Blue Mountains: Koalas, Waterfalls & Late Afternoon Wildlife Tour

Summary

Koalas up close, waterfalls echoing, golden light on Three Sisters

You’ll smell eucalyptus as you step into Blue Mountains air, meet kangaroos and share an unhurried moment with a koala up close. Walk bush trails to waterfalls with your guide pointing out hidden wildlife, then watch sunset paint Three Sisters gold before dinner with new friends—leaving you quietly changed.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that stuck with me wasn’t the view—it was the eucalyptus smell when we stepped off the van. Our guide, Mark, handed out bottled water and grinned like he’d been waiting all day for this part. We wandered into a working farm where kangaroos lounged in the grass, not bothered by us at all. I tried to get close to a joey but it bounced away—Mark just laughed and said they’re shy unless you’ve got snacks (which I didn’t). The real surprise was the VIP koala session. I thought it’d be quick photos behind glass, but nope—you actually stand right there with them. Their fur’s softer than I expected. Someone in our group tried to get a selfie and the koala just blinked slowly, totally unbothered.

After lunch—local café, nothing fancy but honestly good—we set off for the bush walk. It’s about 70 minutes down to the waterfalls; you hear them before you see them. The path was muddy in spots (bring decent shoes), but every so often the trees opened up and there were these ridiculous views across Jamison Valley. Mark pointed out some lyrebirds—never would’ve noticed them myself—and then we just listened for a bit. Kind of rare on a tour to have actual quiet like that.

Later on at Echo Point Lookout, everyone got quiet again when the sun hit the Three Sisters rocks just right. The sandstone went this deep gold color—hard to explain without sounding cheesy, but yeah, I still think about that view sometimes. We stopped at Govetts Leap too; shorter walk there but worth it for that feeling of space over Grose Valley. On the way back we saw wild kangaroos grazing in the late afternoon light—felt almost staged except they ignored us completely.

Dinner was included—a main course at a local spot with options for everyone (I went vegetarian and didn’t regret it). By then we were tired in that good way where your legs ache but your head’s clear. Not sure if it was skipping the early crowds or just being outside all day, but I slept like a rock after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Mountains nature and wildlife tour

• Feed kangaroos and meet koalas
• Take 70-minute bush walk to waterfalls
• View Three Sisters sandstone rocks
• Spot wild kangaroos grazing
• Walk 30 minutes at Govetts Leap
• Enjoy panoramic Megalong Valley views
• Have main course dinner with options

Top questions

How long is the Blue Mountains tour from Sydney?

The tour includes multiple stops and lasts most of the day, starting later than most tours to avoid crowds.

Is lunch included on this Blue Mountains day trip?

Yes, both lunch and dinner are included at local venues in the mountains.

Can you see wild kangaroos on this tour?

Yes, wild kangaroos are often spotted grazing in fields during late afternoon.

Is there a private koala encounter?

Yes, there's an extended private session up close with a koala for photos (no extra photography cost).

What are the main sights visited on this Blue Mountains small group tour?

The tour visits Echo Point Lookout (Three Sisters), Govetts Leap (Grose Valley), Megalong Valley, and waterfalls along bush walks.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meal options available?

Yes, both vegetarian and gluten-free options are offered for dinner.

How difficult is the walking involved?

The bush walk is about 70 minutes and can be muddy; travelers should have moderate fitness.

Does this Blue Mountains tour include pickup?

The tour includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle; public transport options are also nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, bottled water throughout, entry to animal encounters including an up-close koala photo session at no extra cost, snacks along the way plus both lunch and a main course dinner at local mountain venues—with alcoholic or soft drinks available to purchase before heading back in comfort.