Blue Mountains: Scenic World, Koala Photo & Sydney Ferry

Summary

Ride the Skyway see Three Sisters and meet koalas near Sydney

You’ll ride through Blue Mountains’ wild valleys by railway and skyway, hear local legends at Echo Point, snap a koala photo at Sydney Zoo, and finish with a ferry past the Opera House—all with pickup and your guide handling every detail.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, that’s really the world’s steepest railway?” I asked our guide, who just grinned and nodded. We’d already stopped in Glenbrook for coffee (the kind that actually wakes you up), and now my heart was thumping for different reasons as we rattled down through the rainforest at Scenic World. The glass roof above us flashed with sunlight and shadows — you could smell damp eucalyptus, sharp and sweet. I think someone behind me squeaked when we tipped forward. Honestly, I might’ve too.

Echo Point was packed but our guide Li knew where to stand so you could actually see the Three Sisters without elbows in your face. She told us the old story about them — her voice got quieter for that part, which made me listen harder. Elysian Rock was less crowded; wind tugged at my jacket and there was this blue haze over everything, like a watercolor that hadn’t dried yet. At Cahill’s Lookout it was almost silent except for one magpie singing somewhere far off. It felt like being on the edge of something huge — Megalong Valley just rolling out below us forever.

Lunch in Leura was whatever you wanted (I picked a bakery, no regrets). The shops are tiny and full of things I didn’t need but wanted anyway. Later at Sydney Zoo, I tried to say “koala” in Mandarin — Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone before snapping my free digital photo with this sleepy little guy who smelled faintly of leaves. Kids were feeding kangaroos nearby; one hopped right up to a toddler and everyone froze for a second before laughing.

The ferry ride back into Sydney surprised me — after all that mountain air, gliding under the Harbour Bridge felt almost unreal. Opera House on one side, city lights starting to blink on. I leaned against the rail and let myself just breathe it in. Still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on a train at home — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Mountains scenic and wildlife tour

• Stretch legs at Glenbrook
• View panoramic Elysian Rock
• Photo stop at Echo Point
• Ride three Scenic World attractions
• Visit Katoomba Cascades Waterfalls
• Relax at Cahill's Lookout
• Lunch in Leura town
• Visit Sydney Zoo and koala photo
• Ferry ride to Circular Quay

Top questions

How long is the Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time from selected Sydney CBD hotels to the Blue Mountains and back by ferry.

Is hotel pickup included for this Blue Mountains tour?

Yes, pickup from selected Sydney CBD hotels is included in your booking.

Do you get to take a photo with a koala?

Yes, your tour includes an up-close digital photo with a koala at Sydney Zoo.

Are entry fees for Scenic World included?

All entry and admission fees—including Scenic World rides—are included in your tour price.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

You can purchase lunch in Leura; food is not included but there are many options available.

What if weather closes some rides or lookouts?

If weather or maintenance prevents certain activities or views at Scenic World, refunds are not offered per company policy.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

The tour suits all fitness levels; children under 2 are free if they sit on an adult's lap (or book a child ticket if needing their own seat).

Where does the ferry return end in Sydney?

The scenic ferry returns you to Circular Quay near the Sydney Opera House.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Sydney, all entry fees for Scenic World’s three rides plus guided rainforest walk, panoramic lookouts like Echo Point and Cahill’s Lookout, time to explore Leura for lunch, admission to Sydney Zoo with an up-close digital koala photo, and ends with a scenic ferry ride back beneath Harbour Bridge to Circular Quay.