As Australia opens its doors again following the pandemic, Sydney will be the first port of call for many travelers looking to explore this epic continent. Boasting the world’s greatest harbor and an abundance of lovely beaches (from Bondi to Balmoral), Sydney offers an incredible mix of city and nature. One natural jewel on the outskirts of town is of course the Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains gets its name from a distinctly blue haze that hovers over the area. Due to the quantity of eucalyptus trees covering the mountains, tiny droplets of oil are dispersed from the trees which mix with water vapor and dust to create this blue light. Although, you don’t have to understand the science to soak in the beauty of this UNESCO listed area.
Any trip to New South Wales is incomplete without delving into this region full of sandstone ridges, eucalyptus forests, majestic waterfalls and charming villages. Seeing the Blue Mountains in some fashion is a must – whether it be road trippin’ or booking an all-inclusive day tour from Sydney.
Visitors to the mountains don’t necessarily have to stay overnight but if you do there will be greater opportunities to go bushwalking, find unique views off the beaten track and enjoy culinary delights at the restaurants in the area. Hiring a car from Sydney is easy and the road to the Blue Mountains is wonderful, as the foothills start to unfold just 65 km outside the city center.
If you are short on time though, a day tour is definitely the best option to tick this great Aussie attraction off your list. There is no better company to book with than Anderson’s Tours whose Blue Mountains all-inclusive small group day tour was awarded the number one experience in Australia by TripAdvisor (prior to the pandemic) based on consistent 5-star reviews.
Best Blue Mountains Day Tour from Sydney
The team at Anderson’s Tours have gained a reputation for being one of the best tour operators in the South Pacific. Over 2,000 5-star reviews of their signature tour – Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Small Group Day Tour – testifies to that fact. This many happy guests can’t be wrong after all.
With a maximum of 20 guests per tour, and professional guides ensuring a top experience from start to finish, this trip will feel cozy and comfortable for the entire 12 hours. Hotel pick-up starts from 6:45 am in a deluxe 20-seater minivan. After everyone is collected from their respective hotels, the adventure begins westward into the very heart of the Blue Mountains.
The first stop is a lookout point at the Jamison Valley. Get your cameras ready because the rainforest and sandstone cliffs here are a joy to capture. Next on the itinerary is Scenic World – a highlight of the trip that offers walkways, cable cars, railways and skyways above the Blue Mountains.
Included in the price is a Scenic World pass that opens up access to three rides and a rainforest walkway. The railway at Scenic World is considered to be the steepest railway in the world. Another sight that will take your breath away is the walking trail taking you through lush rainforest to the Katoomba Falls. These falls drop 150 meters into the Jamison Valley.
The final morning adventure is a visit to Echo Point to see the famous Three Sisters before enjoying a chef-prepared lunch at a historic hotel. One of the Blue Mountains most frequented attractions, the Three Sisters rock formation is a great place to take photos and learn Aboriginal legends.
Once the afternoon rolls around, the tour continues to Featherdale Wildlife Park to greet famous Australian animals such as kangaroos and wombats. The final activity on this Blue Mountains tour is a Parramatta River cruise that slowly transports you back into the Sydney Harbor. Finish the day off with views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
Why Book with Anderson’s Tours?
Apart from glowing reviews and thousands of happy customers, the main reason to book with Anderson’s Tours is the all-inclusive nature of their Blue Mountains package. There are no extra or hidden costs – everything is included in the price such as hotel pick-up, Scenic World pass, lunch, etc.
It’s also nice to support family-run small businesses like this, rather than being lumped together with masses of tourists on large tours with big corporations. Sharing the trip with up to 20 people means your experience will feel intimate, giving you the chance to make new friends even just for the day. This experience is suited for families and all ages as well.
The guides at Anderson’s Tours provide informative commentary at all the main sights along the way and lead you on bushwalks to the natural wonders that define the Blue Mountains. Everything is done in a COVID-safe manner, with your safety and comfort top of mind for the 12-hour trip.
Tips for Visiting the Blue Mountains
- The Blue Mountains of New South Wales can be visited all year round but it’s best to avoid the really hot and freezing cold periods. Spring or early summer is a great time to go. The weather here is fairly similar to Sydney but slightly colder in winter and a little hotter in summer.
- Walking to the Katoomba Falls starts at Scenic World and is a pretty straightforward hike. The walk takes two hours across a 4km loop track. You can visit this waterfall any time of the year as it never dries out.
- Bring the right clothing and footwear for the time of year you visit the Blue Mountains. Proper footwear is a must no matter what. During the summer months, a hat and sunscreen is essential. In winter, wear warm merino clothing and perhaps a puffer jacket for when it gets extra chilly.
- Booking an all-inclusive day tour from Sydney, like the top-rated one from Anderson’s Tours, gives you the chance to see most of the major sites in and around the Blue Mountains. However, for a more in-depth look at the various hiking trails, lookout points and restaurants – you should stay for a night or two to enjoy even more amazing adventures in the area.