Best Blue Mountains Tours from Sydney: How to Choose the Right One
Best Blue Mountains tours from Sydney sell out quickly, and with so many “best of” options it can be hard to know which one actually suits your style, budget and fitness. After twenty years helping visitors plan Blue Mountains day trips, this guide breaks down the top tours from Sydney—small-group, budget, sunset, family and adventure—and shows exactly who each is best for so you can book with confidence.
You’ll also find tips on whether you really need a tour, how much walking to expect, and which Blue Mountains highlights (Scenic World, Featherdale, Sydney Zoo, ferry return) are worth paying for.
Updated: 5/1/2026
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Best Blue Mountains day tours from Sydney at a glance
To help you get started, I’ve pulled together the Blue Mountains tours from Sydney that I recommend most often. If you know whether you want big views, more walking or a family‑friendly day, this list will quickly point you in the right direction.
- All‑Inclusive Blue Mountains Tour (Andersons) – 10 hours, departs Sydney CBD, from A$229. Best for first‑time visitors who want all the classic highlights, Scenic World, a wildlife park and ferry in a small‑group, all‑inclusive day
- Best Value Blue Mountains Tour with Scenic World & Wildlife Park (FJ Tours) – 10 hours, departs Sydney CBD, from about A$210. Best for value‑conscious travellers who still want Featherdale, all three Scenic World rides and a ferry back to Circular Quay.
- Budget-Friendly Blue Mountains Day Tour with Sydney Zoo (Oz Trails) – 10 hours, departs Sydney CBD, from A$99 plus entry fees. Best for budget‑conscious travellers who are happy to pay for Sydney Zoo, Scenic World and other stops as they go.
- Army Truck Adventure (Beyond The Blacktop) – 3 hours, departs Echo Point in Katoomba. Best for adventure‑loving families with kids 8+ or repeat visitors already in the mountains who want a fun off‑road experience.
- Hop On Hop Off Bus (Blue Mountains Explorer Bus) – Full‑day pass, departs Katoomba. Best for independent travellers and young families who like to explore at their own pace, especially if arriving by train from Sydney.
- 4WD Blue Mountains Discovery Tour – 11 hours, small group (max 6), departs Sydney, from around A$225 per adult. Best for nature lovers and photographers who want quieter lookouts, easy 1–1.5‑hour walks and a better chance of spotting wildlife away from the crowds.
- Blue Mountains Aboriginal Experience Day Tour – 9 hours, small group (max 14), departs Sydney CBD, from around A$249. Best for travellers who want Blue Mountains scenery plus a strong focus on Indigenous culture, Welcome to Country, bush foods and stories.
- Blue Mountains Waterfalls & Sunset Small Group Tour (Picture Me Sydney) – 10 hours, late start from Sydney, from about A$200. Best for photographers and late risers who want proper bushwalking, waterfalls and a golden‑hour Three Sisters sunset with meals included.
Before you lock a tour in, let’s go over a few points that will help you choose one that really fits your plans and fitness.
Who should take a guided Blue Mountains tour?
While you can explore the Blue Mountains by train or car, tours from Sydney work best if you:
- Have limited time and want the key sights covered in one day
- Prefer guided bushwalks and someone to keep an eye on the time and weather
- Haven’t had a chance to research the area in depth
- Want something specific like photography, adventure or an Aboriginal experience”
If you’re on a tight budget, use my guide to spending a day in the Blue Mountains by train instead of booking a tour.
If you have a car and like more control, try one of the self‑drive itineraries – you just need to be a bit more organised with timings and parking
What type of Blue Mountains tours are available?
Choose from eight distinct experiences:
- Leisurely Viewing Tours: Minimal walking, lots of lookouts and photo stops, usually full‑day trips from Sydney.
- Nature Tours: Flexible, self‑paced way to explore from Katoomba, ideal if you arrive by train or are already staying in the Mountains.
- Hop-on Hop-off: Flexible, self‑paced way to explore from Katoomba, ideal if you arrive by train or are already staying in the Mountains.
- Adventure Tours: Abseiling and canyoning experiences for thrill‑seekers who are comfortable with heights and getting wet.
- Hiking Tours: Guided walks focused on views and tracks rather than attractions, best if walking time matters more than ticking off Scenic World.
- Indigenous Culture Tours: Full‑day experiences led by Aboriginal guides that combine Blue Mountains scenery with stories, ceremony and bush foods.
- 4WD Tours: Small‑group off‑road trips to quieter lookouts and trails, good for repeat visitors and photographers who hate crowds.
What are the most popular sites visited?
Most Blue Mountains day tours include these popular stops:
- Three Sisters at Echo Point: The iconic Blue Mountains landmark, the Three Sisters
- Mountain villages: for a cafe stop and a short wander
- 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 helps you avoid peak hour traffic back into the city
Each tour juggles these stops a little differently, so it’s worth checking the exact itinerary before you book. When you’re comparing tours, think about:
- Wildlife Encounters: Some tours spend an hour at Featherdale Wildlife Park or Sydney Zoo. Skip this if want to spend more time with animals – a separate zoo day would be less rushed.
- 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) and school holidays
- Check the departure point and pickup time carefully before you pay
- Look for 24‑hour free cancellation in case the weather or your plans change
If you enjoy hiking, pick tours with longer walking times; they usually include quieter tracks and less crowded lookouts
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. They can reach smaller lookouts, feel more relaxed and you don’t spend half the day waiting for a coach to load.
I usually skip big coach tours, but the HOHO Explorer Bus is a handy exception if you want to explore at your own pace and link shorter walks together
Anderson’s Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Tour
Duration: 10 hours | Max group size: 20 | Book 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 any planning stress. The smaller bus gets you to lookouts big coaches can’t reach and, because you leave early, you hit the popular spots before the crowds. Everything’s included in the price – lunch, entry fees and the ferry ride back to the city – so there are no surprise costs on the day
Why Choose This Tour:
- Small groups (max 20) mean more personal attention and less waiting around
- Skip‑the‑line access at Scenic World
- Flexible wildlife stop – choose Featherdale or Sydney Zoo
- All‑inclusive price with lunch and attraction entries
- Scenic ferry return past Sydney Harbour Bridge
Perfect for: Perfect for: First‑time visitors who want all the main highlights done in one easy day from Sydney. The early departure helps you stay ahead of the coach crowds, and they can usually fit one pram or 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 feed kangaroos at Featherdale before the crowds, ride all three Scenic World rides and still have enough time for lunch in Leura.
Their guides (especially Aaron and Jed) are known for keeping the day fun with local stories and a bit of humour. The ferry ride back to the city is a nice bonus – a relaxed way to finish and a chance for a few extra harbour photos.
What’s Included:
- Hotel pickup from central Sydney
- Entry to Featherdale Wildlife Park (with kangaroo feeding)
- All three Scenic World rides
- Free time in Leura Village
- Ferry ride back to Circular Quay
Perfect for: Visitors who want to tick off the key sights – wildlife park, Scenic World and a village stop – without paying small‑group prices. Lunch isn’t included, but there are plenty of easy options in Leura.
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 the Blue Mountains, this Oz Trails tour is worth a look. It’s about half the price of many other day tours because entry fees are extra, but you still see all the main highlights.
The big difference is you visit the newer Sydney Zoo instead of Featherdale, which is closer to the city and means less time on the road. I also like that they include Kings Tableland – a fantastic lookout big coaches can’t reach, and far less crowded than 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
- Free 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 travellers who are happy to pay for attractions as they go. Even if you add Sydney Zoo, Scenic World and the cruise, the total usually comes in under most all‑inclusive tours, and you can skip any stops that don’t appeal.
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 different angle in an authentic ex-Australian Army Land Rover. This award‑winning operator takes you off the usual tourist trail to spectacular viewpoints, with local guides sharing stories about the area’s history and ecology as you go
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’ve done this Army Truck tour twice now, once with a group and once as a private tour. After 20 years touring up here I still found it exciting – being out in the open, looking straight across the bushland, feels very different to a standard bus tour.
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. It’s ideal for independent travellers, with a hop‑on‑hop‑off route that connects the big sights plus a few spots tour groups often miss. With live commentary between stops, you learn as you go and can stay longer wherever you like
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 which saves you queuing for tickets when you arrive. This is especially helpful in summer when lines can be long.
Find our tips on the best way to use your HOHO ticket here
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’re intrigued by Australian Indigenous culture, this experience is a really good way to learn while still enjoying the Blue Mountains scenery. Led by a Wiradjuri Aboriginal guide, you join a Welcome to Country ceremony and hear about native bush foods and medicines out on Country.
It’s a small‑group day, with a comfortable Mercedes‑Benz van and plenty of time to ask questions. Morning tea and a two‑course hot lunch are included, so you don’t have to think about food stops.
What’s Included:
- Led by a Wiradjuri Aboriginal guide
- Guided walk through Blue Mountains National Park
- Visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park
- Return transport in a luxury Mercedes-Benz van
- Morning tea and two-course lunch
- Hotel pickup from Sydney CBD
Perfect for: Travellers who care as much about culture and history as they do about views. Best suited to older children and adults who will 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 Mountains sunset tour is my pick for photographers and anyone who hates early starts. You leave Sydney around 10am (even later in summer), missing peak‑hour traffic and most of the big coaches. The timing means you’re at the best spots when the light is lovely and most day‑trippers have gone.
What makes this tour special is the focus on quieter lookouts where you won’t be fighting crowds. You’ll do some proper bushwalking (about 8–10,000 steps), see a couple of beautiful waterfalls and have time for sunset shots of the Three Sisters. Lunch and dinner are both included, which is rare on a day tour.
What’s Included:
- Hotel/airport pickup
- All meals (lunch, dinner, snacks, water)
- 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.
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 usual tourist routes in a luxury Land Rover Discovery. Led by expert guide Paul, you visit secluded lookouts and walking trails while avoiding the worst of 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. Best for travellers with moderate fitness who are comfortable with 1.5‑hour walks; children need to be 12 or over.
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!
Looking for something different?
Can’t find what you wanted in this list?straCheck out the full range of Blue Mountains tours with prices. and if you can spare the time, consider staying a night or two in the Mountains.
Final Thoughts on Your Blue Mountains Experience
As you choose your Blue Mountains adventure, don’t stress too much. Every tour on this page is one we have personal experience with and would happily recommend to family and friends.
Pick the one that best matches your group’s interests and fitness, and remember to pack smart and dress for the weather – layers really are your friend up here. Enjoy the day, make some great memories, and reach out in the Facebook group if you have specific questions.
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.