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. They are visited by millions of people each year and when you see them for yourself, you will know why. Here is how you can spend a day with the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

About the Three Sisters in The Blue Mountains

The Three Sisters are 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 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 summer time you will have the heat and maybe bushfires to contend with. During winter there can be snow so you will need to wrap up warm. Even when there are nice sunny days nights can be cold. My last visit was in April which is Autumn in Australia. It was a lovely sunny day but at night, it was cold and windy. So be prepared for changing weather. 

TIP: Take a jumper because it can be cooler in the Blue Mountains. Also take a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle and some food.

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 and is 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 flexibilty 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 RentalCars. Get pricing and availability here. 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 pay the meter machine.

Catch the train to the Blue Mountains

Your second option to see the Three Sisters is to take the train and then a bus. Head to Central Station and catch a train on the Blue Mountains Line to Katoomba. This will take about 2 hours. Just outside the train station is the bus stop 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. You can buy your ticket in advance or at Katoomba Station!

Take an Organised Tour to the Three Sisters

Your third option to see the Three Sister 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. You can book a tour through GetYourGuide. Check out tours here.

Aboriginal Dream Time Legends of the Three Sisters?

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. 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 and then unable to turn the three sisters back and so they remain as a magnificent rock formation as a reminder.

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. The 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 that one day their father with find the magic bone and turn them back into their former selves.

Legends aside, the Three Sisters are a magnificent rock formation in the Blue Mountains 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 and then take one of the easy walks down to the Three Sisters. 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

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

Do a Walk 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 easy to do. The walk down to the Three Sisters 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. There is a narrow staircase which takes you down to a bridge that you walk across and into one of the sisters. There are some great views to be had here. Definitely worth the effort and it helped me overcome my fear of heights! Sort of!

Enjoy Lunch Overlooking the Blue Mountains

A short walk up from the Three Sisters at Echo Point is a building with some food outlets. Why not grab some food and enjoy the views. The food can be expensive so I suggest you bring some food and water for the day. However, if you head into Katoomba you will be treated to a number of great eateries to enjoy.

Visit the Three Sisters At Night

Three Sisters at night – It was cold and wind and a little scary – but well worth it.

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. 

Extend your Time in the Blue Mountains

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 as there is plenty of things to see and do. There are many walks to undertake with waterfalls to see. Scenic World with its cable car to ride. A number of local towns to explore with plenty of accommodation choices. I stayed overnight at the Echo Point Motel which was a short walk from the Three Sisters. As I mentioned, cause 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.

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.