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Catch the Train – it's Cheap, Easy & Scenic!

From Sydney the best way to get to Katoomba and the Blue Mountains is to catch the train from Sydney's Central Station for a relaxing and scenic journey. Arrive refreshed and ready for a great day exploring!

29 Stops

Blue Mountains Explorer Bus has 29 Hop On, Hop Off Stops covering the Upper Blue Mountains region in and around Katoomba and Leura within the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park.

See more of the Blue Mountains with an Explorer Pass. Great value and the best way to explore at your own pace. Get insider tips from the local drivers for the best walks, the best spots to see waterfalls and spectacular views. The freedom and flexibility to go where you want, when you want.

Pass includes:

• Unlimited Explorer Bus travel
  Hop off wherever you like, for as long as you like. See more of the lookouts, waterfalls, and mountains attractions
• Comprehensive Guide Book with maps, walking guides, and excusive discounts.
• "Live" commentary from the friendly drivers.
  With an informative and entertaining live commentary from your friendly local drivers, you'll hear tales of Bunyips and magic, aboriginal history and geological facts and more. No two tours are the same!

Family includes 2 adults and children under 18 belonging to the same family.

Explorer Bus Pass valid for one calendar day and can be redeemed any time within 12 months from date of purchase. Can be extended free for up to 3 days when staying in the Blue Mountains.

TIMETABLE

Validate your ticket upon arrival at the Booking Office (Top of the railway station steps in Katoomba).

Plan Your Day with Blue Mountains Explorer

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS' BEST BUSHWALKS

If you're the kind of traveller who likes exploring on your own two feet, you've come to the right place! The Blue Mountains has the best selection of short bushwalks in Australia, and with the Explorer Bus you can spend a whole day hopping from one great walk to the next without having to cover the same ground twice.

This itinerary is designed to give you several action-packed days of walking in the wonderful Blue Mountains National Park, with plenty of options to choose more or less challenging walks. And if you are staying overnight, there's an incredible walk for you to try on your second day.

TIME: 1 - 3 Days

HIGHLIGHTS: Wildlife, waterfalls, hidden wonders, casual walkers

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1

• Katoomba Street
  The wilds are waiting! But before you head out, stock up on supplies in Katoomba. Grab some ready-made sandwiches, or pick up some supplies for a bush picnic. Make your way to Stop 2 at the bottom of KATOOMBA STREET, and jump on the first Explorer Bus of the day at 9:45am.
• Cliff Tops and Valleys Tour
  Whet your appetite for your Blue Mountains adventure by riding the Explorer Bus around this unique Cliff Tops and Valleys Tour. Hop off for a photo stop at Narrow Neck Lookout and feast your eyes on a FANTASTIC VIEW that packs in massive sandstone cliffs, rolling granite valleys and range after range of mountain ridges rippling away to the horizon.
• Three Sisters, Giant Stairway and Furber Steps
  It's time to stretch your legs (and test out your knees) on the 998 stairs that wind down from the Three Sisters, all the way to the valley below their feet.
  Hop off the bus at Echo Point, and after a quick look at the view, take the path that leads to the [Three Sisters and down the GIANT STAIRWAY. This is a walk to savour – you finally reach the bottom of the steps turn right on the Federal Pass walking track, which winds around the base of the Three Sisters. Half an hour's walk through tall wet sclerophyll forest brings you to Kedumba Creek, where you can stand on the bridge and gaze up at a fantastic view of Katoomba Falls.
  You can bow out here and ride up on the SCENIC RAILWAY, but if you can manage the climb the walk UP THE FURBER STEPS is a much more rewarding option. Investigate as many of the side trips as you can manage – the one to Katoomba Falls Lookout is an absolute must – and return to the road via the signed "Round Walk" to take in the great view from Juliet's Balcony.
  
  TIP: You can make this walk longer, and experience the stunning mossy boulder world of Leura Forest, by turning left at the bottom of the Giant Stairway and looping back around on the Dardanelles Pass-Federal Pass track.
• Lunch Time
  If you brought a picnic, the world is your oyster – pick the closest comfortable boulder or mossy log, plonk your bag down beside it, dig out your sandwiches and relax for a while.
  If not, give your legs a well-earned rest as the Explorer Bus whisks you in comfort round to The Lookout at Echo Point. THE LOOKOUT AT ECHO POINT. This is where you redeem your Kookaburra pas voucher for a Beer or Wine tasting with food platter. You can also order straight from the bar menu. Sit outside on the terrace with views over the Jaminson valley and see some native birds in their natural environment. (Food and beverages at own expense)
• Kiah Lookout, Bridal Veil Falls and Leura Cascades Bushwalk
  Cross the road to Kiah Lookout and turn left to join a quiet track that takes you gently downhill, through deep fern-filled caves that are normally dripping with water, towards the base of [beautiful Leura Cascades].
  As you get closer to the roar of the waterfalls, look out for the signed track pointing down to the bottom of BRIDAL VEIL FALLS. This is a great side trip into a steep rainforest gully that's full of trickling waterfalls, and it ends with a magnificent view of water spouting down Bridal Veil's unusual wedding-cake terraces. Metal ladders help you get up and down, so the only challenges are to your legs and lungs.
  Back on the main track, turn right and head down to the lookout right on the lip of Bridal Veil Falls. Pause for a second to watch the water tumbling off the edge into a thick green canopy of rainforest, then head up on the very popular track that CLIMBS UP BESIDE LEURA CASCADES. When you get to the car park, walk to your right to pick up the next Explorer Bus.
• Gordon Falls Lookout to Pool of Siloam and Lyrebird Dell
  Hop on the Explorer Bus again, and take a brief detour away from the bush as we drive through part of Leura village.
  Hop off at Stop 18 and stroll out to GORDON FALLS LOOKOUT for an astonishing view across the Blue Mountains wilderness, the long ridge of Sublime Point, and the backs of the Three Sisters.
  Your last walk of the day is down to the enchanting POOL OF SILOAM. This enchanting jungle pool comes with a 7-metre waterfall that you can stand under, and the dense forest and sandy beach makes this a perfect spot to cool off at the end of a hot day.
  Head upstream through lovely Lyrebird Dell, and meet the next Explorer Bus at Stop 20.
• Leura Village - and a well-earned rest!
  Congratulations, you've earned your dinner! Take a short RIDE INTO LEURA MALL for a meal in one of the many cafes, or stay on the bus a couple of extra stops and hop off at Flemish Flavours – they have a great beer garden with a view to sit with a cool drink. (Food and beverages at own expense)

DAY 2

Wentworth Falls Bushwalks

Hop on the first Explorer Bus from Stop 1 Katoomba at 9.15am and hop off at Stop 24 Fairmont Resort. From here you can start the amazing 1 hour walk via Lilian's Bridge to The Conservation Hut. There are many options available to you along the way or after you arrive.

Just after Lilian's Bridge is the option to turn off to the Valley of the Waters, winding down into the Jamison Valley, crossing the cascading water via stepping stones on your way to either the many views of the National Pass or the rainforest of the Wentworth Pass. Finish at the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area and then take the Charles Darwin walk to the train station, to either travel back to Katoomba, or on to Sydney.

Another option is to continue towards The Conservation Hut and take the turn off for the less strenuous but equally stunning Overcliff Undercliff Track with its many lookouts and photo opportunities. This walk will also take you to the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area and the option of the Charles Darwin Walk to the train station.

Option 1: Overcliff Undercliff Walk to Wentworth Falls - Lookouts. Less strenuous. Add 1.5 hours.

Option 2: National Pass via Valley of the Waters to Wentworth Falls - Great views. Many steep stairs. Add 2.5 hours.

Option 3: Wentworth Pass via Valley of the Waters to Wentworth Falls - Rainforest walk. Many steep stairs. Add 3 hours.

DAY 3 AND BEYOND

There's so much more to discover in the stunning Blue Mountains. Tackle the challenging walk to the Ruined Castle and Mount Solitary, or catch the train to Blackheath and hike the stunning Grand Canyon. Or if you've got the legs for it, trek down into the Grose Valley to visit the legendary Blue Gum Forest – the birthplace of Australia's National Parks.

BLUE MOUNTAINS IN ONE DAY

Only have one day to see the Blue Mountains? No problem. Use the Explorer Bus and you can do all the highlights in ease and comfort. Stand on the Three Sisters, watch the Scenic Railway, see the waterfalls and more. Here's the action-packed guide to a Blue Mountains day tour you'll never forget.

TIME: 1 day

HIGHLIGHTS: Lookouts & Views, Waterfalls, Short Bushwalks

RECOMMEND STOPS:

• Katoomba Street
  Jump off the train and collect your Explorer Bus Pass from the ticket office right next to Katoomba station. Grab a coffee, or pick up some picnic supplies, then "Let's Go Exploring!". (Food and beverages at own expense)
  Watch the Art Deco storefronts of Katoomba Street slide by as your driver steers you through town and shares a few essential sightseeing tips. Within 10 minutes you're out of the houses and getting your first views of the Australian Bush.
• Scenic World
  Hop off at Scenic World for unique views of the Blue Mountains wilderness. (Rides at Scenic World are optional extras at own expense.)
• Cliffs and Valleys Tour
  Hop on board and and get your breath back as the bus takes you on a beautiful drive around past Eagle Hawk Lookout, and Narrow Neck Lookout.
• Honeymoon Lookout to Echo Point Bushwalk
  Hop off the bus at Stop 15 and cross the road to Honeymoon Lookout
• Echo Point and Three Sisters
  As you emerge from the trees and walk out toward the edge of ECHO POINT, the Blue Mountains most epic view opens before you.
• Leura Cascades
  It's time for another great (and easy) bushwalk, this time down alongside the bubbling stream that tumbles down the whitewater staircase of Leura Cascades. We suggest you give yourself an hour to enjoy this beautiful and popular spot.
• Pool of Siloam and Lyrebird Dell
  Hop off at Stop 18 and discover one of the hidden treasures of the Blue Mountains.
• Everglades Historic House and Garden
  Hop back on board and ride through Leura's neatly manicured lawns and hedges to EVERGLADES (show your Explorer Bus pass here for a big discount on entry. Entry fee at own expense).
• Leura Village
  Before you jump on the train back to Sydney, treat yourself to the very Blue Mountains ritual of a Devonshire Tea in one of Leura's great cafes. (Food and beverages at own expense)
• The Train Home

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS WITH KIDS

The Explorer Bus is your key to a fantastic family day out. Children love the Double Decker Bus and the ride up top gives them the views to make them feel 'big' and see farther than ever before. You will be carried up and down all the hills, and get straight to the main sights before anyone can say "are we there yet?" With a bus every 30 minutes you can spend as much or as little time as you want at each stop, and whenever you're on board the drivers will keep you entertained with all sorts of stories about the Blue Mountains.

TIP: Well-fed kids are happy kids, so carry plenty of snacks and drinking water. There are times on this itinerary when you won't be near shops and cafes.

TIME: 1 day

HIGHLIGHTS: Discovering & Exploring Nature, Waterfalls

RECOMMEND STOPS:

• Katoomba Street
  Climb aboard the Explorer Bus at the first stop near Katoomba Station, grabbing top-deck seats for the best views
• Katoomba Cascades and Reid's Lookout
  Hop off at Katoomba Cascades (Stop 9) and do the 20-minute walk to the bottom of KATOOMBA CASCADES.
• Scenic World
  The rides at Scenic World are suitable for all ages. Many families say this is the most exciting part of their day. (Rides at Scenic World are optional extras at own expense)
• Cliffs Tops Tour
  Take a rest and enjoy some of your bus driver's stories, and take you on a beautiful drive around to NARROW NECK LOOKOUT
• Echo Point and The Three Sisters
  It's time to meet the famous THREE SISTERS. Walk down to the edge at Echo Point and enjoy the most amazing panorama of sheer cliffs, rippling mountain ridges and endless forest.
• Blue Mountains Chocolate Company
  Get charged up for an afternoon of exploring, and give the kids a real-life Willy Wonka experience, at KATOOMBA'S AWARD-WINNING CHOCOLATE FACTORY. (It's a 5 minute walk up the road from Echo Point. Food and beverages at own expense)
• Gordon Falls Lookout & The Pool of Siloam
  Hop off at Gordon Falls Park (Stop 29), a great place for a picnic and for kids to run around and play on the swings and slides.
• NSW Toy and Railway Museum
  Hop back on the Explorer Bus (or walk up the road, it's not too far) to the NSW TOY AND RAILWAY MUSEUM. Young kids are more likely to enjoy the huge coin-operated model railways out in the gardens. (Entry fee at own expense)
• Toy shops and milkshakes in Leura
  Ride the bus into the centre of LEURA VILLAGE and browse the many wonderful shops for unique gifts and fun souvenirs (at own expenses).
• Catch The Train, or Come Drive a Bus
  If you're heading back to Sydney you can get straight on the train at Leura. Or hop on the Explorer Bus for one last ride back to the Katoomba store, where you can climb into the driver's seat of the replica Big Red Bus – a unique photo reminder of your fantastic day in the Blue Mountains (Photo at own expense).

THE RAINY DAY SPECIAL

Most days in the Blue Mountains come with sparkling bright sunshine and clear skies. But it does sometimes happen that the mist rolls in or the rain comes down. The forest comes to life in the mist and the waterfalls put on a spectacular show after even a little rain. Grab umbrella and come play! Here are some of the best places to enjoy the Blue Mountains on one of the wet and wonderful days.

TIP: In the mountains weather changes fast – a grey day can turn good (or a good day turn wet and cold) quicker than you can say "wish I'd brought my sunhat/warmest jacket/gumboots". Save your shivers by wearing layers, and pack a light rain jacket just in case.

TIME: 1 day

HIGHLIGHTS：Waterfalls, Photography, Forest Bushwalks

RECOMMEND STOPS:

• Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
  Make the best of bad weather by visiting this excellent MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY.
• Reid's Lookout, Furber Steps and Scenic World
  The best place to be on a rainy day is beside a roaring waterfall. And hop off at Scenic World for unique views of the Blue Mountains wilderness. (Rides at Scenic World are optional extras at own expense.)
• Blue Mountains Chocolate Company
  While your warm hands grip the steaming mug of hot chocolate, watch through the big glass window as the in-house chocolatier creates delicious chocolate treats. (Food and beverages at own expense)
• Echo Point and the Three Sisters
  Misty days can be magical here
• Leura Cascades
  This is one of the best places to savour the Blue Mountains on a rainy day
• Toy and Railway Museum
  If it's truly too wet to be out, check out this WONDERFUL COLLECTION of old tin soldiers, trains, dolls and teddies. Note that the working model railways are all outside in the garden. (Entry fee at own expense)
• Leura Village
  Ride the Explorer Bus into beautiful LEURA MALL to have a lovely afternoon tea before heading back to your sweet home. (Food and beverages at own expense)