How to Spend a Day in the Blue Mountains: Best Hiking & Overlooks

Blue Mountains National Park is easily one of the most stunning and worthwhile road trips you can take in south east Australia, New South Wales. Whether you are itching to take a day trip away from Sydney, or are on your way up the coast, I highly recommend stopping by this beautiful area of Australia. On our journey from Melbourne to Brisbane, we stopped at the Blue Mountains for one day and made the absolute most of our time there.

Blog Guide

• Narrow Neck Lookout at Sunset
• Three Sisters Walk at Sunrise
• Grand Canyon Walk
• Evans Lookout
• Wentworth Falls
• FAQ
  • Is one day enough to visit the Blue Mountains?
  • What is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains?
  • Is it free to enter Blue Mountains for a day?
  • Can you walk on the Three Sisters?
  • What is the best time to visit the Three Sisters?
• Conclusion: How to Spend a Day in the Blue Mountains: Best Hiking & Overlooks

Narrow Neck Lookout Sunset

We ended our first evening in Blue Mountains on the Narrow Neck Lookout at Sunset. With a group of international travelers, we packed a few bags with beer, a speaker and sweatshirts and enjoyed an incredible view of the sun setting over Narrow Neck Valley. Stargazing soon after was an equally breathtaking way to finish off our first day in the Blue Mountains.

I highly recommend dressing warmly. Even in summer months the mountain air can be chilly.

Three Sisters Walk at Sunrise

A highly recommended way to start your day is the 30-40 minute sunrise walk at the Three Sisters overlook. It is a mostly flat and downhill trek to reach the perfect bench to watch the sunrise.

On average, the sunrise time in the Blue Mountains ranges from around 5:30 am in summer to around 7:00 am in winter.

Grand Canyon Hike

The Grand Canyon Hike was easily one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve embarked on in Australia! It’s a 3.9 mile trek that is predicted to take most people about 2-3 hours walking a steady pace to complete. Our group completed it in about 1.5 hours without taking especially long stops.

This hike is gorgeous because trickling waterfalls are sprinkled throughout the temperate rainforest, along with canyons covered with moss, ferns and creatures.

The day that we went, we spotted rainbows in the mist of the waterfalls along the trail.

Evans Lookout

Evan’s Lookout is a popular viewpoint located in the Blue Mountains. It provides visitors with stunning panoramic views of the Grose Valley and the surrounding mountains.

Evan’s Lookout is easily accessible, just steps away from the carpark. After taking in the breathtaking view you have the option of going on a variety of trails including the Govetts Leap descent track, the Braeside Walk, and the Grand Canyon Hike.

If you have one day in the Blue Mountains, I recommend taking your time with the Grand Canyon hike. You wont be disappointed!

Wentworth Falls

The Wentworth Falls track is a 2.1 mile loop that takes visitors through lush rainforest to the base of the Wentworth Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the Blue Mountains.

The trail is well-marked and includes several lookout points that offer stunning views of the falls and the valley below.

FAQ

Is one day enough to visit the Blue Mountains?

There is plenty to see in one day visiting the Blue Mountains. If one day is all you have, take full advantage of it. I recommend booking 2-3 days if you have the time to maximize your time for the chance to go canyoning, hiking and canoeing.

What is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains ?

Katoomba is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains for several reasons. Here are a few:

1. Location: Katoomba is located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, making it easily accessible to visitors who are traveling by car or public transport. It is also close to many of the popular tourist attractions in the area, such as the Three Sisters, Scenic World, and the Katoomba Falls.
2. Scenic beauty: Katoomba is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including towering sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. The town itself is also picturesque, with many historic buildings, charming cafes, and art galleries.
3. Accommodation options: Katoomba offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget hostels to luxury hotels and resorts. This makes it a popular destination for both budget-conscious and luxury-seeking travelers. We stayed at the Blue Mountains YHA which provided a budget friendly and cozy option for my small group of friends.

Is it free to enter the Blue Mountains for a day?

Yes, it is free to enter the Blue Mountains National Park, which covers most of the Blue Mountains region. Visitors can access the park by car, public transport, or on foot, and there is no entry fee to access the park.

However, some specific attractions within the park, such as Scenic World, may charge an entry fee. Additionally, there may be fees for camping or using certain facilities within the park. It’s important to check the National Parks website for up-to-date information on any fees or permits required for specific activities within the park.

Visitors should also keep in mind that some areas of the park may require a pass or permit for vehicle access, such as the Mount Hay and Narrow Neck areas. These permits can be obtained from the National Parks website or at certain visitor centers and kiosks within the park.

Can you walk on the Three Sisters?

No, you cannot walk on the Three Sisters themselves. The Three Sisters are a rock formation located in the Blue Mountains National Park and are a culturally significant site for the Aboriginal people of the area. Walking on the Three Sisters is not only disrespectful to the local Indigenous culture, but it is also dangerous and can cause erosion to the rocks.

However, there are several vantage points and viewing platforms from which visitors can admire the Three Sisters, including Echo Point and the Giant Stairway. These locations offer stunning views of the Three Sisters and the surrounding Blue Mountains landscape.

What is the best time to visit the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains?

The best time to visit the Three Sisters is during the cooler months, from March to November. During this time, the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds, which means you can enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

The spring and autumn months are particularly beautiful, as the surrounding trees change color, creating a stunning backdrop for the Three Sisters. The weather during these months is also ideal for hiking and exploring the surrounding area.

Summer, which runs from December to February, can be quite hot and humid in the Blue Mountains, and there can be crowds of tourists. However, if you do decide to visit during the summer months, it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day and the crowds.

Winter, which runs from June to August, can be quite cold, and there may even be snow in the mountains. However, the winter scenery can be breathtaking, and the lack of crowds means you can explore the area at your own pace.

Conclusion: How to Spend a Day in the Blue Mountains: Best Hiking & Overlooks

Blue Mountains National Park is a breathtaking area NSW Australia and not to be missed! Even if you only have a day, you’ll be glad you made the journey.