The Blue Mountains National Park is a large, World Heritage-listed national park occupying much of the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales.

Understand

Location

Flora and fauna

The park is home to many kangaroos and other wildlife. When walking in the bush, especially in the summer, be aware of snakes.

Get in

By car

All roads are unpaved, but are gazetted formed roads. Check your rental agreement if you are renting a car.

There's a few ways to get into the key areas of the park...

Along Great Western Highway

Glenbrook — Turn off left into Rose St to enter into Glenbrook. At the T intersection of Burfitt Parade, turn left and follow that street down into Bruce Rd. Follow that road down past the bridge over the railway. Park at the National Parks & Wildlife Office to get your pass.

Katoomba — The easiest path to get to Echo Point: Once you enter into Katoomba from Parke St, turn left on the first roundabout, and then straight along the second. Turn right onto Lurline St, and follow that street until the end. You should get to the corner of Echo Point Rd and Cliff Dr.

Blackheath — When you enter Blackheath, turn right onto Grovetts Leap Rd. The entry is the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.

Along Bells of Line Road

Lower Grose Valley (Vale of Avoca Lookout) — After driving into Kurrajong, turn left onto Old Bells of Line/Grose Vale Road. Follow it until you turn right on Cabbage Tree Rd,  and drive until you reach the end car park. The road is mostly sealed until you enter the park, where it comes unsealed.

Mount Wilson — Turn right into Mount Wilson Rd.

Fees and permits

A cost of $8 per vehicle applies at the Glenbrook entrance. Further up the mountains visitors may have to pay for parking within the park.

See

When bushwalking, try not to miss the beautiful flora (plants) and fauna (animals). You will find a lovely and colourful range of flowers. If you ever come across animals, you should never do anything to hurt them, as they will not like to be disturbed.

Another thing to consider when going bushwalking is that you make sure you don't step on any animals' homes and you should never make new trails and cause erosion.

Do

The Blue Mountains National Park has many interesting things to do.

Bushwalking

This is a very popular pastime in the Blue Mountains and there are a number of well-maintained trails that will offer you the opportunity to go down into the valley floor, viewing the changing vegetation as you descend. Lyre birds can be found in the undergrowth in the valley. They imitate the sounds of other birds, so you will probably need to keep your eyes open for them but they are quite a find for any bushwalker to come across. With many things to do, and many places to explore, why wouldn't you try it some time.

Sightseeing

There are a number of amazing sites to see just from the main highway and major roads. The Three Sisters is one famous site that every visitor to the Blue Mountains must stop and see. There are fabulous views from many vantage points and it is evident on a clear day why the Mountains received their name of "Blue", as the Eucalyptus shimmer in the distance, creating a hazy blue as far as the eye can see.

The Zig-Zag Railway

At Lithgow, you will come across the famous Zig-Zag Railway. This train is a switchback form and was built in the 19th century as a tourist attraction, which it remains today. At the time it was built, it was a major engineering feat.

Sleep

In addition to staying in the Blue Mountains National Park itself, many visitors stay in the various towns dotted along the Great Western Highway, particularly in Katoomba.

Camping

There are many camping areas in the national park, managed by several different National Parks and Wildlife administration centres.

• 1 Acacia Flat campground, Junction Rock to Blue Gum Walking Track (Must be able to walk to the location), ☏ +61 2 4787 8877, parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au. This campground is a long way from the nearest road and facilities are limited to toilets. Fill out an free trip intention form and hire a Personal Light Beaker at any Park office before trekking out. No Fees. (updated Dec 2019)
• 2 Euroka Campground, Bruce Road, Glenbrook (Across Glenbrook Gorge from the park entrance.), ☏ +61 2 9585 6831, toll-free: +61 1300 072 757, parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au. This area has sites suitable for camper trailers and cars. Facilities include composting toilets and wood barbecues. Booking cost does not include park entry fee. Bookings essential a fortnight in advance. Managed by the Blue Mountains (Glenbrook) center. From $24. (updated Dec 2019)
• 3 Ingar Campground, Igar Rd, ☏ +61 2 4787 8877, parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au. This site is a short 9km walk from road access. Facilities limited to toilets. No Fees. (updated Dec 2019)
• 4 Murphys Glen Campground, Turpentine Walking Track (south of Woodford), ☏ +61 2 9585 6831, toll-free: +61 1300 072 757, parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au. This area requires visitors to carry supplies in from their cars to the campground, and may only be accessible by four wheel drive, depending on weather. Facilities are limited to toilets and picnic tables. Wood fires are forbidden. No Fees.. (updated Dec 2019)
• 5 Perrys Lookdown Campground, Perrys Lookdown Road, ☏ +61 2 9585 6831, toll-free: +61 1300 072 757, parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au. Excellent views but facilities limited to toilets. Camping is limited to one night only, and wood fires are forbidden. No fees.. (updated Dec 2019)
• 6 Mount Werong Campground, Ruby Creek Mine Walking Track, ☏ +61 2 6336 6200, npws.kanangra@environment.nsw.gov.au. This campground is a short walk from road access. Facilities include drinking water, toilets, picnic tables and wood barbecues. There is a stone hut that you can use for shelter. No Fees. (updated Dec 2019)

Backcountry

In the part of the park north of the Great Western Highway camping is limited to established campgrounds. South of the highway you can camp anywhere, as long as you are not in a picnic area or lookout; and you are not within 200 m of a park facility, including roads and walking tracks.

Go next

Now that you've checked out Blue Mountains, why not travel north to Wollemi National Park?

Or head down south to Kanangra-Boyd National Park.