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10 Best Things to do in the Blue Mountains in ONE Day
The Blue Mountains is a truly remarkable Australian attraction – a vast region of mountain peaks, jagged cliff faces, and dense tropical forest filled valleys that stretch along a 12000-kilometre-long range.
Located in the state of New South Wales just west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains region is known for its striking scenery.
Formed millions of years ago, this mountain range has served as a home for the Aboriginal community for tens of thousands of years. Yet, it was only settled by Europeans in 1813, almost 25 years after the European colonisation of Australia began.
Some believe it was due to the density of its forest.
The Blue Mountain name spurs from the eucalyptus trees found throughout the area. When the sun is in its full glory and temperatures rise, the eucalyptus trees release an oil which results in a hazy blue mist.
This makes the mountains look as though they are shimmering blue from a distance – a truly impressive natural mirage unseen elsewhere in the world.
With an abundance of bush trails, scenic overlooks and roaring waterfalls, the region is well known for its natural beauty and is one of the most beautiful World Heritage sites in the world.
There are many things to do in the Blue Mountains, five of which I will cover in detail below. I will also share some great tours you can join to explore the main sites within one day!
Individual Activities to Enjoy in One Day
The Blue Mountains region is a vast 1-million-hectare area, designated as one of the largest World Heritage Sites in 2000. It well known for its beautiful vistas, scenic bush walks and countless adventure activities.
To help you discover the many unique sites and activities of this breath-taking region, we have listed the top five things to do in Blue Mountains in one day.
1. Visit the Iconic “Three Sisters”
This truly one of a kind rock formation is located on the north ledge of Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains National Park.
This valley offers a stunning bush walk experience that allows you to admire spectacular views of these impressive peaks and the surrounding mountains.
Hike through the Blue Mountains National Park on a guided bush walk that takes you through thick rainforests and past beautiful waterfalls before ending your tour at one of the parks most beautiful scenic overlooks.
2. Abseil from the Top of Some of Australia’s Most Impressive Mountain Peaks
Perfect for those who want to enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain views, abseiling is one of Blue Mountains best adventure activities.
Blue Mountain Abseiling allows you to spend half or full days tackling the best abseil cliffs in the entirety of Blue Mountain National Park.
Start by tackling 5 meters, 15 meters and 30 meters high cliff faces to learn the basics under the guidance of your expert instructor.
After a quick lunch break, you can take on the blood pumping adrenaline-fuelled 60-meter cliff face, which provides you with spectacular hilltop views of the surrounding mountain range.
This abseiling tour not only allows you to see some of the best views of the area up close, but also provides you with excellent access to the regions many waterfalls. Blue Mountains abseiling tours is by far one of the best things to do in Blue Mountains in one day.
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3. Discover Australia’s Rarest Night-Time Creatures
Another great activity to enjoy while exploring the Blue Mountains is the Glow Worm Adventure by Night tour.
This day tour provides a cool night-time experience for those interested in learning about the unique nocturnal creatures that inhabit these Australian landscapes.
The tour starts by collecting you from Sydney CBD and taking you to the Blue Mountains region. Once at the national park, you will take part in a moonlit bush walk through the forest equipped with headlights. Your evening hike will end at a cave, complete with an impressive interior waterfall.
Along the way, you are sure to encounter thousands of native glow worms that glow brightly throughout the caves.
After time in the cave, you will hike back through the bush and learn about some helpful bushcraft tips and survival tricks from your guide.
This tour is an unmissable night-time experience where you get so witness one of Australia’s rarest nocturnal creatures.
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4. Kayak Along the Blue Mountains Many Winding River Ways
If planning a day trip to the Blue Mountains, canoeing can be a cool experience and it can be done within one day.
There are numerous river ways to canoe along to get the perfect view of the Blue Mountain’s lush and idyllic mountain range.
5. Enjoy a Picnic From the Lookout Point
The Blue Mountain Picnic Hike Tour is the perfect way to enjoy the many natural wonders of the Blue Mountains Range.
The tour starts with a stop to the working Calmsley Hill Farm, which is home to dozens of kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas.
You will then visit the many stunning viewpoints of the Jamison Valley and stop at the remote Eaglehawk Lookout before heading on to the idyllic Evans Lookout to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch.
The bulk of your tour will have you hiking along the beautiful peaks of the Grose Valley before ending at the magnificent Govetts Leap waterfall.
Your last stop is a relaxed stroll through the sprawling Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, where you can admire 28 acres of tropical fauna.
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Full Day Tours of the Blue Mountains (Enjoy Multiple Activities in One Day)
The Blue Mountains is a vast sized region with an impressive plethora of sites for you to discover.
And, thanks to its close location to Sydney, a large selection of Blue Mountain day tours and group trips are available.
These tours provide some of the best things to do in Blue Mountains in one day and will help you maximise your time throughout the region, letting you experience the Blue Mountain’s most unforgettable moments.
1. Blue Mountains: Small Group Scenic Tour
This fantastic small-group full-day tour allows you to visit some of the Blue Mountains most popular attractions away from the large tour groups.
It is one of the most exclusive things to do in Blue Mountains in one day.
With a focus on inclusivity, this scenic group tour will take you to some of the most impressive viewpoints in New South Wales.
During the day, you will get to:
- Visit Blue Mountain’s aptly named Scenic World tourist attraction and ride on the Scenic Railway, Skyway and Cableway as you take in the impressive views of the lush tropical rainforest below
- Take part in a guided rainforest boardwalk experience
- Walk a short distance to Echo Point and admire beautiful views of the Three Sister’s lookout.
- Savour a delicious lunch at a charming bistro-style pub located within the heart of the Blue Mountains
- Spend time hand feeding Kangaroos at the fascinating Featherdale Wildlife Park, and get up-close to dozens of other native animals at this charming wildlife centre
Your day ends with a relaxing cruise along the Parramatta River back into Sydney, providing you with fantastic views of the Opera House.
Time: 11 hours
Includes:
- Admission to all attractions
- Lunch and river cruise
- Hotel pick-up (at selected hotels)
- Group tour with 12-20 participants (more in peak season)
- Ride on the Cableway, Skyway, and Scenic Railway at Scenic World
- Guided walk along the Scenic Walkway
- Cruise on the Parramatta River
NOTE: This tour does not include snacks and souvenirs.
Price: ~ $225 AUD p/p
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2. Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves, and Kanangra Lookout Tour
This full-day 4WD tour offers a great way to discover the Blue Mountain’s remarkable landscape and is truly one of the best things to do in Blue Mountains in one day.
The day starts with you being picked up from your hotel and transported to the heart of the Blue Mountains State Park in a sturdy 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
During the day, you will get to:
- Visit the oldest discovered open caves in the world and explore the winding 360-million-year-old limestone cave network
- Enjoy a guided bush walk through the Blue Mountains and its most scenic spots, including the Grand Arch and the parks many crashing waterfalls
- Learn about bushcraft techniques from your expert guide while you walk towards the impressive lookout
Time: 9 hours
Includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Certified outdoor instructor
- General survival skills
- Walking tour of the Blue Mountains
- Water and soft drinks
Note: Lunch and entry to the caves are not included/provided on this tour.
Price: ~ $295 AUD p/p
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3. Sydney: Blue Mountains Waterfalls, Walks, and Sunset Tour
This beautiful small group tour of the Blue Mountains will have you exploring some of the area’s most amazing lookouts.
During the day, you will get to:
- Enjoy leisurely drives along sheer mountain ways to see three of the region’s most prominent lookout points
- Take in the sounds of nature at some of the Blue Mountain’s most majestic waterfalls
- Embark on a 40-minute guided bush walk of the surrounding areas
- Visit Echo Point to view the Three Sisters as the sunsets
- Enjoy fantastic views over Megalong Valley before ending your trip with dinner at a charming local hotel
Time: 10 hours
Includes:
- Pickup and drop-off from selected locations (including some hotels)
- Shuttle bus into Megalong Valley with live commentary
NOTE: Food and drinks are charged at an additional cost on the tour
Price: ~ $237 AUD p/p
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4. Megalong Valley Wine Trail
The Megalong Valley is an idyllic canyon filled with dense tropical forests and surrounded by vast sandstone slopes. It is a true rural paradise of verdant pastures and pristine scenery and some of the world’s best wineries.
Hidden among the tropic forest of the valley are the remarkable Dryridge Estate and Megalong Creek Estate boutique vineyards, specialists winemakers for NSW.
This five-hour tour will shuttle you between Sydney and the two vineyards to sample their excellent selection.
During the day, you will get to:
- Enjoy the spectacular views of the sunset over Narrow Neck Escarpment while savouring excellent wine at the Dryridge cellar door. Make sure to take advantage of the cheese & charcuterie board pairing option to enjoy a fantastic selection of locally sourced farm products.
- Indulge in a second tasting at the boutique Megalong Creek Vineyard where you can enjoy delicious wine tastings of all the Cellars current vintage. You can also admire the stunning valley views and interact with the resident alpacas who graze among the vines.
This makes the Megalong wine tour is perfect for wine lovers looking to savour fresh wines and admire the spectacular views of the Blue Mountain regions.
Time: 5 Hours
Includes:
- Pickup and drop-off from selected locations (including some hotels)
- Shuttle bus into Megalong Valley with live commentary
NOTE: Food and drink is provided at an additional cost on this tour.
Price: ~ $49 AUD p/p
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5. Scenic Blue Mountains 4×4 Day Small Group Tour
This guided 4WD tour of the Blue Mountains most secret locations is by far one of Australia’s best adventures.
After being collected from your Sydney accommodation, the tour will take you out to the Blue Mountains to witness some of its most beautiful scenery and lookouts.
During the day, you will get to:
- Go on short guided bush walks to beautiful lookouts and famous landmarks within the Blue Mountains
- Explore off-the-beaten-track routes away from the regular crowds
- Take amazing photos as you encounter renowned Australian flora and fauna
- Swim under a waterfall (if you want to) and check out some of the best lookouts on the wild side of the national park.
Time: 8 Hours
Includes:
- Private transportation with an experienced outdoor instructor
- Off-road 4-wheel-drive tour
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- General survival skills training (optional)
- Swimming under a wild waterfall (dependent on the weather)
- Wildlife encounters
NOTE: The cost of lunch and snacks is not included. This tour is not suited to pregnant women.
Price: ~ $250 AUD p/p
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In Summary:
The Blue Mountains is one of many spectacular landscapes dotted across the Australian continent that provides you with access to unmatched vistas and fantastic scenery.
The countless activities and tours available throughout the area make the Blue Mountains one of the country’s perfect must-see locations.
Our recommend tours and activities throughout this article include some of the most popular things to do in Blue Mountains in one day. I hope that you will take our tips to ensure that you get the most out of this magnificent natural paradise.
