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Things to Do in Blue Mountains

Things to Do in Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains New South Wales, Australia Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures: Embrace the Wilderness

The Blue Mountains range National Park has a wide network of well-maintained and signposted bushwalking tracks, suitable for various fitness levels.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Easy Walks

Prince Henry Cliff Walk (Katoomba) is mostly flat, 7km. Gordon Falls Walk (Leura) is a pleasant 1.6km loop. Fairfax Heritage Track (Blackheath) is accessible 1.8km.

Moderate Walks

Wentworth Falls Circuit (3km loop, 1.5-2 hrs). Valley of the Waters Track (2.5km return, 2-3 hrs, flights of stairs). Lyrebird Dell (Leura) is a pleasant 1.5km loop (1 hr).

Challenging Walks

Grand Canyon Walk (Blackheath) is a 6.3km loop, 3-4 hrs, requires fitness. Six Foot Track (Katoomba to Jenolan Caves) is a multi-day trek. Federal Pass (Katoomba) has various sections.

Adventure Sports & Wildlife

  • Canyoning: Popular in warmer months, involves hiking, scrambling, abseiling, swimming. Guided tours needed.
  • Mountain Biking: Trails like Narrow Neck Trail near Katoomba. Local bike shops offer rentals.
  • Horse Riding: Available in the tranquil Megalong Valley. Several operators provide guided treks.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Spot native birds and wallabies on bushwalks. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park or Sydney Zoo for more.

Cultural Immersion

  • Art Workshops: In painting, pottery.
  • Photography Workshops: Landscape photography.
  • Waradah Aboriginal Centre: Traditional dance, didgeridoo, storytelling.
  • Cultural Festivals: Music events, community gatherings.

Relaxation & Wellness

  • Spa & Wellness Centers: Lilianfels Spa, Hydro Majestic Hotel.
  • Yoga & Meditation Retreats: Several centers use peaceful surroundings.
  • No natural hot springs.
  • Many hotels have indoor/exterior swimming pools.

Entertainment & Nightlife

  • Live Music: Local pubs sometimes host bands.
  • Theater: Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub (Springwood).
  • Nightclubs: Very limited.
  • Calm Evenings: Focus on dining or quiet having drinks at hotel bars.

Hiking Safety Alert

Always check the NSW National Preserves and Wildlife Service (NPWS) website for current track conditions, closures, and any necessary reservations before you start your walk. Carry plenty of water, a map, and inform someone of your plans.

Cultural Immersion: Connect with Local Heritage

Engage with the cultural richness of the Blue Mountains through various experiences.

Workshops & Performances

  • Art Workshops: Look for local galleries and one-room apartments in Katoomba, Leura, or Blackheath.
  • Photography Workshops: Guided excursions concentrate on landscape photography skills.
  • Waradah Aboriginal Centre (Katoomba): Insights into Aboriginal culture, traditional dance.
  • Cultural Festivals: Check local event calendars for annual festivals, art shows, music events.

Community Engagement

Community-based Tourism

Support local businesses, artists, and artisans directly. Engage with local markets and events to connect with the community.

Language Learning

Not a main tourism focus. English is dominant. Diverse community may offer informal language exchange opportunities.

Local Events

Events like the Blue Mountains Music Festival provide an opportunity to experience local life and culture.

Relaxation & Wellness

The serene environment lends itself to rejuvenation. Lilianfels Spa and Hydro Majestic Hotel offer treatments. Several smaller yoga and meditation retreat centers are present.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Not a major nightlife destination, with a quieter, more relaxed evening. Local pubs host live bands. Blue Mountains Theatre has touring productions. Discos are very limited.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local products, arts, and crafts. Blue Mountains Makers Market, Blackheath Growers Market, Lawson Farmers Market. Leura Mall and Onyxheath for artisan goods and galleries.

Outdoor Activities Details

The Blue Mountains National Park has an extensive network of well-maintained and signposted bushwalking tracks, suitable for various fitness levels.

Hiking Trails

  • Easy Walks: Prince Henry Cliff Walk (Katoomba), Gordon Falls Walk (Leura), Fairfax Heritage Track (Blackheath).
  • Moderate Walks: Wentworth Falls Circuit, Valley of the Waters Track (Wentworth Falls), Lyrebird Dell (Leura).
  • Challenging Walks: Grand Canyon Walk (Blackheath) Book Tour, Six Foot Track, Federal Pass (Katoomba).
  • Check NPWS website for track conditions and closures. Carry water and a map.

Adventure Sports

Canyoning & Abseiling

Involves hiking, scrambling, abseiling down waterfalls, and sometimes swimming. Guided tours provide equipment.

Mountain Biking & Horse Riding

Narrow Neck Trail for biking. Horse riding in Megalong Valley. Operators provide guided treks.

Wildlife Encounters

Spot native bird species and wallabies on bushwalks. Featherdale Animal Park and Sydney Zoo have a greater variety of animals.

Relaxation & Wellness Options

Spa & Wellness

Lilianfels Spa (Katoomba) and Hydro Majestic Hotel (Medlow Bath) provide different treatments. Smaller day spas are throughout the towns.

Yoga & Meditation

Several smaller retreat centers in the Blue Mountains offer programs, taking advantage of the peaceful natural surroundings.

Pools & Relaxation

No natural hot springs. Many hotels, guesthouses, or self-contained accommodations may have indoor or pools outside for guests.

Shopping & Markets: Local Crafts and Souvenirs

Discover unique local products, arts, and crafts in the Blue Mountains range' charming towns and markets.

Markets & Artisan Crafts

  • Traditional Markets: Blue Mountains Makers Market (Katoomba) features local arts, crafts, and produce.
  • Fresh Markets: Blackheath Growers Market / Lawson Farmers Market for local produce, artisanal foods.
  • Artisan Workshops: Local galleries and studios in Katoomba, Leura, Blackheath for painting, pottery.
  • Luxury Shopping: Leura Mall has higher-end boutiques, fashion, and homewares.

Souvenirs & Ethical Shopping

Souvenir Recommendations

Local art and photography. Handcrafted items, pottery, unique jewelry. Gourmet food like local jams, chocolates. Eucalyptus oil products.

Ethical Shopping

Support local artists and producers directly. Look for products made from sustainable materials.

Shipping & Customs

Inquire about shipping options. Be aware of Australian customs for exporting certain items and your home country's import restrictions.

Entertainment & Nightlife

  • Live Music: Local pubs sometimes host bands on weekends.
  • Theater: Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub (Springwood).
  • Gang Gang Gallery (Lithgow) for art and events.
  • Nightclubs: Very limited.

Cultural Immersion

  • Art Workshops and Photography Workshops available.
  • Waradah Aboriginal Centre for cultural insights.
  • Support local businesses and artists directly.
  • Check for cultural festivals and events throughout the year.

Relaxation & Wellness

  • Lilianfels Spa and Hydro Majestic Hotel for treatments.
  • Yoga and meditation retreats leverage the peaceful environment.
  • No natural hot springs.
  • Particular accommodations have indoor/pools outside.

Shopping & Markets Overview

Market Experiences
  • Blue Mountains Makers Market: Local arts, crafts, produce.
  • Blackheath Growers Market / Lawson Farmers Market: Monthly markets for local goods.
  • Check local event listings for occasional markets.
Artisan & Souvenir Shopping
  • Leura Mall: Boutique shops, local crafts, homewares.
  • Blackheath: Known for art galleries and studios.
  • Souvenirs: Local art, handmade crafts, artisanal food products.

Activity Planning Tip

Plan your days to balance outdoor adventure with cultural exploration, moments of relaxation, and opportunities to discover local treasures. This creates a diverse and memorable Blue Mountains experience.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Adventures

  • Extensive hiking network for all levels.
  • Canyoning and abseiling tours for adrenaline.
  • Mountain biking and horse riding in scenic areas.
  • Native wildlife spotting on bushwalks.

Culture & Relaxation

  • Art workshops and cultural performances.
  • Spa and wellness centers for rejuvenation.
  • Limited but quality live bands and theatre evenings.
  • Markets and boutiques for local crafts and souvenirs.
Things to Do in Blue Mountains. Activities, Experiences, Adventures