A handy guide to the Blue Mountains with kids
Blue Mountains
Explore the Blue Mountains with your family
The Blue Mountains may be close to Sydney, but the region is a world away in landscape and attractions. Famous as the home of The Three Sisters (at Echo Point) and Jenolan Caves, this area boasts sensational scenic delights that make it a true nature playground for families – wilderness, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, and tablelands and with beautiful historic villages dotted along the route.
Towns such as Katoomba and Leura offer dozens of cosy weekend getaways. Take the family on a ‘digital detox’ holiday exploring the great outdoors of New South Wales in the beautiful Blue Mountains!
Story of the month
All aboard at the Fairmont Resort
Luxury and family-friendly don’t always mix—but this property has nailed it, with everything from miniature train rides around the grounds to a merry-go-round and indoor playrooms.
All Blue Mountains Stories
Blue Mountains highlights
Your Blue Mountains family holiday guide
The Greater Blue Mountains Drive links spectacular world heritage-landscape to surrounding regions. Branching off are 18 discovery trails taking you into the mountains and valleys, national parks and regional attractions.
Hop on the double-decker Blue Mountains Explorer Bus to explore at your own pace. It covers 29 stops, from major attractions to hidden gems the day tours miss.
We love staying in Blackheath, Wentworth Falls and Leura. These towns have plenty of bushwalks, and lovely little villages to explore. Check out the huge antique shop at Blackheath, with an adjoining café that does a good Eggs Benedict.
Try the fresh bread from the Wentworth Falls bakery, before ducking in to the second hand book store. Browse the boutiques on Leura’s main strip, before making the unmissable pit stop to the Leura Lolly Shop.
Check out the Blue Mountains events calendar before you go. It’s jam-packed with events like the annual Rhododendron Festival in Blackheath. The Winter Magic Festival in Katoomba in June is also popular. Older families should check out the Sport for Jove Shakespeare Festival which happens every summer in Leura.
Family accommodation in the Blue Mountains
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, MGallery
If you’re planning a family getaway, check out the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection. This awesome hotel has tons of fun family activities and spaces. The owner, Jerry Schwartz, actually designed everything with his own young family in mind, so you can rest assured that your kids will have a blast while you relax and enjoy your holiday.
YHA Blue Mountains (Katoomba)
Located in a historic building, YHA Blue Mountains offers a cosy atmosphere in the heart of Katoomba. A fantastic budget choice for families, the property includes access to a self-catering kitchen and communal areas, including pool table, foosball and arcade games. Ensuite family rooms sleep up to five guests. Relax by the log fire at the YHA while the kids play with other children in the huge communal area (games and toys available for use).
Self-contained holiday rentals
You can rent a self-contained cottage in any of the Blue Mountains’ towns and villages. Lots of properties in the Blue Mountains are weekenders. You can rent them on online platforms such as Stayz.
Blue Mountains Holiday Parks
Caravan parks and cabins are also good choices, like the Katoomba Falls Tourist Park, Jenolan Holiday Park and Blackheath Tourist Park.
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Opening image: Evans Lookout across Grose Valley Blue Mountains. © Destination NSW
Content Contributors
Angela Saurine
“While much of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area was burnt in the 2019-20 bushfires, it’s now looking as fantastic as ever, with bushland regenerated and wildlife returned.”
Elisa Elwin
“The Blue Mountains were always my go-to for bushwalking adventures and family day trips. You can enter the national park for free! There are hundreds of bush trails for all ages.”