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Contents
Blue Mountains attraction opening hours
Scenic World
Walk through the ancient rainforest, ride the steepest passenger railway or glimpse at the forest canopy below from a cable car at Scenic World.
Timings
Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm, last entry at 3:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am to 5pm, last entry at 2:30pm
Closure: Open every day
Time needed: 2-4 hours, more if taking the boardwalks.
Please note: Opening hours vary seasonally and according to the NSW school holidays. The boardwalks close one hour before closing time so start your day with these first.
Echo Point Lookout
Listen to the tales of Maori legend while gazing out at Blue Mountains’ most iconic rock formation, the Three Sisters.
Timings: Visitor Center: 9am to 4pm every day
Closure: The Visitor Center is closed on Christmas Day. Echo Point Lookout is open year-round, though closures may occur due to weather or bushfires.
Time needed: 30-45 mins, more if taking nearby bushwalks
Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
Learn about local aboriginal history, find the best walking tracks in the area or dive into Claustral Canyon through VR at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
Timings: 9am to 4:30pm every day
Closure: Christmas Day
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah is the only botanic garden within a UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Timings: 9am to 5pm every day
Closure: 25th December
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Timings for other key attractions & events at Blue Mountains
Dinosaur Valley by Scenic World
Features life-sized dinosaur replicas, including T-Rex and Triceratops.
Timings: Summer hours from October: 9:00am to 5:00pm every day.
Additional Information: Timed ticket entry is required.
Blue Mountains Music Festival
Held annually in Katoomba showcasing folk and blues music from international and local artists.
Timings: Fri, 14th Mar 2025, 7:00pm to Sun, 16th Mar 2025, 12:00am
Yulefest
Various hotels and other venues across the Blue Mountains offer Christmas-themed celebrations with festive decorations, music, and food.
Dates: June to August (exact dates vary annually)
Winter Magic Festival
Held in Katoomba, with streets closed to traffic for pedestrian festivities, including music, parades, and performances.
Dates: June (exact dates vary annually, although they often include the winter solstice for the southern hemisphere)
Leura Gardens Festival
Features a display of spring blooms, including cherry blossoms in Leura’s gardens.
Timings: 4th to 7th October 2024 (exact dates vary annually)
Opening Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Mount Wilson Spring Garden Festival
Eight local gardens showcasing spring flora.
Timings: 24th to 25th September (exact dates vary annually)
Opening Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Campbell Rhododendron Garden
This garden in Blackheath features vibrant displays of rhododendrons and other flowering plants.
Timings: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Best time to visit the Blue Mountains
Weekdays vs. Weekends
Weekdays typically offer a quieter experience in the Blue Mountains, especially at popular attractions like Scenic World and Echo Point Lookout. Weekends attract larger crowds as many locals and tourists venture out for day trips. If you prefer lesser crowds, consider exploring on a Tuesday or Wednesday, when you’re likely to encounter fewer people to have a more relaxed experience.
Blue Mountains throughout the year
Summer
December to February is the summer season when temperatures range between 22°C and 30°C, but temperatures usually reduce by a few degrees as you go higher. This time is vibrant with lush greenery, making it the best time to explore outdoor activities like bushwalking, camping, canyoning, abseiling, and more.
It’s also the peak travel time with schools shut for summer holidays, so you’re bound to encounter large crowds. If you don’t mind the crowds and prefer warmer weather, you can find plenty to do here outdoors. But book your accommodations at least a couple of months in advance to avoid last minute price hikes.
Season special: The Dinosaur Valley next to Scenic World is a popular attraction among both kids and adults at this time.
Autumn
Autumn lasts between March and May and adds beautiful orange and reddish hues to the lush forests. Temperatures begin declining to 18°C to 29°C and the crowds start to wane too, making it one of the best times to visit Blue Mountains.
If you’re going by road, take the alternative Sinclair Crescent route instead of Route A32 to soak in the beautiful scenery of red trees lined on both sides of the road. Mount Wilson and Wentworth Falls also give you the best views of the Blue Mountains in the fall season.
Season special: Drop by the Blue Mountains Music Festival to listen to tunes made by musicians from around the world.
Winter
Temperatures at Blue Mountains are usually a few degrees lower than Sydney, which can get quite chilly in the winter. Winter here lasts from June to August with June being the wettest month of the year. The rain can cause dense fog and slippery roads, so driving here at this time can get risky.
Temperatures hover around 5°C to 10°C that decrease further as you reach higher altitudes, leading to snow-capped peaks. If you love snow, campfires and winter festivities, this is the best time to come to the Blue Mountains. If you’re in Katoomba, drop by Melrose Park to glimpse a winter wonderland.
Season special: Experience Christmas spirit at the Yulefest, or head to Katoomba during the Winter Magic Festival to experience festivity, music, souvenirs and sweet treats.
Spring
Springtime here lasts from September to November and is probably the best time for tourism in Australia. The weather starts to get warmer but the crowds are yet to reach their peak. Temperatures lie between 20°C to 28°C, which is ideal for spending long hours under the sun.
New leaves and flowers start to bloom all over the lush foliage, making this the most colorful time of the year. The gardens are especially beautiful with cherry blossom-covered trees, rhododendrons and other exotic flowers from the region. Outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering also start picking back up at this time.
Season special: Several gardens at Blue Mountains showcase their best at this time through garden festivals. Drop by the Campbell Rhododendron Garden, the Leura Gardens festival or the Mount Wilson Garden Festival.
Frequently asked questions about Blue Mountains opening hours
What is the best season to visit the Blue Mountains?
The best time to visit the Blue Mountains is from December to February (summer) for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery. However, June to August (winter) offers lower accommodation prices and unique events like Yulefest. For a unique experience, brave the Blue Mountains during monsoons to enjoy the rainforests as they come alive.
Are there any nighttime activities at the Blue Mountains?
Yes, you can enjoy stargazing in the clear night skies. You can also go on guided sunset tours and night walks to experience the region's local wildlife at night. Nocturnal reopens in 2025 at Scenic World, with various nighttime activities and attractions sure to lift your spirits. Also, the winter special events usually go on till nighttime, especially the Blue Mountains Music Festival.
How long will I need to tour the Blue Mountains?
Depending on your interests, a typical visit can range from half or full days to multiple days. A full-day trip allows you to explore key sites like Echo Point and Scenic World over 6-12 hours. For a more relaxed experience, plan at least an entire weekend to explore hiking trails, gardens, and local towns.
What are the peak visiting hours for attractions?
Most attractions are busiest on weekends and public holidays, particularly in the summer. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or late afternoon midweek.
Are there any time-sensitive events during the year?
Yes, events like the Blue Mountains Music Festival in March and Yulefest in July are time-sensitive and draw larger crowds. It's best to check event schedules in advance.
What time do the walking tracks close?
Walking tracks generally remain open year-round, but specific trails may close due to weather conditions or maintenance. Always check the latest updates before heading out.
When is the best time to catch sunrise or sunset in the Blue Mountains?
Sunrise typically occurs between 5:30am and 6:30am, depending on the season, while sunset ranges from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Arrive early or stay late to soak in the region's otherworldly beauty.
How long do attractions usually take to visit?
You can explore most attractions within 1-3 hours. For example, Scenic World and the Blue Mountains Botanical Gardens are best enjoyed with at least a couple of hours in hand, allowing time for exploration.
Is there a specific time to avoid crowds at popular attractions?
Yes, visiting popular viewpoints like Echo Point or Scenic World early in the morning or late in the afternoon helps avoid large crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Are guided tours available, and when do they run?
Guided Blue Mountain tours are available all year round. Multiple tours from Sydney last between 10 to 12 hours with sufficient time to cover key attractions. If you’re traveling in the spring or summer (Sep to Feb), make your bookings at least a few weeks in advance to avoid last minute surcharges.