The 7 Best Day Hikes in the Blue Mountains, Sydney

The 7 Best Day Hikes in the Blue Mountains, Sydney

We explore seven of the best day hikes in the Blue Mountains, or the 'Blueys' as they are affectionately known by Sydneysiders.

We were ready to go to the mountains. We had a great time exploring Sydney and climbing the Harbor Bridge, but were keen to get back outdoors. And so we ventured from our cozy accommodations at Mantra on Kent in Sydney for a day trip to the Blue Mountains.

A paradise for stressed-out Sydneysiders, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park features a dramatic plateau of sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, eucalyptus forests and an abundance of rare and threatened plant and animal species. It is a superb example of Australia's natural beauty and biodiversity and is located 65km from Sydney and is just a short drive or train ride from Australia's largest city.

The Blue Mountains take their name from a surreal slate-colored haze that clings to the landscape. The Blue Gum trees are said to secrete a fine mist of oil that creates the bluish hue.

The mountains are home to a network of hiking trails that are easily accessible by car or train, with several stations connecting the park directly to downtown Sydney. We take a look at seven excellent day hikes in the Blue Mountains, all of which are easy to explore on a day trip from Sydney by car or train - preferably on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.

1. Circular hiking trail

Distance: 1.2kmDuration: 0.5-1 hourDifficulty: Easy to moderateTrain station: KatoombaFurther information: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

alt="Hikes in the Blue Mountains Sydney Round Walking Track">Atlas & BootsThe iconic Three Sisters rock formation

If you only do one hike in the Blue Mountains, make it the Katoomba Cliff Round Walking Track. The trail is short and sweet, but offers great views of the famous Three Sisters rock formation and Katoomba Falls. It passes through a lush rainforest gorge with numerous viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the park.

2. Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit

Distance: 4.5kmTime: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: MediumTrain station: Katoomba / LeuraMore information: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

alt="Hikes in the Blue Mountains Sydney Leura Cascades Fern Bower">DreamtimeThe view over Bridal Veil Falls

The Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit hugs the imposing cliff line that surrounds the picturesque Jamison Valley. The trail dives under a stone arch and crosses streams and footbridges before climbing a cliff with a dramatic viewpoint over Bridal Veil Falls. From here the path descends steeply into the rainforest and then climbs steep steps back up the slopes of the valley.

3. National passport

Distance: 4.5kmTime: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: ModerateTrain station: Wentworth FallsFurther information: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

alt="Hikes in the Blue Mountains Sydney National Pass">Alex Proimos; CC BY-SA 2.0The steep Grand Stairway leads to the bottom of Wentworth Falls

Cut into the side of the cliff, the National Pass is one of the most spectacular day hikes in the Blue Mountains. The trail offers unparalleled views of the park's many natural wonders.

The National Pass Trail not only offers spectacular views of the Jamison Valley from the opposite side of the Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit, but also the cascading Wentworth Falls. Perhaps the trail's most impressive feature is the dizzying Grand Stairway, hand-built in the early 1900s, which leads to the base of Wentworth Falls.

4. Grand Canyon Walk

Distance: 6.3kmDuration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Easy to moderateTrain station: BlackheathFurther information: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

alt="Hikes in the Blue Mountains Sydney Grand Canyon">DreamtimeAustralia's version of the Grand Canyon

One of the most historic hikes in the Blue Mountains, the Grand Canyon Walk loop trail begins at Evans Lookout near Blackheath. The half-day hike is well shaded throughout thanks to the lush native vegetation of ferns and golden acacias. The trail follows Greaves Creek for much of the route, meaning water – in the form of streams and waterfalls – is never far away. This trail can be combined with the Cliff Top Walking Track below for a full day hike.

5. Cliff walking trail

Distance: 6km Time: 3-4 hours Difficulty: easy to moderate Station: Blackheath Further information: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

alt="Hikes in the Blue Mountains Sydney Cliff Top Walking Track">DreamtimeThe view along the valley from Evans Lookout

The Cliff Top Walking Track is another excellent half-day hike. Famous for its bird watching and wildflowers (especially in spring), the Cliff Top Walking Track is more exposed, sunnier, and warmer than the Grand Canyon Walk. Depending on where you start, the trail begins or ends at Evans Lookout, where you can join the Grand Canyon Walk for a full-day hike.

6. Castle Ruins Trail

Distance: 6.6km (return)Duration: 4-5 hoursDifficulty: ModerateTrain station: KatoombaFor more information: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

alt="6. Hikes in the Blue Mountains Castle Ruins of Sydney">DreamtimeThere is a steep climb to the Ruined Castle

Escape the crowds on one of the most tranquil hikes in the Blue Mountains. Very few day-trippers make it to the Ruined Castle Walk. The trail begins at the Golden Stairs, some distance from the train station, so a car is the best way to get to the trailhead. The historic mining route is more difficult than the previous hikes on this list and involves a steep climb with some rock hopping, past large boulders, on the final approach to the impressive castle ruins.

7. Federal passport

Distance: 13kmDuration: 5-6 hoursDifficulty: DifficultTrain station: KatoombaMore information: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

alt="Hikes in the Blue Mountains Sydney Round Federal Pass">Atlas & BootsThe Federal Pass offers alternative views of the Three Sisters

The historic Federal Pass is the most challenging day hike on this list, but extremely rewarding. The route follows the base of the cliffs from Leura to Ruined Castle and shows an excellent cross-section of the Blue Mountains National Park: forests, waterfalls, gorges and the iconic rock formations of the Three Sisters and Ruined Castle.

At 13km one way, the route is strenuous both in length and terrain. Walkers can either complete a 26km circular walk or abandon the walk by returning to the Golden Stairs at the start of the Ruined Castle Walk.

Hikes in the Blue Mountains map

Use the map below to plan your day hikes in the Blue Mountains.

Hikes in the Blue Mountains: The Essentials

What:Day hikes in the Blue Mountains of Sydney, Australia.

Where:We split our time in Sydney between Mantra 2 Bond Street and Mantra on Kent, both of which offer apartment-style accommodation in excellent locations.

Mantra 2 Bond Street is located in Sydney's CBD (Central Business District) and within walking distance of the city's top attractions. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge are a 15-minute walk away, while Circular Quay and The Rocks can be reached in just 10 minutes. Wynyard train station is two minutes away, making it an excellent base from which to explore Sydney's attractions.

The apartments themselves are stylish and extremely comfortable. Set over 2 levels, the executive studio apartments are open-plan and feature a sunken lounge, marble bathroom and fully equipped kitchen - if you like to cook! A rooftop pool and spa, as well as a lobby cafe and bar, complete the hotel's excellent amenities.

Mantra on Kent is less opulent but just as comfortable. Our modern one-bedroom apartment offered sweeping city views and easy access to Darling Harbor, five minutes away, and Chinatown, ten minutes away. The stylish hotel features an on-site restaurant, meeting rooms and a 24-hour reception. All apartments offer WiFi, kitchen and laundry facilities. With Town Hall Station 100 meters away and Wilson parking (charges apply), Mantra on Kent is a convenient and convenient way to explore Sydney and the surrounding area.

Mantra Hotels offer accommodation across the country - a safe choice for comfortable accommodation in excellent locations.

• alt=““>
• alt=““>
• alt=““>
• alt=““>
• alt=““>
• alt=““>
• alt=““>
• alt=““>

Atlas & Boots

When: The best time to travel to Sydney and the surrounding area is from September to November and from March to May. This avoids the high season of December to February and offers pleasant temperatures with manageable crowds.

How: The easiest way to reach the Blue Mountains from Sydney is by car (we recommend Hertz Australia). The national park is a 90-minute drive from Sydney and parking is available at several locations. In the Glenbrook area there is a fee of AUD 8 (USD 6) per vehicle per day.

To reach the Blue Mountains from Sydney by rail, take a train from Sydney Central Station to Katoomba (2 hours on the Blue Mountains Line) or to the stations noted above under each walk. Check timetables on the Transport for NSW website. Pedestrians can enter the park free of charge.

For more information, visit the official park website.

Book domestic or international flights to Sydney with Skyscanner at the best prices.

old=““>

We recommend the Ceptics All-In-One International Travel Adapter. It works in over 200 countries and territories and can charge up to six devices at once.

Mission statement: Dreamstime

      .