Just a couple of hours’ train ride west of Sydney sits one of the ecological wonders of the world. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the Greater Blue Mountains region takes in extraordinary ecological diversity – including every major eucalyptus group and the prehistoric Wollemi pine – across one million hectares of national park. The views are spectacular, as is the local produce.
Given how well-preserved this ecosystem is, and its deep, ongoing connection to six distinct Indigenous clans, it should be front of mind to keep it that way when visiting. Here are five practical (and painless) tips for exploring this dreamy corner of Australia sustainably and respectfully. It’s not nearly as tricky as you might think, and you’ll feel that much better for it in the end.
Leave your car behind
That’s right: embrace the freedom of not having to drive. Trains to the Blue Mountains depart from the Sydney CBD at least every hour, with express services also available. The standard train takes around, offering stunning views along the way. From there, you can make the most of the carbon-neutral Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, a hop-on, hop-off double-decker that provides guided tours covering the local history of Katoomba and Leura. The bus makes 23 stops, including local train stations and all the prominent lookouts. Katoomba’s 686 and 686G bus loops also feature plenty of convenient drop-offs.
Shop local
Directly supporting Blue Mountains businesses and buying locally made items is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. Head to restaurants and bars that prioritise local produce, wine, beer and spirits, or go right to the source by visiting craft breweries like Mountain Culture or Katoomba Brewing Co nearby, as well as local wineries, distilleries and cideries. Blue Mountains Creamery in Hazelbrook makes beautiful plant-based cheeses, and bakeries like Black Cockatoo, with branches in both Katoomba and Lawson, should be on your to-do list. You can browse local products at select pantries and especially at Katoomba’s long-running Blue Mountains Food Co-Op. And when picking up souvenirs, make sure they’re the real thing and not made from endangered plant or animal species.
Choose businesses that are carbon-neutral certified like Scenic World
Anyone heading to the Blue Mountains may already have Scenic World in mind, since the family-owned Katoomba attraction is home to the steepest cable car in the southern hemisphere, the world’s steepest railway, and the iconic glass-floored Skyway with its views of Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters. There’s also an option to clip into a harness and climb on to the Skyway rooftop for an unimpeded view of the Jamison Valley.The aptly named Scenic World is certified carbon neutral by Climate Active for its services as a tourist attraction. This means you can experience all the rides and attractions knowing these are carbon neutral. Scenic World also offsets the carbon emissions from all its visitors’ travel to and from the site. The railway and cable car are designed for maximum efficiency, generating electricity as they descend that goes back into the grid to power the journey back up. The attraction has also installed 350 solar panels, and its elevated Scenic Walkway was built to replace damaging trails on the ground. Purchase the Explore More pass (an option to add in the Unlimited Discovery Pass) to combine full access to the attraction with passage on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, to save some money and utilise both these Carbon Neutral certified attractions in one ticket.
Opt for eco-friendly accommodation
Thinking sustainably means considering every aspect of your trip – right down to your bed for the night. That means choosing accommodation with Ecotourism accreditation, whether it’s an eco-retreat or an off-grid cabin or tiny home. A remote cabin will give you views and privacy that most other accommodation simply can’t, while helping to provide sustainable tourist access to this unique ecosystem. You’ll be nestled right into the mountain or valley landscape, with wildlife all around you.
Leave nothing but footprints
In other words, take only your memories away from this World Heritage site, and don’t leave any trace of your visit. That means not disturbing (or feeding) the wildlife, sticking to the path when you’re out in the bush, and trying not to move or remove any plants and rocks. It also goes without saying that you should treat sites of spiritual or cultural significance to Indigenous people with the respect they deserve. And when you do have to depart, bring any rubbish with you. To lessen that load, consider using refillable water bottles and coffee cups from the get-go. Every little bit helps to keep the Blue Mountains a pristine destination for generations of future travellers.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Scenic World.