Blue Mountains National Park

The attraction of walking in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a rugged, mountainous region located only 50 kilometres west of Sydney. It’s part of the Great Dividing Range that runs down Australia’s east coast. Access from Sydney is simple - 90 minutes by car or two hours by train.

The Blue Mountains region is renowned for its vast valleys, sculptured sandstone escarpments and cliffs, scenic waterfalls, massive canyons and gently sloping plateaus. Its name derives from the blue haze that tinges the area when viewed from a distance, especially in summer. Not surprisingly, this region has inspired many artists and writers.

The Greater Blue Mountains Area is listed as a World Heritage Area by UNESCO, largely due to to the diversity of its eucalypt vegetation. Over one million hectares are included in this World Heritage Area.

The proximity to Sydney of the Blue Mountains means that it can be busy on weekends and holidays but the area is vast so it’s not hard to find some solitude. Accommodation is plentiful and covers the spectrum.

A great way to experience the Blue Mountains is to base yourself in one of Katoomba, Leura or Blackheath and spend three or four days sampling the best day walks on offer. 

Interested in walking in the Blue Mountains?  

The Blue Mountains offers many day and multi-day walks and there are a number of tour operators offering a variety of walking trips. We can help you choose an operator that best suits your interests and requirements. One of the best multi-day walks in the Blue Mountains is the Traverse Walk. Click the button below for a description of the Blue Mountains Traverse Walk.

The Traverse Walk is just one of many Blue Mountains walks (guided or self-guided) we can tell you about, and help you to plan and book. Click below to learn more.