The Blue Mountains, just a short drive from Sydney, is the perfect escape when you are near Sydney! It is a stunning natural wonderland, perfect for everybody who loves nature and hikes. We truly loved spending some time here as these mountains have many things to over, like beautiful views, breathtaking walks, hidden waterfalls, and amazing rock formations!
If you are going to visit the Blue Mountains with kids, this 5 day trip is great for families with kids! It has the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation as it is packed with just 1 main activity per day – ideal for travelling families.
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About the Blue Moutains
It’s amazing to think that just two hours from Sydney lies the vast and breathtaking landscape of the Blue Mountains. This stunning region, with its lush green hills and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see, offers a natural paradise on the edge of a bustling metropolis.
The unique blue haze
The area is famously enveloped in a mysterious blue haze, created by the essential oils released from the thousands of eucalyptus trees. This natural phenomenon gives the Blue Mountains its name and a sense of magic.
A rich indigenous history
Like much of Australia, the Blue Mountains were first inhabited by Aboriginal Australians. Two Indigenous tribes still maintain a presence in the area today, keeping their deep cultural connections alive.
European discovery and settlement
The Blue Mountains remained largely untouched by European settlers until the early 1800s. Initially considered impenetrable, they were eventually explored and colonized. The discovery of gold, and later coal, transformed the region into a bustling hub. Thankfully, much of the natural beauty has been preserved, allowing us to experience this stunning wilderness today.
Where to stay when visiting the Blue Mountains
The best advice we can give you is to consider camping in the Blue Mountains. Why? Because only then you will connect with nature, the birds and all the special animals. You might spot a wombat as well!
Many campsites here are free, and staying in nature is a wonderful way to fully immerse in this magical area.
We camped at Old Ford Reserve, a peaceful spot in nature. It does not have any facilities apart from basic toilets. So you will have to bring your own water. The biggest perk is the lovely creek nearby, where you can unwind, splash, and cool off after a day of exploration. It’s perfect for the kids to play and recharge after the day.
Tip: Bring along some firewood and enjoy a campfire every evening! Kids love it. 😉
You’ll be rewarded with a calm, beautiful spot and some great conversations.
And by the way, don’t forget the marshmallows!
Day 1: The Grand Canyon Walk at Blue Mountains
We kick of the adventure with one of the most favourite hikes in the Blue Mountains: The Grand Canyon Walk. This 3.5-hour loop takes you through a lush canyon, complete with beautiful waterfalls, towering cliffs, and deep valleys that seem to transport you to another world. We did this hike in a slow pace, had many short breaks and one longer lunchbreak. All together, we completed the hike in 4 hours with our kids.
The descent into the canyon is thrilling for all, with narrow steps and enclosed rock sections that make the trail feel like a natural playground. Pack plenty of water and snacks, take your time on the way down, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Tip when doing the Grand Canyon Walk: It is best to do this hike counterclockwise; you will then be rewarded with an amazing view at the end!
Day 2: The Three Sisters Walk at Blue Mountains
A trip to the Blue Mountains wouldn’t be complete without seeing the famous Three Sisters rock formation. After a longer hike on the first day, we will take things easier and meet the sisters for the first time.
The 1 km walk along the Three Sisters path to Echo Point will bring you up-close to these ancient sandstone peaks. You can also descend the Giant Stairway for a closer look if your family is up for a bit of a climb, but this one is intense! Kids will enjoy the story behind the Three Sisters, an Aboriginal legend that adds a layer of magic to the experience.
The story behind the name "Three Sisters'
According to the story, three sisters named Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo, belonging to the Katoomba tribe, fell in love with three brothers from a neighboring tribe. However, marriage between the tribes was forbidden. The brothers tried to capture the sisters by force, sparking a battle. To protect the sisters, a tribal elder turned them to stone using a powerful spell. Unfortunately, he was killed in the fight, leaving the sisters permanently petrified as stone, standing together on the cliff edge to this day.
Tip: Get there early in the morning or closer to sunset to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery in a softer light, which makes for beautiful family photos.
Day 3: Undercliff-Overcliff Track at Blue Mountains
On your third day, take the scenic Undercliff-Overcliff Track. This loop, which is around 3.5 km, offers a relatively easy walk with expansive views of the Jamison Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass under rock overhangs and cliffs, with lookout points that will have the whole family stopping in awe.
The Undercliff section feels like a magical tunnel, with birdsong echoing and plants framing the trail.
Tip: Bring binoculars to spot local birdlife and soak in those incredible Blue Mountains views! Kids love spotting wildflowers and unusual rock formations.
Day 4: Scenic World and Dinosaur Valley
Scenic World is an absolute hit with families, offering unforgettable experiences like the Scenic Railway (the steepest passenger railway in the world!) and the Scenic Skyway. The Scenic Walkway, a 2.4 km boardwalk, weaves through ancient rainforest and gives a different perspective of the natural beauty.
The seasonal Dinosaur Valley display will thrill the kids with life-size dinosaur models, making them feel as if they’ve stepped back in time. When taking the Skyway, you will also meet the Three Siters again from a different angle, which is also pretty cool!
Tip: Be sure to book tickets in advance and plan to spend a few hours here. With the train rides, dinosaur surprises, and sweeping views, it’s an exciting day that the kids will talk about long after!
Day 5: Hanging Rock at Blue Mountains
End your Blue Mountains adventure with cherry on the cake, which is the visit to the amazing Hanging Rock! A dramatic cliff that seems to hover over the valley. Our kids truly loved it, but the truth is that at the end it is kind of scary, and we will explain why.
It is an easy hike which goes forward and back and is not very impressive at all. However, the view from the top is jaw-dropping! There are several points along the way to stop and appreciate the view, so take breaks as needed. This spot may be better suited for families with older kids, as the drop is significant, and younger kids should be closely supervised.
Also, because if you really want to walk on top of the hanging rock (which is possible), you will have to jump on it and the drop is very serious! It might seem easy, but we did not dare to let our twins of seven take this jump. Only Ruben took the jump and made some amazing pictures and video’s. 😊
Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the views without jumping on the Hanging Rock itself and we think these views where the best of everything that the Blue Mountains have to offer! Definitely worth the visit.
Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy once you reach the top. The serenity and views make for a memorable family meal in nature.
Final Thoughts about this trip
This 5-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, letting your family explore the best of the Blue Mountains at a pace that’s easy for everyone. The mix of thrilling walks, family-friendly attractions, and natural beauty will leave lasting memories and inspire a love for nature in kids. Enjoy each moment, embrace the slower pace, and let the wonders of the Blue Mountains bring your family closer together!