Blue Mountains Wildlife & Hiking Day Trip from Sydney

Summary

Small Group Blue Mountains Tour with Wildlife Encounters

Get close to Aussie wildlife, hike dramatic cliffs, and soak up epic valley views on this small-group Blue Mountains tour from Sydney. Perfect mix of nature, stories, and local flavor.

What’s the experience like?

First thing in the morning, we left Sydney behind and rolled up to Calmsley Hill Farm just as the sun was warming up the paddocks. The smell of eucalyptus hung in the air, and you could hear kookaburras laughing somewhere near the fence line. Our guide, Dave, handed out mugs of hot tea while we watched a wombat shuffle past—honestly, it looked like it had just woken up too. I’d never been this close to a kangaroo before; their fur’s softer than I expected. There’s a spot by the old barn where you can feed them, and if you’re quick, snap a photo with a sleepy koala. It’s not every day you get to see emus strutting around like they own the place.

We headed up into the Blue Mountains National Park after that. The air got cooler as we climbed, and mist clung to the trees in patches. Dave took us to a lookout I’d never heard of—no crowds, just us and a few cockatoos screeching overhead. You get these sweeping views across canyons and valleys that make you feel tiny. We stopped at Echo Point for a close-up of the Three Sisters. Dave shared an old Aboriginal story about how they got their name—he really knows his stuff. There’s something about seeing those rock formations in person that photos just don’t capture.

Lunch was simple but hit the spot: wraps, fruit, banana bread (still warm), and bottled water. We started our hike along the Clifftop Track. It’s about 3km, mostly flat at first but then you hit these stairs—800 or so, I lost count after a while. My legs were burning by the time we reached Govetts Leap Lookout, but wow, that view over Grose Valley is worth every step. You can hear the waterfall before you see it—a long ribbon of water dropping way down into green forest.

On our way back to Sydney, we stopped at Mt Tomah Botanic Garden. It’s higher up than I expected—cooler too, even in summer. There are plants here from all over Australia and beyond; some flowers I’d never seen before. We wandered through winding paths with a glass of sparkling wine (or juice if you prefer). If there’s time, Dave sometimes pulls over at another secret lookout for one last view before heading home. By then, everyone’s pretty quiet—tired but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Mountains Wildlife and Hiking

• Visit Calmsley Hill Farm for animal encounters and morning tea
• Explore Blue Mountains National Park lookouts and short walks
• See the Three Sisters rock formation and hear Aboriginal legend
• Hike Clifftop Track across Grose Valley to Govetts Leap
• Visit Govetts Leap waterfall lookout
• Stroll Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mt Tomah with drinks

Top questions

How difficult is the hike? Is it suitable for beginners?

The main hike is moderate with some steep stairs at the end. Most people with average fitness can manage it. If needed, an easier track may be chosen depending on conditions.

Will I definitely see kangaroos and koalas?

You’ll have a great chance to see kangaroos and koalas up close at Calmsley Hill Farm. Wild sightings aren’t guaranteed in the national park.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is provided?

Yes, lunch is included—a fresh wrap or sandwich, fruit, cake or banana bread, plus bottled water. Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

What should I bring for the day?

Comfortable walking shoes are a must! Bring sunscreen, a hat, layers for changing weather, and your camera or phone for photos.

What’s included

This tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Sydney, all transport in a comfy air-conditioned vehicle, entry to Calmsley Hill Farm with animal encounters, morning tea or coffee, picnic lunch with drinks, guided hikes with an expert local guide, entry to Mt Tomah Botanic Garden (with sparkling wine or juice), plus bottled water throughout the day.