Things to do in the Blue Mountains, Sydney Australia
If you plan to travel to the Blue Mountains within the Sydney Region, here are some places to add these to your list. I’ve included places to visit and eat.
Blue Mountains is located 1 hour 30 mins from the Sydney CBD by car and by train would be 2 hours 30 mins. I recommend hiring a car so it’s a lot easier to get around since some areas are not as public transport friendly.
This area is massive and there is so much to see and do from hikes to lookouts. Note that lookouts are usually all free in the Blue Mountains.
LOOKOUTS / ATTRACTIONS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Blue Mountains
The three sisters are the most tourist spot of all the attractions listed here. When you visit, keep in mind that it might be crowded. It’s free to view the lookout but if you plan to go on the ride down or scenic walk, visit the Scenic World for ticket prices. Usually, Klook, Get Your Guide or Viator have tours or spots to book if you’re looking for discounts.
Blackheath lookout
Blackheath Lookout is located 30 minutes from Leura by car. While this is seen as one spot, the Blackheath lookout has three different areas to visit.
The first area is the helipad area which makes a good area for a picnic with a picturesque view. This is usually used by paragliders.
The second spot is the regular route where the pathway leads you with the fences and the lookout.
The third spot is quite hidden where the old wooden board is found. Take the normal route from the second spot, however towards the beginning, you’ll see a tree trunk and a slightly off-track walkway keep following it until you see a few rocks and you’ll see the wooden plank. Makes for a cute hidden gem and photo spot. I advise you to not go on the wooden plank, it looks run down and most of the wood had fallen off when I visited.
In the parking area, there are toilets available.
The lookout is accessible year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild and the landscapes are particularly vibrant.
Hargraves lookout
Hargraves Lookout has officially been listed as my favourite lookout spot in the Blue Mountains. It’s 12 minutes drive from the Blackheath Lookout. It has stunning views of the Megalong Valley and makes for the perfect photo spot! The walkway is clean and has a nice walk down to see the view.
The lookout is particularly famous for its stunning sunsets. As the sun dips below the horizon, the valley and cliffs are bathed in a golden glow.
The lookout is open year-round, but the most popular times to visit are during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its best.
There is free parking but there are limited spots.
Govetts Lookout
Govetts lookout is located within the Blackheath region.
There is a parking lot and there is usually plenty of parking. It is one of the best spots to watch the sunrise. Keep in mind that in the morning, it tends to be colder so layer up to stay warm. From the lookout, you can also see the govett waterfall from the distance. It offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Grose Valley, surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and dramatic waterfalls. The lookout has footpaths going in multiple directions walking off to another walk or hike.
The lookout is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild and the views are clear. However, it can also be visited during the summer or winter months.
THINGS TO DO IN BLUE MOUNTAINS
Pine Crest Orchard
Pine Crest is a fruit orchard that grows fruits depending on the season. It’s open to the public to fruit pick. It is $2 entry and $5 a kilo depending on how many fruits you pick. This is a fun activity to do with the family or as a couple. Picking fresh fruit is so satisfying and it can get quite addictive so make sure to only pick what you’re going to take home with you otherwise, it would be a waste.
They have another area to hand-pick sunflowers and you can take these home too.
Fruit picking seasons
- Apples are usually all year round
- During summer, plums and peaches are in season along with apples and pears
Tip: Bring a bag to put the fruit in while you are picking or you can purchase a bag (usually $1-$2)
FOOD OPTIONS IN BLUE MOUNTAINS
The Bunker
The Bunker is a restaurant that has an aesthetic garden area (you can also visit for breakfast and dinner) and there’s also an indoor dining area. The best spot to reserve is on the veranda so you’re under shade but still outside to enjoy the garden fairy vibes.
It is located two minutes walk from Leura station and there’s plenty of free street parking.
They have specials each day and their menu is quite affordable. We ordered ribs and chips. The meal came with two ribs and chips underneath for $42. This is so affordable in comparison to the prices in Sydney which is usually priced above $80+ for at least two!
The quality of the food was delicious and the staff was friendly.
Dryridge Estate
Dryridge Estate is one of the only wineries located in the Blue Mountains. It is is open every Saturday and Sunday for wine tasting and cheese platters.
When you drive to Dryridge Estate, it might seem like you’re heading towards a hiking trail because the surroundings become quite green and bushy. However, keep driving, and you’ll arrive at an amazing green field vineyard.
The wine tasting costs $15 and the charcuterie board is $30 (please check that the price is correct as this main change). The wine tasting includes seven different wines, starting with white wines and progressing to stronger red wines. The charcuterie board features three different cheeses, prosciutto, crackers, and bread. Overall, it is reasonably priced and worth it. Also, if you love dogs, there are usually two fluffy ones wondering around.
I recommend booking in advance if you want a spot right in front of the vineyards. There is also plenty of free parking available on site.
Dryridge is one of my favorite wineries, surpassing even those in Hunter Valley for me. The view is stunning, offering a picturesque and almost unreal panorama of the mountains. If you’re lucky, you might even see cows running against the serene backdrop which seems unreal.
You’ll have the best time in the Blue Mountains and there are endless things to do and visit whether you’re going for a hike, enjoying a lookout, or a nice meal, there is something for everyone.
Explore more of my travel blog
C O N N E C T W I T H M E ♡
💎 Instagram: @juliaxeats
💎 Tik Tok: @juliaxeats
💎 YouTube: @juliaxeats
💎 Blog: www.juliaxeats.com
Business inquiries: juliaxeats@gmail.com
Tags: Travel, Explore, Australia, Blue Mountains, Things to do in Blue Mountains, Places to visit in the Blue Mountain, Food, vineyards, cheeseboard, wine, wine tasting, ribs, garden aesthetic, Food in Blue Mountains, What to eat in Blue Mountains