Whether you’re heading up for the day or making a weekend of it, the Blue Mountains is an easy family escape from Ryde. In around 1.5–2 hours, you can be riding the world’s steepest railway, walking through rainforest, exploring pretty mountain villages or simply enjoying a picnic with an incredible view.
Here are some of the best things to do with kids, plus family-friendly places to eat and stay.
Before you go: Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and walking tracks sometimes close after heavy rain, bushfires or maintenance. Check the NSW National Parks alerts and individual venue websites before leaving home. Pack layers, water and sturdy shoes—even when Sydney is warm.
Scenic World
Violet Street and Cliff Drive, Katoomba
Scenic World is one of the Blue Mountains’ biggest family attractions. Ride the Scenic Railway—the world’s steepest passenger railway—glide between the clifftops on the Scenic Skyway and travel into the Jamison Valley on the Scenic Cableway.
At the bottom, the Scenic Walkway offers up to 2.4km of elevated boardwalk through ancient rainforest. The 500m section between the Cableway and Railway stations is wheelchair accessible; longer sections include slopes and stairs.
Allow at least two to three hours, book online during weekends and school holidays, and arrive early for easier parking and shorter queues.
Where to eat: Eats270 and the Terrace Café are at Scenic World, or bring a picnic to nearby Katoomba Falls Reserve.
The Three Sisters & Echo Point
Echo Point Road, Katoomba
No Blue Mountains trip is complete without seeing the Three Sisters. Echo Point has several viewing areas, accessible paths, toilets and a visitor centre, making it an easy stop for families.
For a short walk, follow the Three Sisters Track towards the first sister. The Giant Stairway continues steeply into the valley and is better suited to older children and confident walkers. Honeymoon Bridge and other sections can close because of rockfall or track works, so check current alerts first.
The Three Sisters are on Gundungurra and Darug Country. Families can learn more about Country and the area’s Aboriginal cultural heritage at the visitor centre and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.
Where to eat: The Lookout Echo Point is beside the visitor centre. Lilianfels and Miss Lilian are also nearby, while Katoomba has plenty of casual cafés and bakeries a short drive away.
Check Echo Point and Three Sisters information
Katoomba Falls Reserve and Night-Lit Walk
Cliff Drive, Katoomba
Katoomba Falls Reserve is a handy family stop close to Scenic World, with picnic areas, toilets, a playground and access to several lookouts and walking tracks.
After dark, the Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk illuminates selected paths and lookouts between the reserve and the Katoomba Cascades area. It’s free and especially fun with older children, but take a torch, supervise children closely and check current opening information before visiting.
Wentworth Falls
Sir H Burrell Drive, Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls has walks for different ages and energy levels. Families can enjoy the lookouts around Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, while more experienced walkers can tackle longer, steeper tracks.
Avoid describing the walk to the base as easy: many routes include steep stairs, exposed sections and a significant climb back up. Choose a track that suits your youngest walker, stay behind barriers and check NSW National Parks alerts on the day, as closures and detours are common.
Where to eat: Conservation Hut is open for breakfast and lunch and is a convenient starting point for walks around the Valley of the Waters. Wentworth Falls village also has cafés and takeaway options.
See more on Wentworth Falls Track
Wentworth Falls Lake
Sinclair Crescent, Wentworth Falls
For a gentler outing, Wentworth Falls Lake is lovely for a picnic, an easy walk and some playground time. It’s a good choice for younger children or as a relaxed stop after sightseeing. Facilities and access can change during upgrade works, so check Blue Mountains City Council updates before visiting.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is a beautiful free day out, with cool-climate gardens, lawns, walking paths, picnic spots and sweeping mountain views. It’s particularly lovely in autumn and spring, although every season has something different to see.
The Garden is generally open daily from 9am–5pm, except Christmas Day. The Visitor Centre and Bellbird Café have separate hours.
Where to eat: Bellbird Café is the current on-site café. You can also pack a picnic or add a stop in Bilpin if travelling via Bells Line of Road.
Plan your visit to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Everglades House & Gardens
37 Everglades Avenue, Leura
Everglades combines an Art Deco house, formal gardens, winding paths, terraces and beautiful views. Children can explore the garden’s hidden corners while adults enjoy the architecture and changing seasonal colour.
The house and gardens are currently open Wednesday to Monday, 10am–4pm, with last entry at 3pm. The Tea Rooms operate on selected days, so check before relying on them for lunch.
Where to eat: The Everglades Tea Rooms, when open, or head into Leura for cafés, pies and sweet treats.
Check opening times and entry details
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
30 Parke Street, Katoomba
The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre is an excellent wet-weather option. It includes changing art exhibitions, the interactive Into the Blue World Heritage exhibition, a shop featuring local makers and a café. Children under 18 can currently enter the paid exhibition areas free, while a small charge applies to adults.
Check the program for family workshops and school-holiday activities.
Where to eat: The Gallery Café is on site and welcomes families. Katoomba’s main street is also only a short walk away.
See what’s on at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
Blue Mountains Adventure Company
26 Parke Street, Katoomba
For adventurous families, Blue Mountains Adventure Company runs guided abseiling, rock climbing, canyoning and hiking experiences. Some family-friendly activities may be suitable for children from around six, but age, fitness and confidence requirements vary, and each booking is assessed individually.
Book ahead and speak to the operator about the ages and abilities in your group before choosing an experience.
Grand Cliff Top Walk
The Grand Cliff Top Walk links Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba over 19km. It’s designed as a two-day, Grade 3 walk, but families don’t have to complete the whole route—shorter sections offer waterfalls, lookouts and village stops.
The full walk suits active families with older children. There are many stairs and some steep sections, and temporary closures can affect the route, so check conditions and plan transport before setting out.
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park: a stop on the way
217 Kildare Road, Doonside
Featherdale isn’t in the Blue Mountains, but it can be a fun stop on the drive from Ryde. Families can see Australian animals, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies when feed is available, and book selected animal encounters.
You can take a photo near a koala, but visitors cannot cuddle or hold koalas in NSW.
Where to eat: Food and drinks are available inside the park, or pack your own lunch and check the venue’s current food policy.
Jenolan Caves: Currently Closed, Reopening Early 2027
4655 Jenolan Caves Road, Jenolan
Jenolan Caves and the visitor precinct are currently closed while major road repairs are completed. The official website is aiming for a reopening in early 2027. Do not drive to the precinct while it is closed; check the website for the latest update before planning a future visit.
See the latest Jenolan Caves update
Family-friendly Places to Stay
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, Leura: The strongest option for families who want plenty to do at the hotel. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, KidsZone, outdoor play areas, a cinema, tennis and an indoor ice-skating rink. Some activities cost extra or run only at set times, so check what’s included when booking. More info here.
Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, Katoomba: A luxury stay within walking distance of Echo Point and the Three Sisters. It has indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, dining and spa facilities. Families may need interconnecting rooms rather than a dedicated family suite, so confirm the room configuration before booking. More info here.
The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba: A grand heritage hotel in the centre of Katoomba, close to the train station, cafés and shops. It’s a good choice for families who value character and a central location; check room sizes and bathroom arrangements when booking. More info here.
YHA Blue Mountains, Katoomba: A budget-friendly option with family rooms, a communal kitchen and central location. Useful for families travelling by train or wanting to prepare some of their own meals. More info here.
The Three Sisters Motel, Katoomba: A simple, conveniently located motel within walking distance of Echo Point. Check the latest room options and facilities directly rather than relying on older listings. More info here.
Mountain Heritage Hotel, Katoomba: A historic hotel near Katoomba town centre with family accommodation and a seasonal outdoor pool. Note that it does not have a lift, which may matter for prams or mobility needs. More info here.
Shopping and Village Stops
Leura: Leura Mall is the prettiest spot for a browse, with boutiques, homewares, gifts, cafés and bakeries. Allow time for a stroll, but expect it to be busy on weekends and during autumn.
Katoomba: Katoomba Street has an eclectic mix of bookshops, vintage stores, outdoor shops, cafés and restaurants. The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre shop is also worth visiting for locally made gifts.
Blackheath: Blackheath is a lovely add-on for antique shops, galleries and food. Pair it with Govetts Leap or another nearby lookout, checking National Parks alerts before you go.
Our Tips
- Leave extra travel time on weekends, school holidays and during autumn colour season.
- Book Scenic World, accommodation and popular restaurants ahead.
- Don’t rely on mobile reception on bushwalks—download maps and track information first.
- Keep children close at unfenced lookouts and cliff edges.
- Check accessibility information for prams and wheelchairs; many bush tracks include stairs.
- Take warm and waterproof layers, even if the Sydney forecast looks mild.
- Never start a longer walk late in the day, and carry water and snacks.
- Check NSW National Parks alerts immediately before setting out.
With spectacular views, family attractions, easy picnic stops and walks for a range of abilities, the Blue Mountains makes a brilliant day trip or weekend away from Ryde.