Last Updated on March 25, 2023 by Igor Karni
Blue Mountains National Park, located in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is a protected national park situated 80 km (50 miles) west of the city of Sydney. The park is known for its rich wildlife and lush scenery, including sandstone cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, rivers, rainforests, canyons, and lookouts. It is also the most visited national park in NSW.
This article will address all the questions you need answers to before visiting Blue Mountains National Park by electric bike!
Are e-bikes allowed in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed in Blue Mountains National Park! Before embarking on a trip, however, riders should be aware of and abide by NSW’s e-bike laws.
NSW permits two classes of e-bikes per the NSW Vehicle Standard Information (VSI) 27, which states that cyclists can legally ride their bicycle on all public roads and designated areas if their e-bike falls into one of the following two classifications:
- An electric bike with a 200w motor, with the motor cutting out at 25km/h. The unit may be fitted with a throttle, which means no pedaling is required in its initial take-off.
- A “pedelec” bike with a 250w motor, with the speed, limited to 25km/h and must be EN15194-certified.
Read also: What are electric bicycle rules and regulations in Australia? And, what are specialized e-bike insurance companies in Australia?
How is Blue Mountains National Park organized, is it e-bike frieldly?
Blue Mountains National Park is well organized for cycling, with a large number of trails to explore, including single track, double track, and paved paths. Cycling paths range from easy (e.g. flat terrain) to difficult (e.g. steep and uneven).
Popular trails include the Woodford – Oaks Trail, Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) trail, Mount banks road cycle route, Narrow Neck trail, Mount Hay Road – Leura, and Anderson’s trail.
Where to stay during the trip?
For travelers who are looking to camp while in Blue Mountains National Park, there are a number of areas to choose from (note that all campgrounds require advanced booking).
First is the Euroka campground, which is tent-only camping and requires a short walk to the tent. Second is Murphys Glen campground, which is a tent and remote/backpack camping and requires visitors to carry supplies in from their cars to the campground.
The third is Dunphy’s campground, which offers a tent, camper trailer site, camping beside the vehicle, and remote/backpack camping options. Fourth is Perry’s lookdown campground, which is tent-only and requires a short walk to the tent.
Last is Ingar campground, which offers tent and remote/backpack camping. For more camping information visit the Blue Mountains City Council webpage here!
If you’re looking for hotel options, some top spots include Palais Royale, Carrington Hotel, Hotel Mountain Heritage Blue Mountains, The George Boutique Hotel, Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges, and Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa. Visit Booking.com for more options!
Where can I eat? Or should I take my food with me?
There are many diverse cuisine options in and around Blue Mountains National Park!
With a heavy focus on fresh and regional produce, options range from casual cafes and delis to gourmet fine dining experiences. For instance, the main town in the upper mountains called Katoomba offers spots like Darley’s Restaurant, Echos, The Lookout at Echo Point, Miss Lilian Tea House, Mountain Culture Brewery, and 8 Things.
The suburb of Leura also has a number of cafes and restaurants in the mountains, such as Leura’s Garage, The Oak Brasserie, and Ember’s Restaurant.
There are also monthly markets at Blackheath and Springwood where visitors can pick up fresh produce or can shop from Carrington Deli & Cellars for other ingredients, wines, and more.
Additional suggestions in and near Blue Mountains National Park include Café 2773, Kickaboom, Vincent, Montes, Con’s Continental Deli, Glenbrook Takeaway, and Star of India.
What gear should I take on the trip?
When embarking on your e-bike trip in Blue Mountains National Park, it is important to take proper gear with you, including an Australian standard approved helmet, an e-bike charger, a backpack, water, snacks, bike appropriate clothing, protective eyewear or sunglasses, gloves, and pads, sunscreen, insect repellant, a bike repair kit and pump, a first aid kit, and lights.
Note that there is limited mobile reception within the park, and weather can be extreme and unpredictable, so be sure to bring clothing that can endure rapidly changing weather conditions.
For riders who are planning to camp, be sure to additionally bring equipment such as your tent, extra food and water, a sleeping bag, cutlery, dishware, a valid ID, your booking information, and your wallet.
Read also: What to take with you an an e-biking trip? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?
Where can I charge my e-bike?
There are currently no official maps for e-bike specific charging stations in Blue Mountains National Park. However, cyclists may be able to charge their e-bikes at some cafes, restaurants, hotels, residences, and campgrounds. Be sure to ask for permission beforehand if choosing any of these options.
Additionally, if renting an e-bike or taking a guided tour, riders can ask the rental company if they are able to provide a list of charging stations.
What kind of e-bike do I need to ride in Blue Mountains National Park?
Since Blue Mountains National Park is comprised of many mountainous regions, we recommend using an electric mountain bike (eMTB) or a hybrid e-bike. These types of e-bikes will allow you to safely traverse the various terrains within the park.
Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?
Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?
Where can I rent an e-bike in Blue Mountains National Park, or should I take one with me?
Yes, there are a few companies that offer e-bike rentals and guided or self-guided tours, which we will feature later in the article. If you bring your e-bike with you, be sure that it is compliant with NSW’s e-bike laws and regulations.
Read also: What are the best-known e-bike brands in Australia? And, What are e-bike financing options in Australia?
What else I can do while on an e-bike trip in Blue Mountains National Park?
Whether you’re spotting wild kangaroos, checking out the views from the park’s many lookout points, or partaking in more extreme activities like rock climbing, there are plenty of sights to see and activities to do while you’re on your e-cycling trip in Blue Mountains National Park!
Here are some top sights to visit: the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Three Sisters Walk, Katoomba Falls, Grand Canyon Walking Track, Lincoln’s Rock, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Giant Stairway, Scenic World (which includes the Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway), the Ruined Castle, and Mount Solitary.
Visit Trip Advisor’s list to see more recommendations!
What is the best time of the year to visit Blue Mountains National Park on an e-bike?
We recommend that cyclists visit Blue Mountains National Park in the summer, spring, or autumn months. While summer and autumn tend to bring the most rain, temperatures are often much warmer and more pleasant than winter months. Riders should keep in mind that the Blue Mountains experience cooler temperatures than Sydney.
In the summer (December – February), temperatures range from 13 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius and bring the most rain.
Autumn (March – May) is considered “walking season”, where days are cooler but there is less rain than summer months, and temperatures range from 6 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.
Winter (June – August) are the coldest months, with cool days and cold nights with temperatures ranging from 3 degrees Celsius to 11 degrees Celsius.
Lastly, spring (September – November) is when nature and vegetation bloom, with temperatures ranging from 6 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.
Resources to help plan your e-biking trip to Blue Mountains National Park
For more information on Blue Mountains National Park, visit the official Australian National Parks webpage here.
If you are looking to rent an e-bike and go on a guided tour, Blue Mountain Bikes offers guided e-bike tours ranging from easy to moderate levels. Included in the guided tours are an electric mountain bike, helmet, a souvenir drink bottle, snacks, custom bike and helmet fitting, bike operation briefing and skill practice, trail briefing, and riding and safety tips.
Red Balloon is another company that offers options for guided and self-guided tours in the park.
If you are looking to plan your own route map while in Blue Mountains National Park, visit the Trail Forks website here for more route details.
Lastly, check out Visit NSW and Trip Advisor for more food and dining recommendations!
Read also: Check out Australia’s best travel destinations by electric bike.
Do not miss this video giving you a quick glimpse of the natural beauties of Blue Mountains National Park:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
