Choosing a Blue Mountains day tour can feel overwhelming with so many options that all seem to offer something unique. If you’re unsure about which will suit you best, don’t worry, I’ve spent twenty years guiding visitors through this stunning region, and I’m here to help. In this article, I’ll outline key points to consider and share my top tour recommendations that cater to different interests. Whether you’re a photographer, a backpacker or crave adrenaline, let’s work out which is the ideal tour for you.
Updated: 6/02/25
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Our top Blue Mountains tours
To help you get started, here’s a quick guide to the best tours for different types of travellers. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or fancy a bit of bushwalking, these standout options offer something special for everyone.
|
Tour |
Duration |
Best for |
|---|---|---|
|
10 hours |
First-time visitors wanting all highlights | |
|
10 hours |
Value seekers wanting all highlights | |
|
10 hours |
Budget-conscious travellers | |
|
3 hours |
Families & adventure seekers (8+ years) | |
|
1 day pass |
Independent travelers & young families | |
|
11 hours |
Nature enthusiasts (12+ years) | |
|
9 hours |
Cultural experience seekers | |
|
10 hours |
Photographers & late risers (15+ yrs) |
Before you choose your tour let’s go over the things you should consider to help you choose the tour best suited to you.
How far is it from Sydney city to the Blue Mountains?
The central town of the Mountains is Katoomba, which is approximately 120km west of the city. To reach the key sites, expect to spend approximately 2 hours on the road or train from Sydney.
Who should take a guided Blue Mountains tour?
While you can explore the Blue Mountains by public transport, guided tours are ideal if you:
- Have limited time (tours efficiently cover key sites)
- Want guided bushwalking with safety support
- Haven’t researched the area extensively
- Seek specializsed experiences (photography, adventure, etc.)
If you are travelling on a tight budget, I have written a guide to help you have a wonderful day in the Blue Mountains using public transport.
And another with three self-drive itineraries if you prefer more control of your day. You will need to be a bit more organised if you choose these options.
What type of Blue Mountains tours are available?
Choose from eight distinct experiences:
- Leisurely Viewing Tours: Minimal walking, maximum photo opportunities
- Nature Tours: Expert-guided walks exploring flora and fauna
- Hop-on Hop-off: Flexible self-paced exploration
- Adventure Tours: Canyoning and abseiling for thrill-seekers
- Hiking Tours: Two-hour guided walks through scenic trails
- Indigenous Culture Tours: Traditional history and customs
- 4WD Tours: Off-road exploration of hidden viewpoints
Blue Mountains Tours FAQ
These are the questions we commonly see in our Sydney Expert Facebook Group. If you have a question we have not covered visit our group and ask us!
How long does a Blue Mountains day tour from Sydney take?
Most Blue Mountains tours from Sydney take 9-12 hours, departing the city centre at 8:30 am and returning by 6 pm. Sunset tours with later departure times are also available for photographers and those preferring a leisurely start.
Should I choose a small group tour or large coach tour to the Blue Mountains?
Blue Mountains tours operate two types of vehicles:
- Full-size coaches: More leg room, ideal for longer days
- Small group minibuses (18-21 seats): Navigate mountain roads more efficiently, quicker loading times
Small group tours generally offer a more personal experience, though coaches provide more comfortable seating for the 2-hour drive.
What attractions will I see on a Blue Mountains tour from Sydney?
Most Blue Mountains day tours include these popular stops:
- Three Sisters at Echo Point: The iconic Blue Mountains landmark, the Three Sisters
- Mountain Villages: Usually Katoomba or Leura for shopping and cafes
- Featherdale Wildlife Park: First morning stop to see native Australian animals
- Scenic World: Optional three-ride package (railway, skyway, cableway) for panoramic views
- Parramatta River Return: Some tours include a ferry ride from Olympic Park to Sydney Harbour which allows you to skip the peak hour traffic back into the city.
Each tour varies slightly, so check the specific itinerary when booking.
What should I pack for a Blue Mountains tour from Sydney?
The Blue Mountains climate can be tricky – temperatures are typically 5-10°C cooler than Sydney. Here’s what I would suggest:
Essential Items:
- Layered clothing (temperatures change throughout the day)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- A hat
Weather-Specific:
- Summer: Light jacket, sun hat and sunscreen
- Winter: Warm coat, beanie, gloves
- Wet weather: Raincoat (check forecast)
Local Tip: Don’t underestimate the temperature difference – I’ve seen many visitors caught out in summer clothes when the mountain weather turns cool. Proper footwear is crucial for safety on viewing platforms and trails.
Essential Tips for Booking a Blue Mountains Tour from Sydney
Consider Your Priorities:
- Wildlife Encounters: Some tours spend an hour at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Skip this if you’re visiting other wildlife parks in Sydney
- Bushwalking Time: Tours offer between 30-minutes to 2 hours of walking. Choose based on your fitness level
- Meal Options: Consider whether a sit-down lunch suits your schedule or if you’d prefer more exploration time
- Scenic World: Rides add spectacular views but reduce walking time
Booking Tips:
- Book ahead for summer (December-January)
- Secure early during school holidays
- Most tours offer 24-hour cancellation
- Check departure point details when booking
Local Tip: If you enjoy hiking, choose tours with longer walking times – they often access less crowded viewpoints.
Our favourite Blue Mountains tours
After two decades of exploring the Blue Mountains, I’ve found small group tours (6-24 guests) consistently deliver the best experience. These intimate groups can access lookouts that big coaches can’t reach, and you won’t waste time waiting for 50 people to get on and off the bus. While I generally avoid large coach tours, the HOHO Explorer Bus is an exception – it’s perfect if you want to explore at your own pace and do some walking between stops.
Anderson’s Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Tour
Duration: 10 hours | Max group size: 20 | Book now from A$229
★★★★★ 4.8/5 from 2,926 verified reviews
I’ve taken this tour and it’s a smart choice if you want to see the best of the Blue Mountains without the hassle. The smaller bus means you can get to lookouts that big coaches can’t access, and because you leave early, you’ll arrive at popular spots before the crowds. Everything’s included in the price – your lunch, all the entry fees, even the ferry ride home. No hidden costs to worry about.
Why Choose This Tour:
- Small groups (max 20) mean more personal attention and no waiting
- Skip-the-line access at Scenic World’s famous rides
- Flexible wildlife experience – choose Featherdale or Sydney Zoo
- All-inclusive price with lunch and attraction entries
- Scenic return by ferry past Sydney Harbour Bridge
Perfect for: First-time visitors wanting to see all highlights without the hassle of planning or navigating. Early departure ensures you arrive before large coach groups. Able to accomodate one pram/stroller on each bus.
Best Value Blue Mountains Tour with Scenic World & Wildlife Park
Duration: 10 hours | Price: from A$210 | Book Direct Now
★★★★½ 4.6/5 from 3,985 verified reviews
This tour is perfect if you’re looking to see all the highlights without breaking the bank. FJ Tours has been running this route for over 20 years, and they’ve really nailed the timing. You’ll get to feed kangaroos at Featherdale before the crowds arrive, enjoy all three rides at Scenic World, and still have time to grab lunch in the charming village of Leura.
Their guides (especially Aaron and Jed) are known for making the day fun with their local stories and humor. The ferry ride back to the city is a nice bonus – it’s a relaxing way to end the day and you’ll get some great harbour photos.
What’s Included:
- Hotel pickup from central Sydney
- Entry to Featherdale Wildlife Park (with kangaroo feeding)
- All three Scenic World rides
- Shopping time in Leura Village
- Ferry ride back to Circular Quay
Perfect for: Visitors who want to see everything without the premium price tag of smaller group tours. Just remember to grab lunch in Leura – it’s not included but there are plenty of great cafes to choose from.
Budget-Friendly Blue Mountains Day Tour with Sydney Zoo
Duration: 10 hours | Price: from A$99 | Book Now
★★★★½ 4.6/5 from 1,243 verified reviews
If you’re watching your budget but don’t want to miss out on the Blue Mountains, this Oz Trails tour is worth considering. It’s about half the price of most other tours because entry fees aren’t included, but you still get all the main highlights.
The big difference is you’ll visit the newer Sydney Zoo instead of Featherdale (it’s closer to the city, so less travel time). I actually like that they take you to Kings Tableland – it’s a fantastic lookout that bigger buses can’t reach, and you won’t find the crowds you get at Echo Point.
What’s Included:
- Hotel pickup from central Sydney
- Visit to Sydney Zoo (entry fee extra – A$35)
- Guided bushwalk at Wentworth or Leura Falls
- Shopping time in Leura Village
- Optional Scenic World visit (entry fee extra – A$58-64)
- Return harbour cruise to avoid peak hour traffic
Perfect for: Budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind paying for attractions as they go. The total cost with all attractions is still less than most all-inclusive tours, and you can skip any stops you’re not interested in.
Beyond the Blacktop Army Truck Adventure
Duration: 3 hours | Max Group size: 8 | Book this tour
★★★★★ 4.9/5 from 450+ verified reviews
Experience the Blue Mountains from a unique perspective in an authentic ex-Australian Army Land Rover. This award winning operator takes you off the tourist trail to access spectacular viewpoints while learning about the region’s history and ecology from expert local guides.
What’s Included:
- Military Land Rover transport
- Expert local guide
- Access to secluded viewpoints
- Multiple photo opportunities
- Small group experience
- Pickup from Echo Point, Katoomba
Perfect for: Adventure seekers and families with older children (8+ years) looking for something different. Great option if you’re already in Katoomba and want an exciting way to explore the area.
I have done this fun Army Truck tour twice, once with a group and once as a private tour. After 20 years touring up here I still found this tour exciting. The perspective of being out in the open and looking directly onto the bushland is unique.
Blue Mountains Explorer Bus – Hop On Hop Off
Duration: All day | Departure: Katoomba | Book this tour
★★★★½ 4.6/5 from 850+ verified reviews
The Explorer Bus offers complete freedom to discover the Blue Mountains at your own pace. Perfect for independent travelers, this hop-on-hop-off service connects all major attractions plus hidden gems often missed by tour groups. With entertaining live commentary between stops, you’ll learn about the region while having the flexibility to spend as long as you like at each location.
What’s Included:
- All-day hop-on-hop-off access
- Live guide commentary between stops
- Full-color guidebook with maps
- 23 convenient stops
- 60-minute frequency between buses
Perfect for: Independent travelers, families with young children, and anyone who prefers to explore at their own pace. Ideal if you’re staying in Katoomba or arriving by train from Sydney.
You can buy just the HOHO ticket or add Scenic World entry, saving you time queuing when you arrive. This is a really good idea in summer when lines can be long at the ticket offices.
Find our tips on the best way to use your HOHO ticket here
4WD Blue Mountains Discovery Tour
Duration: 11 hours | Max Group size: 6 | Book this tour
★★★★★ 5.0/5 from 294 verified reviews
This intimate 4WD experience takes you beyond the typical tourist routes in a luxury Land Rover Discovery. Led by expert guide Paul, you’ll access secluded lookouts and walking trails while avoiding the crowds at popular spots.
The small group size ensures a personalized adventure with plenty of time to explore and photograph the landscape.
What’s Included:
- Luxury Land Rover Discovery transport
- Morning tea with seasonal fruit and Australian biscuits
- Multiple guided bushwalks (up to 1.5 hours)
- Off-road adventures to hidden lookouts
- Three Sisters viewing away from crowds
- Afternoon refreshments with a view
Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts and photographers who want to escape the crowds. Suitable for those with moderate fitness who can handle 1.5-hour walks. Children must be 12 or over.
Blue Mountains Aboriginal Experience Day Tour
Duration: 9 hours | Max Group size: 14 | Book this tour
★★★★★ 4.8/5 from 180+ verified reviews
If you are intrigued by Australian Indigenous culture, this experience offers a profound opportunity to learn while soaking in the beauty of the Blue Mountains. Led by a Wiradjuri Aboriginal guide, you’ll join in a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony and gain insights into native bush foods and medicines.
The full day of discovery is kept intimate with a small group, enjoying comfort and personal attention during the round-trip in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz van. Your day includes a homemade morning tea and a two-course hot lunch.
What’s Included:
- Led by a Wiradjuri Aboriginal guide
- Guided walk through Blue Mountains National Park
- Visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park
- Round-trip transport in a luxury Mercedes-Benz van
- Morning tea and two-course lunch
- Hotel pickup from Sydney CBD
Perfect for: Those interested in the culture and history of the region from an indigenous perspective. Best suited for older children and adults who can appreciate the cultural significance.
Blue Mountains Waterfalls & Sunset Small Group Tour
Duration: 10 hours | Price: from A$200 | Book Now
★★★★★ 4.9/5 from 150+ verified reviews
Picture Me Sydney’s Blue Moutains sunset tour is my pick for photographers and anyone who hates early starts! You’ll leave Sydney around 10am (even later in summer), missing peak hour traffic and the big tour buses. The timing is perfect – you get to the best spots when the light is gorgeous and most tourists have left.
What makes this tour special is the guide takes you to lesser-known lookouts where you won’t find crowds. You’ll do some proper bushwalking (about 8-10,000 steps), see stunning waterfalls, and get amazing sunset shots of the Three Sisters. They even include both lunch and dinner, which is rare.
What’s Included:
- Hotel/airport pickup
- All meals (lunch, dinner, snacks, water)
- Special koala encounter
- National Park fees
- Guided bushwalks to waterfalls
- Sunset viewing at Three Sisters
Perfect for: Photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone who prefers a relaxed pace with proper walking time. Not suitable for kids under 15 unless you book a private tour. You need moderate fitness for the walks.
Looking for something different?
Can’t find what you wanted in our list? Check out the full range of Blue Mountains tours with prices. and if you have time consider staying a day or two!
Final Thoughts on Your Blue Mountains Experience
As you choose your Blue Mountains adventure, don’t stress too much. Any of the tours on this page are highly recommended. We have not shared anything we don’t have personal experience with and wouldn’t recommend to our family and friends.
Choose something that best suits the interest and ability of your group and remember to pack smart and dress for the weather—trust me, layers are your friend here.
Enjoy the day, make some great memories, and don’t forget you can contact us in the FB group with specific questions anytime.
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
Great tips, sometimes it is more convenient to book a tour rather than self-explore and its always god to have recommended options!
Blue Mountains have been on our bucket list forever! We’d love to hike in the area, and it’s perfect for us because there are so many national parks: 10 in the same area? It’s fabulous! Thank you for the useful tips!
I have always wanted to go to the Blue Mountains and the worse thing is that I am Australian and not yet made it there. I never knew that there were so many Blue Mountains tours available but I suppose it a stunning place. You have some great trips there and I like that you have broken it down to things to consider especially in regards to visiting the zoo and bushwalking.
Wow, the Blue Mountains sound like an amazing place to visit. The day hike sounds perfect for us as we love to explore!
Thanks for all the handy tips on how to visit this area and what tours are available. Australia is on my list and I’d love to see this part of the country.
I would love to visit the Blue Mountains, but I doubt I would take a tour. Can you do this all on your own?
We’re taking one on the 26th! My in-laws booked it so I’m not sure which one it is, but I’m excited!
Love to hear how it goes!
The Blue Mountains.. heard a lot about them so it must really be worth doing the tour! Gosh they are gentle giants aren’t they… I can just imagine the photo’s that you could capture from above.
I remember our Blue Mountains tour guide vey well. though we went over a decade ago. He was quite an authority on Australia, not just the Blue Mountains. It was such a fantastic experience, all because of him.
Blue Mountains is indeed a treasure trove of experiences. I think your post is valuable in helping first-time visitors optimize their Blue Mountain experience.The sheer range of activities and experiences available there may be confusing and help of knowlegable sources is always welcome.
That is why some travellers who have not had time to plan or read about the area do find a tour works out best for them.
Imagine the images you could get with a drone! As much as I hate the noise they make it would be amazing.
Do you know of any Blue Mountain Tours that will pick up from a cruise ship docked @ White Bay Cruise Terminal? Most of the tours seem to pick up only from the hotels. There is one company called Shore Trips & Tours HQed in New Zealand that I found online. I would appreciate it if you replied to my email address.
Hi Sue
As far as I know, there are no group tour operators who pick up at White Bay. You may be able to get a small group operator who will make pick up there if there are a few of you making a booking. It would be best to contact them directly. I am unaware of the company you mentioned.
Thank you so much for your quick reply! I’m inclined to meet one of the highly rated tour groups in the CBD – just need to check the Ferry Schedule to see how early they run.
Do you think it’s better to take a tour with Featherdale first thing in the morning, or a tour that has Featherdale in the afternoon? Obviously, if the tour has Featherdale in the morning, then Scenic World would be later (and possibly more crowded).
This is a hard one Vince – I prefer the return because I like to get to the mountains before the crowds.If you have seen Australian animals then I actually prefer tours that don’t stop there at all.
The Blue Mountains look like a lovely day trip from Sydney. Course now, I need to get to Australia first!
Hello. What tour would you recommend that gives you more time to walk around the bottom of scenic world where you get off the railway?
Really enjoyed reading all your comments by the way, very helpful
You don’t really need a lot of time to walk the official boardwalk at Scenic World. If you want to walk outside Scenic World in the park then I would use the Blue Mountains Hop on hop off bus.
Very good read. Been to Australia last year specifically to Port Macquarie and I had the most wonderful time.
hello! this will be my first time and i love adventure and i want to spend the most time off the path seeing the animals in the wild. which tour would you suggest?
There is not a lot of chance of seeing significant numbers of animals in the wild on most of these group tours. You may see some kangaroos and birds etc but I would suggest one of this four wheel drive tour
https://sydneyexpert.travelloapp.com/australia/sydney/blue-mountains-off-the-beaten-track-4wd-day-adventure
Alternatively of the group tours the sunset one would be my pick https://sydneyexpert.travelloapp.com/australia/sydney/blue-mountains-sunset-tour
Is there any day tour do not visit any animal park or zoo.