Cahill's Lookout
Viewpoint on the western edge of Katoomba overlooking the Megalong Valley and Boars Head Rock. Quieter than Echo Point and great for sunset.
Australia
Blue Mountains
Region
Sandstone plateau with deep, forested valleys, just under two hours west of Sydney. The eucalyptus forests make the distance shimmer bluish.
by Felix Gillen
Sandstone plateau with deep, forested valleys, just under two hours west of Sydney. The eucalyptus forests make the distance shimmer bluish. Lookouts, waterfalls, and hiking trails are close to the railway line and the Great Western Highway.
The towns line up along the ridge: Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba, and Blackheath are the main ones. Katoomba, with Echo Point and the Three Sisters, is the hub; Leura the prettiest village; Blackheath the quietest starting point for longer hikes. Train and car can get you there and back in a day; for hikes, two to three nights are worthwhile. It's noticeably cooler up here than in Sydney.
Sights in Blue Mountains
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Ruined Castle
Rock formation in Jamison Valley, which from a distance looks like a ruined castle. Challenging day hike from Katoomba via Federal Pass, with a scrambling section at the end. Expect six to seven hours.
Echo Point Lookout (Three Sisters)
The most famous lookout in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba. From the platforms, you gaze upon the Three Sisters rock pinnacles and the Jamison Valley. Early in the morning it's less crowded and the light is softer.
Golden Stairs walking track
Steep descent via steps and ladders from Narrow Neck into Jamison Valley. The path was created for the valley's coal mines. Starting point for the hike to Ruined Castle.
Narrow Neck Lookout
Viewpoint on the narrow Narrow Neck plateau southwest of Katoomba, separating the Jamison and Megalong Valleys. Access is via an unpaved road. Popular with mountain bikers and hikers.
Greater Blue Mountains drive
Signposted tourist route through the Blue Mountains and their surroundings. It connects the viewpoints along the Great Western Highway with Jenolan Caves, the Megalong Valley and the villages in the hinterland.
Essen & Trinken
Elegant resort with 2 restaurants, 2 bars, lounge, spa, fitness room, and infinity pool.
Dining & Drinks
You'll find most cafés and restaurants in Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath.
Devonshire Tea
Scones with jam and cream have been a mountain tradition since the era of summer retreats. Many teahouses serve them in the afternoon.
Yulefest
In the Australian winter, many restaurants celebrate "Christmas in July" with roasts and pudding, because it's cold then.
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time for your trip?
9–16°C·70–140 mm(moderate rain)
Autumn and spring are mild, ideal for hiking. Summer is more pleasant than Sydney, but thunderstorms and bushfire risk increase. Winter nights are often frosty; snow is rare.
Katoomba sits at around 1,000 meters; it's typically several degrees cooler here than in Sydney. Fog can obscure views from lookouts within minutes.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Fall, foliage color in the gardens
Spring, Garden Blossom
Summer and Holidays
Cold Winter
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18.0 | 150 | 7.0 |
| February | 18.0 | 170 | 6.0 |
| March | 16.0 | 140 | 6.0 |
| April | 13.0 | 100 | 6.0 |
| May | 9.0 | 90 | 5.0 |
| June | 7.0 | 110 | 5.0 |
| July | 6.0 | 80 | 6.0 |
| August | 7.0 | 75 | 7.0 |
| September | 10.0 | 70 | 7.0 |
| October | 13.0 | 85 | 7.0 |
| November | 15.0 | 100 | 7.0 |
| December | 17.0 | 110 | 7.0 |
Culture & History
Land of the Darug and GundungurraThe mountains have been Darug and Gundungurra land for millennia. Many rock formations, including the Three Sisters, are linked to their stories.Crossing and Summer RetreatIn 1813, Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth were the first Europeans to find a route across the mountains; places along this route now carry their names. The railway transformed the Blue Mountains in the late 19th century into a summer retreat for Sydneysiders. Since 2000, the Greater Blue Mountains Area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Getting Here & Around
Trains run hourly from Sydney Central to Katoomba, taking about two hours. By car, use the Great Western Highway.Most viewpoints and trails are accessible on foot from the train stations.Hop-on-hop-off buses connect the sights in Katoomba and Leura.For Jenolan Caves and the Megalong Valley, you'll need a car or a tour.If there's bushfire danger, trails might be closed; check with NSW National Parks.
