The Three Sisters is an iconic natural landmark located in the Blue Mountains near Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia. It is a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning rock formation and breathtaking views.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.6/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Admire the Three Sisters from Echo Point
The best spot to view the Three Sisters is from Echo Point Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the rock formation and the vast Jamison Valley below. The Three Sisters are three distinct sandstone pillars that tower above the valley, with each "sister" standing at heights of over 900 meters above sea level. Echo Point is a popular spot for photos and provides an excellent vantage point to appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural wonder.
Getting to Echo Point: Echo Point is easily accessible by car, with parking available, or by local bus services from Katoomba. It’s also a central stop for many Blue Mountains tour operators.
2. Learn the Aboriginal Legend of the Three Sisters
The Three Sisters are not only a geological marvel but also hold great cultural significance for the Gundungurra and Darug people, the traditional custodians of the land. According to Aboriginal legend, the three sisters—Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo—were turned to stone by a tribal elder to protect them from harm during a tribal conflict. Unfortunately, the elder was unable to reverse the spell before he was killed, leaving the sisters frozen in stone forever. This legend adds a layer of mysticism and cultural depth to the site.
Visitor Information Centre: For more details on the legend and cultural significance, visit the Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centre at Echo Point, where displays and staff can provide further insights.
3. Walk the Giant Stairway
For the adventurous, you can get up close to the Three Sisters by walking down the Giant Stairway, which descends from Echo Point to the valley floor. The stairway consists of over 800 steps carved into the cliffs and offers exhilarating views of the Three Sisters and the surrounding landscape. Once you've reached the bottom, you can continue exploring the Federal Pass Walking Track, which leads through the lush rainforest of the valley.
Difficulty: The Giant Stairway is steep and challenging, so it’s recommended for fit and experienced hikers. If you prefer an easier option, you can walk partway down for beautiful views without committing to the entire descent.
4. Explore Scenic World
For those looking for a more relaxed experience of the Blue Mountains, Scenic World, located nearby, offers a variety of ways to take in the stunning views. Here are some of the attractions you can enjoy:
Scenic Skyway: Glide 270 meters above the Jamison Valley in a glass-floored cable car, offering unparalleled views of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and the valley below.
Scenic Railway: Take a thrilling ride on the world’s steepest passenger railway, descending into the valley at a 52-degree incline. The railway offers a fun and unique way to experience the Blue Mountains.
Scenic Walkway: After riding the railway, explore the Scenic Walkway, a 2.4-kilometer boardwalk through lush rainforest, providing a peaceful and informative experience of the valley floor.
5. Hike the Prince Henry Cliff Walk
For those looking to enjoy more of the natural beauty around the Three Sisters, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk is a scenic walking track that runs from Katoomba to Leura, passing numerous lookouts and offering stunning views of the cliffs and valleys. The track is well-marked and suitable for most fitness levels.
Distance: The entire walk from Katoomba to Leura is approximately 7 kilometers, but you can opt for shorter sections, such as the easy 1-kilometer walk from Echo Point to the Three Sisters Lookout.
6. Visit Leura and Katoomba
While in the area, take the time to explore the charming nearby towns of Leura and Katoomba:
Katoomba: The main hub of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba offers plenty of cafés, art galleries, shops, and accommodation options. It’s also home to the famous Carrington Hotel, a historic hotel dating back to 1883.
Leura: Known for its beautiful gardens and quaint village atmosphere, Leura is a great place to relax and enjoy some local shopping or dining. The Everglades Historic House and Gardens is a popular attraction, offering beautiful landscapes and a glimpse into 1930s garden design.
7. Take in the Views at Nearby Lookouts
In addition to Echo Point, there are several other lookouts around the Three Sisters and the Blue Mountains that offer equally stunning views:
Honeymoon Bridge: This small bridge connects visitors to the first of the Three Sisters rock formations. It’s a short but steep walk from Echo Point and provides a unique perspective of the rock formation up close.
Cahill's Lookout: Located west of Katoomba, this lookout offers sweeping views of the Megalong Valley and is a quieter alternative to Echo Point.
Eagle Hawk Lookout: Situated just a short distance from Echo Point, this lookout offers more expansive views of the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley without the crowds.
8. Enjoy Aboriginal Cultural Experiences
The Blue Mountains holds deep significance for the local Indigenous people, and there are opportunities to learn about their connection to the land through Aboriginal cultural tours and experiences. These tours often include traditional storytelling, bush tucker (native food) tastings, and insights into the flora and fauna of the region.
Waradah Aboriginal Centre (formerly located at Echo Point) used to offer cultural performances and educational experiences, but it has since closed. However, some private tour operators still offer Aboriginal cultural tours in the Blue Mountains.
9. Sunrise and Sunset at the Three Sisters
For an unforgettable experience, visit the Three Sisters at sunrise or sunset. The soft light of dawn or dusk bathes the sandstone formations in a golden glow, creating a perfect photo opportunity and a peaceful ambiance. Early mornings are especially magical, as you can often catch a layer of mist rising from the valley below.
10. Experience the Blue Mountains by Night
If you’re staying overnight in the Blue Mountains, consider experiencing the Three Sisters by night. The rock formation is illuminated after dark, creating a striking and eerie sight against the night sky. Visiting Echo Point in the evening is a serene and different way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/three-sister
Main Positive Reviews:
The views from Echo Point at the Three Sisters are absolutely stunning. It's a must-see if you're in the Blue Mountains area.
Amazing scenery and well worth the visit. The hiking trails around the area are also great.
The Three Sisters are a beautiful sight, especially at sunrise and sunset. Highly recommend taking a guided tour.
A wonderful experience with breathtaking views. The Scenic World rides add an extra thrill to the visit.
A fantastic place to visit with family. The information center is very helpful, and the views are mesmerizing.
Stunning scenery, truly worth visiting this place; it perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural significance, and convenient adventure activities.
Whether you are a local or a tourist, this walk will offer you an unforgettable experience showcasing the best views of the Blue Mountains.
Beautiful scenery, clean environment, and attentive service.
Scenic views with great hiking and trekking trails, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney life.
Nature is the ultimate healer; the views are amazing, and the experience is worth every moment.
Main Negative Reviews:
The place can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, making it less enjoyable.
While the view is nice, there's not much to do if you're not into hiking or taking the rides.
The weather can be very unpredictable, and sometimes the view is obscured by fog.
It's a nice view, but I've seen better. Not worth going out of your way if you're short on time.
The stairs going down are very steep.
It's quite a drive, but there's only one viewpoint.
Walking on slippery surfaces, the rain can make the sidewalks dangerous, so be sure to watch your step to avoid accidents, especially on the stairs during and after rain.
It can be a bit crowded.
The drive is quite far, and there's just one viewpoint.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Visiting the Three Sisters is generally free. However, if you plan to take the Scenic World rides (Railway, Cableway, Skyway), the cost is approximately AUD 49.90 for adults and AUD 27.90 for children.
The Three Sisters is highly rated by visitors for its scenic beauty and unique rock formations. The majority of reviews praise the stunning views and the overall experience. However, common complaints include crowding, parking issues, and weather conditions that can affect visibility.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Based on the aggregated reviews from Google and TripAdvisor, the Three Sisters is highly recommended for its natural beauty and unique geological features. The average rating is 4.5 out of 5, indicating a positive consensus among visitors.
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