The top things to do in the Blue Mountains

Location: 4655 Jenolan Caves Road, Jenolan

Exploring this large, limestone cave system is a must for visitors to the area. Located within the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve there are many ways to explore these incredible caves.

You can embark on a self-guided tour around the cave, sign up for a guided night tour, or go adventure caving.

The Jenolan Caves are made up of a handful of individual caves, each highlighting unique aspects.

The Jenolan Caves are among the world's most popular cave systems with intricate cave formations that are still being explored today. Sign up for a guided tour of Jenolan Caves to see these underground structures up close.

The Lucas, Imperial and Chifley Caves are made up of large chambers and are viewed with the Wonders of the Underworld Tours.

The Orient, Temple of Baal and Diamond Caves are explored with the aptly named Jewels of Jenolan as these caves are decorated with mesmerising, sparkling crystals.

Finally the Magic of Jenolan tours explore the River, Ribbon, Extended Orient, Extended Temple of Baal Caves as well as following the intriguing ‘Off the Track’ and ‘Legends, mysteries and ghosts’ tours.

Location:Depart Sutherland Railway Station, Cnr of Adelong St and East Parade, Sutherland, NSW

Explore the Blue Mountains the most adventurous way, with an action-packed canyoning tour. Led by experienced guides, you can explore this gorgeous area while learning the basic techniques and skills required for canyoning.

The Empress Canyon experience is an ideal tour for those looking to go canyoning for the first time through this diverse setting.

The tour includes treks through lush rainforest, rock jumps and finishing with a bang – a 30-metre abseil down the side of a waterfall.

Led by experienced guides you can explore this gorgeous area while learning the basic techniques and skills required for canyoning.

Located in the Valley of the Waters Creek near Wentworth Falls, Empress Canyon offers easy access alongside a number of jumps and short swims that are ideal for getting your feet wet with canyoning as a whole – you’ll likely love it so much you’ll want to do a higher level in the future!

Throughout the experience, you’ll be donning top-notch equipment including a thick wetsuit, canyoning harness, backpack and helmet which will provide all the warmth and safety you’ll need to focus on the adventure.

If by the end of the tour you want more you can sign up for a more advanced tour through the area.

Location: Multiple departure points

Embark on an epic abseiling adventure to some truly spectacular parts of the Blue Mountains & beyond with local operator Eagle Rock Adventures for a challenging and satisfying day out!

Featuring a series of scenic and challenging abseils, these intense adventures will test your abseiling skills while providing a unique look at some of New South Wales’ untouched backcountry areas – one of the best ways to go sightseeing in the region.

Two of the best abseiling adventures in the area include one in Boar’s Head and the other at the Malata Wall – each bringing their own selling points to the table with spectacular views and challenging feats.

The Boar’s Head Abseil includes three different abseils each providing amazing views of the surrounding area.

Featuring a series of scenic and challenging abseils, these abseiling adventures will test your skills while providing a unique look at some of the Blue Mountains New South Wales’ untouched back-country.

Over the extensive tour, you’ll cross more than 200 metres of the cliff face, encountering a series of short rock climbs and cliffs.

The highlight of this tour is conquering the challenge of abseiling through the narrow crack section with nothing but air below you.

The Malaita Wall includes a total of six different abseils each bringing that exciting adrenaline rush.

The first abseil of the adventure sets the tone for the day, reaching a height of 45 metres you’ll feel on top of the world as you conquer that one and continue to perfect the following five challenges. This is an ideal option for those looking for a challenge and amazing views.

Location: World Heritage Plaza, 33-37 Echo Point Road, Katoomba

Nestled in the Blue Mountains near the 3 sisters, the Waradah Australian Centre has been voted Australia’s number one Aboriginal Culture Centre.

With a range of performances, galleries, art and artefacts on display a visit to the Waradah Australian Centre is a must.

Watch on as the talented entertainers showcase traditional dance and music performances featuring one of the favourite indigenous instruments, the didgeridoo.

Waradah has a dedicated performance theatre with performers showcased in 'The Story of Australia'. The live performance features a traditional smoking ceremony and a magnificent display of dancing, singing, acting and period costumes.

"Watch on as the talented entertainers showcase traditional dance and music performances featuring one of the favourite indigenous instruments, the didgeridoo at the Waradah Australian Centre.

The show also includes the 'Dreaming Stories' of the 'Didgeridoo' and the 'Seven Sisters' and the colourful history of the first landing, gold rush, Ned Kelly and tribute to the ANZAC's.

You can also wander around the centre and view authentic artworks and souvenirs to learn about the culture of the two local tribes; Dharug and Gundungurra.

The centre is open every day of the year, 7 days a week from 9 am until 5 pm. There are various shows throughout the day on every hour from 10.30am until 3.30 pm.

The Waradah Australian Centre is a unique experience where you can learn all there is to know about the Aboriginal culture in the one place. Tourists are invited to come along and learn about this rich culture in the beautiful Blue Mountains.

Location: Violet Street and Cliff Drive, Katoomba

See the Blue Mountains from every angle on a visit to Scenic World in Katoomba with a range of activities that showcase the rugged cliff tops, the famous Three Sisters rock formation, rainforest walkways and the expansive Jamison Valley.

Scenic World has a prime position sitting pretty on the edges of the world heritage listed Blue Mountains on Cliff Drive offering visitors the adventure of a lifetime on three exciting rides with unparalleled views of the national park.

Believe it or not the Blue Mountains has a history of coal mining dating back to the 19th Century which is where the idea of a railway track came to fruition to transport coal from the bottom of the valley to the top of escarpment.

However, the coal mine closed in 1945 and new owner Harry Hammon realised the tourism value that a scenic railway journey could bring to transport visitors deep into the Blue Mountains rainforest, thus marking the beginning of Scenic World.

Today, visitors can find three exciting rides and 1 must-do rainforest walk that ranges from low thrill with incredible vantage points of the Jamison Valley and The Three Sisters to a heart-racing steep Cliffside railway journey deep down to the floor of the Blue Mountains.

Entry tickets include entry to all Scenic World attractions and one attraction that you should not miss is the Scenic Skyway.

Jump in the largest aerial cablecar in the Southern Hemisphere to glide slowly between two cliff tops with jaw-dropping views of the rainforest canopy 270 metres under your feet through the glass floor.

You can disembark at the East Station for views over the valley to Echo Point or simply stay on for the return ride back to Scenic World. The aerial cableway is the best place to capture The Three Sisters in all their glory with 360-degree panoramic views.

According to Aboriginal folklore, The Three Sisters were turned into stone by a magic man in order to protect them from battle with an opposing tribe, however, the magic man was killed and so the three sisters remain in stone forming the beautiful ‘Three Sisters’ rock formation that we know it as today.

The second ride at Scenic World is the Scenic Cableway in the Southern Hemisphere taking you 510 metres down into the Jamison Valley travelling parallel to the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock and Katoomba Falls.

The gentle ride will deliver you to the Scenic Walkway for a 2.4 kilometre stroll through the Jurassic rainforest before continuing back up the escarpment on the cableway.

The third ride is perhaps the most exciting and significant within the park and that is the Scenic Railway which happens to be the steepest passenger railway in the world.

If a ride down a steep Cliffside is not enough excitement for you then you’ll enjoy the custom-designed carriage seats that allow you to lean back for an even steeper incline looking up through the glass-roofed carriages.

The 310-metre railway is a short journey descending down through a cliff-side tunnel that opens out into the rainforest valley floor linking you to the scenic walkway.

This is one attraction in the Blue Mountains that is inclusive for everybody with both the cableway and skyway wheelchair and pram accessible so that everyone can enjoy world-class views of the world heritage listed mountains.

Getting to Scenic World is easy with ample free parking, daily tours from Sydney or public transport via Katoomba Railway Station.

Location: Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains

Wentworth Falls is a charismatic little village within the Blue Mountains featuring a magnificent waterfall and lookout over the Blue Mountains drawing thousands of visitors every year.

The town can be found just 95 kilometres or a convenient 90 minute drive from the centre of Sydney offering visitors and locals a far more relaxed lifestyle and change of pace.

No visit to Wentworth Falls could be complete without visiting its namesake waterfall and walking trail in the Blue Mountains which is a great way to begin any adventure in the Blue Mountains.

The lookout provides views across Jamison Valley, the Wentworth Falls and also to Kings Tableland, Mount Solitary, Sublime Point and Narrow Neck escarpments.

The Wentworth Falls Lookout Loop can be found off Sir H. Burrell Drive and walkers will be rewarded with three of the best lookouts in the national park- Denfenella, Princes Rock and Wentworth Falls.

If you are just wishing to stop by and look at the waterfall then pack a picnic lunch and stop by at the conservation hut in the carpark before taking the short 5-minute walk to view the 180-metre cascading waterfall.

Walkers will also find an information sign above the area and bench seats that you can sit and soak in the natural beauty of the world heritage Blue Mountains National Park.

More adventurous and seasoned hikers will want to stay on and take the 1.4km return track past the picnic area descending 200 steps to the cliff edge of Fletchers Lookout to view the Wentworth Falls.

Back in town, wander the streets to see specialty shops, and art galleries or dine in some of the cafes and restaurants surrounded by the fresh air and open skies of the countryside.

Wentworth Falls is an ideal day trip or weekend escape from Sydney and is one of the top 10 places that you should visit in the Blue Mountains.

Location: Level 1, 30 Parke Street, Katoomba, NSW

The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre is a great place to stop by and meet friends or family when discovering the region.

Located in the heart of Katoomba, the cultural centre is a multi-purpose building featuring one of the leading art galleries in the country- the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, the Katoomba Library and the interactive Into the Blue exhibition that all work together to display the history, culture and environment of the Blue Mountains.

The gallery showcases art from both local and international artists and it is only natural that the artwork has a dominant focus on botanical art given its location on the edges of the Blue Mountains.

The art gallery acts as a source of inspiration and a community hub for the artistic crowd of the Blue Mountains with the aim of bringing audiences closer to the artists through hands-on artist talks and workshops.

The cultural centre has been built on the highest point in Katoomba with views of the world heritage-listed Blue Mountains and a visit to the centre is worth it for the views alone. The best place to take in the vistas is a visit to the Gallery Café.

After seeing handmade art, dine on homemade goodies including pies and pastries, quiches, soups and sandwiches all the while looking at views of the Jamison Valley. There is even a cosy fireplace for you to warm up beside in the wintertime.

If you are looking for a unique gift or your very own piece of artwork to add to your home then make sure to visit the Galley Gift shop on the way out which sells a range of locally handmade Australian gifts, homewares, stationary, books and children’s toys.

The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 4 pm on weekends excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day when it is closed.

Entry tickets include admission to the Into the Blue exhibition plus the Blue Mountains City Art gallery and fees are very modest at $5 per adults and children under the age of 16 years are free of charge.

Parking is available onsite in the underground car park or on surrounding streets and passengers arriving by train can alight at Katoomba Station and walk to the cultural centre just past the Carrington Hotel.

Location: 14 Norman Lindsay Crescent, Faulconbridge, NSW

Norman Lindsay is regarded as one of Australia’s most talented authors, writers and cartoonist of the 20th Century with his classic children’s book ‘The Magic Pudding’ still resonating with children today. Although he is no longer alive, his legacy remains with his artwork on display at his heritage home in the Blue Mountains.

The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum is based in the charming village of Faulconbridge in the Blue Mountains and is open to the public, showcasing his masterpieces including pen drawings, etchings, watercolour and oil paintings and ship models.

Lindsay was destined to be an artist. As one of ten children, five of whom have also become bonified artists in their own right after being introduced and inspired by visits to art galleries as a child.

His penchant for art grew with his obvious ability to draw, a talent that led him to a career as the leading cartoonist for the Bulletin Magazine for over 50 years.

His cartoons depicted current social issues often pushing the envelope and the buttons of locals who criticised his depictions of controversial issues and his desire to draw and paint nude models- something which was not out of place in Europe but socially unacceptable in Australia at the time in the early 1900’s.

As well as his career as a cartoonist, Lindsay has authored 11 novels and 2 children’s books with ‘The Magic Pudding’ by far the most popular. In his spare time, he also liked to build models of ships and even his home has become a work of art.

The Norman Lindsay Gallery is housed in the “Springwood” estate that he and his wife Rose Soady purchased in 1912. Very quickly after moving in, they set about creating a Roman-style garden filled with garden sculptures, rose-covered pergolas, fountains and outdoor swimming and bathing pools.

Upon his death, the home was bequeathed to the National Trust keeping the heritage home protected and available for the public to view.

Norman Lindsays' Gardens are now one of the most visited gardens in Australia. Wander the grounds to see the etching studios, painting studios, immaculate gardens and sculptures as well as some of his most popular oil paintings, etchings and illustrations on display.

The Springwood Estate became a mecca for local and visiting artists during the 1900s who would visit the home to enjoy the hospitality of Rose and Norman and this is one of the reasons why this home has become a heritage listed home entrusted in the care of the National Trust.

A visit to the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum would appeal to a variety of people including those who are interested in art, history, historic homes, gardens and popular culture.

The museum and gardens are open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm excluding Christmas Day. Parking is available on site or guests can travel by public transport to Springwood Station and then take a short taxi ride (5km) to the museum and gardens.

Location: 200 Springwood Rd, Yarramundi, NSW

Trees Adventure at the foothills of the Blue Mountains in Grose River is one way that you can explore the world heritage-listed national park. Soar through the treetops on a series of high ropes obstacle courses and flying foxes during a 2-hour session.

Trees Adventures has 10 courses for you to tackle including 2 specifically designed for juniors aged between 4 to 7 years making this a great activity for the whole family to enjoy.

No experience is necessary as everyone is provided with a safety briefing and guidance as you navigate the high ropes course with your friends or family.

All treetop platforms are built upon more than 70 Sydney Blue Gums that overlook both the Nepean River and the Grose River making this a scenic location to accept the challenge and have fun up in the treetops.

Not only is this activity a great workout but it is a fun way to spend a few hours with your friends, family or fellow travellers in the beautiful surroundings of the Blue Mountains.

Jump from one tree platform to another through a series of cargo nets, tunnels, ladders, high wires, ziplines and flying foxes which increase in difficulty over a series of courses all the while listening to the birds singing away in the forest.

Climbers may complete as many courses as they wish during a 2-hour period (depending on the difficulty) but most beginners will find that they will be able to complete 2 courses during the session.

Trees Adventures is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on weekends.