Visit the blue mountains in winter

For a more peaceful experience, avoid the heat and crowds

While we all know that Sydney’s stunning beaches are a must-see on everyone’s bucket lists, have you ever considered taking a private tour through the Blue Mountains in winter? The Blue Mountains are located just an hour west from Sydney and show their true colours in the colder months. Remember, Australia’s winter is June-July and August.

Winter visitors will be greeted by thick fog pockets, low-lying clouds over Jamison Valley, and dark skies over Echo Point. Then, a perfect double rainbow will sweep across the entire horizon. This added natural beauty allows for stunning photography of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canyons, forests.

It is Sydney’s wet season, so it is worth taking a few walks along the banks and overlooking the waterfalls in winter. The waterfalls will drop hundreds of metres down, and smaller cascades will greet you. Wentworth Falls (or Weeping Rock), Gordon Falls, Gordon Cascades and Katoomba Falls are the best waterfalls to view after heavy rain. There are also a few more falls that you might not have seen before.

The golden wattle, Australia’s national flower, is also a pretty dress in the winter months. The bright yellow spherical or cylindrical flowers have a fluorescent backdrop.

Winter is the best time to spot a mimicking Lyrebird searching for underground insects. These intelligent birds can mimic the sounds of a parrot or lorikeet or cockatoo or kookaburra or the wailing sirens of a police car. They’re incredible.

What should you wear to blue mountains private tours? It can be very cold up in the Blue Mountains. Yet, I often see tourists who are wearing shorts and a cotton hoodie on their tours.

Leg thermals are essential to make the day more enjoyable and thrive in extremely cold temperatures. If the temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), a double layer of thermals is recommended. Layers are better than heavy, bulky coats. You can also take off one or two lightweight sweaters depending on how active you are. Cortex wind cheaters made from Columbia, North Face, Kathmandu and Kathmandu are great for blocking out the wind. A full rainproof jacket is usually available that does not let water in at the zip and seams.

Blue Mountains National Park has many beautiful walks that have hundreds of steps. Water will collect in the middle of these steps. It is highly recommended to purchase water-resistant hiking shoes. After the first fall, your socks will be wet from mesh-covered trainers/running shoes/ tennis shoes.