If you love hiking and want to explore somewhere new, we’ve got you covered! At OzTrails, we run incredible Sydney Blue Mountains day tours that dive deep into the wonderful nature of this World-Heritage Listed region. 

Today, we’re going to use our expertise and recommend some of the best hiking trails for a one-day adventure in the Blue Mountains. 

The Blue Mountains: Incredible Natural Beauty on Sydney’s Doorstep 

Much like the Dandenongs in Melbourne, the Blue Mountains are essentially intertwined with the city of Sydney. This makes them very easily accessible for a day trip–especially if you’re heading here from the western suburbs. Even from the CBD, it's roughly a 90-minute drive!

The region’s stunning landscapes, deep valleys, towering cliffs, and diverse wildlife offer endless opportunities for adventure and breathtaking views. Whether you're a beginner hiker or an experienced trailblazer, the Blue Mountains have something for everyone.

Kings Tableland

Kings Tableland is a must-see spot, whether it's the expansive views of the Jamison Valley, or the unique historical and cultural significance of the land itself. Located near the charming town of Wentworth Falls, this area offers panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere away from the busier spots in the Blue Mountains.

A great hiking option here is the Mount Solitary Walking Track, which comes with breathtaking scenery across the valley, but be prepared—it’s a more challenging hike for experienced walkers. For a shorter and easier walk, you can always opt for Lincoln's Rock, which offers similarly stunning views with minimal effort.

Average Walk Time: The Mount Solitary Walking Track takes around 6-7 hours for a round trip and is suited to experienced hikers. For a shorter option, Lincoln's Rock offers incredible views with minimal walking, making it a great 10-minute stroll from the car park.

How to Get There: Kings Tableland is a 90-minute drive from Sydney via the Great Western Highway. Once you reach Wentworth Falls, follow Tableland Road for approximately 10 km until you reach the lookout or Lincoln’s Rock.

Be sure to read our article and learn all about the fascinating history of Lincoln’s Rock!

Evans Lookout

Next up we have Evans Lookout, which is a prime location for dramatic cliff-top views and access to well-maintained trails. The lookout itself offers sweeping views over the Grose Valley, a vast and rugged wilderness that’s perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.

For a fantastic hike, try the Grand Canyon Walk. This moderate 6.3km loop trail takes you through lush rainforests, alongside trickling creeks, and into impressive sandstone gorges. It’s one of the Blue Mountains’ most iconic walks because it offers a great mix of beauty and adventure.

Average Walk Time: The Grand Canyon Walk is a 6.3km loop that takes around 3-4 hours to complete (depending on your pace).

How to Get There: Located just outside of Blackheath, Evans Lookout is about a 2-hour drive from Sydney. Take the Great Western Highway, then follow signs to Evans Lookout Road, which leads directly to the lookout.

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Blue Mountains and a must-visit for any day trip. The falls cascade over multiple tiers, creating a mesmerising sight, especially after rain.

The Wentworth Falls Track is a popular trail, offering incredible views of the falls and surrounding valley. You can choose a short walk to the top of the falls or extend your hike down into the valley to explore the lower levels. The nearby National Pass is another great option for those seeking a longer hike with equally stunning vistas.

Average Walk Time: The Wentworth Falls Track takes approximately 1-2 hours for a round trip. The National Pass trail is a longer, more strenuous hike and takes around 3-4 hours.

How to Get There: Wentworth Falls is a 90-minute drive from Sydney via the Great Western Highway. Follow signs from the highway to Wentworth Falls Village, then to the Wentworth Falls picnic area, where the trail begins.

Leura Falls

Leura is a beautiful village known for its gardens, but its natural wonders are equally captivating. At Leura Falls, you can hike through peaceful and scenic spots to enjoy the sounds of cascading water surrounded by the beautiful nature that makes the Blue Mountains so special.

The Leura Cascades Circuit is a short but enchanting walk, making it perfect for people who want to experience the tranquillity of the area. It’s an easy hike through forested areas and there are plenty of spots to relax by the water or stop and have a picnic.For a more challenging option, continue along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, which stretches all the way to Echo Point.

Average Walk Time: The Leura Cascades Circuit is a short and easy 45-minute walk. If you continue along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Echo Point, it will take an additional 1.5-2 hours depending on your pace.

How to Get There: Leura is a 90-minute drive from Sydney via the Great Western Highway. From Leura Mall, follow signs to Cliff Drive, where you’ll find the Leura Cascades car park.

Three Sisters Rock Formation

No trip to the Blue Mountains is complete without visiting the iconic Three Sisters Rock Formation. In fact, there’s a good chance you've seen it in photos and videos before–But trust us when we say that there’s nothing like experiencing it up close!

This legendary trio of towering sandstone peaks is one of Australia’s most photographed landmarks, and is steeped in thousands of years of Aboriginal history. From Echo Point (where the Three Sisters are located), you can embark on the Three Sisters Walk, a short but rewarding trail that leads you to a close-up view of the rock formation.

 If you’re up for more of a challenge, tackle the Giant Stairway. This is a steep descent down over approximately 800 steps that takes you deep into the Jamison Valley below. The views are well worth the effort, and you can return via the Scenic Railway for a relaxing finish.

Average Walk Time: The Three Sisters Walk is a quick 30-minute return trip from Echo Point. For those taking on the Giant Stairway, allow 1.5-2 hours to descend the steps and explore the valley below.

How to Get There: Echo Point, where the Three Sisters are located, is a 2-hour drive from Sydney via the Great Western Highway. Once in Katoomba, follow the signs to Echo Point Road.

What Should I Bring Along?

Beyond the destination itself, a successful hiking trip begins with the right preparation. Here are some items we recommend bringing along when you visit any of the locations mentioned above!

Comfortable Clothing: The weather in the Blue Mountains can change throughout the day, so dress in layers to easily adjust. Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.

Sun Protection: The sun can be strong, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from UV rays. A lightweight long-sleeved shirt or scarf can also help protect your skin.

Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water or a hydration pack. Pack easy-to-carry snacks like muesli bars or trail mix to maintain energy during your adventure.

Camera or Phone: Capture the stunning views and landscapes with a camera or phone. You'll want to record the beautiful scenery and special moments of your trip.

Umbrella or Raincoat: Summer in the Blue Mountains often brings rainfall, so pack a light raincoat or umbrella to stay dry. It's especially useful during the cooler winter months as well.

Is Scenic World Worth a Visit?

Without a doubt! From railways to cable cars, walkways, trails, immersive events and guided tours of Gundungurra Country, Scenic World is always a must-visit! This is why we’ve made it an integral part of our Sydney Blue Mountains Day Tour.

Keep in mind that Scenic World can get busy (especially during school holidays), so make sure to book ahead! Otherwise, join one of our small group tours, and we’ll take care of your entire itinerary! 

Check out our article to learn more!

How About the Local Towns?

From Leura to Katoomba, the Blue Mountains is home to a wide range of charming towns that make for the perfect pitstop on your next hiking adventure. In these towns, you can find everything from beautiful gardens to art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, pubs, and so much more.

Plan Your Perfect Blue Mountains Day Hike

From easy strolls to more challenging adventures, The Blue Mountains is home to a fantastic range of hikes for any skill level. Each location offers its own unique beauty and attractions, so you’re sure to find something to suit your interests. Whether you want to chase waterfalls, explore deep gorges, or admire stunning lookouts, the Blue Mountains have it all.

For an unforgettable tour of the Blue Mountains, Oz Trails are the guides you can trust. So, if you don’t have a car or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of independent travel, you’re welcome to book a spot and join us on the next tour! We make it easy to explore the best Sydney Blue Mountains tour there is!