Blue Mountains Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

The Blue Mountains, located 68 mi/110 km northwest of Sydney, is one of New South Wales' premier national parks, with great opportunities for bushwalking, outdoor activities and wildlife watching. This World Heritage Area covers an area of 3,861 sq mi/10,000 sq km.

The highway that winds around panoramic eucalyptus-clad mountain ranges and sandstone gorges is scattered with tourist attractions, picturesque small towns, art galleries and good restaurants. There is a visitor center in Katoomba, which is the central township in the area.

The most popular sight is the Three Sisters, a striking trio of rock formations that jut out of a cliff near Katoomba. The best views of the rock formation are from Echo Point. You also can take a cable car into the mountains or ride a train. The town has interesting shops and restaurants. Farther west are the impressive Jenolan Caves.

Closer to Sydney, the town of Leura also has restaurants, galleries and craft shops. Within Blue Mountain National Park are hiking trails that lead to refreshing waterfalls. Further west, you can visit several farms where you'll see wild kangaroos and koalas. Most tours include complimentary hotel pickup. Itineraries and prices vary.

Although this is a popular day-trip destination from Sydney, a short stay to explore the real beauty and wilderness of this area is recommended. A wide range of accommodation is available, ranging from simple cabins to luxury resorts.

Famous for their namesake coffee, these mountains begin 12 mi/20 km northeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and rise above the city to form one of the highest continuous mountain ranges in the Caribbean. They have a fragile ecosystem: The range has suffered extensive damage from hurricanes, floods and landslides, as well as deforestation and development.

In an effort to spur preservation, about 200,000 acres/81,000 hectares of this rugged territory have become part of a preserve, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (the John Crow Mountains are east of the Blue Mountain Range). It includes several mineral springs, old plantation houses and hundreds of flowering plants and ferns—more than half of which grow only in Jamaica. It is a treasure trove for botanists and bird-watchers (look for the doctor birds, which are hummingbirds with amazingly long tails, and large buzzards known as "John Crows"). Hiking trails abound. Many tour operators offer guided tours through the trails.

Other attractions in the mountain range include Holywell Forest Park (picnic grounds, spartan cottages, hiking trails) and lots of waterfalls. The coffee plantations of Craighton Estate and Old Tavern Estate produce the tasty and expensive Blue Mountain coffee. The plantations can be toured, too. You can watch the beans being picked and processed September-February.