A weekend in the Blue Mountains

There is so much to do if you’re enjoying a weekend in the Blue Mountains. There are plenty of hidden gems scattered around. Some of these are even child friendly.

Since arriving in Sydney 3 years ago we’ve spent the odd weekend in the Blue Mountains and each time we discover something new.

In this post, we’ll share some of our top finds including accommodation, restaurants and sights. I’ve also included a spot to stop off on your way from Sydney to the mountains.

This post is confined to the areas of Katoomba and Leura and what we love doing when we spend a weekend in the Blue Mountains.

A weekend in the Blue Mountains

What is the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a mountain range in New South Wales, 2 hours North West of Sydney.

There are debates about why it’s called the Blue Mountains.

The official website of the Blue Mountains explains the name as follows:

The atmosphere is filled with finely dispersed droplets of oil, which, in combination with dust particles and water vapour, scatter short-wave length rays of light which are predominantly blue in colour.

I have heard that being disputed though. My poor kids were looking for pointy blue mountains and couldn’t understand why we never found them.

The Blue Mountains is one of the most picturesque places within 2 hours of Sydney. The mountain range is accompanied by waterfalls, lakes, forests and even caves.

There are a number of little towns that make up the Blue Mountains but in my mind the two that are the most prominent are Katoomba and Leura. They are within the area called the Upper Blue Mountains and are probably where you should aim for on your first visit.

A weekend in the Blue Mountains – where to stay

We’ve stayed in an Airbnb before and it was as lovely. Make sure if you’re looking to stay in any time of year other than summer that your accommodation has heating. This part of the world can get cold, especially in comparison to Sydney.

This last visit we did in Spring we stayed at the Fairmont. Boy is it magic. If you’ve got kids, look no further than the Fairmont. It is perfect for kids and families with so much entertainment in the resort you need not actually leave it. You can read all about it by clicking on the Fairmont Leura post here.

If you’re not interested in either of the above, there are a number of smaller hotels in the area. I would check on Groupon beforehand to see if you can get any good deals beforehand.

A weekend in the Blue Mountains – where to eat

There are a surprising number of restaurants and cafes in the Blue Mountains. Especially in Leura and Katoomba. And we have tried out quiet a few of these and have found some awesome spots over the years.

Breakfast

I’m yet to find a great breakfast place other than the buffet breakfast at the Fairmont. There is everything you need at that breakfast bar!! From making your own juice to pancakes or vittoria coffee. Even thinking of that breakfast makes me a happy person!

Lunch

I’ve eaten at a few restaurants in the Blue Mountains for lunch and never quite enjoyed the food.

For lunch, you’d be best suited to take a picnic and enjoy one of the awesome picnic spots near the look out points.

I haven’t tried it yet but read a whole lot about Leura Garage. Maybe it’s one we should try next time.

If you’re looking for a lunch spot on your way out of the Blue Mountains then rather try Glenbrook. I’ve added a note about it at the end of this post.

If you’re looking for dinner there are three places in Katoomba that are great.

Our old favourite is Rene’s pizza in Katoomba. Its small but cosy and the pizza and pasta is awesome. This is my husband’s favourite pizza place. You can read our review all about it here.
Aunty Jacks which I am yet to review. It’s got the craziest vibe with matching decor. I’ve been meaning to review Aunty Jacks for ages because it really is such a cool spot but haven’t got there yet. If you’re thinking about visiting, just reach out to me and I’ll give you some more information.
A new great spot we have found is Pappadinos. Also an Italian restaurant. They let the little kids have their own dough and they get to play with it and roll it out and then it gets baked for them to eat after their meal. A great way to keep the kids entertained.

A weekend in the Blue Mountains – what to do

Aside from just taking in the fresh air, there are actually quite a few things to do in the Blue Mountains. The region stretches through a few towns and each has its own attraction. From the walks and waterfalls near Katoomba and Leura to the Jeonolan Caves further up North and the Mt Tomah Botanical Garden.

Scenic World – an absolute must!

If you’ve never been up to the Blue Mountains you have to head off to Scenic World. It’s an absolute must. This is the best way to see the Blue Mountains and get a basic feel for it. I believe it’s so integral that I’ve written quite a few posts on the topic. The most recent is the above link.

Trains, trains, trains

One of my favourite things to do with the kids is to visit the trains at the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot. The kids can ride on an old train with a dressed up ticket master and conductor. They can also climb into a whole bunch of old trains that have been beautifully preserved.

Walks and Look Outs

There are also so many fantastic walks to do, through the forests, to waterfalls and lookouts. It’s really a beautiful place. The below picture was taken from Cliff View Look Out.

Famously Echo Point Lookout is the best spot to take in the Three Sisters. You can walk there from Scenic World’s Skyway or drive there and enjoy a drink at one of the restaurants or pubs nearby.

The problem with Echo Point Lookout is that it does get quiet crowded so another alternative which is Sublime Point Look Out. It’s a short walk from the car park at the end of Sublime Point road.

An easy walk that will still get your heart pumping is Princess Rock walking track. It is one of the best spots to see the Wentworth Falls. It is a 1km walk starting at the picnic area on Sir H Burrel Drive. While little kids can do it, it will take a bit more time. Also, I would avoid going if its super hot.

Playgrounds

After my kids have been in the car for any portion of time, they need to get out and run. Thankfully, I’ve found a spot with two playgrounds within a few 100m of each other in Wentworth Falls (the town, not the waterfalls). If you head to Wentworth Falls Lake you will find a car park next to a playground. A two minute walk on from that you will find a second playground structure – the pirate ship pictured below. The address for Wentworth Falls Lake is Sinclair Crescent.

Another good playground, apparently because I have not been there myself, is the Bert Hinkler Park. It’s not as big but it’s sweet as it has an old school metal aeroplane for the kids to climb into. This playground is in Katoomba itself at Corner Katoomba and Warialda Streets.

The other option for toddlers is the little play structure at the Gingerbread House. The Gingerbread house is a cafe stocked with sweets and treats.

Where to stop on the way to the Blue Mountains

Glenbrook

I’ve just discovered this cool little spot on the way to the Blue Mountains – its a cafe in Glenbrook. 2773 Cafe at 19 Ross Street, Glenbrook, 2773 is where you want to go with the kids. It’s got great food, space for the kids to have a run, a cubby house and some ducks.

If you can phone ahead a book a table for brunch or lunch. I don’t think you would be disappointed.

Penrith

Just at the base of the Blue Mountains lies Penrith and it has so many things to do. If you’re leaving the Blue Mountains early on a Sunday, see if you can fit a cruise on the Nepean Belle, the kids will just love it. Or, you could pop in to the Museum of Fire for a short visit.

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