Back to previous page

Blue Mountains National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Blue Mountains National Park.

Getting there and parking

From Sydney and Wollongong:

  • Take the Princes Highway and Southern Freeway to the Illawarra Highway turnoff at Haywards Bay
  • Travel about 14km along the Illawarra Highway, which veers right in Albion Park, to Macquarie Pass National Park.

From Robertson:

  • Take the Illawarra Highway east to reach Macquarie Pass National Park.

From Nowra:

  • Head north along the Princes Highway and turn west into Tongarra Road at Albion Park Rail
  • Travel about 15km along Tongarra Road, which becomes the Illawarra Highway, to Macquarie Pass National Park.

The main road used to access Macquarie Pass National Park is the Illawarra Highway which may close at times due to road works or accidents. For information on whether the Illawarra Highway is open, contact NSW Roads and Maritime Services on 13 22 13 or check Live Traffic NSW before you visit.

Parking

By bike

Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

Facilities

Toilets Show more

Picnic tables Show more

Barbecue facilities Show more

Cafe/kiosk Show more

Drinking water Show more

Showers

Wireless internet

Electric power

Maps and downloads

Fees and passes

Park entry fees:

$8 per vehicle per day applies only at attractions in the Glenbrook area.

  • All Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (including Kosciuszko NP) $190 (1 year) / $335 (2 years)
    Buy now | More info
  • Multi Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (except Kosciuszko) $65 (1 year) / $115 (2 years)
    Buy now | More info
  • Country Parks Pass - For all parks in Country NSW (except Kosciuszko) $45 (1 year) / $75 (2 years)
    Buy now | More info
  • Single Country Park Pass - For entry to a single park in country NSW (except Kosciuszko). $22 (1 year) / $40 (2 years)
    Buy now | More info

Safety messages

However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

All Blue Mountains National Park visitors planning a long hike, off-track or overnight adventure, or visiting a remote part of the park, are recommended to fill in the trip intention form and carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Find out more about hiring a PLB and completing a trip intention form on the dedicated iPads available at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Katoomba Police Station, Springwood Police Station.

You can pick one up:

  • between 9am - 4pm at the NPWS Office in Blackheath or
  • after hours from the Police Stations at Katoomba and Springwood.

Keep well back from cliff edges and waterfalls at all times, especially when taking photos. Please stay on tracks and be aware of your surroundings and footing.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

Cycling safety

Hundreds of cyclists head to our national parks for fun and adventure. If you're riding your bike through a national park, read these mountain biking and cycling safety tips.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Blue Mountains National Park

Contact

Visitor centre

Nearby towns

Katoomba (3 km)

Katoomba is at the heart of most of the stunning natural attractions that make up the Blue Mountains National Park. You can admire deep valleys, sandstone plateaus, waterfalls and native animals from the many walking trails and lookouts near Katoomba.

www.visitnsw.com

Lithgow (18 km)

Hassans Walls Lookout, near Lithgow, is the highest in the Blue Mountains. Admire Mt Wilson, Mt York, Mt Tarana and Mt Blaxland as well as the pretty Hartley Valley below. To the south are the Kanimbla and Megalong valley and Mt Bindo. While there, go for a walk or ride around the lookout.

www.visitnsw.com

Sydney City Centre (63 km)

No trip to Sydney is complete without spending some time in the city’s beautiful parks. Whether it’s in central areas like Hyde Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens or further out in Centennial Parklands, there’s plenty of green space to go out and enjoy.

www.sydney.com