Things to do in the Blue Mountains for Adventurous Families
- All Ages
Family
The Blue Mountains are the perfect spot for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. It’s only 90 minutes from the city and offers so many fantastic activities for the whole family.
Here are 12 of our favourite things to do in the Blue Mountains.
Things to do in the Blue Mountains for Adventurous Families
1. Visit Scenic World
There are four awesome attractions at Scenic World in Katoomba, and each one offers thrills, breathtaking views, and so much fun for the kids (and kids at heart!).
Related: The Best Value Scenic World Pass
Get an adrenaline rush on the Scenic Railway, glide up and down the mountain on the Scenic Cableway, stand on the transparent floor of the Scenic Skyway as it travels across a 720-metre-long chasm, and meander along the Scenic Walkway through the fascinating ancient rainforest.
Location: Cliff Dr, Katoomba
2. Blue Mountains Tour With Featherdale Wildlife Park Entry
Discover the majestic Blue Mountains and meet Australia's native wildlife on this comprehensive tour. Enjoy the stunning landscapes and rock formations that make the Blue Mountains famous, and then get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, and more at Featherdale Wildlife Park. It's a perfect blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters for an unforgettable Australian adventure.
Related: View the Blue Mountains Tour With Featherdale Wildlife Park Entry Deal
Location: Tour picks up from Central Station, Circular Quay and Sydney Town Hall locations
3. Blue Mountains Army Truck Explorer - 3 Hours (Not suitable for kids under 8y/o)
Experience the rugged terrain of the Blue Mountains in a unique and thrilling way aboard an Army Truck. This 3-hour explorer tour takes you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and spectacular views that are inaccessible to most. It's an adventure-packed journey that's perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush amidst nature's grandeur. Note: This tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old
View Blue Mountains Army Truck Explorer Deal
Location: 33 Echo Point Rd, Katoomba
4. Stay at the Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains
If you're planning on staying in the Blue Mountains overnight, book your stay at the super family-friendly Fairmont Resort and Spa.
One of the best things about visiting the luxurious Fairmont Resort and Spa near Leura with kids is that you never have to leave. There are so many fun-tastic activities within the resort that children could stay there for weeks without getting bored. There are two action-packed playrooms, a train, a merry-go-round, a cinema, tenpin bowling, a heated swimming pool and an epic garden maze.
The Fairmont Resort & Spa certainly gets our vote of one of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains. Read our ellaslist review here.
Location: 1 Sublime Point Rd, Leura
RELATED:
The Best Weekend Getaways in NSW
5. Visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mt Tomah
The gorgeous Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is the perfect spot for little legs to run free, and the incredible views of the mountains and the ornamental gardens are just so pretty! The kids will love the variety of colourful flowers, the rock gardens, fountains and little creatures (you may be lucky to spot a frog or a lizard sunning itself).
Entry is free, and the paths are mostly pram accessible. There is also a cafe, toilets, gardening shop and BBQ area on site.
Location: Bells Line of Rd, Mount Tomah
6. Go Waterfall Hunting at the Leura Cascades
If you're up for a bit of a walk with a very rewarding view, head to the Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit in Katoomba, one of our favourite things to do in the Blue Mountains.
The moderately challenging walk is highly recommended for outdoorsy families and offers spectacular views of the Jamison Valley and plenty of waterfall spotting to excite the little ones.
The looped track is nearly four kilometres and should take around three hours to complete.
Location: Leura Cascades picnic area along Cliff Drive, Katoomba
7. Go on a High and Wild Blue Mountains Adventure Tour
Is your family a little on the wild side? We found just the ticket for adventure in a safe environment.
High and Wild Blue Mountains Adventure Tours has been operating in Katoomba for over 30 years and will whisk you away for a fun-filled day the whole family will never forget.
With canyoning, abseiling, rock climbing and bush survival adventures, there's something for all levels of action. If you've ever wanted to try something a little daring with the kids, High and Wild Blue Mountains is the place to do it!
Location: 207 Katoomba St, Katoomba
8. Wander Through Mayfield Gardens
You can't have a list of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains and not include the incredible Mayfield Garden.
Arguably one of the most incredible gardens in Sydney, Mayfield Garden is 65 hectares of rolling lawns, stunning flowers, waterfalls, one of the largest mazes in Australia, picturesque lakes, ornamental gardens and more.
Mayfield Garden is split into two gardens (Mayfield Garden and the Hawkins’ Family Garden), both of which are not open all year round, so make sure you check the Mayfield website before visiting. It's also worthwhile checking Mayfield Garden's events calendar as they hold four seasonal festivals throughout the year, and you won't want to miss these!
Location: 530 Mayfield Rd, Oberon
9. Go Deep Underground at the Jenolan Caves
Unfortunately, the Jenolan Caves are closed until 2026 due to road damage.
The magnificent Jenolan Caves are a veritable wonder of nature, and it’s definitely worth the three-hour drive to Katoomba to see them.
There are more than 300 documented caves in the Jenolan Caves, but only 11 caves are accessible to the public via a guided tour. The best Jenolan Caves to tour with kids are the Imperial or the Chifley. If you have little ones under four, then pick the Imperial Cave, as it's the easiest of the Jenolan Caves to navigate. For older kids, you may want to consider caves such as the Orient, The Rover Cave or the Temple of Baal.
Make sure you check on current conditions in the Jenolan Caves before visiting and to book your tour tickets.
Location: 4655 Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan
We've got more kid-friendly caves near Sydney to add to your list!
10. Adventure Into the Dark on the Blue Mountains Night Walk
Also called the Katoomba Falls Reserve Night Walk, the Blue Mountains Night Walk is the newest Blue Mountains bushwalking track with a massive difference - it's only open at night!
The Night Walk has been designed to showcase the Blue Mountains in a totally different light (literally!) to highlight the area's natural landscapes, such as Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, Katoomba Falls, Katoomba Cascades, and even the glamorous Three Sisters from certain vantage points.
Location: 102B Cliff Dr, Katoomba
11. Grab a Bite to Eat
Your list of things to do in the Blue Mountains won't be complete without a delicious pitstop! The Blue Mountains is full of kid-friendly eateries, but these are some of our favourites:
Vising the magical Sorensen's Glasshouse will make you feel as though you've stepped right into a fairytale!
Located in the picturesque Blue Mountains National Park, Sorensen's Glasshouse offers tranquil surroundings along with fresh and delicious foods, locally-ground coffees, flowers, and gifts.
Location: 8 Herbert St, Leura
Pie lovers should not miss an opportunity to try a decadent pie from the famous Mountain High Pies.
Located in Wentworth Falls, Mountain High Pies have a wide selection of pies on offer, and they're all baked fresh daily - yum!
Location: 293 Great Western Hwy, Wentworth Falls
This is a traditional Italian pizzeria with an extensive menu featuring both pizza and pasta and other Italian specialties.
The kids each got a ball of dough and a mini rolling pin, and they were invited to roll out their dough. They had lots of fun moulding the dough into different shapes. Once they had finished, the dough was baked in the wood-fired pizza oven and given to them as we left. What fun!
Location: 48 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Picnic at Wentworth Falls Lake
Wentworth Falls Lake offers something for the whole family, including picnic and BBQ facilities, safe swimming, shelter and a children’s playground. The kids will love the wild ducks on the lake. It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch and quiet time to enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
And finally, don’t forget The Candy Store in Leura. This is an old-world style lolly shop with a huge range of local and international treats. Hold onto your kids – there’s a serious sugar high ahead!
Location: Shop 6/178 Leura Mall, Leura
12. Indulge in a Blue Mountains High Tea
If you really want to crank the decadence factor up a few notches, spoil the kids with a Blue Mountains high tea service!
The Blue Mountains is loaded with scrumptious high tea services for families or for a romantic day out for two!
Time to Visit Western Sydney?
Parramatta River: 10 Must-see Attractions
A Brand-new Parramatta Aquatic Centre is on its Way
10 Awesome Things to do in Penrith
Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!
Reviews