Things to Do in the Blue Mountains with Kids (And Without, But Mostly With)
Look, I have been to the Blue Mountains before kids and after kids and I am going to be straight with you: it is better with them. There’s so many things to do in the Blue Mountains with kids, that you’d be crazy not to plan a weekend away with yout little ones.
Watching a two-year-old stand at the edge of Echo Point and genuinely lose her mind over the last rays of sunlight hitting the Three Sisters is a kind of joy that solo travel cannot replicate. She then immediately asked for a snack. On brand for her.
The Blue Mountains is one of the best day trips from Sydney, and in my completely biased opinion, one of the best weekend escape destinations in all of New South Wales. Within about two hours of Sydney’s CBD you have got dramatic cliff faces, eucalyptus valleys, cute mountain towns, and enough fresh air to tire out even the most wired toddler. We have tested this theory multiple times.
Whether you are planning a Blue Mountains day trip or stretching it into a long weekend, this guide covers everything: the big sights, the hidden gems, the kid-friendly walks, what to skip, and where to eat a really excellent pizza.
Are the Blue Mountains worth visiting with kids?
Yes. Full stop, no caveats, absolutely yes.
If you are anywhere near Sydney and wondering whether to make the trip, the Blue Mountains is the one day trip I would prioritise above everything else. The scale of the landscape is genuinely hard to prepare yourself for, and unlike a lot of must-see attractions, it pretty much always delivers.
Travelling with kids makes it even more of a yes, actually. There are easy lookouts right next to car parks (maximum view, minimum effort, we love to see it), a theme-park style attraction in Scenic World, and enough variety that you can tailor the day entirely around nap schedules and snack requirements if needed.
How to get to the Blue Mountains from Sydney
By Train
The train from Sydney Central to Katoomba takes around two hours and runs regularly. You can tap on and off with an Opal card, and honestly, with little kids the train is low-key great.
No car seat juggling, no parking panic, and my kids are inexplicably obsessed with trains so it is basically an activity in itself.
Once you are there, a Hop On/Hop Off bus makes it easy to get between the main sights.
By Car
The drive to the Blue Mountains takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Sydney depending on traffic, and gives you much more flexibility, especially for hitting the smaller towns and lookouts.
That said, parking at Echo Point on a weekend is exactly as chaotic as you would imagine, so build in some buffer time. With really young kids I would lean toward driving, purely because naps in the car are a gift from the universe.
The best things to do in the Blue Mountains with kids
See the Three Sisters at Echo Point
This is the iconic one, and it earns that status completely. The Three Sisters are three enormous sandstone rock pillars jutting out from the cliff face, and the view from Echo Point is one of those moments that properly stops you in your tracks.
Yes, it will be busy. Yes, there will be tour groups. Come at sunrise or late afternoon when the light goes that soft pink-gold and it is a completely different experience.
With kids: This is one of the easiest stops on the whole trip. The viewing area is flat, spacious, and right next to the car park. Toddlers can run around while you take your ten thousand photos. Highly recommend.
Ride Everything at Scenic World
Scenic World is the most expensive thing on this list, and also probably the best thing on this list if you are visiting with kids. Between the Scenic Railway (the world’s steepest passenger railway, apparently, which my children were VERY excited about), the cable car, the skyway, and the rainforest boardwalk, it basically functions as a nature-themed mini theme park.
The boardwalk often has themed installations too. They have done a Gruffalo trail and a Jurassic Park experience in recent years, which sounds exactly like something designed to make kids absolutely feral in the best way.
Worth the cost? With kids, yes. For adults yes too, depending how much you enjoy cable cars. The boardwalk is gorgeous regardless. Book the Discovery Pass (unlimited rides on everything for the whole day!) for Scenic World in advance as this often sells out. Children under 3 are free.
Walk to Katoomba Falls
The walk between Echo Point and Scenic World passes right by Katoomba Falls. After heavy rain, this amazing waterfall really thunders. We are talking full dramatic movie soundtrack energy which the kids will find deeply thrilling/slightly terrifying, which is honestly a great combo.
The full loop is about 2km and takes around an hour at a reasonable adult pace. Double that if someone needs carrying. Along the way, stop at Juliet’s Balcony to get a great view of the falls, the Three Sisters and the Scenic World Skyway all at once. Its a moment where you feel unreasonably smug about your bushwalking abilities.
Spot the Witch’s Face at Witches Leap
This one is genuinely fun with kids and costs absolutely nothing. Along the walking track between Echo Point and Scenic World, look closely at the rock face behind a small waterfall and you will spot what looks like a witch’s face carved into the stone.
Turn it into a mission (tell them you are looking for a secret face in the rocks) and suddenly the walk between lookouts becomes an adventure. You are welcome.
Watch Sunrise at Govetts Leap
Okay, I know, I know. Sunrise with kids. But hear me out.
Govetts Leap is one of the most spectacular lookouts in the entire Blue Mountains. The valley lights up in layers of orange and gold, and it is significantly less crowded than the Katoomba lookouts. The other thing? You can see the view straight from the car park. No bush bashing required.
If you are staying nearby, this is absolutely worth the early start. Even half-asleep kids in pyjamas will be quiet for about thirty seconds and that is worth something.
Walk the Leura Cascades to Bridal Veil Falls Lookout
One of my favourite walks in the whole area, and genuinely manageable with kids. The Leura Cascades are gentle, pretty, and feel a bit enchanted with all the mossy ferns around them. From there you can continue up to the cliff top to see Bridal Veil Falls, which at 180m is the highest waterfall in the Blue Mountains.
The walk is easy going and the scenery rewards the effort. If you are feeling ambitious you can continue all the way to Echo Point and do a nice stretch of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Pram-friendly? Partially. The cascades section has some paved paths but it gets rougher as you go. I would always recommend a carrier over a pram on walks in the Blue Mountains.
Explore the Jenolan Caves
About 90 minutes from Katoomba, the Jenolan Caves are one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural attractions and absolutely worth the detour if you are making a weekend of it. The drive in is part of the experience here: a narrow winding road through thick bush and rock that makes it feel otherworldly.
The standard guided cave tours are the go here with kids. The formations are ancient, the lighting is dramatic and at least one child is guaranteed to whisper “whoooooa” at some point, which is surely worth the ticket price. Children under 4 are free, which is an extra bonus in my book.
For the adults, who want to crawl through cave tunnels in an orange jumpsuit, there are adventure caving tours too. I did one of these back in my solo travel days and once I got over the claustrophobia, it was incredible.
I’ll get back there again one day. When both children can be trusted not to eat rocks.
Note: The Jenolan Caves are currently closed due to essential road repairs. They are estimated to reopen in the second half of 2026. More details here.
Marvel at Wentworth Falls
A beautiful, accessible waterfall with an easy walk along a babbling brook to reach it. The Darwin Walk is lovely, not very long, and the falls themselves are dramatic and photogenic without requiring a major expedition to get there.
After a big morning of lookouts and Scenic World rides, this is the kind of stop that feels resorative rather than effortful.
Check out my full Wentworth Falls guide for all the details.
Visit Hassans Walls for the Highest View in the Mountains
At 1,100m above sea level, this is the highest viewpoint in the Blue Mountains and offers sweeping panoramic views over the Hartley Valley that will make you feel very small in the best possible way. It is accessed from Lithgow via a dirt road, which sounds more intimidating than it is and the drive itself is genuinely lovely.
Older kids will think the exposed clifftop situation is excellent. For toddlers in that running-toward-danger phase, you will want to maintain a firm grip throughout your visit.
Stunning for photos, a good leg stretch, and the kind of view that makes you feel like a very small person in a very large world.
Step Back in Time at Historic Hartley Village
A proper change of pace from the lookout circuit, and honestly a great one to throw in when everyone needs a break from being amazed by the same view froma different angle.
Hartley Village is a preserved colonial settlement from the 1830s, which means sandstone buildings, rolling green hills, and the quiet is genuinely lovely after the bustle of Katoomba.
Walk up to the Tor (the boulders at the top of the hill behind the village) for views over the whole area. The kids will be mostly interested in climbing things and running down the hills which works perfectly here.
Take in a sunset at Lincoln’s Rock
Otherwise known as Flat Rock, this spot near Wentworth Falls is a perfect sunset viewing point that avoids the flocks of tourists that head to Echo Point.
Located off a dirt road at the end of Little Switzerland Drive, and provides epic views of the Jamison Valley and the Kings Tableland.
It’s west-facing, so the sun sets right in front of you and throws some gorgeous colours across the land.
Note: Lincoln’s Rock is temporarily closed as of 2026 due to safety concerns, so please avoid travelling there until it has re-opened and the site is safe.
Tackle part of the Six Foot Track
The epic three day hike from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves is a daunting notion. But from the Jenolan Caves, you can always try your hand at the first section of the Six Foot Track (and if you take the Jenolan Caves to Katoomba direction it is more downhill!).
If three days of trekking doesn’t appeal, then I suggest being a little adventurous and trying your hand at four wheel driving a portion of the bumpy track down to Cox’s River campground. It will be bouncy and rough, but a heap of fun!
Unique and hidden gems in the Blue Mountains
Done the Three Sisters, squeezed in a Scenic World ride (or three), snacked until full? Great. Now here is the part of the trip that makes you feel like a local.
Find the Mermaid’s Cave
This one feels like a proper little hidden world.
Tucked just off the road, the Mermaid’s Cave is a cool, mossy sandstone grotto with a tiny waterfall trickling into it. It’s peaceful, a bit magical, and often completely empty which feels rare in the Blue Mountains.
With kids: this is such a fun “secret spot” moment. Tell them you’re going cave hunting and suddenly everyone’s very invested. It’s definitely not pram friendly, so babies will need to be in a carrier to see this little grotto.
Cool Off at the Pool of Siloam
Hidden away near Leura, this peaceful little spot feels miles away from everything.
A short walk takes you to a small waterfall and shallow pool surrounded by lush greenery. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down for a minute (or at least until someone throws a rock in the water). There’s steps to descend and stepping stones to cross the river, so this one is best for older kids. I wouldn’t take my three year old down here, because we’d be conducting a water rescue within 5 minutes.
Perfect for: a quiet reset after busier stops.
Visit Minnehaha Falls
This is one of those places where you’ll wonder why it isn’t packed.
Minnehaha Falls has a beautiful swimming hole at the base and feels far more secluded than many of the main waterfalls in the area.
With kids: the walk down is a bit steep, so better for older kids or younger ones if you’re committed, carrying snacks… and aware you might also be carrying a child on the way back up.
Wander the Katoomba Street Art Walk
A quick but fun detour just off the main street in Katoomba.
This colourful laneway is filled with murals and graffiti art and makes a nice change from bushwalks and lookouts.
Mum tip: turn it into a mini game of “who can find the coolest mural?” and you’ve bought yourself at least 10 minutes of enthusiasm.
Take in the Views from Sublime Point
An easy-access lookout with big views and far fewer people than Echo Point.
You’ll get a slightly different angle of the valley (including the back of the Three Sisters), and it’s one of those spots where you can actually pause for a minute instead of shuffling through a crowd. The car park is usually half empty and the views are just a short walk from there.
With kids: very low effort, very high reward. Always a winning combo.
Take a walk on the Bowtells Swing Bridge
Part of the 3-day Six Foot Track walk, this one-person-at-a-time suspension bridge is perfect for thrill seekers. You’ll need a four wheel drive to get down to the bridge and the off-road driving is quite intense.
Because its a one-person at a time situation, this is a great Blue Mountains activity for kids that are school aged and older. My three year old would be terrified to be out alone on a swinging bridge!
Swinging over the Cox’s River and only accessible on foot, this Instagram-worthy spot will give you the perfect bridge photo!
Stop in at the Eco Lodge for a drink afterwards or take a picnic to the river.
Visiting the Blue Mountains with kids: practical stuff
Before we get into logistics, here is the honest summary: the Blue Mountains is one of the most surprisingly family-friendly destinations near Sydney. I say that as someone who has dragged two small children up and down these mountains more than once.
We’ve done it with young kids, and while you won’t be tackling hardcore hikes, there are still plenty of ways to explore without anyone melting down.
Best things to do in the Blue Mountains for kids (all ages):
- Scenic World: the hands down highlight for kids
- Easy walks like Leura Cascades
- Echo Point Lookout: Three Sisters views, flat and easy with massive wow factor
- Picnics with a view like Echo Point or Wentworth Falls
- Jenolan Caves standard cave tours: incredible for all ages
Mum tip: a lot of the best lookouts are right next to car parks, which means maximum view, minimal effort (we love to see it).
Best things to do in the Blue Mountains for older kids (5+)
- Grand Canyon walk: a beautiful 6km loop; not a small child situation
- Minnehaha Falls: steep descent but huge wow factor
- Mermaids Cave: doable with younger kids but in a carrier only
Pram-friendly options:
- Leura Cascades paths (partially)
- Echo Point lookout
- Scenic World boardwalk
Managing naps and snacks when on the go
A lot of the best lookouts are directly adjacent to car parks, which is a genuinely lovely thing when you have small children. If your kiddos sleep well in the car, then take a scenic drive through the mountain towns while they rest. If they’re more pram or carrier sleepers then consider a nice walk through the towns or at the lookouts where you can sit and enjoy the views in peace.
You can do Echo Point, Govetts Leap, and Sublime Point without anyone walking more than about 200 metres from the car. Pack a cooler, keep the snacks accessible, and the whole trip is a lot smoother.
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