The M4 Freeway and Great Western Highway are nto the place to test out your, driving on the other side of the road skills

Public Transport gives you more freedom but most sites are away from rail stations in the mountains, so it is harder to get around. You are reliant on taxi cabs..expensive, or local bus companies.

Try for a smaller organised tour, rather than one on a big luxury coach, try and get one that doesn't just take you to Katoomba, but takes in other areas of the Blue Mountains. I would avoid Murray's Tours if I were you

There is a company called Ausemade which I have heard organises a very good 4WD Ecotour, or a tour that takes in the Olypmic Park at Homebush, Featherdale Wildlife Park, and the Blue Mountains. There is also a company called Activity Tours which only has small groups.

Enjoy
Phoebe