Blue Mountains National Park

Visitors to the Blue Mountains National Park will find no shortage of activities, with walking tracks to Wentworth Falls and Mount Solitary, rock climbing, mountain biking, wildlife spotting of native animals, and scenic lookouts like Echo Point and Govetts Leap. The park is a World Heritage Site and certified ecotourism destination and has a number of campgrounds like Acacia Flat and Perry's Lookdown. Many Blue Mountains day tours also include a stop at Scenic World, with its scenic railway, walkway, and cable car.

• Parking at the national park costs AUD$7 per car.

• There are entrance fees for each of the attractions at Scenic World.

• Scenic World is open daily from 9am–5pm.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan on walking the many trails in the park.

• Wet weather in winter months and bushfires in the summers can impede visitation.

• There are several campgrounds in the national park, which need to be booked ahead of time.

• The surrounding villages of Katoomba and Laura have plenty of dining options for lunch.

Blue Mountains National Park is located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of Sydney. The park is about 90 minutes by car or a 2-hour train ride from Central Sydney.

Blue Mountains National Park is open year round, but wet weather in the winter months, especially in February, makes some of the attractions in the mountain range difficult to enjoy. In summer, bushfires can cause park closures.

Scenic World is a nature lovers' amusement park located inside the Blue Mountains in the town of Katoomba. The park has a railway so steep it could be mistaken for a roller coaster, a scenic skyway with views of the rainforest through its glass floor, a scenic walkway among the tree tops, and an 1800-foot (545-meter) cable car ride with great views of the Three Sisters rock formation. The attraction also has a gift shop, snack bar, and bathrooms.

There really isn't one best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temps are highest in summer (December--February), which is great for canyoning in chilly water. Leaves change to autumnal hues in March--May, with temperatures perfect for hiking. Winter's best for snow lovers, and spring opens colorful new blossoms.

Yes, you can go to the Blue Mountains without booking a Blue Mountains National Park tour. They are easily accessible by train or car from Sydney, and you don't need permits. Canyoning or climbing might require tour guides for safety, but if you're confident on your own or with friends, then go for it.

Yes and no. There are visitor parking fees in certain areas of the Blue Mountains. Residents receive permits, but visitors need to pay when parking in parts of New South Wales. Among the areas requiring paid parking are Blackheath, Katoomba Falls, Leura Cascades, and Wentworth Falls.

Yes, you should book your Blue Mountains National Park ticket for a tour in advance, especially if they are in summer (December--February). If you can, book in off-peak months for fewer tourists, but expect fewer tours, as well. To be on the safe side, book in advance of any visit.

There are all kinds of Blue Mountains tours. There are day tours with wildlife and sunsets, tours that add on Parramatta River cruises, nighttime glowworm-spotting adventure tours, canyoning and abseiling excursions, bike and hike tours, and so much more.

Head to Katoomba to check out the famous Katoomba Falls and Three Sisters Rock formations. Grab food at a local restaurant. Afterward, visit Scenic World to ride the skyway, railway, and cableway and to stroll the walkway. If you want to see Aussie animals, stop by Featherdale Wildlife Park.