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The route is clearly mapped out so you can easily move between key attractions without the hassle of driving.
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Book Hop On Hop Off Blue Mountains Tours
Routes
Timeline
Map
4
Carrington Park
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Carrington Hotel
4 min walk
Katoomba Falls Reserve
4 min walk
6
Echo Point
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Echo Point Lookout
1 min walk
Giant Stairway
1 min walk
9
Katoomba Falls
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Katoomba Falls
3 min walk
Cliff View Lookout
3 min walk
13
Cahill’s Lookout
Get direction
2 attractions
Nearby things to do
Cahill’s Lookout
Wentworth Falls
13 min walk
14
Katoomba Falls Tourist Park
23
Leura Railway Station
Flexible hop‑on‑hop‑off tour with 23 stops and customizable Scenic World access.
- Great for: Travelers seeking a flexible Blue Mountains trip—take a train from Sydney Central to Katoomba Station, then spend the day as you please.
- What you'll get: a 72‐page guidebook, expert onboard commentary, and scheduled stops at Katoomba Falls, Echo Point, and Olympian Rock for fresh, local insights.
- Must‑see sights: Katoomba Falls’, Echo Point’s clear view of the Three Sisters, and Olympian Rock’s wide vista over Megalong Valley for epic views.
- Difficulty level: Trail options range from Grade 1 easy boardwalks to Grade 5 moderate hikes at each stop, letting you tailor your tour to fitness levels and interests.
Flexible hop‑on‑hop‑off tour with 23 stops and customizable Scenic World access.
- Great for: Travelers seeking a flexible Blue Mountains trip—take a train from Sydney Central to Katoomba Station, then spend the day as you please.
- What you'll get: a 72‐page guidebook, expert onboard commentary, and scheduled stops at Katoomba Falls, Echo Point, and Olympian Rock for fresh, local insights.
- Must‑see sights: Katoomba Falls’, Echo Point’s clear view of the Three Sisters, and Olympian Rock’s wide vista over Megalong Valley for epic views.
- Difficulty level: Trail options range from Grade 1 easy boardwalks to Grade 5 moderate hikes at each stop, letting you tailor your tour to fitness levels and interests.
Inclusions
- 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
- Access to Red Route
- Pre-recorded commentary in English
- Free 72-page guidebook with custom itineraries
- Entry to Scenic World (as per option selected)
- Unlimited access to 4 attractions: Cableway, Skyway, Railway, Walkway
- Food & beverage voucher redeemable at Scenic World (as per option selected)
Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points
You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Red Route
- First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Katoomba Station)
- Last bus: 4:45pm from stop #1 (Katoomba Station)
- Frequency: every 60 mins
- Popular stops: Echo Point, Katoomba Falls, Scenic World
- The buses are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Pro tip: Animals swooping through the forest’s branches and climbing up the jagged rock formations are a common sight. Keep an eye out for cute Koalas and Kangaroos.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Get two adventures in one: See 23 sights on a bus & enjoy Scenic World’s four epic rides!
- Hop off, explore, and hop back on any time with this 24-hour bus pass, making it the ultimate flexible way to uncover the Blue Mountains.
- Hourly buses, 23 stops, one epic route – this tour’s got every Blue Mountains must-see covered, so you can just sit back and enjoy.
- Get access to four Scenic World rides! Drop at a 52° incline on the Railway, glide at 270m on the Skyway, wander the rainforest, and float on the Cableway.
- Ride a double-decker bus with witty local guides sharing stories while you soak up the Blue Mountains’ jaw-dropping views.
- Echo Point’s cliffs, Katoomba Falls’ roar, and Wentworth Falls’ vistas are all a short walk from the bus – nature’s best, right there.
Get two adventures in one: See 23 sights on a bus & enjoy Scenic World’s four epic rides!
- Hop off, explore, and hop back on any time with this 24-hour bus pass, making it the ultimate flexible way to uncover the Blue Mountains.
- Hourly buses, 23 stops, one epic route – this tour’s got every Blue Mountains must-see covered, so you can just sit back and enjoy.
- Get access to four Scenic World rides! Drop at a 52° incline on the Railway, glide at 270m on the Skyway, wander the rainforest, and float on the Cableway.
- Ride a double-decker bus with witty local guides sharing stories while you soak up the Blue Mountains’ jaw-dropping views.
- Echo Point’s cliffs, Katoomba Falls’ roar, and Wentworth Falls’ vistas are all a short walk from the bus – nature’s best, right there.
Inclusions
- 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Access to Red route
- Live English-speaking guide
- Entry to Scenic World
- Unlimited access to 4 attractions: Cableway, Skyway, Railway, Walkway
- Free guidebook
Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.
You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Red Route
- First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Katoomba Station)
- Last bus: 4:45pm from stop #1 (Katoomba Station)
- Frequency: Every 60 mins
- Popular stops: Echo Point, Katoomba Falls, Scenic World
- The buses are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/stroller.
- Children under the age of 3 can travel for free and do not require a ticket.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Best of both worlds: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains & Sydney's top sites.
- Everything you get at Blue Mountains: Direct entry to the Sydney Zoo with a free koala photo & kangaroo feeding, visits to Leura, Echo Point, & the Three Sisters, a Scenic World Unlimited Discovery Pass, complimentary bottled water and snacks, and a guide for the entire 10-hour day trip.
- Everything you get at Sydney Hop-on Hop-off: A 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket with access to 34 stops along the City and Bondi routes, including iconic landmarks like Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach.
- Why choose this combo: This structured combo includes premium transportation, guided commentary, entry tickets, snacks and also allows time for self-exploration.
Best of both worlds: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains & Sydney's top sites.
- Everything you get at Blue Mountains: Direct entry to the Sydney Zoo with a free koala photo & kangaroo feeding, visits to Leura, Echo Point, & the Three Sisters, a Scenic World Unlimited Discovery Pass, complimentary bottled water and snacks, and a guide for the entire 10-hour day trip.
- Everything you get at Sydney Hop-on Hop-off: A 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket with access to 34 stops along the City and Bondi routes, including iconic landmarks like Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach.
- Why choose this combo: This structured combo includes premium transportation, guided commentary, entry tickets, snacks and also allows time for self-exploration.
Inclusions
Blue Mountains Day Tour
- 10-hour day trip around Blue Mountains, Scenic World & Sydney Zoo
- Premium round-trip coach transfers
- Live English-speaking guide
- Sydney Zoo admission (including free digital photo at Koala Trail and kangaroo feeding)
- Scenic World Unlimited Discovery Pass
- Visit to Leura, Echo Point, and the Three Sisters
- Complimentary bottled water and snacks
Sydney HOHO
- 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Access to Red & Blue routes
- Pre-recorded commentary in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin, Korean, Chinese and Japanese
- Free Wi-Fi & complimentary earphones
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
Exclusions
- Lunch
Sydney HOHO
Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
City Tour (Red Route)
First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Circular Quay)
Last bus: 4:30pm from stop #1 (Circular Quay)
Frequency: Every 30 to 45 minutes
Popular stops: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Rocks & Botanical Gardens
Bondi Tour (Blue Route)
First bus: 9:30am from stop #24 (Central Station)
Last bus: 4pm from stop #24 (Central Station)
Frequency: Every 35 minutes
Popular stops: Bondi Beach, Rose Bay & Double Bay
Blue Mountains Day Tour
- The day trip lasts about 10 hours.
- The meeting point is Central Station Western Forecourt by 7:45am.
- You will return to the city by approximately 6pm.
Sydney HOHO
- Children under 3 years travel for free.
- All buses are wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Sydney
Why Take a Blue Mountains Explorer Bus Tour?
Ease of navigation
What kind of travelers benefit from Blue Mountains Explorer bus tours?
Families
Enjoy stops with easy walks, kid-friendly facilities, and ample space for picnics.
Solo explorers
A self-guided itinerary that lets you linger at stops that match your interests.
Active adventurers
Options for bush walks and moderate hikes to get your heart rate up.
Culture seekers
Visits to local galleries and historic sites that tell the story of the Blue Mountains.
Hear what happy travelers have to say: Blue Mountains explorer bus reviews
Crafting your perfect Blue Mountains explorer bus tour itinerary
Family-friendly fun (Difficulty: Easy)
For travelers with little ones or anyone seeking a relaxed day out:
- Stop 8 – Katoomba Cascades:
- Enjoy picnic tables, safe play areas for kids, and close-up views of cascading water and native flora.
- Stop 6 – Echo Point:
- Accessible family-friendly walk to view the famous Three Sisters and expansive Jamison Valley.
- Stop 7 – Scenic Skyway:
- A fun, unique cable car ride offering a fresh perspective over the valley—perfect for all ages.
- Stop 22 – Leura Village:
- A charming area to browse specialty shops, grab a bite, and relax in a welcoming retail setting.
Laidback explorer (Difficulty: Easy to Moderate)
For those who want to take it slow and enjoy scenic views at a leisurely pace:
- Stop 5 – Honeymoon Lookout:
- Start your day with easy access to cliff-top views and a gentle introduction to the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
- Stop 13 – Cahill’s Lookout:
- Ideal for short, relaxed walks while enjoying soft sunset views over the Megalong Valley.
- Stop 16 – Fine Arts Galleries:
- A casual visit to Lost Bear Gallery and Gallery 96, perfect for absorbing local art at your own pace.
- Stop 2 – The Arts Corner:
- Stroll through vibrant galleries and enjoy street art along Beverly Place without the rush.
Self-exploration adventurer (Difficulty: Moderate)
For independent travelers who prefer to set their own pace and explore off the beaten track:
- Stop 4 – Carrington Park:
- Begin with a leisurely walk along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk from lush parkland to Echo Point.
- Stop 12 – Devil’s Hole:
- Tackle a moderately challenging trail with natural obstacles, rewarding you with views of rugged bushland.
- Stop 17 – Kiah Lookout:
- Offers expansive panoramic views and serves as a gateway to extended self-guided walks.
- Stop 21 – Lyrebird Dell:
- Discover ancient Aboriginal carvings and a tranquil setting that invites quiet reflection and exploration.
Active Trailblazer (Difficulty: Challenging)
For the physically driven adventurer ready to push boundaries and seek vigorous experiences:
- Stop 9 – Katoomba Falls:
- Engage in a brisk, active walk along Reid’s Plateau and navigate the nearly 1000 hand-cut Furber Steps with diverse valley views.
- Stop 10 – Scenic World:
- For pass holders, enjoy unlimited rides on the Scenic Railway, Cableway, and Walkway that challenge your stamina while immersing you in rainforest scenery.
- Stop 19 – Gordon Falls Lookout:
- A short, active walk leads you to a unique view of a 200-meter waterfall drop and rugged rock formations.
- Stop 20 – Elysian & Olympian Lookouts:
- Complete your challenge with a loop walk connecting two adjacent lookouts, offering varied and engaging scenery across multiple ecosystems.
Top attractions on your Blue Mountains explorer bus tour
See all photos
Plan Your Visit
Getting from Sydney to Blue Mountains
Ticket Options
Route map and timetable
Facilities & Amenities
Tips
By Train:
Catch a train from Central Station for a two-hour scenic trip to Katoomba Station, where the Explorer Bus departs
By Car:
Driving is also an option, with the journey from Sydney to the Blue Mountains typically taking about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
You have three options to choose from:
- 24-Hour Explorer Pass: Unlimited hop-on hop-off access for a full day. If you are staying in the Blue Mountains, you have the option of extending your pass for two more days.
- Explorer + Scenic World Combo: Includes 24-hour bus travel plus unlimited access to Scenic World's rides.
- Explorer + Scenic World + Dining: 24-hour Explorer bus pass, unlimited access to Scenic World rides, and a dining credit valid at selected restaurants.
Popular stops
Katoomba Station, Echo Point (Three Sisters), Scenic World, Leura Mall, Carrington Park
Timings
- First bus: Katoomba Station at 9:45am
- Last bus: Katoomba Station at 4:45pm
Frequency: Every 1 hour
Stops: 22 stops, including Leura Railway Station and Katoomba
Full loop duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Wheelchair access: Lower deck only; ramps at key stops.
- Restrooms: Available at Stops 1 (Katoomba Station), 5 (Echo Point), and 12 (Hydro Majestic).
- Luggage Storage: Lockers at Katoomba Station ($7/day)
- If you're staying in the Blue Mountains for several days, you can request a free extension on your Explorer bus pass—up to an additional three days.
- Review the bus map and timetable so you can plan which stops suit your interests, whether it’s a brisk walk at Devil’s Hole or a relaxed visit to Leura Village.
- Popular stops like Echo Point and Scenic World can get busy. Arriving early ensures a more relaxed experience.
- Wear sturdy shoes for bush walks and uneven terrain, especially at Devil’s Hole and along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
- Bring water and light snacks, though cafés such as Café Lurline provide excellent dining options along the way.
Frequently asked questions about Blue Mountains Explorer bus tour
How do I get around Blue Mountains without a car?
The Explorer Bus offers a hop-on hop-off service that lets you explore the area without driving.
Do kids require a ticket?
Yes, children need a ticket, although discounted fares may apply for younger kids.
Where do I catch the Explorer bus?
You can catch the bus in front of the Carrington Hotel, which is located opposite Katoomba Station.
What are the ticket options available for the Blue Mountains explorer bus tour?
Options include a 24-Hour HOHO Pass, a 24-Hour HOHO Pass + Scenic World, and a 24-Hour HOHO Pass + Scenic World + Dining Voucher.
How do I get from Sydney to the Blue Mountains?
Options include taking a direct train from Sydney Central Station to Katoomba, which takes about two hours, or catching a coach that follows the Blue Mountains bus route.
Are the buses accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the buses and many of the stops are designed to be fully accessible.
What stops are recommended for families on the Blue Mountains Explorer bus tour?
Family-friendly stops include Leura Cascades for a gentle waterfall walk, Echo Point for clear valley views, and Carrington Park for picnics.
Can I get off the bus and explore a stop longer than the scheduled time?
Yes, the tour is flexible. You can hop off to explore and catch the next bus when you’re ready to continue.
What are the best lookout points on the tour?
Recommended lookouts include Echo Point, Gordon Falls Lookout, and Kiah Lookout, each offering clear, informative views of the region.
What bush walks are included in the itinerary?
Stops like Devil’s Hole and the Carrington Park to Honeymoon Lookout walk offer opportunities for more active exploration in rugged natural settings.
How can I check current train times and prices for getting from Sydney to the Blue Mountains?
Visit the relevant transport websites or inquire at Sydney Central Station; many online resources list up-to-date Sydney to Katoomba train prices and timings.
What makes the Blue Mountains Explorer bus tour unique compared to other tours?
The tour offers flexibility, detailed itineraries segregated by interest (waterfalls, lookouts, bush walks, cultural stops), and clear, practical information for getting around, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.