Discover The Blue Mountains Australia including Blue Mountains accommodation

During your time in Sydney a trip out to the Blue Mountains Australia is an absolute must. Try making your way to Katoomba which is a great place to base yourself and offers the best in Blue Mountains accommodation and nightlife. Throughout the year there are many excellent Blue Mountains tours on offer. If you are a keen skier then make sure you book one of the amazing ski adventures and go extreme on the slopes in the day and après ski at night. A great way to experience the wilderness is on a 4WD Blue Mountains tour, or to take a wildlife tour and see the famous Three Sisters Blue Mountains rock formation. The Blue Mountains Sydney are truly breathtaking and certainly worth staying for a good few days no matter the season.

• Click on any of the Blue Mountains tourism listings below to search and book on-line the best Blue Mountains accommodation to stay at, trips and tours to take and nightlife to enjoy.

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The Lazyshark Blue Mountains Map/Katoomba Map

View the Lazyshark Katoomba map in a larger format, you will be able to zoom in/out and print off

Fast Facts

• The Mountains look blue from a distance due to oils released by all the eucalyptus trees creating a blue haze.

• The Blue Mountains are only a 2 hour drive from Sydney.

• The World listed heritage landscape stretches for 1 million hectares.

History

More than 250 million years in the making the Blue Mountains were home to the Aborigines for more than 14,000 years before the white settlers eventually found a way round the rugged terrain. It has been a popular holiday resort since the 1870’s.

Things to do

• Go there to walk, climb or just sit back and admire the views. Just remember to take plenty of water!

• A great place to base yourself is in the mountain town of Katoomba with its selection of friendly hostels, relaxed cafés, and fun locals bars.

• If you happen to be in the area during the winter months there are some fantastic ski adventures that can be enjoyed at the two main resorts of Thredbo and Perisher Blue amongst the Snowy Mountains. Jindy is the local town where you can stay which offers some great après ski for a small resort.

• Ride the Zig Zag Railway, a vintage steam train that runs from Bell to Lithgow.

• Abseil in the Wollemi National Park.

• Go horse-riding through the Megalong Valley.

Events

The Blue Mountains Folk, Roots and Blues Music Festival in March and the IronFest arts festival in Lithgow in April are both worth visiting if you are in the area. To view our full listing of New South Wales events click here.

Don’t miss

• The Three Sisters — a spectacular rock formation. Aboriginal legend has it that the rocks are 3 sisters who were imprisoned by their father to protect them from a mythical creature called the bunyip.

• Katoomba’s Scenic Skywalk ride over the Blue Mountains, a glass-bottomed carriage that glides 270 metres above the valley.

• Visit the Jenolan Caves — 9 spectacular limestone caves that have the most amazing collection of stalagmites and stalactites.

Where to next

Heading North - Once you are ready to leave Sydney and carry on your backpacking trip up the East coast Newcastle is the next major town. Worth stopping here overnight to recharge the batteries. Lake Macquarie, just south of the town is a water sport enthusiasts paradise.

Heading South - Sydney is only a few hours drive south of the Blue Mountains. One of the most spectacular cities in the world. It is the major gateway for many travellers starting or ending their Australian adventure. Just make sure you leave enough time to fully explore this vibrant place.

St Elmo Heritage (Hotel / Motel, Room Only )

A wide variety of traditional Bed & Breakfast style rooms in the original 'St. Elmo' building, all with en-suites, Queen beds and having the benefit of the facilities, convenience and privacy of a 3 1/2 star Motel. Superior, and standard room configurations include twin, double,... more

Milroy Holiday Apartments (Apartment / Flat, Self Catering )

Milroy Holiday Apartments are conveniently located close to all local attractions. Milroy is the ideal choice for those wanting more room and privacy than a conventional motel unit. Each apartment features a fully-equipped kitchen, separate lounge with television and video, one ... more

Katoomba Town Centre Motel (Hotel / Motel, Room Only )

Situated in the very centre of Katoomba, the 'Capital' of Australia's beautiful Blue Mountains Sydney. Quality 3½ star Motel, Bed & Breakfast and Serviced Apartments featuring standard and superior Blue Mountain accommodation, all with Ensuites and excellent facilities. Quiet po... more

Katoomba Falls Caravan Park (Camping Site, Other )

Right on the amazingly scenic Cliff Drive and only 2km south of Katoomba station. There is a choice of 14 cedar cabins, 34 powered sites and 16 camping sites. Discover the nearby Katoomba Falls, experience the thrill on the nearby Scenic Railway, Cable Car and Skyway.... more

Balmoral House (Guest House, Bed & Breakfast )

Come, step back in time and relax in our classic Victorian ambience. Open log fires / central heating Antiques, brass beds / ensuite, Victorian gardens Outdoor Spa Pool / Licensed, cosy cocktail bar Guest lounge, TV room, games and library Balmoral is a leisurely 3 minut... more

Blue Mountains Backpackers Hostel (Hostel, Room Only )

Welcome to Central Blue Mountains Backpackers This is a brand new deluxe hostel opened in 2005. Here is a list of some of our facilities: • Coin operated laundry • Internet/Email access • Payphone & fax service • Large screen satellite TV • TV & tea making facilities... more

Katoomba Mountain Lodge (Hostel, Room Only )

Katoomba Mountain Lodge is a friendly home away from home with a cosy atmosphere. We are situated in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Join us in the months of June, July and August, as we celebrate the Magic of Yulefest in the Blue Mountains. Katoomba Mountain Lodge is a quaint... more

Jemby Rinjah Eco Lodge (Hostel, Bed & Breakfast )

Experience the spectacular Blue Mountains from the comfort and tranquility of the award winning Jemby Rinjah Eco Lodge. A unique Australian ecotourism escape in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Treat yourself to some time away from the daily grind and peak hour bottlenecks by ... more

The Victoria and Albert Guesthouse (Guest House, Bed & Breakfast )

The Victoria & Albert Guesthouse is nestled in the heart of the Historic Village of Mount Victoria in the Blue Mountains and offers a unique combination of typical English splendor and Australian Heritage. Guests return annually to enjoy delicious cuisine and traditional guesthou... more

Blue Mountains YHA (Hostel, Room Only )

Escape to the Blue Mountains famous for its scenery & bushwalking. Explore this World Heritage area, packed with adventure activities. Experience the art deco ambience of the YHA. Try abseiling, canyoning, mountain biking, a Jenolan Cave tour or alternatively just enjoy the cafes... more

The Flying Fox (Hostel, Room Only )

The Flying Fox is committed to making your stay with us a positive and rewarding experience. We are truely passionate about this extraordinary part of our country and we look forward to helping you discover the beauty of the beautiful Blue Mountains. Katoomba has a lively music ... more