train to the blue mountains for sydney day trip
 

Me again

We are aiming to take the train from sydney to the blue mountains for just one day, question is, is it worth taking the train all the way to lithgow or is it just as good to get of at mount victoria or katoomba and maybe have more exploring the place. Also any views on the seaplane trips over sydney harbour i know they are expensive but are they worth it?

Thanks for everyones help on past questions

If you take the train to Katoomba, you can then make use of the hop-on-hop off bus to see the local sights. Most of the major attractions are in the Katoomba area, especially if you are only planing to spend one day in that area.
Mount Victoria is a tiny village with nothing extra special to see, and Lithgow is more of a residential than tourist town.

I've not done a seaplane trip over the harbour so can't comment on that - my preference would be to get onto the harbour itself by ferry or cruise. If you happen to be a senior, you can ride the public transport system (bus, train, ferry) for $2.50 on a day pass. This pass would also cover you for the trip to Katoomba. I didn't think these passes were available to o/s visitors, but some on this board have bought them successfully. Di

Lithgow is the other side of the mountains. If you want to go to the Blue Mountains you should alight at either Mount Victoria or Katoomba.

A multipass for however many days you expect to be in the Sydney area will get you to the Blue Mountains by train and just about anywhere else by ferry and bus. Non residents are not eligible for the discounted 'concession' fare but it is still a good deal.

I agree with di2315 that the train to Katoomba and the hop on hop off bus is a good way to spend a day in the mountains. You'll find the drivers informative and friendly and will be able to to pack in a lot .

Absolutely no reason to go to Lithgow - there's little to see without a car.

Lithgow itself is not really good for tourists - the only thing there that's really worth it is the Zig-Zag Railway, which is a steam train railway. Nice for kids, nice for train enthusiasts. It's not in Lithgow proper, but you can get there by train if you have no car:

http://www.zigzagrailway.com.au/getting_there.php

Otherwise don't bother with Lithgow - Katoomba is a much better destination.

Enjoy your trip!

Lavandula

An alternative to flying over Sydney Harbour ..... you get great views over the city from Centrepoint Tower. Nice views of the city from Taronga Zoo. And whilst I have not done it, I suspect a Harbour Bridge climb would be good for views.

Just walking the bridge gives good views.

Plenty of good advice above.