The World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains have become one of the most consistently popular holiday regions of Australia. Numerous visitors return year after year to enjoy the wide range of sporting facilities and outdoor activities in the healthy, invigorating climate. The breathtaking scenic beauty, nostalgic appeal and opportunity for relaxation attract more than a million visitors each year.

The Blue Mountains are easily reached by road and rail from Sydney in less than 2 hours, while one day round trip coach services run daily from Sydney to Katoomba. The wide diversity of accommodation and great range of activities available makes it an ideal destination for a stay of longer duration.

Evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the Blue Mountains dates back at least 14 000 years ago. Many camp sites, art sites, axe grinding grooves, rock engravings and stone tools and flakes exist throughout the Blue Mountains. The Daruk, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri Aboriginal tribes existed in the central, south and western areas of the Blue Mountains respectively. All Aboriginal sites and relics are protected. The Legend of the Three Sisters states that according to Gundungurra dreaming, three beautiful giant sisters named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo once lived with the Gundungurra people in the Jamison Valley Adjoining the Great Dividing Range and known as a City within a National Park the Blue Mountains has vast, serene bushland, cliffs and gorges, wilderness areas, waterfalls and rivers and a blue haze that gives it a unique beauty which changes with light and weather. The City occupies some 1436 square kilometres and the population is scattered across 110 kms of ridgeline in 26 towns and villages.

By Car : The most direct approach to the Blue Mountains is via the M4 Motorway, leading you from Sydney to the foot of the Mountains at Lapstone; or use the Bells Line of Road via Windsor and Richmond as an alternate route. From the West of the State you can approach the Mountains on the Great Western Highway via Lithgow and Hartley Vale. Take five minutes to drop in to the Visitor Information Centres at Glenbrook, Katoomba, Lithgow or Oberon for maps, walking guides and seasonal information.

By Rail : Trains to the Blue Mountains leave Sydneys Central Station hourly departing from Countrylink platforms. Usually stopping at Strathfield, Parramatta, Penrith and then all stations to either Springwood, Katoomba, Mt Victoria or Lithgow its a great way to get your first views of the Mountains. Sydney to Katoomba takes approximately 2 hours - the trains have two levels, are air-conditioned and very comfortable but have no restaurant car so bring your own refreshments. Or take the Airport Link rail service direct from Sydney airport.

By Coach : A number of coach companies offer day trips to the Blue Mountains departing from Circular Quay in Sydney. Coach transfers are also available from all major Sydney Hotels to connect with departures from Circular Quay.