets, listen to live music and performances, including special per...

Blackheath Rhododendron Festival

The Blackheath village comes alive with the Grand Parade, market stalls, entertainment, activities and music for all the family at the Annual Rhododendron Festival.Other activities during November include the Rhodo Revue, Jazz at the Pub and the Campbell Rhododendron gardens are always open for inspection. Please visit the website for more information.

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Asheville Restoration Hotel Forest Bathing & Nature Therapy

• Redeemable: May 31, 2024 - December 31, 2025

Escape to Asheville’s Blue Ridge Mountains for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience: a guided forest bathing retreat. Led by a certified nature therapy guide, this 3-hour experience weaves together mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), and embodied nature connection. To book this package, call 855.568.6800.

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Discover How To Locate Your Jetblue Known Traveler Number

• Last updated Jun 02, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Are you tired of standing in long security lines at the airport? Do you wish there was a faster and more convenient way to get through airport security? JetBlue has the answer! With their Known Traveler program, you can skip the regular security lines and enjoy a smoother and more efficient experience. But first, you'll need to locate your JetBlue Known Traveler number. In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding your Known Traveler number so you can start taking advantage of this amazing perk. So buckle up and get ready to discover a whole new level of hassle-free travel with JetBlue!

What You'll Learn

Overview of jet blue known traveler program, step-by-step guide for locating your jet blue known traveler number, common issues and troubleshooting tips for finding your known traveler number, alternatives to the jet blue known traveler program.

The JetBlue Known Traveler Program is a convenient way for eligible passengers to expedite their security screening process at select airports in the United States. By providing your Known Traveler Number (KTN), you can enjoy the benefits of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program, which includes access to expedited security screening lines, allowing you to bypass certain time-consuming security procedures.

If you are not sure what your JetBlue Known Traveler Number is or how to find it, don't worry. In this article, we will guide you through the process of locating your JetBlue Known Traveler Number.

But before we proceed, it's important to understand who is eligible for the JetBlue Known Traveler Program. Currently, the program is available to passengers who are members of the TSA PreCheck program, as well as members of Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS. If you are enrolled in any of these programs, you should have a Known Traveler Number associated with your membership.

To find your JetBlue Known Traveler Number, follow these steps:

• Log in to your JetBlue account: Visit the official JetBlue website and log in to your account using your username and password. If you don't have an account, you will need to create one first.
• Access your booking details: Once you are logged in, look for the "Manage Trips" section on the JetBlue homepage. Click on this section to access your booking details.
• Find your reservation: Locate the specific reservation for which you want to find the Known Traveler Number. If you have multiple upcoming trips, make sure to select the correct one.
• View your passenger details: Once you've found the reservation, click on it to view the passenger details. You should be able to see all the relevant information associated with your reservation, including your Known Traveler Number.
• Contact JetBlue customer support: If you have followed the above steps and still cannot find your Known Traveler Number, it is advisable to reach out to JetBlue customer support for assistance. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information and help resolve any issues you may be facing.

Remember, the Known Traveler Number is unique to each individual traveler, so it is important to ensure that you have the correct number associated with your profile. This will ensure that you receive the benefits of the TSA PreCheck program when flying with JetBlue.

In conclusion, finding your JetBlue Known Traveler Number is a straightforward process that can be done through your JetBlue account. Simply log in, access your booking details, and locate your reservation to view your passenger details. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to reach out to JetBlue customer support for assistance. With your Known Traveler Number in hand, you'll be able to enjoy the perks of expedited security screening on your future JetBlue flights.

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If you frequently travel with Jet Blue and are enrolled in a trusted traveler program such as TSA Precheck or Global Entry, you will have a Known Traveler Number (KTN) associated with your account. This number allows you to enjoy expedited security screening at participating airports. However, locating your Jet Blue Known Traveler Number might not be as straightforward as you might think. But worry not, as we have put together a step-by-step guide to help you find your Jet Blue Known Traveler Number.

Step 1: Visit the Jet Blue website

Open your preferred web browser and go to the official Jet Blue website. This can be done by entering www.jetblue.com into the address bar and hitting enter.

Step 2: Click on "Manage Trips"

Once you're on the Jet Blue website, locate the "Manage Trips" tab located at the top of the homepage. Click on it to proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Log in to your Jet Blue account

To access your travel details, you'll need to log in to your Jet Blue account. Enter your username and password in the respective fields and click on the "Log In" button.

Step 4: View your current and upcoming trips

Upon logging in, you'll be directed to your account dashboard. Here, you'll find a list of your current and upcoming trips. Locate the specific trip for which you would like to find your Known Traveler Number and click on it.

Step 5: Access your reservation details

After selecting your desired trip, you'll be redirected to a page that displays the details of your reservation. Look for a section labeled "Traveler Information" or something similar. It might be hidden under a collapsible section or displayed prominently.

Step 6: Find your Known Traveler Number

Within the "Traveler Information" section, you should be able to locate your Known Traveler Number. It is often labeled as "TSA Precheck," "Known Traveler Number," or simply "KTN." It will be a 9-digit alphanumeric code.

Step 7: Note down your Known Traveler Number

Once you have found your Known Traveler Number, write it down or save it in a secure location. You will need to provide this number when making future travel arrangements or when checking in for your flight.

Pro tip: If you have trouble locating your Known Traveler Number on the Jet Blue website, you can also try accessing your reservation confirmation email. Sometimes, the Known Traveler Number is included in the email, typically in the "Passenger Information" section.

Following these step-by-step instructions should help you find your Jet Blue Known Traveler Number hassle-free. With your Known Traveler Number in hand, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of expedited security screening on your Jet Blue flights, making your travel experience more efficient and seamless.

Maintain Your Gorgeous Curls While Traveling With These Helpful Tips

If you're a frequent traveler, you probably know the importance of having a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This nine-digit number, also known as a Trusted Traveler Number, allows you to enjoy the benefits of expedited security screening at airports. However, finding your Known Traveler Number may not always be an easy task. In this blog post, we will address some common issues and provide troubleshooting tips to help you locate your JetBlue Known Traveler Number.

• Check your TSA Pre✓® Approval Letter or Global Entry Card: If you've been approved for TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry, you should have received an approval letter or a Global Entry card. These documents typically contain your Known Traveler Number. Make sure to check them thoroughly, as the number may be printed in small fonts or hidden in the fine print.
• Search your email inbox: Look for any emails from the TSA or JetBlue related to your TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application. The Known Traveler Number is often included in the initial approval email or subsequent correspondence. Use the search function in your email client to quickly locate any messages containing the keyword "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN."
• Visit the Trusted Traveler Program website: If you've exhausted your search in your documents and emails, the next step is to visit the official website of the Trusted Traveler Program. This program includes TSA Pre✓®, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. Log in to your account using your username and password, and navigate to the appropriate section to find your Known Traveler Number.
• Contact the customer service: If you still cannot locate your Known Traveler Number, it's time to contact the customer service of the Trusted Traveler Program or JetBlue. Explain your situation and provide them with any relevant details such as your full name, date of birth, and passport information. They should be able to assist you in retrieving your Known Traveler Number.
• Check your online booking confirmation: If you've made previous bookings with JetBlue using your Known Traveler Number, you may be able to find it in your online booking confirmation. Look for a section mentioning your TSA Pre✓® status or any related information about your Trusted Traveler membership. The Known Traveler Number could be listed there.
• Use the TSA Pre✓® mobile app: The TSA Pre✓® mobile app is a handy tool that allows you to save and retrieve your Known Traveler Number easily. Download the app on your smartphone, log in using your credentials, and navigate to the section displaying your Known Traveler Number.
• Visit a TSA Enrollment Center: If all else fails, you can always visit a TSA Enrollment Center in person. The staff there can assist you in retrieving your Known Traveler Number. Make sure to bring your passport or other identification documents to verify your identity.

Remember, the Known Traveler Number is unique to each individual, so make sure you do not share it with anyone else. By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to locate your JetBlue Known Traveler Number and enjoy the convenience of expedited security screenings on your next trip. Safe travels!

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If you enjoy traveling with JetBlue but do not have access to their Known Traveler Program, there are alternative ways you can still enjoy some of the benefits of expedited security screening. While the JetBlue Known Traveler Program offers a convenient and time-saving experience, it may not be the right fit for everyone. In this article, we will explore some alternatives to the JetBlue Known Traveler Program that can help you breeze through airport security.

TSA PreCheck:

One of the most popular alternatives to the JetBlue Known Traveler Program is TSA PreCheck. This program allows trusted travelers to enjoy expedited screening at over 200 airports across the United States. With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, light outerwear, and belt on, and leave your laptop and liquids in your bag. To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you will need to fill out an online application, schedule an appointment for an in-person interview, and pay a fee of $85 for a five-year membership. After completing the process, you will be provided with a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can use when booking flights with JetBlue.

Global Entry:

For international travelers or those who frequently fly internationally, Global Entry is an excellent alternative to the JetBlue Known Traveler Program. Global Entry offers expedited processing through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when returning to the United States. This program also includes TSA PreCheck benefits, allowing you to enjoy expedited security screening domestically. To enroll in Global Entry, you will need to complete an online application, schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center, and pay a fee of $100 for a five-year membership. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that can be used when booking flights with JetBlue.

If you're looking for an alternative to the JetBlue Known Traveler Program that offers even faster security screening, CLEAR might be the right choice for you. CLEAR uses biometric technology, such as fingerprints or eye scans, to verify your identity and expedite the security screening process. With CLEAR, you can skip the lines and go directly to the security checkpoint. In some airports, CLEAR members are also eligible for dedicated lanes, offering an even quicker experience. To enroll in CLEAR, you can either sign up online or visit a CLEAR enrollment center at participating airports. The annual membership fee for CLEAR is $179, and you can add up to three family members for an additional fee.

If you frequently travel between the United States and Canada, Nexus can be a great alternative to the JetBlue Known Traveler Program. Nexus is a joint program between the United States and Canada that allows pre-approved travelers to enjoy expedited processing at select airports and border crossings. Nexus members can use dedicated lanes and kiosks when entering either country. To enroll in Nexus, you will need to complete an online application, attend an in-person interview at a Nexus Enrollment Center, and pay a fee of $50 for a five-year membership. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that can be used when booking flights with JetBlue.

These alternatives to the JetBlue Known Traveler Program offer trusted travelers the opportunity to enjoy expedited security screening, making your travel experience more efficient and enjoyable. By enrolling in programs such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR, or Nexus, you can bypass long lines and enjoy a smoother airport experience. Consider these options and choose the one that best suits your travel needs to make your future trips with JetBlue even more hassle-free.

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Frequently asked questions.

To find your JetBlue known traveler number, you can either log in to your JetBlue TrueBlue account and look under your personal information or contact JetBlue customer service for assistance.

Yes, your known traveler number, also known as your KTN, is typically printed on your TSA PreCheck card. You can find it on the back of the card, usually located in a designated section labeled "Known Traveler Number."

If you have lost or forgotten your JetBlue known traveler number, you can try logging in to your JetBlue TrueBlue account and checking your personal information. If you still can't find it, contact JetBlue customer service and provide them with your personal details to retrieve your known traveler number.

• Kamilla Henke Author

• Melissa Carey Author Reviewer Traveller

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