From waterfalls and rainforest walks to quirky shops and cable car rides, this easy-going Katoomba itinerary is perfect for families wanting to explore the Blue Mountains without the rush. Whether you’re arriving in your own RV or car, or hiring one in Sydney, here’s how to enjoy five fun-filled days in and around Katoomba with kids.
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, and explore Katoomba Falls
Morning:
Pick up your RV in Sydney (we went with StarRV) and make your way to Katoomba. This sets the stage for a memorable Katoomba itinerary. It’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive, which is short enough to avoid too much complaining.
Afternoon:
Check in at Katoomba Tourist Park. We love this park for the location – it’s right across the road from the Night-Lit Walk. The Hop-On-Hop-Off Explorer bus stops here too. After settling in, take a short walk to Katoomba Falls. The Night-lit Walk is just across the road and great for stretching legs after travel. It’s beautifully illuminated in the evening. However, you’ll definitely need to wear pants and bring a warm jacket if it’s winter.
Dinner:
Head into town for a bite along Katoomba Street if you don’t feel like cooking. Casual pubs, retro diners, or cosy cafes – take your pick.
Day 2: Full day at Scenic World
Morning:
Start your day at Scenic World. Ride the Scenic Railway – the steepest passenger railway in the world. Explore the Scenic Walkway, an easy 2.4 km rainforest boardwalk that’s perfect for families.
Mid-Morning:
Join the Buunyal Aboriginal Cultural Tour (you’ll need to prebook this through Scenic World). This family-friendly tour offers storytelling, bush tucker education, and cultural insight led by Gundungurra guides. It’s a slower-paced experience with lots of learning moments, adding depth to your Katoomba itinerary.
Lunch:
Enjoy lunch at Scenic World’s café, where the views of the Jamison Valley are as good as the kids’ menu.
Afternoon:
Hop on the Scenic Cableway and Skyway for sweeping views of Katoomba Falls and the surrounding escarpment.
Evening:
Older kids (10+) will love the Beyond Skyway experience which involves standing on top of the Skyway cabin at sunset, fully harnessed. It’s a bucket-list family moment! We did this experience and LOVED it, but one of our kids was too young and the other didn’t quite hit the weight and height limit to go out on top. However, they still came out on the Skyway with us, they just happily stayed in the cabin with a staff member and a hot chocolate while we went up top.
Note: Pre-book both the Buunyal tour and Beyond Skyway in advance.
Day 3: The Three Sisters and Secret Bush Walks
Morning:
Jump on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus. It stops near the tourist park. Make your way to Echo Point Lookout. Take in views of the Three Sisters. If the kids are up for it, walk partway down the Three Sisters Track for a noteworthy Katoomba itinerary experience.
Afternoon:
Head to Lyrebird Dell for a quieter bushwalk. The trail to Pool of Siloam is peaceful and shaded. It leads to a small grotto, which is perfect for a picnic and a nature break.
Dinner:
Back in town, grab dinner at Station Bar (great pizza) if you want takeaway for a relaxed dinner back at camp.
Day 4: Leura, chocolate, and gardens
Morning:
Begin the day with hot chocolates and treats at the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company – yes, even for breakfast. It’s one of the stops on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Explorer Bus, enhancing your sugary Katoomba itinerary.
Late Morning:
Take the Explorer Bus or drive to Leura Village, known for its boutique shops and charming cafes.
Lunch:
Dine at one of Leura’s cosy cafés (try Red Door Café) or grab food to go and picnic at Leura Cascades.
Afternoon:
Explore Everglades Historic House and Gardens. The manicured gardens are great for kids to explore. Parents will love the views, adding to your picturesque Katoomba itinerary.
Evening:
Enjoy a quiet night or head into town for a final dinner. Avalon Restaurant is quirky and colourful – a fun option for a last-night treat.
Day 5: One last wander before heading home
Morning:
Start slow with breakfast at Cassiopeia Coffee or the Yellow Deli. Then, have one last poke around Katoomba Street’s quirky shops. Alternatively, return to Leura Mall for any missed treasures, wrapping up your vibrant Katoomba itinerary.
Late Morning:
Check out of the tourist park. Make your way home with full bellies and a phone full of family snaps.
Planning links
- Where to stay: Katoomba Tourist Park – great location and family-friendly.
- Getting around: The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus makes sightseeing with kids easier. Grab the three-day pass and start using it on day two or three.
- What to book in advance at Scenic World:
Frequently Asked Questions – Katoomba Itinerary
Four to five days is ideal. This Katoomba itinerary gives families enough time to explore Scenic World, the Three Sisters, Leura Village, and enjoy relaxed walks and activities without feeling rushed.
Yes, Katoomba is a great destination for families. Many attractions, like Scenic World and Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk, are stroller-friendly. There are also gentle bushwalks, picnic spots, and a fun Explorer Bus that takes the hassle out of getting around.
Katoomba is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and colourful scenery. Winter can be cold but magical (we went in Winter), especially with the misty mountains and cosy cafes. Pack warm clothes if visiting in winter.
Yes, especially during weekends or school holidays. For this Katoomba itinerary, it’s also recommended to pre-book the Buunyal Aboriginal Cultural Tour and Beyond Skyway experience to avoid missing out.
Absolutely. You can stay in local accommodation (like cabins at Katoomba Tourist Park) and use your own car or the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus to get around.
Yes! Echo Point Lookout, the Three Sisters, Leura Cascades, the Pool of Siloam bushwalk, and the Night-lit Walk at Katoomba Falls are all free and family-friendly.
Yes, it’s ideal for this Katoomba itinerary. It allows you to hop on and off at major attractions, which makes planning the day easy and reduces the need to constantly park and drive.
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