Blue Mountains National Park

Blue Mountains National Park is located on the southeastern side of Australia about 50 miles (80 km) west of Sydney. The national park is part of the larger Greater Blue Mountains Area which has been established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park boundaries encompass an area of 1,034.6 square miles (2,679.5 sq km).

The highest elevation is only 3,986 feet (1,215 m) which makes the name of the park seem a little off. The park is comprised of a plateau that has been carved by large rivers cross the region. Mount Werong represents this highest summit with the four largest rivers including Coxs, Grose, Wollangambe, and Wollondilly.

The plateau that accounts for most of the park slopes down from the 3,600 feet (1,100 m) to 660 feet (200 m). The sloping plateau and rivers have created a variety of habitats such as grasslands, swamps, and wetlands with 114 endemic species of plants. Kangaroos are easily seen in the park.

There are six areas in the park which include Katoomba area, Blackheath area, Glenbrook area, Lower Grose Valley area, Mount Wilson area, and the Southern Blue Mountains area. Each offers a different facet of nature and varied picturesque landscapes.  Trails are available for exploring each area in more detail.

Because of the proximity to Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is the most visited park in New South Wales.

Photos

Blue Mountains National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

Blue Mountains National Park is one of the most popular parks in Australia. This has much to do with the close proximity to Sydney. Mount Werong and the Three Sisters are two of the most prominent landscapes in the park.

Blue Mountains National Park Trails

The Blue Mountains National Park is full of trails with over 110 different trails for discovering and exploring the wilderness of the park. Easy, moderate, and difficult trails are all available.  

Govetts Leap Falls Trail

Govetts Leap Falls, which is also called Bridal Veil Falls, is easily accessed from a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike. The falls reach a height of 590 feet (180 m) and display as a single drop.

Wentworth Falls Trails

This is an easy loop trail that circles 1.4 miles (2.25 km) that provides hikers with some amazing views along the way.  The trail provides views of Wentworth Falls and the scenic views from both Fletcher's Lookout and Rocket Point Lookout. 

It is amazing how many facets of nature you can see while trekking this short loop trail.  It does have an elevation gain of 433 feet (131.9 m).

Grand Canyon Trail

This track provides beautiful ferns, stunning waterfalls, and exquisite panoramic views while trekking through lush vegetation.  This is a moderate rated loop trail that traverses along a river and through the forests over a distance of 3.6 miles (5.79 km), Wildflowers and wilderness await hikers who are willing to explore the 1,020 feet (310.9 m) of elevation gain.

Valley of the Waters Trail

This is a point-to-point trek with an elevation gain of 944 feet (287.7 m) over a distance of 4 miles (6.44 km).  Highlights include views of Wentworth Falls, Sylvia Falls, and Empress Falls. Although this is a moderate rated trail, you will find the effort is worth it.

Burramoko Fire Trail

This is a moderate trail out covering a distance of 7.3 miles (11.7 km) with an elevation gain of 830 feet (253 m). Wildflowers add to the picturesque landscape, but the highlights of the park are grounded in the steep rock formations and gorge views.

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Park Protection

Blue Mountains National Park was created by the Australian government to ensure that future citizens and global visitors would have access to this exquiste landscape and wilderness.  The park also protects the habitat for at least 114 endemic species living amongst the mountains and forests.