looking out at Hanging Rock

The best things to do in the Blue Mountains are its stunning hikes in my opinion. Trails like Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) and Grand Canyon Track give you views the drive-up lookouts simply can't match. We based ourselves in Katoomba for a hiking heavy August long weekend and got everywhere by local bus, which meant some extra walking to reach trailheads but also a much quieter town than peak season.

Looking for a long weekend itinerary? Check out my 3 days in Blue Mountains guide.

If you're short on time, Echo Point and Scenic World will get you the postcard worthy shot in under an hour. But if you've got a full day to give it - this is genuinely one of the best hiking regions within striking distance of a major city in the country.

I’ve broken this down based on your interests:

• For the trail hungry hikers

• For the “short on time” visitors

• For the cafe and culture wanderers

• For the spa-day crew

For the trail hungry hikers

• Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock): a narrow slab of sandstone jutting straight out over the valley with nothing but air underneath. A proper knee-jerker if you walk right to the edge (my partner did, I admired it from a safe distance and honestly the view is just as good). Factor in extra walking to reach the trailhead by bus, and know you can absolutely enjoy this one from a distance if heights aren't your thing.

• Grand Canyon Track, Blackheath: a full loop through rainforest and a slot canyon, with waterfalls and creek crossings the whole way. Roughly 3–4 hours.

• Grand Cliff Top Walk & Echo Point (Three Sisters): a lower-effort option we used to close out our trip on the last morning, still delivering one of the best views in the park.

• Giant Stairway > Federal Pass > Scenic Railway loop: the other classic multi-hour trail out of Katoomba, dropping you 800+ steps into the Jamison Valley and bringing you back up on the steepest railway in the world.

• National Pass, Wentworth Falls: cliff-carved ledges with waterfalls the whole way, one of the most rewarding walks in the park.

Whichever trails you choose, keep an eye out for the blue haze hanging over the valleys from the lookouts - the mountains are named for it, caused by eucalyptus oil evaporating off the surrounding forests.

Prefer a guided version, or want a small group instead of navigating trails yourself? Browse Blue Mountains hiking tours.

For the short-on-time visitors

If you've only got a few hours, these will get you the essential Blue Mountains experience.

• Echo Point: the classic Three Sisters view, and the busiest spot in the region for a reason

• Scenic World: railway, skyway, and cableway rides through and over the valley, ideal if walking isn't the goal

• Govetts Leap, Blackheath: arguably a more dramatic lookout than Echo Point, and far less crowded

• Pulpit Rock and Hargraves Lookout — no-walk lookouts near Blackheath

For the cafe and culture wanderers

• Leura: boutique shopping, chocolate shops, and the Everglades Gardens (best in spring/autumn)

• Katoomba Street Art Walk: a laneway of murals a five-minute walk from Katoomba Station

• Katoomba cafes: a proper coffee scene, good for a recovery morning after a big hike day

For the spa-day crew

The Japanese Bath House in Katoomba is an affordable local favourite for hot springs and is worth building a whole afternoon around if your legs need it.

(Noting at the time of writing this blog, the Japanese Bathhouse will be closed for maintenance from 7th December 2026 - 8th January 2027)

A quick note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book or buy through them — at no extra cost to you.