Things to Do in Blue Mountains, Attractions & Travel Guide

Katoomba, New South WalesHILL STATIONNature Reserve

The Three Sisters is an iconic sandstone rock formation in the Blue Mountains, offering spectacular views of the Jamison Valley and extensive walking tracks.

iHighlights

Info

HILL STATION

Info

Nature Reserve

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

The Three Sisters is a striking rock formation located at Echo Point in the Blue Mountains. It features three towering sandstone peaks rising out of the Jamison Valley. Visitors can view the vast expanse of eucalyptus forests, deep valleys, and rugged cliffs from multiple observation decks. Walking tracks connect the main viewing area to the rock formations, allowing people to get close to the first rock via a steep staircase called the Giant Stairway. The area features prominent lookout points, extensive hiking trails, and nearby cable car experiences. It serves as the main focal point for exploring the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The site provides a direct look at the region's famous blue haze, an optical phenomenon caused by eucalyptus oil mixing with dust and water vapor in the air. Pathways around the visitor center are flat and accessible, making it easy to navigate for all age groups before transitioning into the deeper bushwalking trails.

Contact Information

Phone: +61-1300-653-408

Email: tourism@bmcc.nsw.gov.au

Why This Place is Special

• Iconic three-peaked sandstone rock formation
• Panoramic views of the expansive Jamison Valley
• Giant Stairway walking track leading down to the valley floor
• Aboriginal cultural heritage and ancient Dreamtime legends
• Blue haze phenomenon resulting from surrounding eucalyptus forests
• Proximity to Scenic World cable cars and steep railway
• Floodlit evening views of the rock formation

Ideal For

FamiliesCouplesSolo travelersPhotographersNature loversAdventure seekers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Drinking water
• Cafeteria
• Wheelchair access
• Ramps
• Souvenir shops
• Seating areas
• Information center

Visitor Tips

• Visit early morning around 7 AM to avoid large tour bus crowds and secure parking
• Walk down to Honeymoon Bridge to touch the first rock formation if you are physically fit
• Bring a windbreaker jacket as the valley edges are frequently windy and cold
• Use the hop-on-hop-off Explorer Bus if traveling without a car to reach other nearby sites
• Check weather conditions beforehand as heavy fog can completely block the valley view
• Stay for sunset when the rocks glow with deep orange and red colors
• Pay for parking via the local mobile app to avoid waiting at physical ticket machines

Rules & Restrictions

• No drones allowed over the national park area without specific permits
• Stay behind safety fences and barriers at all times
• No dogs or pets allowed on the national park walking trails
• Do not deface, mark, or climb the rock formations
• No camping or open fires permitted at Echo Point
• No removal of plants, rocks, or wildlife from the area

Safety Information

• Stay firmly behind the safety barriers and fences at all lookouts
• The Giant Stairway steps can be very slippery when wet; use the handrails provided at all times
• Keep track of daylight hours if hiking, as temperatures drop rapidly after sunset and trails are unlit
• Carry sufficient drinking water if you are walking down into the Jamison Valley
• Check local fire danger ratings and weather warnings during the summer months before undertaking long hikes
• Keep a close watch on children near cliff edges and on elevated walkways

Discover Events in Katoomba

Explore upcoming events, concerts, expos and experiences near you

Loading events...

Location & Address

Echo Point Road, Echo Point Lookout, Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia

View on map

Best Time to Visit

September to November and March to May provide comfortable walking temperatures between 15-22°C. Winter (June to August) is cold, often dropping below 5°C, but offers clear skies and local Yulefest celebrations. Summer (December to February) can be hot and prone to bushfires. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Visit during autumn for crisp, clear visibility of the valley and to avoid the peak holiday crowds of late December.
Peak Crowd: December-January and weekends year-round due to holiday travelers and day-trippers from Sydney
Moderate Crowd: March-May and September-November during pleasant walking weather conditions
Low Crowd: June-August early mornings due to freezing winter temperatures

How to Reach

Air

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport is the nearest major airport, located approximately 110 km away. Travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or 2.5 hours by train.

Train

Katoomba Station is 2.5 km away. Direct Blue Mountains Line trains run from Sydney Central Station taking about 2 hours. Taxis and local buses are available right outside Katoomba Station.

Road

Located just off the Great Western Highway (A32). It is a 100 km drive from Sydney CBD (about 90 minutes). The route is well-paved, multi-lane for most of the way, and easily navigable by rental cars.

Local Transport

Bus route 686 connects Katoomba Station directly to Echo Point (AUD 3-4). The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus (hop-on-hop-off) stops at all major tourist sites. Taxis and rideshares are available. Walking from the town center takes about 30 minutes.

Explore Destination Ideas

Discover top attractions, temples, beaches, forts and more — handpicked destinations to inspire your next trip.

Food & Dining

Nearby restaurants near Blue Mountains Three Sisters

No restaurants found nearby

Your Questions, Answered

The Echo Point viewing platform is open 24/7. You can visit at any time, and the rocks are floodlit at night until 10:30 PM. The visitor center is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

No, viewing the rock formation from Echo Point is completely free. You only need to pay for parking if you bring a vehicle.

The main viewing platform is right next to the parking area (a 2-minute flat walk). Walking to the first sister via the Giant Stairway takes about 15-20 minutes down steep steps.

Scenic World is 2 km away featuring cable cars and a steep railway. Katoomba Falls is about 1.5 km away and can be reached via a scenic walking track along the cliff edge.

Wear sturdy walking shoes if you plan to hike the trails. Bring a warm jacket or windbreaker even in summer, as the mountain winds at the lookout can be quite cold.