Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Blue Mountains Tour

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 adrenlin, let’s work out which is the ideal tour for you.

Updated: 7/11/24

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Let’s start with the basics!

Why you should visit the Blue Mountains

You might have noticed that most itineraries for Sydney mention a visit to the Blue Mountains. Is it the most popular day tour from Sydney, for locals and tourists alike. So, what then makes it so popular?

Well, to start:

• The Blue Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it joined the register in 2000, celebrating its breathtaking landscapes and outstanding biodiversity.
• There are ten national parks featuring magnificent waterfalls, sheer sandstone cliffs, and vast regions of dense forest, offering unforgettable vistas at every turn.
• Pretty mountain villages, full of cute shops. Excellent cafes and delightful cafes, promise indulgent treats like high tea with stunning cliff-top views.
• The Blue Mountains offer a serene contrast to Sydney’s vibrant harbour and beaches and only a relatively short distance away.

Each aspect of the Blue Mountains draws visitors into a world where natural beauty and cultural charm coexist, making it an unmissable part of any trip to Sydney.

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, you will spend approximately 2 hours on the road from Sydney.

Who should take a guided Blue Mountains tour?

While it is possible to explore the mountains by public transport, it is not the best option for everyone. For some travellers, tours are the best choice. Here’s why:

• Time constraints: Tours are great if you only have limited time to see the region, as you won’t waste time working out how to get from A to B.
• Hiking and safety: Going on a tour is incredibly helpful if you want to go hiking. If you’re not experienced in hiking or ‘bushwalking‘ as we call it here, a tour can give you the confidence and guidance to safely explore the trails and take in more of what the region has to offer.
• Convenience: Tours are perfect if you haven’t had time to research things to see and do in the Blue Mountains.
• Tailored experiences: Tour companies spend considerable time putting together itineraries that cater to visitors’ needs, from photographers to adventure travelers, ensuring you experience the mountain’s highlights that match your interests.

If you love research as much as I do or travel on a 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. You need to be a bit more organised if you choose these options.

What type of Blue Mountains tours are available?

You can find a tour to suit every type of traveller:

• Leisurely Viewing Tours: Perfect for those who prefer minimal walking, these tours stop briefly at key attractions, offering ample time for photos and soaking in the views.
• In-depth Nature Tours: Ideal for eco-enthusiasts, these provide detailed information on the region’s flora and fauna and might include immersive activities like guided nature hikes.
• Flexible Hop on hop off tours: Great for independent spirits who enjoy setting their own pace, allowing you to explore favorite spots at your leisure.
• Adventurous Canyoning or Abseiling Tours: For thrill-seekers eager to explore the dramatic landscapes up close, these offer exhilarating experiences like canyoning and abseiling.
• Moderate Hiking Tours: Designed for active visitors, these tours include a couple of hours of hiking, bringing you closer to the natural beauty of the mountains.
• Cultural Indigenous Tours: Offering a rich, cultural dimension with insights into indigenous history and traditions, perfect for those keen on learning more about the region’s heritage.
• Off-road Four-wheel Drive Tours: For those desiring to venture deeper into less accessible terrains, these tours provide unique perspectives and exciting off-road adventures.

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 the average Blue Mountains tour last?

Tours usually run for between 9-12 hours. Most tours leave the city by 8.30 am and return at about 6 pm, although there are exceptions!

What is the difference between the small group tours & larger tour buses?

Tours operate on either full-size buses or minibuses (often 18-21 seats). Minibuses can navigate the mountains more efficiently. Having smaller groups means less time to load everyone on and off the bus at each stop, so generally, these are my preference unless you need better seating for the long drive.

What stops are usually included in a Blue Mountains day tour?

While all tours are slightly different, the majority include the following stops.

• Echo Point – home of the Three Sisters, the iconic Blue Mountains landmark.
• One or two villages: usually Katoomba or Leura two of the biggest.
• Featherdale Wildlife Park – Many tours make their first stop at Featherdale on the way up to the mountains. This relatively small animal park offers a chance to get up close to a full range of native Aussie animals.
• Scenic World is included in many tours: Entry to the 3 “rides”, the railway, skyway and the cableway. These rides are a great way to see the mountains from above but consider the impact on your itinerary, if you enjoy bushwalking perhaps skip this.
• A ferry ride part of the way home: Some tours return to Sydney via Olympic Park and a cruise back to the city. This is not a special cruise but rather a ferry ride. It’s a nice way to break up the trip home but nothing extraordinary.

What to Pack for Your Day in the Blue Mountains

• Dress for the Weather: The Blue Mountains temperatures often surprise visitors it’s cooler, even in summer. Be prepared with layers—think lightweight, breathable options that you can easily shed as the day warms up. A weather-appropriate jacket is essential in autumn and winter.
• Footwear Matters: The stunning trails and lookout points require durable footwear. Opt for comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip to tackle the often uneven and rocky surfaces. Trust me, it’s the difference between an enjoyable journey and one that’s includes a twisted ankle. Yes I have seen that happen, more than once!

Things to know before you book your tour

Ask yourself the following questions before you choose your tour.

Do you want to spend 1 hour at the wildlife park?

If you’ve already visited other zoos or plan to see Aussie animals elsewhere, consider a tour that skips Featherdale, giving you more time for other attractions.

Do you want to spend time bushwalking

Some tours allocate only 30-45 minutes for bushwalking, while others offer more extensive hiking opportunities. Decide based on how much time you wish to spend on trails.

Do you want meals included?

A sit-down lunch might cut into your exploration time. Depending on your preferences, a packed lunch or quick meal could maximize your time spent outdoors.

Do you need to book ahead?

If visiting in the summer particularly December or January, booking in advance is advisable as tours can sell out. Any school holiday period is also busy. Many tours offer a 24-hour cancellation policy, adding flexibility.

Our favourite Blue Mountains tours

Our favourite tours in the Blue Mountains are predominantly small group tours catering to between 6-24 guests. The smaller numbers on these tours allow you to get on and off more quickly. I believe tours on larger buses are not the best way to experience this area unless you do the HOHO bus and explore on foot in between stops.

Blue Mountains All Inclusive Tour Small Group Tour

Duration: 11 hours | Max group size: 20 | Book this tour

This well-rounded trip by Anderson Tours offers a comprehensive Blue Mountains experience without feeling rushed. You travel in a small but comfortable mini-coach equipped with Wi-Fi. Best of all, everything you do in this 11 hour tour is included in the initial tour cost.

Who: This tour is a great choice for multi-generational groups and anyone not wanting to hike.

The tour includes:

• Three rides at Scenic World
• A guided rainforest walk 
• Lunch (can accommodate vegan and gluten-free guests)
• Access to unique lookouts away from large groups
• Interactive experience with native animals at Featherdale or Western Sydney Zoo
• Return boat ride along the Parramatta river to Sydney Harbour

This tour is top-rated and often books out. There is no minimum age (however, they can only take one pram on each bus, so please check when booking if you need to take a pram).

Blue Mountains Scenic Day Tour with Cruise

Duration: 10 hours | Average group size: 20 | Book this tour

Another great operator, FJ Tours, is known for two decades of delivering memorable tours, highly rated on TripAdvisor for their insightful guides and meticulously planned itineraries.

Who: It’s a solid choice if you want to make the most of your day in the bush but would also like to see the pretty town of Leura. Not including lunch keeps the price down too.

This 10-hour day tour captures many of the Blue Mountains’ key attractions.

• A visit to the Three Sisters
• Three rides at Scenic World (Cableway, Skyway, and Railway) – included in cost
• Time in Leura Village – lunch at own expense
• Short guided bush walk
• Entry to Featherdale Wildlife Park
• Fantasea River Cruise from Parramatta to Circular Quay or Darling Harbour

This tour is a little cheaper than the first one as lunch is not included so it’s a good way to save some dollars without missing any of the sites.

Army Truck Adventure Tour – Beyond the Blacktop

Duration:3 hours | Max group size: 8 | Book this tour

Discover the World Heritage Blue Mountains in a unique fashion, touring the area in an ex-Australian Army Land Rover with Beyond the Blacktop, an award winning local operator.

Who: This fun tour is perfect for anyone looking to take in beautiful views. I absolutely loved it and think if you are travelling with kids and teens you should book this one.

Enjoy a different perspective of the stunning landscape as you explore Katoomba, Medlow Bath, and Blackheath. Journey along the cliff line to witness the dividing range between the Blue Mountains’ most popular valleys, and enjoy short walks to take in the spectacular scenery.

The guides are knowledgeable and share fascinating insights into the area’s rich history, diverse plants, and unique wildlife.

• Explore Katoomba, Medlow Bath, and Blackheath in an open-air military vehicle
• Unique views of the cliff line and valleys
• Small group setting with an expert guide
• Easy pick-up and drop-off at Echo Point
• Flexible booking with no upfront payment required

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.

Starting your journey is easy with pick-up and drop-off at Echo Point, and the flexibility of booking now and paying later with free cancellation allows you to adjust your plans as needed.

Blue Mountains Hop on Hop Off Explorer Bus

Duration: 8 hours | Number of stops: 23 | Book this tour

The HOHO Bus has recently had a makeover, and they have reorganised the stops and reduced the time between buses.

Who: Everyone! But it’s particularly good if you are on a budget or travelling with small kids as many tours don’t allow younger kids or charge full price for them. On this tour kids under 3 are free!

The HOHO allows you to reduce the total cost of your day in the mountains by taking public transport from Sydney to Katoomba.

• Unlimited hop on hop off all-day with live commentary
• Full-colour Guide Book with maps and walking guides
• Extend your pass FREE when staying in the Blue Mountains (Up to 3 days)
• 23 Stops with 60 minute frequency – (This is the perfect time for each stop)

They also offer a Boomerang Pass that is a single 60-minute loop, a great option for anyone not up to much walking or those who want an overview of the sites. The view from the top deck is amazing.

The bus drivers get fantastic feedback for their informative and helpful commentary and regularly go out of their way to make sure the passengers have the best experience.

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 out more about how this works here

Blue Mountains Sunset Tour with 2 Hours of Bushwalking

Duration: 10.5 hours | Minimum age: 6 years | Book this tour

I have always liked how Autopia Tours do things differently and offer experiences others don’t. I discovered them on a trip to Melbourne decades ago and had a brilliant time on their tours. Their Blue Mountains tour is no exception, taking you to parts of the mountains other operators don’t go to.

Who: This is the perfect day out for anyone wanting to spend time bushwalking and observing local wildlife.

This ten-hour tour leaves the city after the peak hour rush, making it perfect for anyone who is not keen on rising early. Staying in the mountains until after dark gives you a chance to watch the afternoon light change over the bushland and capture beautiful photos of a Three Sisters sunset.

The tour includes:

• Enjoy up to two hours of guided bushwalking.
• Spot native wildlife at Euroka Campground.
• Take a guided bushwalk at Wentworth Falls.
• Experience sunset views from a secret location.

Experience sunset views from a hidden location.

This tour definitely takes you to less explored areas and allows you to experience parts of the mountains that most Sydneysiders have never seen.

Blue Mountains: Aboriginal Experience Day Tour

Duration: 9 hours | Max Group size: 14 | Book this tour

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.

Who: If you are interested in the culture and history of the region from an indigenous perspective this is a fabulous choice. Probably best for older kids rather than little ones.

You will be treated to an immersive experience into the land’s ancient stories, plants, animals, and Indigenous heritage. 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.

• 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
• Flexible booking with reserve now, pay later option
• Departs daily from Sydney’s CBD with personalised pick-up

This tour provides a deeply enriching experience, connecting you with Australia’s First Nations people and their land.

Blue Mountains Waterfalls, Walks, and Sunset Tour

Duration: 10 hours | Max group size: 8 | Book this tour

Join this intimate small-group tour and explore the wonders of the Blue Mountains with a local guide. Beginning your adventure with a later start means you will be in the mountains for both golden hour and sunset at the Three Sisters. 

Who: If you dream of going home with memorable Blue Mountains photos this is a great choice. You will have plenty of time to compose photos from some of the mountains best locations.

The tour includes:

• An exclusive koala encounter
• Short scenic bushwalks that include waterfalls and lookouts
• Experienced photographer/guide and the time to take great shots
• Sunset at the Three Sisters
• A bush picnic lunch and a local dinner

This unique itinerary crafted by Picture Me Tours ensures a memorable experience with a keen photographer guide to help you capture stunning photos. Please note, this tour is not suitable for children under 15 years.

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.