Ultimate Blue Mountains, Scenic World, Zoo & Lincoln’s Rock Tour

Exploring the Blue Mountains, Scenic World, Zoo & Lincoln’s Rock Tour — Honest Review

If you’re considering a day trip from Sydney that combines some of the most iconic sights with a few hidden gems, this Ultimate Blue Mountains, Scenic World, Zoo & Lincoln’s Rock Tour might just be worth your time. We’ve looked into this experience to see if it offers good value, what you can expect along the way, and whether it’s a fit for your travel style.

What really caught our eye is the chance to see the Three Sisters at Echo Point — a true postcard image — and to experience Scenic World’s famous steep railway and stunning vistas. Plus, the opportunity to meet native animals at Sydney Zoo and top off the day with a scenic ferry ride past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge sounds like a well-rounded adventure.

One thing to be aware of is that Lincolns Rock will be closed from January 22 onward, replaced by Elysian Rock Lookout—a small change that’s good to know before you go. This tour suits travelers who want a full, energetic day mixing natural beauty with some wildlife and city views, especially if you’re short on time but want to pack in a lot.

Key Points

• Iconic views like the Three Sisters and scenic lookouts make this trip picture-perfect.
• The Scenic Railway and Skyway are highlights for those craving a thrill and panoramic views.
• The ferry ride back offers a relaxing end with striking city sights.
• The price covers a lot—admission to Scenic World and park entry—making it a solid value.
• The tour size maxes out at 39 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded.
• Timing and weather can influence the experience, so dress accordingly.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of the Blue Mountains, balanced with some fun and relaxation. Starting early from Sydney, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle, guided by staff who speak English, Chinese, and Korean—helpful if you’re traveling with friends from different backgrounds.

Visiting Echo Point

Your first stop is Echo Point Lookout, about 30 minutes, offering that classic view of the Three Sisters. It’s the kind of spot that makes for a postcard-worthy photo, with the Jamison Valley stretching out behind. It’s free, and a perfect starter to set the tone for the day. We liked how this stop was short enough to get the shot without feeling rushed.

Scenic World Experience

Next, you’ll head to Scenic World, where the real adrenaline kicks in. The Scenic Railway is renowned as the world’s steepest railway, giving you an exhilarating ride down into the rainforest below. From there, the 360-degree views on the Skyway and Cableway are the highlight for many. Expect about 1 hour and 50 minutes for this part—enough time to savor the vistas and take plenty of photos. The included Ultimate Discovery Pass is a great way to experience all three rides without extra costs.

Lunch in Katoomba

After the thrill, it’s time for a break in Katoomba. You’re on your own for about 50 minutes, which is enough to explore a few cafes or grab a quick bite. Keep in mind, lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly. Katoomba has a relaxed vibe with plenty of options, so you can choose what suits your taste and budget.

Lincoln’s Rock — Now Elysian Lookout

Originally, Lincoln’s Rock was a star attraction, especially for sunset photos. However, it’s currently closed from January 22 onwards due to safety and environmental concerns, replaced by Elysian Rock Lookout. This spot still offers sweeping views over the mountains and valley — not quite as dramatic but still worth the short walk. Expect around 20 minutes here.

Sydney Zoo Visit

The next stop is Sydney Zoo, where you’ll spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here, you can see native Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos in naturalistic habitats, alongside animals from around the world such as lions and red pandas. Admission isn’t included in the base price, but staff can help you buy tickets on-site. Reviews mention that the zoo offers good photo opportunities, especially with the koalas and kangaroos, making it a solid add-on for animal lovers.

Scenic Ferry Cruise

The day wraps up with a scenic ferry ride back to Circular Quay—an extra option you can choose, lasting about 1.5 hours. It’s a relaxing way to see Sydney from the water, passing by landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If you opt for the ferry, tickets are purchased separately, and staff can assist with that.

Is the Value Right for You?

At $107.35 per person, this tour packs in a lot. The included Scenic World rides, park entry, and the ferry cruise are good value if you want a full day of sightseeing without booking multiple tickets separately. The guide’s multilingual ability helps if you’re traveling with international friends, and the small group size keeps things manageable.

However, the lunch is on your own, which adds to the overall cost if you want a sit-down meal or quick snack. Also, the Sydney Zoo ticket isn’t included in the base price, so budget around A$55 if you plan to visit.

Based on reviews, travelers enjoyed the stunning views, noting that the trip offers great photo ops and scenic highlights. One reviewer mentioned that the Skyway and Railway give a real thrill, perfect for those wanting an active, scenic experience. The ferry ride was appreciated as a relaxing finish, providing a different perspective of Sydney’s iconic harbor.

On the flip side, some found the day a bit rushed, especially if you want to linger longer at certain stops. The change from Lincoln’s Rock to Elysian Lookout is a minor inconvenience, but worth knowing beforehand.

The Breakdown of the Itinerary

Echo Point is a quick, scenic introduction. We loved how it provides that classic view of the Three Sisters, which you’ll recognize from postcards and travel guides. It’s a must-see and sets the scene for the day ahead.

Scenic World is the centerpiece, offering a blend of thrill rides and panoramic vistas. The world’s steepest railway is a definite highlight, particularly if you’re a fan of engineering marvels or enjoy adrenaline-pumping rides. The Skyway and Cableway add more sweeping views, often cited as breathtaking. Reviewers often mention the 360-degree vistas on the Skyway as a standout feature.

The Katoomba stop is more laid-back, giving you time to breathe, explore the town, or grab a coffee. It’s important to note this is a flexible part of the day; if you’re not big on cafes, you could use the time for a quick walk around.

Lincoln’s Rock, now Elysian Lookout, offers that perfect “edge of the world” shot — a dramatic cliff that makes for a memorable picture. It’s a short stop but worth the visit for the views.

Sydney Zoo introduces you to native Australian animals in natural settings, which is especially popular among those interested in Australian wildlife. The experience can be both educational and fun, and the opportunity for photos makes it a favorite among visitors.

Finally, the ferry cruise gives you a leisurely way to end the day, with views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s a gentle reminder of how the city’s stunning skyline complements its natural beauty.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a well-rounded day of sightseeing—combining mountain vistas, thrilling rides, wildlife encounters, and Sydney’s iconic harbor from the water. It’s perfect if you want to maximize your time without the hassle of planning every detail.

Travelers with an interest in photo opportunities will love the scenic stops and views, especially with the included rides at Scenic World. Families or groups that enjoy outdoor adventures and wildlife will also find this tour engaging, though those with very young children should check about the suitability of certain stops.

If you’re short on time but want a taste of the Blue Mountains’ best, this tour covers a lot in one day. Just be prepared for a full, sometimes busy schedule that requires some walking and a keen eye on the clock.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own lunch?
Yes, lunch isn’t included in the tour fee, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to buy food in Katoomba.

Is the ferry ride part of the tour?
You can choose to add the ferry cruise as part of your experience, but tickets are purchased separately. Staff can help you arrange this on-site.

How long is the tour overall?
It lasts about 10 to 11 hours, including travel time between stops, so be ready for a long, energetic day.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 39 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded but still lively.

What are the main attractions included?
You’ll visit Echo Point for the Three Sisters, Scenic World for rides and views, Katoomba for a quick lunch, Elysian Rock Lookout (replacing Lincoln’s Rock), and Sydney Zoo.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, many stops are kid-friendly, especially the zoo and scenic rides. Just consider the age and stamina of your children, and check if specific attractions are suitable.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive, scenic look at the Blue Mountains while tying in Sydney’s iconic harbor views. Its combination of dramatic mountain vistas, engaging rides, and wildlife encounters makes it a compelling choice for those wanting to see a variety of what Sydney and the mountains have to offer.

The included scenic rides at Scenic World are often praised for their spectacular views, and the ferry cruise provides a calming, poetic ending to a busy day. The small group size and multilingual guides add to the comfort and accessibility, making this a well-rounded day trip.

If you’re after a day that balances adventure, natural beauty, and city views, this tour ticks many boxes. Just be prepared for a full schedule, and don’t forget your camera — you’ll want to capture those unforgettable vistas.

Happy travels!