We have used a travel agent to plan a rather extensive and special trip to Australia and New Zealand. Because of it being a special occasion, we have booked some upscale lodges, hotels and tours. However, I was shocked when she told me our tour to the Blue Mountains would be approx. $1100.00 US dollars for three of us, including lunch. We are using a private car but does this sound outrageous? I do not mean to sound "obnoxious" about the type of trip we planned but just wanted to mention it because everything else was expected and we were not surprised by the prices. I know this is an all day trip but is there a better way to do this that we have not considered? We heard that if we did this privately, we would get to see more and be taken to parts that group tours do not go to. Really would appreciate any input on this.

Gee...I hope Alan J doesn't read this..he would have a heart attack on the spot.

I can fully believe why you think that price doesn't sound right.

Now you must first tell us where "We heard that if we did this privately, we would get to see more and be taken to parts that group tours do not go to."

Who said so? Where exactly did they promise to take you that group tours do not go (on a day trip)?

Look you can do this by train from Sydney Central, and get one of those bus passes once up there that will take you to the normal tourist sites - all for about, let's say, $70aud. This is so much less than your quoted price that I am not going to check my sourcunges!!

But you wouldn't be able to go at your own pace - but then, to be honest, what is it you want to do?

Do you want to get away from the crowds? Spend your time up there doing one of the 2-3 hour walks?

There are also some very upmarket tours you can book locally.

I cannot imagine they would pan out at US1100/3 = 367 * 1.33 = 490 AUD.

That would have to be a very special trip.

All the best.

My goodness! We're doing a 4WD tour in a couple weeks and are paying about $150 pp.
We're getting "breakfast with the koalas and champagne with the kangaroos." For $1,100 I'd expect brunch with Nicole Kidman (LOL)!

http://www.dalmylestours.com/site/4wdadventuretrek/

Chimani:

Thank you for your response. OK - here is the deal. This was booked by Southern Crossings Tour Company via my travel agent in Chicago, Il. We are being picked up at our hotel and have a private guide from around 8:00 a.m. -5:30 p.m. We will be visiting ancient Aboriginal sites and lookouts, examine certain rock formations, unusual plant life and wildlife. Visit the quaint little village of Leura, drive around Cliff Drive to Katoomba and look out over the Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters. Includes a gourmet lunch with wine(you are probably laughing) and supposedly visit some hidden valley where you can roam the area where the kangaroos graze in the wild. On the way back to the hotel, we will go past and visit the site of the Sydney 2000 Olympic games.

If my husband does not mind driving, is this a fairly easy drive to do from the Rocks area of Sydney out to the Blue Mountains and explore on our own and do what you suggested? I think he was concerned about the drive and hopefully, not getting lost. Do we really need a guide? We really do like to explore on our own but do not like to necessarily be part of a group where you have to cater to others' schedules. We are also very active and just want to visit the area because we have heard how beautiful and special it is. Our son has already done the trip and gone abseiling and canyoning. He wants to go back and really see the area. Thanks, again.

It's an easy drive from Sydney to the Mountains. The traffic coming back down the mountain on Sunday afternoon and night can be bad but other than that, it's a very direct route with essentially one road going up through the various towns and hard to imagine you would get lost.

I assume the "secret" valley with kangeroos is probably Euroka, also nearby is an Aboriginal site Red Hands Cave, both are near Glenbrook.

There's a very good information centre by the roadside at Glenbrook where you can get all the walking maps and information you might need.

I'd give the Olympics site a miss and spend more time in the mountains.

Susan7:

Thank you for your reply. We have decided to do our own thing based on the kind responses from you and others on the board. I just wanted to know what was so special about the private tour. I think we can do just as well on our own.

jwb and others heading to the Blue Mountains.
If you want a truely wonderful experience of this area away from the crowds and with a knowledgeable guide then I sugest you contact Carol Probets. She is a specialist bird guide but knows heaps about the other natural history as well, from rocks and trees to butterflies. On top of that is is a great person. www.bmbirding.com.au

The Blue Mountains is a great day trip and very do-able on your own, without necessarily going to that much expense. Don't miss the Three Sisters but if you have time check out any of these: the art deco Paragon Cafe in Katoomba, the Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge or the Jenolan Caves. If you are feeling fit tackle the scenic walk from the lookout and down the giants staircase into the valley below, - a spectacular hike. The Blue Mountains are magical - have a great visit!

True, Ness,

But to do the Jenolan Caves on a day trip you'd have to be on speed, and you certainly wouldn't have time to walk the Giant's Staircase same day.

If you go for an overnight, then why not? But you would have to visit Jenolan on day one, and overnight in Katoomba to fit the GS in as well (on day 2) - don't you think?

How did you fit it all in? How many days?

Taking the train from Sydney was easy and it was only about a 90 minute train ride. I bought a hop on hop off trolly (cable car type) ticket for probably around $25USD? Granted it is not the nice wine option, which sounds lovely. But cost wise, I think you could save a lot doing it on your own and you won't have to plan too much.

I would however stop one stop away on your way there or back (I think it was one stop, possibly two stops) in Leura. I like Antique shops and afternoon tea places and the Bygone Splendor store was a special treat. Since I was on a tight schedule on the way back, I called and asked what time they opened (I had seen an ad of their extensive tea pot collection) and wouldn't have made it, but they opened the store one hour early for me, very nice and well worth the stop.

Just my $0.02. I did however stay at a not so nice hotel, trying to be budget conscious caught up with me on that one, I would say Blue Mountains are more of a day trip.

Just visited the Blue Mountains and rented a car. I had no problems driving and the flexiblity proved to be important as the morning fog obscured the view. We simply drove around and returned later in the day. It was beautiful. On the down side, we went on a Sunday and the return traffic to Sydney was tremendous. Must have taken us at least 2hrs to get back to Sydney.