Blue Mountains: Private Day Trip, Leura & Wildlife Park Option

Summary

Private Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney with wildlife park stop and lunch in Leura

You’ll cross Sydney Harbour Bridge before heading into eucalyptus forests and valleys of the Blue Mountains with a local guide. Meet koalas at Featherdale Wildlife Park if you want, hike out to Wentworth Falls for misty views, then relax over lunch in Leura’s cozy cafes. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments of quiet awe that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I’d seen so many photos of the Blue Mountains, I half-wondered if it’d feel real when we finally got there. But right after our guide picked us up in Sydney (he actually remembered my name, which threw me a bit), crossing the Harbour Bridge felt like the city just fell away behind us. The air changed — eucalyptus everywhere, that sharp green smell you get nowhere else. We made a quick stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park (optional but worth it if you like animals that look like they belong on another planet). I tried to feed a kangaroo and it just stared at me — my partner still teases me about that.

Driving up into the Blue Mountains, our guide told stories about the Three Sisters — he even tried to teach us how to say their names in the local Aboriginal language. I definitely butchered it; he laughed and said most people do. At Lincoln’s Rock, wind whipped around us and you could see straight down these wild cliffs into a valley that looked endless. There was this moment where everyone went quiet, except for some cockatoos screeching somewhere below. It’s strange how silence can feel heavy and light at the same time.

We hiked out to Wentworth Falls — not too tough, but enough to make you notice your legs. Mist from the waterfall clung to my arms and I remember thinking, “This is what fresh actually smells like.” Lunch was in Leura, this little town full of old cottages and shops selling things I didn’t need but wanted anyway (the chocolate shop is dangerous). Our guide knew everyone by name; he waved at half the people we passed. On the way back, we took a ferry along Sydney Harbour — sun low over the water, houses sliding by. It felt like we’d been gone longer than a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Mountains and Wildlife Park Tour

• Pickup from city hotel
• Drive over Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Optional visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park
• Visit Lincoln's Rock viewpoint
• See Three Sisters rock formation
• Walk to Wentworth Falls waterfall
• Optional Scenic World rides
• Lunch at local cafe
• Explore Leura village town
• Return to city accommodation

Top questions

How long does the private Blue Mountains day trip take?

The tour lasts one full day including pickup from your Sydney hotel and return in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Blue Mountains tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup is included in central Sydney locations.

Can I visit Featherdale Wildlife Park on this tour?

Yes, visiting Featherdale Wildlife Park is an optional extra cost stop during your day trip.

Are Scenic World rides part of this private tour?

The Scenic Railway and Cablecar are optional add-ons for an extra fee during your visit.

Is lunch provided during the Blue Mountains private tour?

A lunch stop at a cozy local cafe in Leura is included in your itinerary.

What should I wear for hiking to Wentworth Falls?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket as weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Does this tour include entry fees to parks or attractions?

National park fees are included; some attractions like Featherdale or Scenic World require extra payment if chosen.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup by air-conditioned minivan with bottled water provided along the way. National park entry fees are covered, plus there’s a guided bushwalk to Wentworth Falls and time exploring Leura village with lunch at a local cafe before heading back to Sydney by road or ferry — all led by someone who knows these mountains inside out.