Are you traveling to Australia and wondering if the Blue Mountains are worth visiting? Well I’ve lived in the Blue Mountains for 18 years. So, when It comes to the question ‘Are the Blue Mountains worth visiting?’ it’s fair to say I know my stuff.
With rolling cliffs and valleys that haze blue on the horizon, cascading waterfalls, and magical villages dotting the mountainside, the beauty of the Blue Mountains is certainly not a secret. Nonetheless, it’s almost impossible not to fall in love and is absolutely worth visiting in 2024.
Are the Blue Mountains Worth Visiting?
The Blue Mountains are one of Australia’s most incredible places and I believe, are absolutely worth visiting. With such a short drive from Sydney city, the mountains are accessible and amazingly beautiful.
The stunning scenery, small-town atmosphere, and community culture make the Blue Mountains stand out from most other popular Australian destinations.
As a full-time traveler, I have explored many incredible places around the world, and my hometown still stands out as one of the most spectacular.
Sustainable Travel in the Mountains
That being said, the Blue Mountains has struggled with excessive tourism for much of the last 10 years. Every year 6.4 million people come to the Mountains to take in its landscape, making it Australia’s most visited National Park.
So, while the Blue Mountains are worth a visit, It’s important to know how to travel sustainably.
Do you want to know how to travel to the Blue Mountains without damaging the land or the community? My article ‘6 Ways To Visit The Blue Mountains Sustainably‘ gives local insights on how to better protect the Blue Mountains during your stay.
Are the Blue Mountains Expensive?
Australia has never been considered a budget destination. Nearby Sydney is one of the most expensive cities to travel to in the world. Luckily the Blue Mountains are more budget-friendly than the nearby city.
Although prices in the Blue Mountains aren’t substantially lower than in Sydney, it’s enough to make a difference. And what differentiates the Blue Mountains the most is just how many free things there are to do.
If you like adventure, you’ll be excited to know there are no entrance fees on National Parks or hikes, so outdoor adventure is cheap (and everywhere!).
Some of the best things to do in the Mountains are exploring lookouts, walking trails, swimming spots, and the colorful town streets. Which are all completely free.
Accommodation will be your biggest expense, with an Airbnb averaging around $200 a night. A coffee will cost you around $4-$5, and a good meal (no drinks included) between $20-$25.
That being said, there are absolutely ways to cut costs on a trip to the Blue Mountains. Buying your own groceries and sticking to hostels/ homesteads are guaranteed ways to save money while exploring the beautiful National Park.
I write about the best ways to save money traveling in my post all about traveling for less than rent!
Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains has a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from hotels to hostels, to beautiful Airbnb’s.
LUXURY: The Chalets at Blackheath
The Chalets at Blackheath have been one of the Blue Mountains’ most sought-after stays for years. A beautiful chalet full of natural colours, located right in the middle of the Australian bushland.
The chalets balance comfort and style with an unforgettable Blue Mountains natural experience, a luxury on the outskirts of one of the Blue Mountains’ most peaceful towns.
Check Prices and Availability Here
MID-RANGE: The Binderaga Pine Forest
Bilpin is one of the lesser-known regions of the Blue Mountains and away from the crowds. The Binderaga Pine Forest tiny home is a beautiful modern tiny home located in the Australian bush.
It is highly recommended, but only if you have access to a car. This is because the train system in that area of the Blue Mountains is anywhere from unreliable to non-existent.
Check Prices and Availability Here
BUDGET: The Blue Mountains YHA
If you are a budget traveler, the Blue Mountains YHA is the best and most popular hostel in the area. Located just below the main street of Katoomba, there is easy access to everything you need within a short walking distance.
The hostel is 700m from the train station and a 20-minute walk from the famous Three Sisters.
Are the Blue Mountains Good for Backpackers?
The Blue Mountains are overall, a backpacker’s heaven, with easy access to public transport, hostels, and cheap food available.
The trains are one of the most common ways to get around in the Mountains, for locals too. Keep in mind that although there is easy access to trains and buses, the trains up and down the Mountains only run once an hour.
It’s also important to note that taxis are expensive, and the Blue Mountains do not have Uber services.
There are a few hostels scattered throughout the towns, where you can find affordable accommodation and opportunities to meet other travelers. Not only are there plenty of backpackers here, but there is a massive community of young locals interested in travel, adventure, and an outdoorsy lifestyle.
So, are the Blue Mountains backpacker-friendly? Without a doubt.
If you want to explore Australia without destroying your budget, the Blue Mountains are an amazing place to visit. Not only can you find plenty of affordable options, but you’ll also be able to explore one of the most beautiful places on Earth!
PS: If you’re a backpacker or a solo traveler, make sure to read these posts!
- If you want to know how to make friends as a backpacker, make sure to read ‘How To Make Friends As A Solo Traveler’
- If you’re worried about getting lonely, read ‘Is Solo Travel Lonely? 10 Tips To Beat Solo Travel Loneliness’
- If you want to travel for less than it costs to stay at home ‘How To Travel For Less Than Rent‘
What is the Best Town in the Blue Mountains?
The best town in the Blue Mountains for you really depends on what you’re looking for!
Katoomba
Katoomba is the central town in the Blue Mountains and is often considered the gateway to most Blue Mountains attractions.
This town is where you go if you want to be in the middle of things. It has lots of good food, outdoorsy activities, supermarkets, local businesses, and Mountains culture. The town is also one of the biggest in the region, with over 8,000 people living there.
Blackheath
The small town of Blackheath is home to some of the best rock climbing in Australia, along with pretty parks, small shops, and access to the Megalong Valley. As well as this, In autumn Blackheath becomes a famous spot for its bright red leaves.
Also, note that Blackheath is usually the town that gets the most snow in winter in the Blue Mountains! You can read more about snow around Australia, and in the Blue Mountains in my post on snow in Australia.
Leura
Known for its main street divided by cherry blossom trees, Leura is a popular spot for window shopping. It gets extremely busy during the tourist season, so make sure to be careful of cars and other pedestrians.
Glenbrook
If you don’t want to go too far from Sydney, Glenbrook is the first town in the Blue Mountains and only a 1-hour drive from the city. With pretty swimming spots like the popular Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook is popular for those who don’t want to trek all the way to the top.
5 Best Things to Do in the Blue Mountains
1. Visit a Lookout
The Blue Mountains has an amazing number of lookouts, and with some of the most stunning ones in Australia, it’s a must-do when visiting the area!
- Access: Accessible by car or by train to Leura Station, followed by a walk.
- Highlights: Incredible views of the Jamison Valley, Sublime Point Lookout is much lesser known.
- Access: You can access this lookout by car or by walking from Wentworth Falls Station.
- Highlights: Lincoln’s Rock offers a quieter view near Wentworth Falls, with breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley and the Kings Tableland.
- Access: Easily accessible by car or by hiking.
- Highlights: Govetts Leap has a beautiful view of the Grose Valley. Head to Blackheath and follow the signs to Govetts Leap Lookout, it’s easy to find!
Sublime Point
Lincon’s Rock Lookout
Govetts Leap
2. Go for a Bushwalk
The Blue Mountains are home to some of Australia’s most beautiful walking tracks. Here are my three favorite walks in the Blue Mountains with all levels of difficulty.
Prince Henry Cliff Walk
- Challenge Level: Easy
- Highlights: Beautiful views, relaxed pace
Grand Canyon Track
- Challenge Level: Moderate
- Highlights: Blue Mountains rainforest, leafy and green, waterfalls!
Valley of the Waters Track
- Challenge Level: Difficult
- Highlights: An alternative to the National Pass, cliff-edge paths, incredible views of the valleys
No matter what level you are, there’s bushwalking in the Mountains for everyone!
3. Grab a Coffee
Australia has a thriving coffee scene, and the Blue Mountains is no exception.
For some of my favorite coffee in the Blue Mountains, head down to the Megalong Valley Tearooms. It’s a winding 20-minute scenic drive from Blackheath. There you can find amazing barista-made coffee, great views, and delicious food.
A bit closer to home you can find the Blackheath Delicatessen on the main street of Blackheath which is a local favourite. They’re also famous for their bacon and egg rolls.
And in Katoomba, Frankly My Dear Coffee is a popular favorite. With amazing coffee, chai, and one of the best bagels I’ve eaten in my LIFE. Frankly’s is a favorite of mine and many other young people in the area.
4. Go Rock Climbing
The Blue Mountains are known as one of Australia’s rock-climbing Meccas. With plenty of access to bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, and multi-pitch, the Blue Mountains has it all.
And as a rock climber and the daughter of professional rock-climbing parents, I’ve been everywhere!
If you’re already a climber and have your own gear, I would suggest Upper Shipley Plateau as a first crag experience in the Mountains. There you will meet a lot of other locals who can give you information on all the best places to go from there.
If you don’t have any experience climbing, I suggest booking with local tour guides. Avoid big tour companies, as they aren’t good for the Blue Mountains communities! The Blue Mountains Adventure Company offers a wide range of experiences for different levels.
5. See Wild Kangaroos
It’s well known that the most accessible place to see wild kangaroos in the Blue Mountains is Euroka Clearing in Glenbrook. The official Blue Mountains website even says as much. The best time to see them is morning and evening, as they tend to shade in the bush during the heat of the day.
It’s important to note that you should never go near kangaroos, both for their safety and yours. Kangaroos and incredibly strong and can cause severe injuries if they attack.
And beyond that, It’s important that we preserve the natural beauty and species of the Mountains by leaving them untouched.
Are the Blue Mountains Worth Visiting?
So, are the Blue Mountains worth visiting in 2024? Absolutely.
The Blue Mountains is an incredible experience for everyone. With beautiful natural landscapes, fun experiences, local culture, and a cheaper budget, the Mountains are a true Australian gem.
However, it’s important to remember that the Blue Mountains are also delicate, and years of excessive tourism have caused damage to the landscape and community. So, if you decide to travel to the Mountains, make sure to play your part in protecting the area!
