The Blue Mountains are a must for any backpacker or traveller passing through Sydney.
Even though I have passed through Sydney a few times I still hadn’t visited the Blue Mountains despite being right on my doorstep. As I was leaving Sydney I thought I best pay them a visit!
My advice to any backpacker would be not to do this trip on a tour. There are several reasons for this. The first and obvious reason would be cost. You can take a train from Sydney Central to Katoomba from a little over $10. The Three Sisters is a ten minute walk from the train station. In addition you can purchase a hop on-and-off pass for $20. A day trip for $30 is a bargain! Most companies offer tours from between $50 – $90. Certainly a way to save some cash if you are on a budget.
There is another reason why I would suggest not doing a tour is the freedom. A friend and I got off at the station, grabbed a map and just explored. We walked when we wanted, stopped when we wanted and were free to do whatever we liked. A lot of the tour buses we witnessed just seemed to be herded around like sheep.
So if you fancy a cheap day out of the city from Sydney, like walking and scenery, a day trip to the Blue Mountains could be for you.
![29520_538438829750_263900183_2083415_3237639_n[1]](http://gapyearescape.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/BlueMountains_5883/29520_538438829750_263900183_2083415_3237639_n1.jpg "29520_538438829750_263900183_2083415_3237639_n[1]")
![29520_538438849710_263900183_2083419_6367672_n[1]](http://gapyearescape.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/BlueMountains_5883/29520_538438849710_263900183_2083419_6367672_n1.jpg "29520_538438849710_263900183_2083419_6367672_n[1]")
![29520_538438864680_263900183_2083422_7527161_n[1]](http://gapyearescape.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/BlueMountains_5883/29520_538438864680_263900183_2083422_7527161_n1.jpg "29520_538438864680_263900183_2083422_7527161_n[1]")
Loved the Blue Mountains so much – it’s amazing that they’re so close to Sydney and yet so many backpackers I met just passed them right by – it’s one of my favorite Aussie spots!
If I am honest I nearly passed through it. I was even living in Sydney and still only went in my last week!
Growing up in Alaska, I spent some time around mountains, and I’ve been itching for a good hike for a long time now. When I hit Australia later this year I am definitely going to the Blue Mountains. And I agree with you, I would always prefer freedom to explore over a guided tour with a huge group.
Hey Amar, we keep delaying going to Blue Mountain too just because it’s so near! Tomorrow we will leave Sydney for NZ, fortunately we will still be back to Sydney after NZ, and this time for sure we will visit it! Nice photos!
Wow! Great shots, When i go to Sydney I will be sure to not miss the Blue Mountains thanks to your post!
As always you aren’t supposed to be that close to the edge, I climbed over the fence. Whoops
Climbing over the edge always gets better pictures anyway!
This looks awesome! When I finally make it down that way I will definitely look this up.
Seeing this post of the Blue Mountains brought back so many memories. I remember I went there in July (winter in Australia) and it was SO cold up there! And the aussies were celebrating “Christmas in July” and we nearly had to sleep in the car, because everything was fully booked! But it was worth the advenure, as the Blue Mountains are amazing.
Great post with some useful advice. I love your photos though, really nice!
Amazing shots, looks great.
Naughty boy for climbing over!