Combo: Blue Mountain Tour + Sydney Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Ticket

Imagine spending a full day amid Australia’s iconic Blue Mountains, riding the Scenic Railway, Skyway, and Cableway, then exploring Sydney’s vibrant streets at your leisure with a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus. All of this for $162 per person, delivered in about 10 hours of adventure. That’s a pretty neat way to combine nature, wildlife, and urban life into one affordable package.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances guided and flexible exploration. The guided day trip to the Blue Mountains includes highlights like Echo Point, the Three Sisters, and a visit to Leura Village, giving you a taste of the region’s stunning scenery and charming towns. Later, the Sydney hop-on-hop-off ticket lets you take your time to discover the city’s must-see sights—perfect for those who want to customize their visit.

One thing to consider: the full-day Blue Mountains tour can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to linger longer at specific spots. The reviews mention that “tempo was a bit too fast,” so if you’re someone who loves to soak in every view slowly, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more time at each stop.

This combo is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive experience—a taste of the mountains with scenic rides and wildlife, plus the freedom to explore Sydney at your own pace. It’s perfect for those who appreciate both guided comfort and independent discovery.

• Stunning views: You’ll see some of Australia’s most famous sights like the Three Sisters and Echo Point.
• Flexible exploration: The 24-hour Sydney hop-on-hop-off allows you to visit city landmarks on your schedule.
• Scenic rides: The Scenic World passes include three ride options—Railway, Skyway, and Cableway—offering diverse perspectives of the landscape.
• Wildlife encounters: The Sydney Zoo visit provides up-close moments with koalas, kangaroos, and other native animals.
• Comfortable transportation: The luxury coach ensures a smooth, informed journey with expert commentary.
• Cost-effective: For around $162, you get a full day of guided sightseeing plus a flexible city tour, making it good value for money.

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the Blue Mountains itself. Known for its dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and iconic rock formations, this region is a photographer’s dream. You’ll start with Scenic World, where the Railway takes you down into the valley, and the Skyway offers sweeping views across the rainforest canopy. The Cableway provides a different perspective, gliding above the treetops.

The Scenic World passes are described as “unlimited discovery,” and with three rides included, you can hop between the Railway, Skyway, and Cableway as often as you like. This flexibility allows you to see the scenery from multiple angles, making the experience more engaging than a simple look-around. The rides are considered a highlight, with the Railway famously being the world’s steepest incline funicular.

Alongside the rides, you’ll visit Echo Point, the best spot for viewing the Three Sisters, which offers stunning photo opportunities. Walking through Leura Village, you’ll find quaint shops and cafes that give you a break from the scenery. The tour’s guide, if mentioned, likely provides insights into the area’s geology and history, enriching the experience.

The Wildlife Park visit adds an engaging element for animal lovers, giving you a chance to see koalas, kangaroos, and other native animals up close. The digital photo at the Koala Trail and kangaroo feeding round out the wildlife experience, making for memorable moments.

What’s the pace like?

Based on reviews, some travelers found the day to move quickly (“Tempo was a bit too fast”), especially when trying to fit in multiple rides and stops. While the scenery is breathtaking, if you prefer a more relaxed pace with lots of time to linger, this tour might feel a tad rushed. Still, the guided nature of the trip ensures you see the major sights without worry about logistics.

After returning from the mountains, your 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus ticket provides a relaxed way to see Sydney’s iconic sights. You’ll have a list of 34 stops to choose from, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, and more. The flexibility here is a real plus: you can hop off at any stop, explore at your own pace, then hop back on when ready.

The Big Bus service is well-regarded for its coverage and ease of use. With digital tickets valid for 14 days, you can even extend your exploration if you wish, although the main value is the 24 hours of freedom within that window. The reviews don’t mention any issues with the pickup points, with convenient departure locations at Central Station and Furama Darling Harbour.

The commentary on the bus is in English, and you’ll receive instructions about the stops and how to board. The app or website is recommended for route maps and schedules, which is handy for navigating the city independently.

Looking at the price—$162 per person—this combo offers good value, especially since it combines a guided tour with independent city exploration. The entry fees for Scenic World and Sydney Zoo are included, along with three rides at Scenic World, which normally would cost extra. The coach transfer to the mountains and the digital photo add convenience and memorable keepsakes.

The free bottled water and gratuities are nice touches, adding to the comfort of the day. However, meals are not included, so you should plan to bring snacks or buy lunch during the stops.

• Book early to secure your spot, especially in peak seasons.
• The pickup times are set for 7:55 am at Central Station and 8:15 am at Furama Darling Harbour—arrive a few minutes early.
• Bring sunscreen and comfortable clothes, especially for the outdoor parts of the tour.
• Be aware that alcohol and drugs are not permitted, and travel insurance is not included.
• To maximize your experience, redeem your Big Bus tickets within 7 days of your mountain tour.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Australia’s natural beauty and urban vibrancy without spending too much time planning. It’s ideal for those who like guided tours but also crave the flexibility to explore on their own. Nature lovers will especially appreciate the stunning Blue Mountains, scenic rides, and wildlife encounters. Meanwhile, city explorers will enjoy the ease of the hop-on-hop-off service to see Sydney’s top sights at their own pace.

If you’re someone who values value for money and wants an organized yet flexible day, this combo hits the mark. However, if you prefer a very leisurely pace or extended stays at each location, you might want to consider adding extra days or customizing your itinerary.

This Blue Mountains + Sydney combo offers a practical way to see two of Australia’s most iconic destinations in one go. The highlights—breathtaking views, scenic rides, wildlife encounters, and flexible city touring—make it an appealing choice for a broad range of travelers. The guided portions help you access all the key sights efficiently, while the hop-on-hop-off bus provides the freedom to explore more relaxed.

For those eager to experience the natural grandeur of the Blue Mountains alongside the bustling energy of Sydney, this tour strikes a nice balance. It’s especially fitting for first-time visitors who want a well-organized overview without missing the essentials.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most age groups. However, consider the physical demands of walking around the Blue Mountains and riding the scenic rides if traveling with very young children or elderly travelers.

Do I need to bring my own meals?
Meals are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during breaks at stops like Leura Village or the wildlife park.

Can I extend my Sydney hop-on-hop-off ticket?
The tickets are valid for 14 days total, but the main offer is for 24 hours of unlimited travel, so you can plan to explore at your own pace within that timeframe.

What should I wear for the Blue Mountains tour?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, along with sunscreen and a hat for outdoor comfort. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so layered clothing might be wise.

Will I have enough time at each stop?
While the tour covers major sights, some travelers feel the pace is quick (“tempo was a bit too fast”), so if you prefer lingering longer, consider customizing your schedule or adding extra days.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the coach is described as luxury, offering a comfortable ride with expert commentary, making the journey enjoyable and informative.

How do I redeem my Big Bus tickets?
You can redeem within 7 days of your Blue Mountains tour at any Big Bus stop, using the confirmation email. The app or website helps locate stops and plan your route.

This combo tour offers an excellent mix of natural beauty and city excitement—perfect for those wanting to make the most of their Australian adventure with guidance and flexibility combined.