Scenic World
Violet St & Cliff Drive, Katoomba
Everyone needs to visit Scenic World at one point or another. Hop on the Scenic Railway for a thrilling ride down the steepest passenger railway in the world, or enjoy a gentle glide across rugged cliffs on the Scenic Skyway. The Scenic Cableway takes you smoothly into the Jamison Valley, giving you great views of the Three Sisters and surrounds. For a more laid-back experience, take a stroll on the Scenic Walkway, a 2.4 km boardwalk through beautiful ancient rainforest.
Where to Eat:
- Eats270: Located within Scenic World, this eatery offers a variety of family-friendly meals e.g. pizza, burgers, salads etc, with gorgeous views of the valley.
- The Lookout Echo Point: this café offers casual dining with fantastic views.
- The Blue Mountains Café: a cozy atmosphere, ideal for a casual bite.
- The Carrington Hotel: A historic hotel in a charming and elegant setting.
The Three Sisters
Echo Point Road, Katoomba
No trip to the Blue Mountains is complete without visiting the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. Head to Echo Point Lookout in Katoomba for the best views. The legend of the Three Sisters, an Aboriginal tale of three sisters turned to stone, is sure to captivate young imaginations. For a closer look, take the Giant Stairway down into the valley and explore the natural beauty up close.
Where to Eat:
- The Lookout Echo Point – This café offers casual dining with stunning views. Enjoy a range of meals from hearty breakfasts to light lunches.
- Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant – an upscale restaurant featuring modern Australian cuisine and breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley.
- The Three Sisters Cafe – for light meals, snacks, and drinks – it’s a convenient spot for a quick bite.
Jenolan Caves (closed until late August 2024)
4655 Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan
Explore the amazing Jenolan Caves, one of the oldest cave systems around. Join a guided tour to check out different caves, each with its own cool formations and stories. The Lucas Cave and the Imperial Cave are great for families, offering easy access and shorter tours. Kids will love the underground rivers, sparkling crystals, and ancient stalactites.
Places to eat AT Jenolan Caves House:
- Chisholm’s Restaurant: a great spot to enjoy a relaxed family meal after your cave adventures.
- The Carriage House Restaurant: serves a range of hearty dishes in a cozy, elegant setting.
- The Jenolan Caves House Café: lighter fare such as sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. It’s ideal for a quick bite.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Bells Line of Rd, Mount Tomah
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is a beautiful spot for a family picnic and exploration. Spread across 252 hectares, the garden showcases a diverse collection of cool-climate plants from around the world. Children can enjoy the interactive Plant Explorers activity, which guides them through the garden with fun challenges and educational information.
Where to Eat:
- The Potager: a cosy atmosphere and a menu featuring fresh, local produce.
- Mount Tomah Café: Situated at the Botanic Garden itself, this café offers a selection of light meals, coffee, and cakes with beautiful garden views.
- The Bistro at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden: also on-site at the Botanic Garden, enjoy breakfast and lunch with scenic views.
Wentworth Falls Walk
Wentworth Falls, NSW
For families who enjoy hiking, Wentworth Falls offers a variety of trails that cater to different fitness levels. The Wentworth Falls Track provides stunning views of the cascading waterfall and the surrounding valley. The walk to the top of the falls is relatively easy, while the more adventurous can continue down to the base for a closer look. Don’t forget to bring a picnic to enjoy at the scenic Jamison Lookout.
Where to Eat:
- The Conservation Hut: this café offers homemade food, coffee, and cakes with stunning views of the surrounding nature. It’s ideal for a quick, relaxed meal.
- The Wentworth Falls Country Club: a local club offering a variety of hearty meals and snacks in a casual setting.
- The Grand View Hotel: this pub offers a range of traditional pub meals in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Featherdale Wildlife Park
217 Kildare Rd, Doonside
Located at the base of the Blue Mountains, Featherdale Wildlife Park is a great spot for a close-up with Australia’s native animals. Kids can hand-feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and learn about conservation in a fun and interactive way. It’s a relaxed and educational outing that’s enjoyable for the whole family.
Where to Eat:
- Featherdale Café: Inside the wildlife park, this café offers a range of quick bites and beverages, including sandwiches, wraps, and ice creams. It’s a convenient spot for a snack break during your visit.
- Doonside Hotel: A drive away, this local pub serves a variety of meals in a casual setting and it has a kids play area.
Everglades House and Gardens
37 Everglades Ave, Leura
Take a step back in time at Everglades House and Gardens in Leura. This heritage spot mixes beautiful European-style gardens with Australian bushland, creating a charming blend of history and nature. Kids will enjoy discovering secret paths, grottoes, and the quirky Art Deco house. The gardens are perfect for a bit of running around and soaking up the fresh mountain air.
Where to Eat:
- Leura Garage: This popular spot offers modern Australian cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s well-known for its creative dishes and casual dining.
- The Blue Mountains Café: a cosy setting, perfect for a casual bite or a quick coffee break.
- The Leura Bakehouse: ideal for a light lunch or snack, enjoy fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
- The Oakbrook Country Club: a lovely club for lunch – note the golf course onsite!
- The Old Leura Dairy: a unique setting with plenty of rustic charm – well worth a visit.
Blue Mountains Adventure Company
84A Bathurst Rd, Katoomba
For older families seeking a bit more adrenaline, the Blue Mountains Adventure Company offers a range of guided outdoor activities. From abseiling and rock climbing to canyoning, there’s something to excite kids and adults alike. The company ensures all safety measures are in place, making it a thrilling yet safe experience for everyone.
Where to Eat:
- Palette Dining: After a day of adventure, enjoy a meal at this Katoomba spot. They serve up modern Australian dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The laid-back vibe and kid-friendly menu make it a solid choice for families.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
30 Parke St, Katoomba
Located in Katoomba, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre is a hub of art, culture, and history. The centre features a range of exhibitions, workshops, and events that cater to all ages. The World Heritage Exhibition provides an interactive and educational look at the natural and cultural significance of the Blue Mountains. It’s a great way to wind down after a day of exploring.
Where to Eat:
- Cassiopeia Specialty Coffee: Located in the cultural centre, the café serves up gourmet coffees, teas, and light bites. It’s a great spot to relax and chat about your day’s adventures.
- Yellow Deli: a truly unique spot with an inviting rustic charm and warm, cosy atmosphere. Enjoy a hearty sandwich, fresh salad, or a delicious homemade pie among the charming, vintage décor.
- The Gingerbread House: A charming café offering a selection of cakes, coffee, and light meals, perfect for a relaxed snack or dessert.
Accommodation Options
Here are some options to fit different budgets and tastes, making sure families have a comfortable stay while exploring the Blue Mountains.
The Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains
1 Sublime Point Road, Leura
This resort features family-friendly amenities like an ice rink (wow!), a kids’ club, indoor and outdoor pools, and various dining options. It offers stunning views of the Jamison Valley and manicured gardens.
Lilianfels Resort & Spa
5-19 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba
This luxury accommodation features family suites, a heated outdoor pool, and proximity to the Three Sisters rock formation. It also offers kid-friendly dining options.
The Carrington Hotel
15-47 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
A historic hotel with family rooms, a central location, and easy access to local attractions. The hotel also provides a charming atmosphere and large, comfortable rooms.
Blue Mountains YHA
207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
A budget-friendly option with family rooms, a communal kitchen, and a relaxed environment. It’s conveniently located close to local attractions.
The Three Sisters Motel
196-198 Lurline Street, Katoomba
Offers family-friendly rooms, an outdoor pool, and a convenient location near the Three Sisters lookout.
Mountain Heritage Hotel
75-79 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba
Provides family accommodation with spacious rooms, an indoor heated pool, and beautiful views. It’s close to hiking trails and other attractions.
Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
3 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba
Features family-friendly suites and a beautiful setting overlooking the Jamison Valley. Offers dining options and easy access to nearby attractions.
Scenic World Skyway Accommodation
1 Violet Street, Katoomba
Located near Scenic World with family-friendly features including easy access to attractions and spacious rooms.
Shopping
There’s loads of great shopping in the Blue Mountains – here are our top picks!
Leura
- Leura Mall: A picturesque street lined with boutique stores, artisan shops, and charming cafés. It’s a must-visit for a relaxed shopping experience.
- The Leura Toy Shop: A delightful store offering a wide range of toys and games, perfect for finding gifts for kids or just browsing.
- The Leura Village Bookshop: A cosy bookstore with a great selection of books, including local authors and unique finds.
- The Old Leura Dairy: A charming store that combines a café with a shop selling vintage items, handmade crafts, and unique gifts.
Katoomba
- Katoomba Main Street: The main shopping area in Katoomba, offering a range of shops from local boutiques to souvenir stores.
- The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Shop: Located within the Cultural Centre, this shop features local arts and crafts, unique gifts, and items related to the Blue Mountains.
- The Little Shop of Chocolates: A delightful chocolate shop offering a variety of handmade chocolates and sweets.
- Katoomba Vintage & Collectables: A great spot for those interested in vintage items, antiques, and collectables.
Wentworth Falls
- The Vintage Emporium: A charming store offering a selection of vintage and retro items, including clothing, furniture, and collectables.
- The Mountain Whispers Gallery: Features local art, including paintings, jewellery, and handcrafted goods.
Blackheath
- The Blackheath Bookshop: A cosy bookstore with a good selection of books, including local and Australian authors.
- The Blackheath Creative: An arts and crafts shop featuring handmade goods from local artisans, including jewellery, pottery, and textiles.
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