Thanks to the guidebook I managed to find a tour to the blue mountains in a small group. Unfortunately, the tours will only start from most of the hotels in the CBD area and I had to purposely stay overnight at a cheaper hotel to join this tour which starts at 7am (timing depends on pick up locations). The downside of this tour is some customers arrive late or didn't show up which took a little bit of the time. First stop, our tour guide as well as driver brought us to Featherdale wild life park. Managed to reach here before 9am (their opening hours) so we managed to feed the Kangaroos, pet the Koala and Wombats, take quick pictures of the animals in different habitats and shop for a bit. Next of was the scenic world where we experienced the railway, cableway, walkway (trail) and skyway. The tour guide leaded us for the cableway and skyway which helped us in maximizing our time there. He then gave us food vouchers (that was included in the tour package) for our lunch and told us to be back around 2 hours later. After scenic world, he brought us to echo point and Leura village. Echo point, you can take pictures of the blue mountains and shop for souvenir while Leura village you can stroll along the shops to sightsee or go to a cafe to enjoy baked goods and cup of coffee. I managed to do both. Time management was definitely an important factor here. We then headed to the Olympic park where we could take picture and use the restroom and along the way he gave us a brief history of the places we passed by. Our last stop was at the river cruise from homebush bay. It took us 1 hour to get back to Circular Quay wharf and the tour guide bid goodbye there. Price wise, it was on the expensive side ($145) but with the code guidebook, you could save $10-$20. The tour ended exactly at 6pm (including the cruise ride to circular quay). Definitely recommend this tour group to other tourists :) read more

It was a great day-the last time I was in Sydney, my time was so limited that it was either to tour Sydney all day or go to the Blue Mountains [all day] I opted to see Sydney at that time. This time, in addition to seeing Sydney, my friend and I did the Blue Mountain excursion, this being a priority. The concierge at the hotel suggested the Blue Mountain tour with FJ tours since it was all inclusive. It was a full day-we left in the morning and did not get back until after dinner. We made a stop at the Featherdale Wildlife Park which was wonderful-we were able to see the wallabees and the kangaroos up close, pet them and feed them. We then went on to Leura for lunch, [Loaves and the Dishes] Echo Point for a photo op and then on to the 3 Sisters. We had rides on the Scenic skyway and the day ended with a cruise dropping us off either at Darling Harbor or Circular Quay. A great day and well worth the time. I would recommend. read more

This is a situation of the beauty is in the details.. And there are a ton!! Your guide is half of the entertainment.. He is knowledgeable and charming. The longer the day goes on.. The more you will fall in love with him. He truly knows all the tips and tricks. Every stop where we had to compete with other groups or crowds.. He had us on the fast track, bypassing the lines or at least giving us a plan on how to save precious time. Featherdale is INCREDIBLE!!! ..particularly if you aren't from Australia and the animals are exotic to you. Blue Mountains are beautiful and the little shopping area the guide takes you to in town is so cute. Every stop has a purpose and place in your daily agenda. Well planned and organized. Guide keeps good schedule without removing your feeling of freedom. Amazing value in my opinion!! Tickets into Featherdale, passes for the Blue Maintain lifts, lunch, and fiery passes for the way home... AND morning pickup?! Anyone complaining about price needs to loosen the grip on their wallets. It was worth the price!! ..it cost us more to rent kayaks in Cairns last week.... Unguided... No lunch.. Just a cheap, plastic boat for 3 hours. Do this trip! Small group!! Guide is fantastic! read more