NSW Family Sunday Drives: Upper Blue Mountains

Looking for the best family day trip from Sydney? A scenic drive to the Blue Mountains is the perfect way to enjoy screen-free fun, fresh air, and unforgettable views. Just 1–2 hours from the city, the Blue Mountains offer a wealth of kid-friendly attractions, charming mountain towns, bushwalks, waterfalls, and panoramic lookouts—ideal for a relaxing family weekend getaway or a Sunday drive with the kids.

Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teens, this region is packed with things to do that don’t involve screens, from nature walks to local treats. We’ve rounded up the best stops in the Upper Blue Mountains—from Wentworth Falls to Mount Victoria—for a fun and easy Sydney road trip the whole family will love.

NSW Family Sunday Drives: Upper Blue Mountains

Why We Love It

We love the bountiful natural experience that the breathtaking Upper Blue Mountains offers families, from the notable Three Sisters in Katoomba to the hidden gems off the beaten path, like Wentworth Falls Lake. 

Visit in autumn to experience the magic of the deciduous trees erupting into blazing shades of red, orange and gold. Visit in spring or summer and go on a nature adventure to a waterfall.

The villages in the region have plenty of shops with a laid-back rustic appeal and regular markets with a mountain country vibe that’s a refreshing change of scenery from the urban jungle we are accustomed to.

Things To Do in the Upper Blue Mountains

Explore

It goes without saying that the Three Sisters are the pride of the Blue Mountains. Their colour changes with the rise and fall of the sun – worth seeing at any time of day. The Three Sisters are floodlit until 11 pm at night, creating a striking image against the night sky. Echo Point (the viewing spot of the Three Sisters) is used by tourists and there are plenty of places to stop for a sandwich or grab an ice cream.

If you’ve got kids who love a bit of walking, then Scenic World in Katoomba is a must-do. Get the family pass if you’ve got two or more children and spend a few hours exploring and going on the Cableway, Skyway or Railway rides. Once at the bottom, the 2.4km elevated boardwalk Scenic Walkway is an experience of tranquillity under an ancient rainforest canopy. 

The cool-climate Mayfield Garden spans 15 hectares and is another must-do. From the Water Garden, The Valley of the Five Ponds and The Grotto (a cascading waterfall you can walk behind!), to interactive garden games like Chess, you could easily spend the day making your way through Mayfield. 

Bushwalks

If you have older kids and prefer a real bushwalk adventure, try the one-hour return Conservation Hut to Empress Falls walk. The trail begins at the Conservation Hut Cafe, where you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the Jamison Valley. 

Relax

Wentworth Falls Lake is a gorgeous hidden gem that sits along Sinclair Crescent, just a 12-minute walk from Wentworth Falls train station. The lake is home to plenty of native wildlife and fish, which we know the kids will be absolutely delighted to discover – from water bugs like freshwater crayfish, freshwater shrimp, to dragonfly nymphs.

The children’s play areas along the lakeside caters for big kids and the littlies with a dedicated adorable pirate ship play structure. The lake is also a popular picnic spot with tables and BBQ facilities.

Meander

Held on the second Sunday of the month at the Blackheath Community Centre, the Blackheath Growers Markets are a fantastic spot to rub shoulders with the local community and savour the delightful produce from this fertile region.

ellaslist loves the sensory experience that any farmers market provides for the kids, so Blackheath Growers Markets is not one to disappoint! Start the day with a traditional country-style egg and bacon roll, then work your way through the market, breathing in the colours, textures and flavours of grain-fed meats, organic produce and cheese.

Places To Eat

The Hydro Majestic is a well-known gem of the Blue Mountains, and for good reason. Located in the township of Medlow Bath, high tea is served in the Wintergarden dining room between 11 am to 5 pm daily, with spectacular panoramic views over the Megalong Valley, and a stunning high tea offering that caters wonderfully to kids.

For something less luxurious, Bakery Patisserie Schwarz in Wentworth Falls is a quaint little bakery perfect for ordering some nibbles for a picnic at the nearby Wentworth Falls Lake, or for just having a quick bite in between adventures.

Accommodation

If you’re planning on making the Upper Blue Mountains a weekender, there are plenty of options. If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel, look no further than the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains in the picturesque Leura, complete with a garden maze and a hop-on kids train! 

More Family Holiday Ideas 

Escape to the Countryside: Sydney's Best Farm Stays
The Prettiest Beach Towns in NSW
Why Naru Beach is Lake Macquarie's Hidden Gem

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