Blue Mountains: Scenic World Rides, Koalas & Lunch Day Trip

Summary

Blue Mountains thrill rides koalas lunch & ferry back to Sydney

You’ll stand at Katoomba’s iconic Three Sisters with a local guide sharing stories, ride all three Scenic World attractions through rainforest canopies, enjoy a proper sit-down lunch with options for every diet, meet kangaroos and koalas up close at Featherdale or Sydney Zoo, then finish your Blue Mountains day trip gliding by ferry into Sydney Harbour as dusk falls.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember stepping off the minibus in Katoomba—cold air, eucalyptus everywhere, that sweet sharp smell. Our guide, Dave (he grew up nearby), grinned and pointed out the Three Sisters before I’d even found my camera. He told us the Dreamtime story behind those rocks—his voice got quiet for a second. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing there, honestly. There were cockatoos yelling overhead and a couple of hikers waving from the next lookout. We weren’t rushed; Dave just let us wander for a bit.

Scenic World was way more fun than I thought it’d be. The Scenic Railway is as steep as everyone says (my stomach dropped and I might’ve yelped—nobody judged). Glass floor on the Skyway freaked me out at first but you get this wild view down into the forest, all misty and green. We did the boardwalk through rainforest too—wet leaves underfoot, birds calling somewhere deep in the trees. Lunch after that was actually good—I went veggie and it wasn’t an afterthought for once. Some folks swapped stories about other day trips from Sydney; it felt like we’d known each other longer.

Later we stopped at Featherdale Wildlife Park—yes, you really do get close to kangaroos (they’re softer than I expected) and I got a photo with a sleepy koala who barely opened his eyes. Kids were laughing at the wallabies bouncing around. On the ride back, Dave played old Aussie rock on the bus speakers—cheesy but perfect somehow. The ferry ride into Sydney Harbour was golden hour magic: wind in my face, city lights starting to flicker under the bridge. That view sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Mountains scenic tour and wildlife

• See the Three Sisters lookout
• Ride Scenic Railway, Skyway, Cableway
• Walk rainforest boardwalk at Scenic World
• Enjoy sit-down lunch with dietary options
• Explore Blue Mountains with expert guide
• Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park for koalas
• Take local ferry to Sydney Harbour

Top questions

How long is the Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney?

The tour lasts roughly 10 hours including pickup and return by ferry to Circular Quay in Sydney.

Is lunch included on this Blue Mountains tour?

Yes, a sit-down lunch is included with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.

Do you see both kangaroos and koalas?

You’ll visit either Featherdale Wildlife Park or Sydney Zoo where you can see both kangaroos and koalas up close.

Are Scenic World rides included in the price?

Yes, entry to Scenic Railway, Skyway, Cableway, and guided rainforest boardwalk are all included.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

The tour includes designated meeting points but not direct hotel pickup; check your confirmation for details.

Does this tour run if it rains?

Yes, tours operate rain or shine—just bring appropriate clothing for wet weather in the Blue Mountains.

Where does the tour end?

The day ends with a local ferry ride into Sydney Harbour; drop-off is at Circular Quay around 5pm.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport from Sydney to Katoomba with WiFi onboard, full entry to all Scenic World rides plus a guided rainforest boardwalk walkabout with an expert local guide sharing commentary along the way. You’ll have a proper sit-down lunch (with dietary options), admission to either Featherdale Wildlife Park or Sydney Zoo for up-close animal encounters, then finish by cruising back into Sydney Harbour by local ferry as evening sets in.