Blue Mountain Tour with Hop on and Hop Off Bus

Experience the Best of Sydney and the Blue Mountains in a Single Day

If you’re looking for a well-rounded day trip that mixes breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and city highlights, this Blue Mountain Tour with Hop on and Hop Off Bus hits the mark. Priced at $162.30 per person, it offers an approximately 10-hour journey starting early at 8 a.m. from Sydney Central Station. You’ll visit the iconic Blue Mountains, explore the charming town of Leura, and enjoy up-close Australian wildlife at Sydney Zoo, all topped off with a 24-hour Big Bus hop-on-hop-off pass.

What we love about this experience is, first, the way it packs multiple highlights into a single day—without making you feel rushed. Second, the knowledgeable guides, like Alfie and Gordon, bring each location to life with stories and explanations that turn sightseeing into a learning experience. One minor consideration is that you’ll need to be comfortable with a full day of activities, which might be a bit tiring for some travelers. This tour suits those who want a comprehensive, value-packed day with plenty of opportunities for photo ops and local insights. It’s especially perfect for first-time visitors wanting a curated taste of Sydney’s natural and urban charms.

Key Points

• Includes iconic Blue Mountains sights like Echo Point and the Three Sisters formation.
• Unlimited rides at Scenic World with the Discovery Pass, including the cable car, railway, and skyway.
• Wildlife encounters at Sydney Zoo, with opportunities to feed kangaroos and take photos with koalas.
• Flexible city exploration with a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus, covering major attractions like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour.
• Well-rated guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging explanations.
• Value for money given the combination of tours, transportation, and unlimited Scenic World rides.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary and Experience

Starting the Day: Sydney Central and Sydney Zoo

Your adventure begins early at 8 a.m. at Sydney Central Station, where a comfortable coach takes you straight to your first stop: Sydney Zoo. Here, the focus is on Australian native wildlife—think kangaroos, koalas, and emus—and the opportunity to get close-up views and even feed some animals. Reviewers loved this part, with one saying, “We saw a selection of Australian Wildlife animals close up including kangaroos, koalas, emus,” and appreciated the included admission ticket. It’s a laid-back way to start the day, especially if you’re a wildlife fan or traveling with kids.

Scenic Drive to the Blue Mountains

From the zoo, the journey continues into the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its eucalyptus forests and dramatic cliff faces. The scenic coach ride offers glimpses of lush landscapes, setting the tone for the natural beauty to come. The timing allows a good balance of travel and sightseeing, as the group arrives at Echo Point Lookout—a must-see for any visitor.

Echo Point and the Three Sisters

Standing at Echo Point, you’ll get stunning views of the Three Sisters, an iconic rock formation that has become a symbol of the Blue Mountains. One reviewer notes, “The views were amazing,” emphasizing how breathtaking the scenery is. The area also offers a chance to walk around, take photos, and learn about the local Aboriginal legends associated with the rock formations. This spot is free to enjoy, but the photo opportunities make it worth lingering.

Charm of Leura Village

Next, your guide will bring you to Leura, a cozy town known for its boutique shops, cafes, and gardens. The 45-minute stop is perfect for a quick browse or a coffee break, and many reviewers appreciated the opportunity to explore at their own pace. One said, “Visit the quaint town of Leura Village,” which captures its relaxed, charming appeal. It’s a good way to experience local life and maybe pick up a souvenir or two.

Scenic World Adventure

The highlight for many is Scenic World, where the Discovery Pass grants unlimited rides on the Cableway, Railway, and Skyway. These attractions provide spectacular views of the rainforest, cliffs, and waterfalls, all from different perspectives. The Scenic Railway, for example, is one of the steepest funiculars in the world, adding a dash of excitement. Two hours at Scenic World allows plenty of time to enjoy these rides and take photos.

Wildlife Encounters and Freebies

Throughout the day, the tour includes a free koala photo and kangaroo feeding, which many travelers find memorable. One reviewer commented, “We had a good experience overall, and the guides made it very enjoyable,” highlighting the importance of friendly, knowledgeable guides in making the experience special.

Returning to Sydney and City Exploration

After a full day of exploring the Blue Mountains, you return to Sydney. The 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus then gives you the freedom to see the city’s top sights. The 34 stops include the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Reviewers appreciated this flexibility, with one noting, “The views and sites within the city are stunning, and the bus allowed us to explore at our own pace,” making it a great option to tailor your sightseeing.

Overall Value

This tour combines organized transportation, entry to key attractions, and the city bus pass, delivering a lot of value for the price. Considering the included activities and the quality of guides, many reviews praise it as a worthwhile way to see both natural wonders and urban highlights without the stress of planning each detail independently.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day that covers the must-see sights of the Blue Mountains and Sydney without feeling overwhelmed. If you enjoy guided tours but also want flexibility to explore on your own, the hop-on-hop-off bus complements the structured itinerary nicely. Wildlife lovers, scenic vistas, and city explorers will all find something to love here. The high praise for guides suggests you’ll be in good hands—adding a personal touch to each stop.

The Sum Up

For those seeking a well-balanced tour that offers natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and city highlights, this Blue Mountain and Sydney city combo ticks many boxes. The inclusion of Scenic World rides, wildlife experiences, and the city bus makes it an excellent value, especially for first-time visitors or those short on time.

The tour’s success hinges on expert guides who bring enthusiasm and insight, making each stop more meaningful. The scenery at Echo Point and the Three Sisters, combined with the relaxing stroll through Leura, creates memorable moments. Plus, the flexibility of the hop-on-hop-off bus means you can customize your city exploration to your interests.

If you’re after a full day of adventure that balances nature with urban sights, and you value guided insights along the way, this tour offers great convenience and a genuine sense of Sydney and the Blue Mountains’ charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a premium return coach transfer to the Blue Mountains and the 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus for city sightseeing.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 8 a.m. and returning to Sydney in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are all attractions included in the price?
Most key attractions are included, such as Sydney Zoo, Echo Point, Leura Village, and Scenic World with the Discovery Pass. Lunch is not included, so you’ll need to buy it during your stop in Leura.

What is Scenic World?
Scenic World features three main attractions: the Skyway, Scenic Railway, and Cableway, all included in your pass. They offer unique perspectives of the Blue Mountains’ lush forests and rugged cliffs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the inclusion of wildlife interactions and scenic rides suggests it’s family-friendly. Just consider the full day and transportation time.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, multiple reviews highlight guides like Alfie and Gordon for their friendliness, wit, and thorough explanations, enriching the experience.

Do I need to be physically fit?
Most activities involve walking and some light hiking, especially around Echo Point and Leura, but the pace is generally relaxed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Sydney Central Station and concludes back at the same meeting point, with flexible city sightseeing afterward.

This tour offers a solid value for anyone eager to see Australia’s natural and urban highlights in one well-organized, enjoyable day. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a scenery lover, or just want to get your bearings in Sydney, it’s a trip that promises memorable moments with good company.