The Blue Mountains are the perfect day trip from Sydney: sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, eucalyptus forest and the famous Three Sisters, all part of the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area. Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney in Summer Hill makes an easy start, with trains to Strathfield for the Blue Mountains Line and Parramatta Road leading straight onto the M4 if you drive.
Why the Blue Mountains make a great day trip
The mountains begin about an hour west of Sydney, and Katoomba, the main town, is about 100 km from the city. The blue haze that gives the range its name comes from the oils of the eucalyptus forest, best seen on a clear morning from the clifftop lookouts.
In one day you can see the Three Sisters, ride the Scenic World railway, wander the village of Leura and walk to a waterfall, then be back at the hotel for dinner.
By train from Summer Hill to Katoomba
Walk 400 metres to Summer Hill station and take a train west to Strathfield, then change to the Blue Mountains Line to Katoomba. The trip takes about two hours each way, and the views improve the higher you climb.
Tap on with an Opal card or contactless bank card. Fares are capped each day, and the weekend cap is lower, which makes a Saturday or Sunday in the mountains great value.
- Train from Summer Hill to Strathfield
- Change to the Blue Mountains Line to Katoomba
- About two hours each way
- Hop-on hop-off buses and local buses connect the lookouts from Katoomba
By car up the M4
The hotel is on Parramatta Road, which leads west onto the M4 motorway and the Great Western Highway into the mountains. Allow about 90 minutes to Katoomba outside peak times. A car makes it easy to reach lookouts like Govetts Leap at Blackheath, and the car parks back at the hotel free overnight, with one secured undercover spot included with every booking.
What to see on a Blue Mountains day trip
- Echo Point lookout and the Three Sisters, Katoomba
- Scenic World: the Scenic Railway, Skyway and Cableway
- Leura village cafes and Leura Cascades
- Wentworth Falls and the National Pass walk
- Govetts Leap lookout at Blackheath
- The Prince Henry Cliff Walk between Katoomba and Leura
Tips for the day
- Start early to make the most of the daylight
- Bring layers, as the mountains are cooler than the city
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cliff tracks and stairs
- Check NSW National Parks for walking track updates before you go
Why guests choose us
Why day-trippers stay at Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney
- Trains from Summer Hill to Strathfield for the Blue Mountains Line
- Parramatta Road leads straight onto the M4
- One free secured undercover parking spot with every booking
- Kitchenette basics for a packed lunch and early breakfast
- 24-hour reception for late returns
- Rooms from $140 Monday to Thursday
Gallery
A look around & nearby
Photos: Australia new Katoomba the three sisters by Abracadebra68, CC BY-SA 4.0; View from Govetts Leap Lookout Blackheath in the Blue Mountains by Dylanmayfuller, CC0; Train and platform at Katoomba Station by Grendelkhan, CC BY-SA 4.0; Echo Point, Katoomba by Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0; Scenic World cable car IMG 5153 by Unyxium, CC0; Leura Cascades by Timovchinnikov, CC BY-SA 4.0; The Three Sisters From Echo Point (Wed 23-03-2016) @ 3-40-45pm. - panoramio by Christopher Wood, CC BY-SA 3.0
Frequently asked questions
Can you do the Blue Mountains as a day trip from Sydney?
Yes. Katoomba is about two hours by train from Summer Hill via Strathfield, or about 90 minutes by car outside peak times, leaving plenty of time for the Three Sisters, Scenic World and a walk.
How do I get to the Blue Mountains by train?
Take a train from Summer Hill to Strathfield and change to the Blue Mountains Line to Katoomba, about two hours each way.
Where are the Blue Mountains?
West of Sydney in New South Wales. Katoomba, the main town, is about 100 km from the city.
What should I see in one day?
Echo Point and the Three Sisters, Scenic World, Leura village and Leura Cascades, and Wentworth Falls are the classic highlights.
Can I leave my car at the hotel?
Yes. Every booking includes one free secured undercover parking spot for the whole stay.
Book online here
Book your Sydney base for the mountains
Rooms from $140 with free secure parking, 24-hour reception and easy trains west.