Three Sisters

The Basics

Today the landmark is a popular destination, and a trip to Echo Point—a viewing and access point for the Three Sisters— is an easy day trip from Sydney. Visitors can walk down a very steep and winding staircase of about 800 steps past the rock formation and connect with other walking trails at the bottom of the valley.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The staircase down past the Three Sisters is very steep. Wear good walking shoes and be aware of the physical demands if you choose to take the stairs.

• There are alternative trails like the federal Pass Trail, which give hikers the option to ride back to the top of the valley on the Scenic Railway.

• Scenic World, an eco-amusement park, is also located in the Blue Mountains National Park.

• The Park is sometimes closed due to bushfires in the summer or wet weather in winter.

How to Get There

The Three Sisters rock formation is located at Echo Point in the town of Katoomba. The spot is easily accessible by car or train. From Sydney, it’s about 90 minutes by car, or a 2-hour train journey on the Blue Mountain Line. Many tours also include transportation to the Three Sisters.

When to Get There

The Blue Mountains National Park is always open to the public, although some parts of the park may occasional close due to bad weather. The Echo Point Visitor center is open daily; check the website for up-to-date hours.

Leura

Visitors to the Three Sisters will find themselves a short drive or one train stop away from the charming village of Leura. With family-run cafes, bakeries, gift shops, and food stores, Leura offers a taste of small town life in Australia. There are a number of casual and higher-end dining options, making it a great lunch stop during a day of sightseeing.

Where is the best place to see the Three Sisters?

The best place to see the Three Sisters is from the Echo Point lookout in Katoomba. It’s on the plateau's edge and has excellent views of the Jamison Valley. The lookout is the starting point for a few walks, including one that leads to the valley floor via about 1,000 steps.

Does it cost money to see the Three Sisters?

No, there’s no fee to see the Three Sisters or to visit this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. (An AU$8 per day vehicle entry fee applies to the Glenbrook area of the park only.) There’s a paid parking lot at the Echo Point lookout, where you can see great views of the Three Sisters.

What is so special about the Three Sisters?

The Three Sisters are sandstone rock formations in the Blue Mountains that stand at around 3,000 feet (900 meters) and are about 200 million years old. They’re especially beautiful because they appear in different colors throughout the day. Various Aboriginal legends relate to the rocks, believed to be sisters called Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo.

What is the best time to visit the Three Sisters?

Sunset and evening are the best times to visit the Three Sisters. Not only are they beautiful then, but most tour groups have left, leaving the lookouts quieter. The beautiful sandstone rocks are backlit at sunrise, so they are pretty dark early in the morning. They’re naturally well-lit in the afternoon and by floodlights from dusk until about 10:30pm.

How long is the Three Sisters walk?

The easy Three Sisters walk is just a ½-mile (800 meter) return. It takes between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on how often you stop to admire the views and take photos. It’s a family-friendly route and also wheelchair and stroller-accessible (with assistance), so everyone can join in, and you can take your time.

Is the Three Sisters walk hard?

No, the Three Sisters walk isn’t hard. It’s family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible and takes 25–45 minutes. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, try the Echo Point to Scenic World track via the Giant Stairway. This includes 998 cliff-side stairs, and it takes 2–3 hours to walk 2.9 miles (4.7 kilometers) one way.