Blue Mountains Private Tour including Wildlife Park

Planning a trip to Sydney and considering a day in the Blue Mountains? This private tour, offered by Runaway Tours Sydney, has been highly praised for its personalized approach, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking scenery. While I haven’t personally done this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary give us a pretty good idea of what to expect—and why it might be a great choice for your next adventure.

What really shines about this experience are the intimate, flexible nature of the private tour and the chance to see iconic landmarks like the Three Sisters along with native Australian wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park. However, a potential consideration for travelers is the cost—around $502 per person—which, depending on your budget, might seem steep but often reflects the personalized service and inclusivity of the day.

This tour is well-suited for those who want to see the Blue Mountains away from the crowds, enjoy expert guidance, and have the flexibility to customize their day. Perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who prefers a more tailored experience rather than a big bus tour.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: The private format allows for customization and flexibility throughout the day.
• Expert Guides: Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to tailor the trip.
• Stunning Vistas & Landmarks: Expect to see the Three Sisters, Sublime Point, waterfalls, and rainforest.
• Wildlife Encounters: Featherdale Wildlife Park is a highlight, offering close-up views of native animals like kangaroos and koalas.
• Flexible & Convenient: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easy.
• Additional Cost for Scenic Rides: Scenic World rides are optional and not included in the price.

An In-Depth Look at What the Tour Offers

This private tour offers an immersive day trip out of Sydney, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. It’s a flexible experience designed to cater to your interests, with the added benefit of a dedicated guide who can adapt the schedule to your pace.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start with a Blue Mountains Exploration
The day begins with a visit to the Blue Mountains themselves, where you’ll wander through ancient rainforests, observe impressive waterfalls, and gaze across the expansive valleys. The guide’s flexibility means your group can decide whether to take longer walks or focus on the most scenic viewpoints. The highlight for many is the view from Sublime Point, a historic lookout that offers sweeping views of the Jamison Valley. One reviewer describes it as “unmatched,” and it’s easy to see why—these vistas really are spectacular.

Featherdale Wildlife Park
Next, the tour visits Featherdale Wildlife Park, which is often highlighted as a standout feature. With over 1700 native animals, this is a prime chance to meet kangaroos, cuddle a koala, or snap photos with wombats and dingoes. Multiple reviews mention how much fun visitors have, especially when feeding the animals or getting close-up encounters. One reviewer raved, “Getting to see the wildlife was a great treat,” and another appreciated the chance to interact with the animals firsthand.

Iconic Landmarks: The Three Sisters
No trip to the Blue Mountains is complete without seeing the Three Sisters, an iconic sandstone formation that’s nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. The guide typically allows around 30 minutes here, giving you time to take photos and soak in the scenery. The view into Jamison Valley is breathtaking, and many reviewers mention how this spot lives up to the hype.

Leura Village & Scenic Rides
Later in the day, you’ll visit Leura Mall, a charming town perfect for a casual stroll, some boutique shopping, or grabbing a coffee. This relaxed stop helps break up the day and offers a taste of local life. For those interested in adding a bit more adventure, the tour offers an optional ride at Scenic World, where you can take the Skyway across the valley or the Railway into the lush forest—these rides are not included in the base price but are a popular add-on.

Katoomba Falls & Rainforest Walks
The final scenic highlight is a short bushwalk to Katoomba Falls, where forested trails reveal more stunning views and lush greenery. Reviewers frequently mention how the guide’s local knowledge enhances these stops, adding context and stories to the scenery.

What the Tour Includes

The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, national park fees, a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, and live commentary from your guide. Bottled water is provided to keep everyone refreshed.

What’s Not Included

The main optional expense is the Scenic World rides, which many visitors consider worth adding for the panoramic views and thrill of the Skyway and Railway. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget for lunch—Leura offers plenty of cafes and eateries.

The Transport & Comfort

The tour is operated in a private vehicle, which makes a big difference compared to large group buses. The vans are described as comfortable, and the experience includes door-to-door service, making logistics smooth. This setup allows your guide to adapt the timetable based on weather or your interests.

The Real Experience from the Reviews

Many guests praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility. Several reviews mention guides like Glenn, Bettina, Brendan, and Julian, highlighting their ability to customize the day, share interesting stories, and avoid crowds—something that big bus tours often struggle with.

One reviewer shared a particularly memorable experience, saying, “Our guide Andrew was an exceptional guide, who led us on a fantastic tour.” Another noted how a guide managed to turn a rainy day into an enjoyable adventure, thanks to their familiarity with microclimates and scenic spots.

Wildlife encounters also receive high marks. Seeing and petting animals at Featherdale is frequently called a highlight, with visitors describing the animals as “so cozy, soft, and friendly.” Feeding kangaroos and wallabies is a common and cherished activity.

The Value of the Tour

At around $502 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. But considering the inclusions—private transportation, park fees, a knowledgeable guide, and the flexibility—you’re often getting more personalized attention and a deeper experience than you might on a standard group tour. For travelers craving a tailored, relaxed day with the option to customize, many feel it’s worth the investment.

Some reviews mention minor hiccups, like weather issues or a guide who might have been less attentive, but overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The tour seems best suited for those who value expert guidance, comfort, and exclusive access over saving a few dollars.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This private tour is ideal for travelers who want to skip the crowded bus tours and enjoy a more personal, in-depth experience. If you love nature, wildlife, and scenic vistas, and prefer a schedule that can be tailored to your pace, this will likely be a great fit.

It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate guided commentary, want to learn more about the area’s natural and cultural features, and enjoy flexibility in their travel plans. The inclusion of Featherdale Wildlife Park adds a memorable touch for animal lovers, while the scenic stops offer plenty of photo opportunities and peaceful moments.

However, if budget is a concern or you’re just looking for a quick snapshot of the Blue Mountains, there are cheaper options available. But for those seeking a luxurious, personalized journey with knowledgeable guides and room for customization, this tour ticks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility challenges?
Yes, travelers should have moderate physical fitness, and guides can modify the stops accordingly. Bettina, for example, was praised for her ability to adapt the tour for mobility needs.

What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, park fees, Featherdale Wildlife Park admission, live commentary, and bottled water. Scenic World rides are extra.

Can I add scenic rides at Scenic World?
Yes, you have the option to purchase rides like the Skyway and Railway at Scenic World during the tour.

How long is the tour?
The duration is approximately 10 hours, making it a full-day experience.

Are food and drinks included?
No, lunch and other food expenses are not included. A stop at Leura allows you to buy lunch or snacks.

What’s the guide’s role during the tour?
Guides provide commentary, help customize stops, and ensure your comfort throughout the day. Many reviews highlight their friendliness and knowledge.

Is this tour good for families?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the wildlife park and scenic vistas make it suitable for families with children who can walk moderate distances.

What weather conditions should I be prepared for?
The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately. Some reviewers mentioned enjoying the scenery even in fog or rain.

How much does the optional Scenic World ride cost?
The rides are not included in the base price; costs vary based on the rides selected, but you should budget extra if interested.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group participates, providing a more tailored experience.

To sum it up, this Blue Mountains private tour offers a wonderful way to experience some of Australia’s most stunning scenery and native wildlife. Its personalized approach makes it a standout for those who want an engaging, comfortable, and flexible day out. If you’re after a memorable adventure that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and expert insight, this could be your perfect day trip from Sydney.