Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
The Blue Mountains Explorer makes it easy to get to famous landmarks like the Three Sisters, Scenic World and Leura Cascades. The bus runs hourly every Saturday and on Public & School Holidays.
- Check-in Location: Office Katoomba Railway Station
- Duration: 1 Hour Circuit | 37 Stops
- Frequency: 8 times per Day
Departure Times from Katoomba Station
9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Ticket Options
Available Hourly from 9am to 3pm
Explorer Bus Day Pass + Scenic World | $95
Youth (16 - 17 years) | $50
Child (3 - 15 years) | $30
Full day access to all bus times & Entry into scenic World.
Explorer Bus Day Pass | $49
Child (0-15 years FREE! Max 5)
Full day access to all bus times. Hop on and off at 37 stops in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Explorer Bus 1 Hour Pass | $29
Child (0-15 years FREE! Max 5)
The One Hour Circuit is a sightseeing tour Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as you visit the sights of the Blue Mountains.
Scenic World
Scenic world offers a railway, cablecars and scenic forest boarwalks. Enjoy the iconic views of the Blue Mountains. Hop aboard the world's steepest railway into the Jamison Valley. Explore kms of raised boardwalks through the rainforest, spotting Lyre Birds and ancient tree ferns amongst other flora and fauna. Ride the Cableway, to cruise past the sandstone escarpment and Orphan Rock. Glide past Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters on the iconic Skyway.
Scenic Skyway
Glide between cliff tops with panoramic views of World Heritage landscapes on the Scenic Skyway. This 720 metre journey provides the best views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, Mt Solitary and Jamison Valley.
Suspended 270 metres above ancient ravines, breathtaking views of rainforest canopy are revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass cabin floor. For the less adventurous, seating and solid flooring is also available.
Scenic Railway
Discover the thrill of a 52° (128%) incline in open terrain riding the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway.
Scenic Cableway
The 545 metre Scenic Cableway journey gently descends into the Jamison Valley and returns to the top of the escarpment. The fully enclosed cabin is a unique vantage point for viewing iconic rock formations including Three Sisters, Orphan Rock and Mt Solitary. Passing closely by sheer sandstone cliffs, it showcases the renowned geology and geomorphology of the World Heritage region.
Scenic Walkway
Experience walking under the canopy of an extraordinary temperate rainforest. Located in the Jamison Valley, the Scenic Walkway is a 500m elevated boardwalk, an easy 10-20 minute walk between the Railway and Cableway stations.
Getting to Katoomba from Sydney
Arrive early for your full day of adventure! Get the train from Central Station for less than $10 for a relaxing, scenic journey up to the Blue Mountains. Check-in at at our office located at the top of the stairs next to Katoomba railway station.
The Blue Mountains Explorer bus stops
Stop 1 - Katoomba
There are many options to stock up on supplies here before you set off for your day of exploring. You may want to take a wander through the famous Carrington Hotel or the wonderful Blue Mountains Cultural Centre or browse the many Australian souvenirs or stock up on some Lollies at the Three Sisters Souvenirs. There’s great coffee close by and a few options for a quick bite to eat too.
Stop 2 - The Arts Corner
Named due to the many amazing art galleries here, the Arts Corner is a great place to have a stroll around the galleries and the Katoomba Street Art Walk. There are many boutique shops, op shops and quirky cafes too.
Stop 3 - The Gingerbread House
All about “the sweet” the Gingerbread House is bursting with homemade treats and delicious delights. Great for kids, this 100+ year old church has been transformed into a treasure trove of sweets, sundaes and sourdough. You can have a hearty breakfast, a grazing plate, lunch or just dessert, or simply grab a milkshake to go. Whatever your desire.
Stop 4 - Katoomba RSL
A great option for a bite to eat, the Katoomba RSL has entertainment, a café and a restaurant (Red Poppy Brasserie) and if you’re staying in town, you can make use of the courtesy bus to pick you up and drop you home.
Stop 5 - Carrington Park
We arrive here just 5 minutes after departing Katoomba and are greeted with an incredible view to the horizon. It is a great place to start exploring if you want to stretch your legs straight away. All of the walks from here are a minimum of 1 hour and require a reasonable level of fitness.
Stop 6 - Honeymoon Lookout
This is THE BEST place to hop off first and start exploring. Ideal for all fitness levels and ages, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Honeymoon Lookout to Echo Point will take around 35 to 40 minutes and you can literally touch the Three Sisters along the way!
Stop 7 - Echo Point
Home to the famous Three Sisters, Echo Point is the main lookout in the Blue Mountains and the ideal family stop where you’ll find some wonderful short walks, amazing views and a restaurant, café, bar, information centre and amenities. a must-do.
Stop 8 - Scenic Skyway
This is the Skyway Eastern Station and is useful for those with a Scenic World Pass
Stop 9 - Katoomba Cascades
This is a wonderful place for a short walk across the cascading waterfalls and then out to Reid’s Plateau for some stunning views across the Jamison Valley to the Three Sisters. It’s only a 20-minute walk to reach Katoomba Falls and there are many other options there. You can also walk the cliff top beck to Echo Point from stop 9.
Stop 10 - Katoomba Falls
There are many different walks available here to suit all levels of fitness. A 20-minute round walk to Reid’s Plateau will reward you with stunning views, Witch’s Leap and Juliet’s Balcony are great options or you may like to tackle the Furber Steps which are hand cut into the cliff and lead all the way into the bottom of the valley.
Stop 11 - Scenic World
If you have a Scenic World Pass this is where you hop off to experience the thrill of the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger train anywhere in the world! The Skyway is the highest single-span cable car in the world and has an glass floor which disappears under your feet to leave you dancing on air 270 metres above the valley. Stroll the Scenic Walkway, the longest elevated boardwalk in Australia and glide above the treetops on the Scenic Cableway which is the largest and steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.
Stop 12 - Narrow Neck Lookout
A quick photo stop here gives you some wonderful memories, especially later in the day when the sun is sinking lower, leaving the sandstone cliffs dazzling like gold-leaf. A great spot for bird watching or a picnic.
Stop 13 – The Devil’s Hole
Aptly named, this is not for the faint of heart. It is literally straight down and straight back up but the reward is a special one. You have amazing views into the Megalong Valley and a great photo opportunity as you stand under a huge boulder suspended between two sheer cliff faces.
Stop 14 – Cahill’s Lookout
One of the best kept secrets in the Blue Mountains, Cahill’s Lookout is a fantastic place for a picnic, or to read a book under a tree. It offers some spectacular views and is the very best place to enjoy a Blue Mountains sunset.
Stop 15 – Escarpments Estate
Accommodation options, restaurant, and golf driving range.
Stop 16 – Katoomba Falls Tourist Park
Fantastic option for camping or cabin accommodation right across the street from Katoomba Falls. It’s a great way to access this area after you’ve enjoyed Scenic World and the cliff top tour.
Stop 17 – Blue Mountains Chocolate Company
Spoil yourself with the most amazing hand-made, world class, award winning fine chocolates or indulge with a decadent hot chocolate that you will never forget!
Stop 18 – La Maison
Affordable accommodation with great stand-by rates.
Stop 19 – Shelton-Lea Guesthouse
One of our favourites, Shelton-Lea is a gorgeous B&B operated by Paul and Jenny who will look after your every need. Perfect for couples.
Stop 20 – Hinkler Park/Lost Bear Gallery
A great little park for the kids to run off some energy and the closest stop to visit the Lost Bear Gallery, a fantastic art gallery.
Stop 21 – Nolan on Lovel Gallery
A superb art gallery showcasing the amazing artworks of local artist Robyn Nolan.
Stop 22 – Lyrebird Dell
A wonderful walk here will take you down to where you can step into an ancient sandstone cave and search for Aboriginal carvings in the stone. You can access the stunning Pool of Siloam and finish your walk at Gordon Falls for some lovely views and a short cliff top walk.
Stop 23 - Pool of Siloam
A stunning swimming hole with a sandy beach, tree ferns, stepping stones and a waterfall.
Stop 24 – Gordon Falls
It’s just a 5-minute walk down to the Gordon Falls Lookout for a unique view across the valley to the back of the Three Sisters. There’s a short cliff top walk to Elysian Rock and Olympian Rock and we think it’s one of the best views in the Blue Mountains.
Stop 25 – Leuralla Toy and Railway Museum
Bursting with trains, trams and tracks this wonderful collection is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Toys, trains, and railway memorabilia as well as Barbie Dolls and much more. Topped off with 12 acres of stunning gardens and an Amphitheatre across the street with stunning views, this is a great option for families.
Stop 26 – Leura Cascades
Gorgeous cascading waterfalls in a rainforest type environment with towering tree ferns, gently falling water and birds singing playfully, this is such a peaceful experience.
Stop 27 – Bloome Park/Cottage on The Mall
Great for a family picnic of some playtime for the kids and also the stop for those who are staying at the Cottage on The Mall accommodation.
Stop 28 - Leura Village
The perfect place for a bite to eat, a few drinks, or a spot of window shopping, Leura Village is bursting with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.
Stop 29 – NESUTO Leura Gardens Resort
This is a wonderful option for accommodation with a famous hot breakfast and gorgeous gardens.
Stop 30 – Fairmont Resort
The larges resort in the Blue Mountains, Fairmont is a great place for families to stay with a full-sized movie theatre, large and well-equipped games room, train rides, merry-go-round and more. Adjacent to Leura Golf Club for those who enjoy a hit.
Stop 31 – Gladstone Road
Here you’ll find a fantastic walk to the Pool of Siloam and the Lyrebird Dell. It’s about an hour and is a great walk for those who are staying a little longer.
Stop 32 – Everglades House and Gardens
Designed and built in the 1930s by a prominent landscape architect named Paul Sorensen, the Everglades is a garden-lovers dream. The grand old Art Deco house stands proud amongst almost 13 acres of landscape designed European gardens.
Stop 33 – Leura Garage
A superb café, restaurant and bar, Leura Garage utilizes local produce, wines, and offers a stunning seasonal menu.
Stop 34 – Leura Train Station
There’s no need to travel back to Katoomba for trains, most stop here too.
Stop 35 – Alexandra Hotel
Great for a bistro meal, also woodfired pizza.
Stop 36 – G’day Motel/Alpine Motor Inn
Purely for accommodation, this stop is convenient for those who are staying around this area.
Stop 37 – Katoomba Railway Station
Trains depart here in both directions.
Arrive early for your full day of adventure! Get the train from Sydney Central Station for less than $10 for a relaxing, scenic journey up to the Blue Mountains and arrive refreshed and ready for your day. Then pick up your guidebook and Scenic World booking at our office at the top of the stairs next to Katoomba station and you're on your way!
