Spend a Day with the Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, NSW

by | Last updated Feb 1, 2024 | New South Wales, Sydney | 38 comments

The Three Sisters, ‘Meehni’, ‘Wimlah’ and ‘Gunnedoo’ are rock formations in the Blue Mountains, about two hours west of Sydney. They are the number one attraction to see when visiting the Blue Mountains. And is an easy Blue Mountains day trip from Sydney. They are visited by millions of people each year and when you see them for yourself, you will know why.

I have visited the 3 sisters Blue Mountains a number of times and love them every time I see them. In this post I will explain how to go on a Blue Mountains day trip. I’ll explain how to get there, what to see and where to stay if you decide to extend your stay for a Sydney weekend getaway. Are you ready to spend a day with the Three Sisters, Blue Mountains?

 

About the Three Sisters in The Blue Mountains

 

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains is a rock formation. Just like another Australian iconic rock attraction, Uluru, the sisters change colour throughout the day depending on the sunlight. And then they are floodlit at night providing other colours.

The three rock formations are made of sandstone, like the walls and escarpments of the surrounding Jamison Valley and were formed by wind and rain. Each sister is large, standing 922, 918 and 906 metres tall respectively. They tower over and dominate the area. 

Oh and if you are wondering, the Blue Mountains aren’t actually blue and also, there aren’t actually that many mountains there either. What makes the area look blue is a fine mist of oil that is emitted by the eucalyptus trees throughout the area causing a blue haze. And what you are actually looking at when at the Three Sisters is the Jamison Valley. As far as the eye can see you will see green bush and eucalyptus forest, spanning some 1 million hectares. I’m afraid my words don’t do it justice – wait till you see it!

 

When to Visit the Three Sisters

 

Anytime is a good time to visit the Three Sisters though the seasons may persuade your decision. In the summer months (December, January and February) you will have the heat and maybe bushfires to contend with. Plus many holiday makers head to the Blue Mountains to enjoy the many hikes. During the winter months (June, July and August), there can be very cold days with snow. You will need to wrap up warm when you visit. Even when there are nice sunny days the nights can be cold. Spring and Autumn are great times to visit the Blue Mountains. They are full of colourful leaves during the change of seasons.  

 

TIP: Be prepared for changing weather in the Blue Mountains. Take a jumper or jacket for your visit to the Three Sisters and the Blue Mountains. It can be cooler in the Blue Mountains than the towns lower, such as Sydney. And nights can be cold. Also take a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle and some food. And definitely have good walking shoes just in case you spontaneously decide to go on one of the walks or hikes in the Blue Mountains.

 

How To Get To The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains

 

The Thee Sisters are found at Echo Point overlooking the Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. The Blue Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many natural wonders to see and appreciate. It’s also a bushwalkers delight. You can get to the Blue Mountains three ways – by your own vehicle, by train and bus or on a tour.

 

Drive Yourself to the Three Sisters

 

The drive to the Three Sisters is fairly easy. You can reach them by taking the Great Western Highway from Sydney. When you get to Katoomba, the nearest town, follow the signs off the highway to Echo Point where you will find the Three Sisters. Having a car will give you the flexibility to visit the Three Sisters in your own time and let you travel to see other things in the Blue Mountains. If you don’t have your own vehicle you can rent one through Discover Cars. Oh, and you will have to pay for parking at Echo Point and other sites in the Blue Mountains so take some change with you to put into the meter machines.

 

Catch the Train to the Blue Mountains

 

Your second option to see the Three Sisters is to take the Katoomba train and then a bus. Head to Sydney’s Central Station and catch a train on the Blue Mountains Line to Katoomba. This will take about 2 hours. Leave as early as you can, around 7am if possible, to make the most of your day.

Just outside Katoomba train station is the bus stop where you can catch a public bus that will take you to Echo Point and the Three Sisters.

There is the Blue Mountains hop-on and off Explorer Bus you can take which will take you not only to the Three Sisters but to other sites in the Blue Mountains. I took the hop-on hop-off explorer bus and it was wonderful. It took me to all the best spots in the Blue Mountains and I could hop-off to spend extra time at the places that were of most interest to me, hop back on the bus to the next stop. You can buy your ticket in advance for the Blue Mountains hop-on and off Explorer Bus here, or at Katoomba Station! To save me waiting at the station, I purchased my ticket in advance online here Blue Mountains hop-on and off Explorer Bus.

 

Take an Organised Tour to the Three Sisters

 

Your third option to see the Three Sister in the Blue Mountains is to go on an organised tour. An organised will mean you don’t need to drive and find a car park. The tour will take you to other places in the Blue Mountains also and then take you home to your accommodation. You can book a tour through GetYourGuide. Check out tours here.

 

Aboriginal Dream Time Legends of the Three Sisters?

 

Three Sisters In Blue Mountains Overlooking Jamison Valley In The Blue Mountains.

The Three Sisters Overlooking Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains

 

There are two Aboriginal dream time legends suggesting how the Three Sisters were formed and now stand watching over the Jamison Valley.

 

Legend 1

The first legend says these three beautiful young ladies fell in love with three brothers from another tribe. Unfortunately tribal law forbade them from marrying. The brothers weren’t happy about this so decided to capture the three sisters. This led to a battle and a witchdoctor turned the three sisters into stone to protect them. The witchdoctor was killed in the battle. Unable to turn the three sisters back they remain as a magnificent rock formation as a reminder.

 

Legend 2

The second legend involves a Bunyip and the three sisters’ father, Tyawan. Long ago a Bunyip lived in the Jamison Valley and Tyawon had to pass his large hole he lived in when he went hunting. One day when he went hunting the three sisters were standing on the cliff and a centipede scared Meenhi who threw a rock at the centipede. The rock tumbled down to the Bunyip’s hole and angered the Bunyip. Bunyip approached the girls and to protect them, Tyawan used his magic bone to turn them into stone. To flee the Bunyip Tyawan changed into a magnificent Lyrebird but dropped his magic bone in the process. Unfortunately Tyawan has not been able to find the magic bone and so the three sisters stand silently overlooking the Jamison Valley hoping one day their father with find the magic bone and turn them back into their former selves.

Legends aside, the Three Sisters Blue Mountains are a magnificent rock formation that should not be missed.

 

What to Do at the Three Sisters

 

There are a number of things you can do while visiting the Three Sisters. Firstly, enjoy the views from one of the viewing platforms. Take one of the easy walks down to the Three Sisters and beyond. If possible, stay until it is dark and enjoy the Three Sisters when they are floodlit at night.

 

Enjoy the Views from the Viewing Platforms

 

Enjoy The Views On The Viewing Platforms Of The Blue Mountains And The Three Sisters.

Viewing Platforms to Enjoy The Three Sisters

 

There are a few viewing platforms to enjoy the Three Sisters from and they are all easily reached by walkways. There are seats around so you can sit back and just appreciate the fabulous views too. Maybe pop into the Information Centre and pick up a free map of the area.

 

Walk to the Three Sisters

 

Sign At Three Sisters Showing The Walks.

Walks at the Three Sisters – Just Follow The Signs

 

Apart from standing in awe and appreciating the Three Sisters and the fabulous views over the Jamison Valley, there are a number of walks you can do to get up close and personal to the Sisters. The Three Sisters Walk is the closest and quite easiest to do and starts near the Information Centre – follow the signs. It can be a slow trip down if there are a lot of people visiting, which can be the case. The walk can take anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes to complete but this depends on how fast you walk and the number of people walking. There is a narrow staircase taking you down to a bridge that you walk across and into one of the sisters. Some great views to be had here. Definitely worth the effort and it helped me overcome my fear of heights! Sort of!

There are two other walks that begin/end near the Information Centre. They are well signposted. The first is the Giant Stairway and Valley walking track. This will take you to the bottom of the valley. There is also the Prince Henry Cliff Walk taking you to the Leura Cascades taking 1-1.5 hours. I hope you have your walking shoes on. If visiting the Blue Mountains with kids, these walks may be good options to keep the kids active and entertained. The tracks aren’t that pram friendly, so the walks are best for older kids and adult walkers.

 

Enjoy Lunch Overlooking the Blue Mountains

 

A short walk up from the Three Sisters at Echo Point is a building with some food outlets. The hop-on hop-off bus stop is outside. Why not grab some food and enjoy the views. The food can be expensive so you might want to bring some food and water for the day and sit outside on one of the seats and enjoy the views while you eat. You could head into Katoomba where you will be treated to a number of great eateries to enjoy.

 

Visit the Three Sisters At Night

 

Three Sisters In The Blue Mountains Are Lit At Night.
Three Sisters in Blue Mountains at Night - you can see the lights of Sydney in the distance.

I’ve visit Three Sisters at night a couple of times. Both times it was cold and windy and a little scary. On clear nights you can see the lights of Sydney in the distance.

 

If you can, visit the Three Sisters at night. Each night they are lit up until about 10.30-11pm. The night I was there it was windy and cold and I was the only one there apart from a couple of locals who had come for a run. You see a different perspective of the Three Sisters at night. You can’t see into the Jamison Valley below but I knew it was there as I saw it during the day. The wind was almost blowing me over and so I didn’t stay too long. I was extremely glad I stayed long enough to see the beauty of the Three Sisters at night. 

 

Suggested Blue Mountains 1 Day Itinerary

 

You can do this 1 day Blue Mountains itinerary by car or train.

* leave early and arrive mid-morning and head straight to the Three Sisters at Echo Point.
* go on one or more of the walks
* have lunch
* Go on the Hop-on Hop-Off Bus and see the sighs of the Blue Mountains. I suggest you do the full loop to help you decide where to spend more time.
* Scenic World
* dinner in Katoomba or at Katoomba RSL
* visit the Three Sisters at night
* return home.

 

Extend your Time in the Blue Mountains

 

Echo Point Motel Sign Has An Outline Of The Three Sisters.

Extend your stay overnight or longer in a local motel

 

If you want to extend your time in the Blue Mountains it is vey easy to do. Spending 2 days in the Blue Mountains, or even 3 days in the Blue Mountains won’t disappointed. I stayed overnight at the Echo Point Motel which was a short walk from the Three Sisters. As I mentioned, because one of my aims was to see them at night so I wanted to stay close. Other options nearby the Three Sisters include the Three Sisters Motor Inn. There is also accommodation in Katoomba a short drive or longer walk away. These include the Blue Mountains YHA and the Katoomba Mountain Lodge. For more options, pricing and availability visit Booking.com.

 

Best Things to See and Do in the Blue Mountains

 

If you are extending your time to a weekend break, here’s the best things to see and do in the Blue Mountains.

 

  • Visit and spend time with The Three Sisters at Echo Point.
  • Take one or all of the three rides available at Scenic World. The Scenic Railway is the steepest railway in the world. It takes you to floor of the Jamison Valley and back. The Scenic Cableway is great to ride on offering fabulous views of the Three Sisters while the Scenic Skyway provides incredible views of the Three Sisters, Jamison Valley and the Katoomba Falls.
  • Get great views of The Three Sisters from Sublime Point Lookout.
  • Go on a hike in the Blue Mountains and see many waterfalls.
  • Walk around Katoomba, the main town in the Blue Mountains.
  • You can also go caving at Jenolan Caves too.

 

Booking.com

Are You Ready to Visit the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains?

 

So as you can see, it is vey easy to spend a day with the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains. And if you want to stay longer and experience more of the Blue Mountains it is very easy to do so. If you have been to the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains tell me what you thought of them in the comments below.

 

Three Sisters are a rock formation in the Blue Mountains, NSW.

My Favourite Travel Resources that help me discover Australia now.

* For accommodation I book a bed in a hostel through HostelWorld or a hotel room via Booking.com. For free accommodation I house sit through Trusted Housesitters.
* I purchase camping & caravanning gear through Caravan RV Camping, Amazon and Anaconda.
* I power up my gear and electronics with a Bluetti Powerbank.
* For clothing and travel gear I like North Face  (particularly their jackets and their hybrid backpack/suitcase) and Anaconda. For bags (I take my messenger bag everywhere) I like Bagsmart.
* If I need to rent a car I check out options at DiscoverCars.
* When I need travel insurance I get a policy through World Nomads or SafetyWing.

 

38 Comments

  1. Linda jane

    I grew up on the hiking trails in the Blue Mountains and they are are one of my favourite places to visit for a weekend away. I can’t wait to bet back there…..Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Wow, there are so many hiking trails – it must have been great growing up hiking them.

      Reply
  2. Daniella

    Oh, I just love learning about the myths and legends at iconic places like this. Thank you so much for sharing those stories – I’ll definitely visit when I’m in Australia.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      You should definitely visit Australia and include a trip to the Blue Mountains and the Three Sisters. You won’t regret it.

      Reply
  3. Katy Kuhlwilm

    Loved reading the legend of the three sisters! So fascinating. Looks like an awesome place

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      The Three Sisters are definitely a fascinating and beautiful place to visit.

      Reply
  4. Shelley

    i can’t wait to visit Australia one day! i feel like every blog i see about the country shows a different landscape than the last. it seems like such a diverse place 🇦🇺

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Australia is a very diverse place. There are many landscapes from oceans, to mountains to desert. Plenty to see.

      Reply
  5. Krista

    What a unique rock formation to visit! I actually laughed at the name of it, but then I read the aboriginal story behind it and found that really interesting. Lovely area to spend a day in!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I can understand you laughing as it is a funny name until you find out what the Three Sisters actually are. I hope to get to spend a day there one day.

      Reply
  6. Hannah

    Those views from the viewing platforms are unreal! Lunch overlooking the Blue Mountains sounds like an amazing way to pass the time! I hope I get an opportunity to visit one day. Thanks for the great guide!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      The views in the Blue Mountains are fabulous and the Three Sisters are just unreal from the viewing platforms. I hope you get the opportunity to visit this great place west of Sydney.

      Reply
  7. Madhu

    Wow this place looks so interesting. Thanks for sharing an informative post. Hope to visit sometime

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      It is a very interesting place. I hope you can visit sometime.

      Reply
  8. Cristina

    I haven’t had the chance to visit Australia yet, but I hope to visit it one day. I will definitely have a look at visiting these mountains. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Definitely put the Three Sisters and the Blue Mountains on your list to visit in Australia. You won’t regret it.

      Reply
  9. Cosette

    Useful guide for the three sisters. It’s on my must visit list when I visit Australia.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Good to hear. I think you will love the Three Sisters. They are one of the great Sydney day trips you can do.

      Reply
  10. amy

    I love mountains and these are especially beautiful – Id love to visit and take some pretty photos out there!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Plenty of photo spots in these mountains. I hope you get to take some. Please let me know when you do.

      Reply
  11. Michelle

    This looks so beautiful. I love visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they are always so special!

    Reply
  12. Anita

    I love the name ‘the three sisters’ and the story behind the name. As a nature lover this is definitely on my bucket list. Since you can come with your own food, is there a picnic site? Do they allow camping or you only stay in a hotel?

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      There are picnic spots throughout the Blue Mountains. But there are plenty of seats that you can just sit down and enjoy the views – so why not the food!

      Reply
  13. Nina Bosken

    I’ll definitely have to keep this in mind for whenever I travel to Australia. I love the views! They look stunning. I also love that you can take a train out there. I’m sure that train ride is amazing.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      The views are truly amazing and I hope you can visit.

      Reply
  14. Cynthia/Adventuring Woman

    Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous! NSW is on my bucket list. Sublime Point Lookout is my favorite ever name for a viewpoint, and the view is indeed sublime!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      The Blue Mountains are gorgeous and ever changing. It depends on the day – sunny, wet, etc. as to how gorgeous they can be. I hope you get there.

      Reply
  15. Yvonne

    It is so nice that you can take a train to the Three Sisters! I would love to take the walk to the Three Sisters to see the views. Such a lovely place. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Yes. It is probably easier and less stress than driving. It is good to have options and catching the train to the Blue Mountains is a great option.

      Reply
  16. Josy A

    What an amazing rock formation! I’m glad you included information about the Three Sisters Walk…i’d be sad to drive all that way without a bit of a hike to see the surrounding views.

    It’s really cool that way it’s lit up at night too <3

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      A visit to the Blue Mountains and is than just seeing the Three Sisters. There are plenty of walks to do plus you can visit the vibrant little towns.

      Reply
  17. Anja

    I would definitely include the Blue Mountains in an Australia itinerary! What is it like for cycling there?

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      It is a very steep incline to get to the top. It takes a good 30-45 minutes by car. If you love to cycle and have the stamina, it is doable.

      Reply
  18. Trisha Velarmino

    Planning to rent a car. Where can I park near the Three Sisters, and are there any free parking options?

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      There is parking on the roads nearby but you need to be quick to get one.

      Reply
  19. Stephanie

    These views are amazing! The nighttime view is a little scary but this feels like a great place to visit and enjoy. I would probably do the organized tour option.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      The night time was a little scary, particularly on your own, but it was worth it to see the twinkling Sydney lights in the distance.

      Reply

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About Me

Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve Sign shaped like a big white wave with Sharyn McCullum On the Great Ocean Road.

G’Day! Sharyn here, an Aussie discovering Australia. Let me show you around so you can discover Australia too.  Read my story here.



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