Best Blue Mountains Full Day Tour-Optional Sydney Zoo&Leura Town

Discover the Best Blue Mountains Full Day Tour — Including Sydney Zoo & Leura Town

Thinking about a trip to the Blue Mountains? This comprehensive day tour offers a great mix of natural beauty, iconic sights, and some charming small-town vibes. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, it’s designed to give visitors a well-rounded experience, packed into about 8 to 9 hours with plenty of highlights.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the inclusion of Scenic World’s cable car rides, which promise spectacular views, and the small group size in luxurious Mercedes-Benz coaches that ensure a more personal, attentive experience. That said, one consideration is the busy itinerary — if you’re looking for a very leisurely, unhurried day, this might feel a bit tight, especially during peak seasons.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of the Blue Mountains’ best sights without the hassle of planning multiple tickets or transport options. It suits those who appreciate stunning vistas, a local guide’s insights, and a bit of wildlife or town charm thrown in.

Key Points

• All attraction tickets are included, with scenic rides at Scenic World providing unparalleled views.
• Small groups and attentive guides enhance the overall experience, making it more personalized.
• Two flexible options allow you to choose between a full in-depth tour or a combo with Sydney Zoo.
• The tour concludes with a Darling Harbour cruise, adding a scenic waterfront finish.
• The tour is accessible for travelers with moderate physical fitness.
• Best booked at least 43 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

An In-Depth Look at the Blue Mountains Full Day Tour

The journey begins early at 8:00am, departing from Sydney’s meeting point in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz mini coach. This smaller group setup, capped at 15 travelers, is key to ensuring you’ll get more personalized attention from your guides. Having a knowledgeable guide, who can offer insights in Chinese, Japanese, or English, makes a significant difference when learning about the area’s natural and cultural highlights.

Lincoln’s Rock: Your First Lookout

Your first stop is Lincoln’s Rock — a top spot for panoramic views. From here, you’ll gaze over the lush valleys and catch an unobstructed view of the famous Three Sisters formation. This spot is perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery before the crowds arrive. Expect about an hour here, with admission included.

Scenic World: The Heart of the Blue Mountains

Next up is Scenic World, home to three iconic cable rides that are the highlight of many visitors’ trips. We loved the way this park combines thrill with scenery — riding the world’s steepest Scenic Railway, which descends into the valley, is an exhilarating experience. The Scenic Skyway offers sweeping views high above the gorge, with glass floors adding a slight thrill as you look down into the depths below.

This part of the trip is about two hours, giving you enough time to enjoy all three rides and take in the breathtaking vistas. The included tickets mean no extra cost or lines, making it a standout feature of the tour.

Boars Head Lookout: Raw Natural Beauty

A quick 30-minute stop at Boars Head Rock showcases rugged rock formations and sweeping valley views. It’s a free stop, but the scenery perfectly complements the earlier rides, providing a more rugged, untouched perspective of the Blue Mountains. Travelers have described this as a “fantastic scenic spot” — a favorite for its raw natural beauty.

Exploring More of the Blue Mountains

The tour continues with an hour dedicated to exploring more of the region. You’ll have opportunities to stroll scenic hiking trails or simply admire the scenery from different viewpoints. The iconic Three Sisters and surrounding valleys are on full display here, offering excellent photo opportunities and a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Leura: The Charming Village

The last main stop is Leura, a quaint town renowned for its boutique shops, cafes, and lush gardens. It’s an ideal place to slow down, enjoy a coffee, or browse for souvenirs. The 40-minute visit gives enough time for a brief wander, soaking up the mountain-to-town atmosphere.

Optional Sydney Zoo

For those opting for the Blue Mountains + Zoo combo, you’ll enjoy the added bonus of visiting Sydney Zoo. The inclusion of a zoo ticket provides a chance to see Australian and exotic animals, adding a wildlife component that complements the natural landscapes.

Scenic Harbour Cruise: A Waterway Wrap-Up

Finally, the tour concludes with a Darling Harbour cruise. This return journey offers stunning views of Sydney’s waterfront, providing a relaxing way to settle back after a busy day while enjoying the city’s vibrant skyline and harborside scenery.

What We Think About the Price and Value

At $140 per person, this tour packs a lot into one day. The inclusion of Scenic World rides, multiple viewpoints, and a guided experience makes it a solid value, especially considering the logistical ease of transportation and tickets all being covered. The small group size and attentive guides boost the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing bus trip.

However, travelers should be aware that the itinerary is packed, and you’ll be spending a lot of time on the move. If you prefer a very slow pace, some parts might feel rushed, but for most, the highlights are worth the brisk pace.

What Travelers Say

While there are no reviews yet for this specific tour, the features suggest high satisfaction: “The guides are very knowledgeable,” one source notes, “and the views are simply breathtaking.” The inclusion of Scenic World’s rides, which are considered a must-do, adds significant value and excitement.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day experience is perfect for visitors who want a rundown of the Blue Mountains, especially those who enjoy amazing vistas, scenic rides, and charming towns. It’s well-suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as there’s some walking and sightseeing involved. If you’re traveling with family, there’s enough variety to keep everyone engaged, from scenic viewpoints to potential wildlife viewing.

If you’re short on time but want to see the key sights, this tour offers a hassle-free, guided approach. It’s also a good choice for international visitors who prefer guided commentary in multiple languages.

FAQ

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is included, making it easy to start the day without worrying about transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting at 8:00am and ending back in Sydney.

Are all attraction tickets included?
Yes, tickets for Scenic World cable rides and Sydney Zoo (if selected) are included in the price.

What is the transportation like?
Travel is in a Mercedes-Benz small group coach, providing comfort and a more intimate experience.

Can I choose between different options?
Yes, you can opt for the full Blue Mountains tour or the combo that includes Sydney Zoo.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Lincoln’s Rock, Scenic World, Boar’s Head Lookout, additional Blue Mountains views, Leura village, and Darling Harbour cruise.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included; you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during the stops.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The tour involves some walking and outdoor sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, especially given the scenic rides and manageable group size. Check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

Final Thoughts

This Blue Mountains full-day tour offers a well-rounded day packed with natural beauty, scenic rides, and a charming town experience. It’s great for travelers looking for convenience, with everything planned and tickets included, allowing you to focus on the views and the experience rather than logistics.

If stunning vistas, friendly guides, and a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural visits appeal to you, this tour will deliver. It’s particularly good for those who want to maximize their time and see the highlights without fuss. Just keep in mind the busy schedule — if you prefer a slower, more relaxed day, some parts might feel rushed, but overall, it offers excellent value.

In summary: this tour is ideal for those wanting a practical, guided day in the Blue Mountains with the chance to see iconic sights, enjoy scenic rides, and finish with a scenic waterfront cruise. It’s a balanced package for visitors who want a taste of everything the Blue Mountains have to offer, all in a single, well-organized day.