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Blue Mountains Tour Sydney

Our Blue Mountains Tour Sydney is an opportunity to visit this amazing wilderness of eucalyptus forests at our city’s doorstep. The Blue Mountains area is an amazing world heritage listed wilderness at the door of a world-class city of 5 million people (only 70kms from the CBD). The 470 million year old UNESCO World-Heritage Listed National Park is mostly virgin bush, lush forests and breathtaking views. It covers an area of 2690 square kilometres and is larger than the country of Luxembourg.

The Greater Blue Mountains area at 11,400 square kilometres is larger than countries such as Lebanon and Jamaica. Explorers and convict labour carved out access to the area roughly 200 years ago. Many of its roads utilise the beautiful Hawkesbury sandstone that abounds in the area. Back then it took 21 days to travel from the CBD. The route now takes an easy hour and a half by road or rail.

The area is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure. Our Blue Mountains tour showcases its unique blend of iconic landmarks, modern attractions, and ancient wonders, this region continues to captivate visitors from around the world. Whether you seek outdoor adventure, or a quiet retreat, the area has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Australia.

Your group’s very own private Mountains tour

Come on your very own private Mountains tour with us. Leave the crowds of Sydney behind and let us show you a part of our stunning backyard, a stone’s throw from the city. Sit back and relax as you’re whisked away from Sydney in a private vehicle, chauffeured by our experienced driver-guide who will cater to your every need throughout the journey. With the freedom to customise your tour schedule to suit your preferences, you’ll have the flexibility to linger longer at your favourite spots. You will be able to explore hidden gems off the beaten path, and embark on unique experiences tailored exclusively for you.

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Wonderful nature experience

As you ascend into the Blue Mountains, the panoramic vistas that unfold before your eyes will mesmerise you. See verdant valleys carpeted with lush foliage, rugged cliffs draped in a mystical blue haze, and cascading waterfalls that plunge into deep gorges below.

This hilly sandstone national park feature one of the world’s largest eucalyptus forests with beautiful steep yellow Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs, deep green forested valleys and fresh clean mountain air. The name of the area comes from the slight azure blue colour seen from a distance, as a result of the forest’s evaporating eucalyptus oil. The area’s national park sports a great diversity of wildlife including flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world. 

Stunning nature and views

We stop at excellent viewpoints to look out over the valley floor and brilliantly coloured sandstone cliff walls. Here we see amazing landscapes, breath-taking scenery, possibly see some native birds (including cockatoos, magpies, kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets, galahs and king parrots) and other wildlife. People come to admire, bushwalk, orienteer, rock climb, abseil, mountain bike, horse ride and basically get back to nature. Its clean air and natural beauty are a drawcard for people from all over the world.

Three Sisters Rock Formations

There are a number of sights that one must see when coming to see Sydney’s azure coloured Mountains. These sights form stops on our Sydney Blue Mountains tour. The area is home to the Three Sisters, a rugged formation of three rocky outcrops that stand side by side. The Three Sisters is perhaps the most iconic and recognizable feature of the Mountains area. This striking rock formation, standing tall and proud, is a symbol of the region.

According to Indigenous Australian folklore, the Three Sisters were three beautiful sisters turned to stone for their own protection. Dreamtime legend tells of three sisters named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. In the legend, the young girls fell in love with men from another tribe but the relationships were expressly forbidden. The men were brothers and warriors, and decided to take the sisters by force. As a result, the Kuradjuri (clever man) of the Gundungurra people turned the sisters into stone.

We observe them from the Echo Point Lookout, offering visitors a stunning panoramic view of the Jamison Valley and surrounding cliffs.

Wentworth Falls

From here, we see how the valley formed as the sandstone sides gave way. Another point of interest is Wentworth Falls. Wentworth Falls is a spectacular natural attraction that combines the grandeur of the  Mountains with the serenity of cascading waterfalls stretching the height of the sandstone walls. A series of lookouts, including the popular Wentworth Falls Lookout, offer visitors views of the majestic falls as they plunge into the valley below. The area is also a fantastic starting point for various bushwalks, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the lush surroundings.

Both Echo Point and Wentworth Falls provide us with spectacular viewpoints of the sandstone cliffs the area is famous for during our Mountains tour.

Our Blue Mountains Tour Sydney is completely customisable

This Blue Mountains Tour is completely yours and we can either design a tour for you or you can tell us where you wish to go. We can tailor it for those who wish to walk challenging trails or those with young kids or seniors in their party. We can increase or decrease the amount of walking. The choice is yours.

We have two standard tour options. 

The first, our Blue Mountains Tour Highlights includes:

  1. Wentworth Falls
  2. Echo Point
  3. Scenic World (Skyway, steepest railway and cableway
  4. Drive through Leura, a beautiful mountain township

Our second option includes a stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park.

We can also arrange to take you on one of our Sydney tours to Jenolan Caves to experience a guided cave tour by a specialist cave guide. 

Echo Point (and The Three Sisters)

Echo Point is a highlight on any trip to the Mountains. This provides a stop to see the amazing colours of the sandstone cliffs as well as a rock formation known as the ‘Three Sisters’ which appears as three sandstone roughly pillar shaped sandstone rocks. This is what the area is known for in terms of scenery.

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls offers spectacular views of the waterfall and sandstone escarpment with an option to walk to the top of the waterfall. Lyre birds and parrots are occasionally seen in the area. We will see banksia and eucalyptus trees standing near the edge of the massive cliffs.

Scenic Railway, Skyway and Cable Car

Katoomba, the area’s largest town, is home to Scenic World. The scenic railway takes you to the base of the forest floor and offers the steepest railway in the world at a 52 degree incline (an ex mining railway), allowing you to look directly down upon the valley far below. Then, we walk around the base of the valley under the tree canopy.

Here we see some century old fig trees and ferns who species date back to the days of the dinosaurs. We also peer into the entrance to an old previously used mine, the original reason for the railway. To get back up again, the cable car is a nice option. Then we will cross from one side of the valley to the other using the Skyway where we have the opportunity to see Katoomba Falls. We include the cost of all three rides in your tour price. We can also collect you from the other side when you take the scenic Skyway.

Katoomba and Leura

We drive through the beautiful mountain towns of Katoomba and Leura. These townships offer a very different view of Australia to the cities and county towns with their art deco shops, pastry shops and curio sellers.

Featherdale Wildlife Park Add-On

Featherdale Wildlife Park specialises in Australian native wildlife and has all your favourites including kangaroos, koalas, echidna, wombats, saltwater crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, emu, wallabies, quokkas, dingo, etc. Here, for an additional fee, you can even pat a koala and feed kangaroos. Our Mountains highlights and Featherdale Park tour price includes entrance to Featherdale Wildlife Park (2nd option above). Here, you can get close to a koala for a wonderfully memorable photo, feed a kangaroo, and discover some of Australia’s unique fauna.

Jenolan Caves Add-On

Jenolan Caves offers a large limestone cave area on the far side of the Mountains where it is possible to take guided tours of some caves and we may see some wild kangaroos. It is also the best known cave system in NSW. Because we only use small vehicles, we can use alternative routes to access the caves when the main road closes as happens from time to time, although this can add significant travel time.  Beneath the surface, Jenolan Caves is a labyrinth of underground chambers adorned with stunning limestone formations. These caves, the oldest open caves in the world, are a testament to the beauty that can be found beneath the earth’s crust. Guided tours lead you through several of the caves, and we can arrange to have you there for one of these tours.

What to bring with you on your Blue Mountains Sydney tour

Bring comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water bottle and a jacket. At over one kilometre above sea level, it is generally about 6 degrees cooler that Sydney city.

To request information about our Sydney Mountains tour or any of our other tours, please contact us.

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Sydney Blue Mountains Tours Testimonials

★★★★★ James M

Great time with Travel Ideology

“We had a great time with Bruce as our guide. The scenery was breathtaking and we got to
hike quite a bit. Would highly recommend this trip for those who don’t have a full day to
explore the beauty of this country.”

 
 
northern beaches sydney tours

Northern Beaches Sydney Tour

A paradise in a city

Our Northern Beaches Sydney Tour shows a paradise within a city.  Just a short drive away from the city’s bustling metropolis, are our Northern Beaches. They offer a captivating blend of coastal beauty, pristine beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle. This collection of beachside suburbs is a haven for both locals and tourists, providing an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.  Moreover, it is a combination of sun, surf and a relaxed lifestyle. This is set against a beautiful bushy background is just the beginning of what the area offers.

The region encompasses beaches and coastline from Manly Beach to Palm Beach and as far out as Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Ingleside and Terrey Hills. Led by a Sydneysider who grew up in this beautiful seaside area, you will be in for a treat. With stunning beaches, breath-taking waterways, mind blowing scenery and a laid back seaside culture, it is difficult to find a comparison anywhere else in the world. In fact, there are likely only a few modern cities with a population of 5 million or more offering beautiful safe swimming areas in a climate where the city’s people can enjoy them.

An isolated northern peninsular

Our Sydney Northern Beaches are linked to the rest of the city by only 3 access points (Spit Bridge, Roseville Bridge and Mona Vale Rd). This isolates it from the rest of our metropolis ensuring its unique culture remains. Moreover, this Beaches peninsular is a treat with sandy foreshores and coastlines, beautiful bush, pure water and air so clean you need to breathe it to believe it. With its relaxed coastal living, its natural beauty, cultural richness and proximity to a large modern metropolis, it is something special.  It is something you will really want to get to know. This region has a unique sense of community spirit, with a strong emphasis on the outdoors and a laid-back coastal lifestyle.

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A diversity of Sydney beaches and waterways

Asking which of our beaches is best is possibly only a question for people who have not visited the area. Basically, some are better for surfing such as Long Reef with its great break. Others are sheltered for swimming such as Freshwater and Whale Beaches. Whilst some are relatively secluded, beaches like Manly and Dee Why Beaches have restaurants and cafes overlooking them. Many have their own charm.

In addition to the surf side seashore, the area is known for its splendid waterways and offers a lake, 2 lagoons and 2 major waterways in the form of Pittwater and Sydney Harbour.

Our Northern Beaches offers a relaxed culture that revolves around water activities

This ‘Beaches and Bush’ Peninsula in the northern part of our city is synonymous with water activities. It boasts 30 kilometres of beautiful golden sandy coastline and picture perfect scenery. From the Norfolk pine fringed Manly beach-side to the palm trees of Palm Beach, the area is a recreational heaven. You will pass sparkling waterways where boats bob up and down in the calm sparkling waters. Moreover, people swim, surf, body surf, snorkel, sail, kayak, windsurf, boat and fish throughout the area. Hence, you will see the sailing and motor boats as we traverse the foreshores of this amazing area of the world. Furthermore, many people jog, run and cycle taking in the area’s clean salted air. What’s more, surf life savers patrol every major beach in the area.

The insular peninsula, as it is known, is a great equaliser. Whilst some of the most expensive real estate is there and it is a popular place to live for some of the city’s movers and shakers, the people are really down to earth. Even the ex prime minister Tony Abbott was often interviewed coming out of the surf in just his Speedos. Moreover, people from all walks of life go into the fish and chip shops in just their swimmers and thongs.

Bushy Northern Suburbs

In addition to the wonderful water, the area has more than its share of bush in the national parks and leafy suburbs. Ku-ring-gai National Park at the Northern extreme of the Beaches offers stunning views and untouched bush. Moreover, our Beaches tour offers the opportunity to visit small secluded beaches where at times we will be on your own after a long walk through the bush. We may be able to see the city skyline from North Head. Throughout our Northern Beaches Tour you will be surprised at the amount of greenery in the suburbs we pass.

Unique side of Sydney

A small group private tour of this area is a fascinating way to see a side of this city that many people never experience. Even people who have lived in other parts of Sydney their whole lives have often never even experienced this area as you will experience it. This is a truly unique part of the world, shown off by someone who has lived there. Visit the amazing beaches and bush of the north. Explore the beautiful flora and amazing fauna and maybe see a wallaby, water dragon (a large lizard) or even a goanna (a larger lizard). We are to our knowledge, the only private Northern Beaches tour that takes you to where the wallabies live. See the beautiful harbours and sandy shores. Walk around the small rock pools and possibly see small sea life (such as sea anemones and small crabs).

Beaches Tour Highlights

Some of the highlights and inclusions of our full day beaches tour are:

  • With luck and dependent on season, see some wild animals such as wallabies, whales, goannas and water dragons as well as pelicans and parrots
  • Walk along a suburban sandy beach
  • Explore one of the city’s rock pools
  • Experience the pristine wilderness of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
  • See Lion Island from West Head
  • See Summer Bay from Home and Away
  • View the city skyline from North Head, one of the city’s best vantage points
  • Catch the Manly Ferry back to the city (or we can drive you back if you prefer)

Did you know?

Freshwater Beach was the birthplace of surfing in Australia when a Hawaiian surfer, Duke Kahanamoku started showing off what he could do with a surfboard he’d made himself 100 years ago.

What to bring on your Northern Beaches Sydney tour.
Bring your swimming costumes and towel (if you wish to swim). Bring comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water bottle and a jacket.

Please contact us for more information about this tour or any other of our tours.

Come on our full day tour of Sydney’s Northern Beaches paradise with someone who grew up there.

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Photo Gallery – Northern Beaches

sydney harbour, puerto de sidney

Sydney Harbour (Walking Tour)

Sydney Harbour Tour (Walking)

Join our Sydney Harbour tour to see one of the most majestic, unique and beautiful harbours in the world. It is world famous for our mighty Harbour Bridge and uniquely shaped Opera House as well as its yearly New Year’s fireworks and Boxing Day yacht race to Hobart. Geologically, the harbour is a drowned river valley. It is 19 km long and has an area of 55 km2. At high tide it holds 562 million cubic metres of water. Historically, the harbour was selected as the first location for European settlement because it had both a tranquil port and a source of freshwater. The Harbour and Parramatta River are a focal point for this metropolis of 5 million people (275,000 who actually live in the city itself).

Busy but relaxed harbour

On the water, there are all manner of aquatic transportation. From the cruise ships and ferries to sailing craft and even jet boats and kayaks,  you will be thrilled surveying the waters surrounding our great city. Tourists come to the city by Cruise ship. Commuters come to work by ferry. Can you think of a better way to go to work in the morning? Not far from the city centre, at Rose Bay, you will find the city’s first airport, still serving a few small seaplanes.

It is a beautiful natural paradise where people come sailing, swimming and cruising. Boats and kayaks ply its pristine waters. Around its shores, grassy areas and bushy tracks, people spend time walking, jogging, picnicking, etc. Here you can walk through bush trails whilst viewing the yachts on the harbourside and the expensive homes on the other.

Inner Harbour Islands

In the harbour itself, there are a number of islands, some recreational and others with historical significance. Cockatoo Island and Fort Denison both hold historical significance. Fort Denison was a penal island in its day at the beginning of the city’s history. Cockatoo Island was also originally a penal settlement.  There is also some evidence to suggest that it may have been a meeting place for aboriginals even before this. There are other islands such as Shark Island that are great picnic spots.

It would be very easy to believe that everyone in the city is always enjoying their leisure in and around the harbour as we walk by. However, business people in suits are also seen in the CBD and peak hours mean gridlock coming into and going out of the city. 

What will we see?

On this tour, we will meet at NSW Art Gallery. From the art gallery, we will walk past the Naval Base and Lady Macquarie’s Chair to the Botanical Gardens. Here, we are likely to see some Australian native birds and  flora. There will be time to take some great photos of our iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge (the Coat Hanger). We will then pass by Circular Quay and the Rocks before walking up and across the Harbour Bridge. On the other side, we will make a short detour to walk under the Harbour Bridge to see the smiling face of Luna Park. On this tour, we will pass some of the old sandstone buildings that give the city its charm.

Walking around the city, we will notice many modern architectural masterpieces but also historical buildings that made use of the plentiful Hawkesbury sandstone the area was rich in at the time.

What to bring

Bring comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water bottle and a jacket. As this is a walking tour, it is suggested that if it looks like it could rain, that you bring an umbrella, rain jacket or poncho. 

With clean air and sparkling waters you will definitely want to visit. Travel Ideology can guide you around our beautiful Harbour.

We can tailor our tours as desired.

For more information of our Harbour Walking Tour, please contact us.