Best things to do in the Blue Mountains this winter
The weather might be cool, so let’s look at cool things to do in the Blue Mountains this winter. There’s something special about getting cosy by the fireplace, taking a bushwalk, and eating hearty food when it's cold. So embrace the 2023 winter and head to the Blue Mountains for a perfect getaway. Pick and choose your holiday style using our suggested daily activities below.
Happy travelling, Lisa x
Hop-on-hop-off the Blue Mountains Explorer bus. Photo: Destination NSW
Day 1: Explore the Blue Mountains
Book a tour, take the Explore bus, find your own way around. Let's just say, all options are great options.
- All aboard the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, that 37 stops for you to ‘hop on and hop off'. This is definitely a great way to explore the Blue Mountains, and tickets start from $49.
- For even better value, add the Scenic World pass where you’ll ride the cable car, railway and walk high above the forest on a boardwalk! (Tickets start from $99).
- There's plenty of amazing guided tours around the Blue Mountains to choose from.
Day 2: Go hiking and get amongst nature
Don't miss out on seeing the Three Sisters at Echo Point in Katoomba which are both stunning and iconic to the Blue Mountains. You can either go it alone or book a tour.
A few free self-guided hike options are:
- the 800 metre short walk that takes you to the lookout where you get to view the Three Sisters in all their glory.
- the 1 km circuit walk to the Echo Point Lookout. That extra 200 metres is well worth the views over the Jamison Valley and the Three sisters standing tall.
- the 4km Katoomba Falls Round Walk starting from Echo Point lookout through rainforests and past the Katoomba Falls waterfall for incredible views over Jamison Valley.
- for an after-dark experience, take the Katoomba night walk to see rocks, waterfalls and the Three Sisters light up at night. Lights turn on from dusk until 10:30pm.
You can book a guided bushwalking tour – and there’s plenty of great options.
Day 3: Spend the day at Jenolan Caves
Considering Jenolan Caves are over 340 million years old, they look stunning for their age. If you want to see some of mother nature’s best art, take head to Jenolan and take a tour of the stunning limestone caves.
Getting there is a 2 hour drive from Katoomba but well worth the visit. You can also book accommodation at the historic Cave House, which is an experience in itself.
Entry and a guided cave tour start at $60 for adults.
Visit Jenolan Caves. Photo: Destination NSW
Day 4: take an extreme outdoor adventure
- Go canyoning where you will abseil, jump and climb rocks, and swim down and through waterfalls. There are beginner adventures. (From $149)
- Book a guided abseiling adventure and enjoy the thrill of descending cliffs. (From $149)
- Enjoy a scenic bike ride: Rent a bike and cycle along the scenic trails in the Blue Mountains, or book a guide tour. (From $134)
Day 5: Enjoy the Blue Mountains culture
It’s a known fact that a lot of artists and musicians run away to the Blue Mountains where they can be their most creative self.
- Visit the Norman Lindsay Gallery and home of this renowned Australian artist.
- Explore the Everglades Historic House and Gardens.
- Visit the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre which has various art exhibitions and events. Free entry but a small charge to view special exhibitions, starting at $5.50.
- Ask for a free map so you can take a self-guided art tour around Katoomba town centre, or do the Street Art Walk to see incredible murals at Beverly Place, Katoomba.
- Walk around Katoomba and Leura town centres at your own pace and enjoy the old-world charm. There’s plenty to see, buy and eat along the way.
Do the free Street Art Walk around Katoomba. Photo: Destination NSW
Day #6 – Gardens, picnics and steam trains
Make today a garden and picnic day. You’re still enjoying the beautiful outdoors but taking it at a slower pace.
- Visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah and potter through the beautiful gardens.
- Pack a picnic and head to the stunning Wentworth Falls. If you’re wondering where to pick up your treats, I can highly recommend the Bakehouse on Wentworth (Leura), or Hominy Bakery (Katoomba). If you fancy walking off some of that energy, choose a walk to one of the lookouts or a bushwalk.
- Head to Lithgow (45 minutes from Katoomba) and ride the much-loved steam trains at Zigzag Railway. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic or BBQ with the local kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and birds. Tickets must be pre-purchased online and start at $27.50.
Hike through the rainforests. Photo: Destination NSW
Day #7 – winery tours
The Blue Mountains has an evolving winery, brewery and distillery hub. The climate and soil lends itself to a great Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz.
You can either book a tour or choose your own cellar doors to visit. A few popular cellar doors to try are Dryridge Estate, Megalong Creek, De Beaurepaire, and the Mountain Culture Beer Company. Drive a little further inland to Mudgee (1.45 minute drive), where another 35 mouth-watering cellar doors to try.
