9 of the ultimate outdoor adventures in the Blue Mountains

Hang out on a rock-climbing adventure  

Ready to take your adventure to new heights? The rugged cliffs and towering escarpments of the Blue Mountains are made for climbing. Blue Mountains Adventure Company and High and Wild Australian Adventures run regular tours for rock climbing, abseiling and canyoning across some of the mountains’ most famous peaks. There are options for absolute beginners and experienced climbers, as well as family-friendly tours to introduce little ones to the great outdoors. 

Blue Mountains Adventure Company, Blue Mountains - Credit: David Hill

Head underground into ancient caves 

Dating back more than 340 million years, Jenolan Caves is the oldest open cave system in the world. This vast network of underground caves is lined with spectacular limestone rock formations and sparkling underground rivers. Go deep beneath the surface to marvel at these ancient masterpieces, winding through narrow passageways, climbing across elevated boardwalks and walking beneath enormous stalactites. For a true white-knuckle adventure, don overalls and a helmet for the Plughole Adventure Caving Experience. You’ll crawl, climb and squeeze through an undeveloped cave with just a headlamp to guide you. 

Please note: Jenolan Caves is closed until 2026 for major road repair work. Visit the website for updates. 

The Pool of Reflections in the River Cave, within the iconic Jenolan Caves - Credit: Timeless Creations | Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust

Lace-up your boots for a hike  

There are hundreds of walking trails threaded throughout more than 2,500 square kilometres of untouched bushland in the Blue Mountains National Park. The Grand Canyon Track, first opened in 1907, is one of the most famous and takes in dramatic waterfalls, bubbling creeks and soaring lookouts. The Cliff Top Walking Track runs between Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout, offering sweeping views over the Grose Valley. Follow the Valley of the Waters trail to explore beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes or admire ancient Aboriginal rock art along the Red Hands Cave Walking Track. 

If you’d like to be guided be an expert, join a hike with Tread Lightly Eco Tours. With guided walks ranging from two to eight hours, you’ll discover the Blue Mountains’ most spectacular scenery while also learning about the area’s delicate ecology, sustainability and important Indigenous heritage. 

Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park

Tackle a multi-day adventure on foot  

If one day in the wilderness won’t scratch that adventurous itch, why not tackle one of the Blue Mountains’ legendary multi-day treks? The Six Foot Track is the most famous, an epic three-day, 44km journey between Katoomba and Jenolan Caves with four campsites along the way. This challenging, Grade 4 track follows an historic trail from 1884 and winds through the stunning Megalong Valley, over Coxs Creek (stop for a swim) and through endless areas of natural beauty.  

The Grand Cliff Top Walk opened in early 2024 and creates a seamless connection between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. It takes in some of the mountains’ most iconic views, winds beneath waterfalls, descends into fern-filled valleys and travels through rainforest home to abundant wildlife. This moderate, Grade 3 walk covers 19km and takes two days, with lots of accommodation available in the village of Leura at the halfway point. 

Saddle up for a rugged ride  

Sometimes, four legs can be better than two. Saddle up and explore some of the most rugged and remote areas of the Blue Mountains on horseback. Centennial Glen Stables offers guided trail rides through the magnificent Kanimbla Valley, close to Blackheath. Choose a sunset ride to see the escarpment glow orange under the setting rays. For something more adventurous, you can join a rugged wilderness ride along the Coxs River at Megalong Valley Farm. Travelling along mountain ridges, into deep gullies and through the icy water, you’ll feel like a true stockman. In Oberon, you can explore a working farm on horseback with High Country Trail Rides. 

Megalong Valley Farm, Megalong Valley - Credit: Glenda Lane

Pitch a tent in a spectacular location 

There’s something magical about sleeping under the stars, immersed in the sounds of nature after dark. Old Ford Reserve is a popular campsite on the banks of the Megalong River, close to Katoomba and the start of the Six Foot Track. At Euroka Campground near Glenbrook you’ll be sharing the leafy clearing with curious kangaroos. The remote Acacia Flat is only accessible on foot and intrepid campers will be rewarded with complete seclusion amongst the blue gums.

If you prefer a little luxury with your adventure, try one of the stylish glamping options dotted across the mountains. Sleep in a clear dome at Bubbletent, a bell tent in the elegant Mayfield Garden or a chic safari tent by the river at Turon Gates. 

Mayfield Garden, Oberon

Take a scenic road trip through the mountains 

Experience a little of everything that makes the Blue Mountains so special on a scenic road trip. Travel at your own pace, stop for regular spells of adventure and admire the natural beauty of these lush peaks. The Greater Blue Mountains Drive is a 280km loop from Sydney, taking you through Leura, Katoomba, Blackheath and Bilpin. Admire the views from Sublime Point Lookout, take the thrilling Scenic Railway down into the valley at Scenic World, soak in the beauty of the Megalong Valley and wander through the lush Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. 

Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains

Learn the ancient stories of the world’s oldest living culture 

Steeped in ancient folklore and rich with significant cultural sites, the Blue Mountains are the traditional homelands of six groups of Indigenous people – Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Wanaruah, Darkinjung and Tharawal. Discover an art gallery layered with handprints and stencils, thought to have been painted between 500 and 1,600 years ago at Red Hands Cave in Glenbrook. Nearby at Campfire Creek, marvel at axe-grinding grooves on the water’s edge. 

For a full-day of immersion in Indigenous culture, join a tour with Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout. Winding through a beautiful and secluded rainforest gully, along the trail of an original Songline, this is a moving and inspirational experience that includes body painting, bush food and storytelling. 

Red Hands Cave - Credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Take a wild walk in the garden 

As well as the abundance of natural bushland, the Blue Mountains is home to glorious gardens that showcase lush landscapes, elegant formal plantings and exotic flowers. Wildwood Garden in Bilpin is bursting with cherry blossoms in spring, fragrant roses in summer and rich red foliage in autumn. The vast Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah sits at 1,000 metres above sea level, making it the highest botanic garden in the Southern Hemisphere. It holds thousands of plants from around the world and rare Australian species like the ancient Wollemi pine. In Oberon, Mayfield Garden has decorative lakes, waterfalls, temples, pagodas, hedge mazes and croquet fields tucked between vibrant flower beds. 

Wildwood Garden, Bilpin