Great Eastern Ranges

Region: Blue Mountains

Explore

The Blue Mountains are named after the haze produced by light reflecting off the fine droplets of oil given off by the Eucalyptus trees dominating the landscape. The Great Escarpment here is as diverse as it is beautiful. Standing at one of the areas famous lookouts and looking out across the wilderness you sense the ancient nature of the landscape. The close proximity to Sydney helps more than 3 million people per year visit this stunning natural landscape to relax, wine and dine, bushwalk, canoe, attend one of the many vibrant arts and cultural events, or simply take in the breathtaking views.

Towns in the Region

• Blackheath
• Glenbrook
• Katoomba
• Leura
• Lithgow
• Oberon

Natural Highlights

World Heritage

The Greater Blue Mountains Area (10,300 km²) was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2000, for the following outstanding natural values:

• evidence demonstrating the evolution of the Eucalypt tree in Australia
• 10,300 km² of pristine sandstone plateaux, escarpments and waterfalls
• over 90 Eucalypt species – 13% of all known species.

It is a spectacular World Heritage Area on the doorstep of Australia’s largest city. One of the great drawcards of the Greater Blue Mountains is that they can be appreciated in such a variety of ways. Spectacular lookouts can satisfy the coach and car tourist. There are modest bushwalks for those who want to look further, and serious hiking for the adventurer. The plateaux and escarpments offer impressive dropoffs providing fantastic opportunities to abseil and canyon.

This World Heritage landscape boasts dramatic cliffs and escarpments with rainforests, Eucalypt forests, deep gorges, wild rivers and waterfalls.

Waterfalls

There are spectacular waterfalls everywhere for you to enjoy in the Blue Mountains National Park. Take a bushwalk around Wentworth Falls or Katoomba Falls; beautiful rainforest gullies surrounded by majestic trees. See Bridal Veil Falls on the walk from Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout. Kanangra Falls in the Kanangra Boyd National Park is arguably one of Australia's most impressive waterfalls.

Caves

Some of Australia’s best cave systems are found in the Blue Mountains, including spectacular show caves at Jenolan Caves. Other caving destinations include Abercrombie Caves and Wombeyan Caves.

Australia's National Landscapes

Tourism Australia and Parks Australia have formed a partnership to identify landscapes capturing the essence of Australia and offering distinctive natural and cultural experiences. Australia's National Landscapes identifies inspirational destinations transcending borders and boundaries, promoting destinations and encouraging visitors to leave the breaten track and immerse themselves in local culture. Australian Alps National Parks are part of the National Landscapes Program.

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The Greater Blue Mountains movie unveils the mysteries of the Blue Mountains

We Love...

• The adventure of exploring the mystic Jenolan Caves.
• Meandering along one of the 140 km of walking trails.
• Spectacular views from many accessible lookouts, including Govetts Leap Lookout and the famous Three Sisters Lookout, where you can gaze at pinnacles of sandstone jutting out from the cliffline towering above the forest below.
• The vibrant arts, craft and music community.

Local Knowledge

For more detailed information speak to a friendly local expert or visit a helpful website.

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Further Information

• Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon Tourism…
• Greater Blue Mountains Drive…
• Visit Tourism New South Wales…