Blue Mountains: Scenic World, Three Sisters & Sydney Zoo Day Trip

Summary

Blue Mountains day trip with Scenic World rides, Echo Point lookout and Sydney Zoo animal encounters

You’ll breathe in eucalyptus air as you travel from Sydney to feed kangaroos at Sydney Zoo, wander Leura village for lunch, then ride railways and cableways above ancient valleys at Scenic World. Stand at Echo Point gazing at the Three Sisters — there’s always a moment where everyone goes quiet. It’s less about ticking boxes than feeling part of something huge for a day.

What’s the experience like?

First thing you notice is the eucalyptus in the air — kind of sharp and sweet at once, even before we’d left Sydney behind. Our guide, Mark, was already telling stories about the Blue Mountains as we rolled out of the city. He’s got this way of pointing out tiny things — like how the light changes on sandstone cliffs — that made me look closer all day. The drive went quick (about 90 minutes), but I kept catching glimpses of blue haze through the bus window and thinking: okay, this is really happening.

Sydney Zoo was our first stop. I didn’t expect to actually hand-feed a kangaroo (they’re softer than I thought), or to get so close to a koala that I could see its little claws gripping a branch. There were wallabies hopping around too, and some emus just watching us like they owned the place. Mark joked that I was “braver than most” for trying to pronounce wombat in an Aussie accent — not sure if he meant it. After wandering on my own for a bit (the wombats were asleep), we headed back to the coach.

The village of Leura felt sort of dreamy — old shopfronts, fresh bread smells drifting out onto the street. Lunch was up to us; I grabbed a pie from a bakery where locals were chatting about last night’s rain. It’s small things like that which stick with me more than any postcard view sometimes.

Echo Point lookout hit different though. You stand there and suddenly it’s just you and this wild sweep of valley, all misty blue layers and those Three Sisters rocks standing guard. People were quiet for a second, which says something. Then we got to Scenic World — honestly, riding that steep railway down into Jamison Valley is both fun and slightly terrifying (my hands were sweating). The cableway up is gentler but those views… Orphan Rock on one side, trees waving below you. The Skyway glides right over Katoomba Falls; someone next to me gasped when they looked down through the glass floor. It’s hard not to feel small in the best way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Mountains nature and wildlife tour

• Travel 1.5 hours west of Sydney
• Visit Sydney Zoo and feed kangaroos
• Take guided tour of Australian wildlife
• Free time to explore Sydney Zoo
• Lunch stop in Leura village
• View Three Sisters at Echo Point
• Ride Scenic Railway to valley floor
• Return via Scenic Cableway
• Glide over Katoomba Falls on Skyway

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Sydney to the Blue Mountains?

It takes about 1.5 hours by coach from Sydney to reach the Blue Mountains.

Is entry to Scenic World included in this Blue Mountains day trip?

Yes, an unlimited Discovery Pass for Scenic Railway, Skyway and Cableway is included.

Do you get to feed kangaroos or see koalas on this tour?

Yes, at Sydney Zoo you can hand-feed kangaroos and have a photo with a koala.

Where do you stop for lunch during this Blue Mountains tour?

You’ll have free time for lunch in Leura village; food is not included.

What are the main highlights of this Blue Mountains day trip?

Sydney Zoo animal encounters, Echo Point & Three Sisters lookout, Scenic World rides.

Are hotel pickups included in this Blue Mountains tour?

The tour includes premium return coach transfer; check if your hotel is on their pickup route.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or sit on laps; it suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes premium return coach transfer from Sydney, entry to Sydney Zoo with kangaroo feeding and a digital koala photo opportunity, free time in Leura village for lunch or shopping, admission to Echo Point Lookout for valley views and Three Sisters rock formation photos, plus unlimited access to Scenic World’s railway, skyway and cableway rides before heading back in comfort with bottled water onboard.