Where to stay in the Blue Mountains

You could, of course, tick off many of the main attractions on a packed Blue Mountains day trip. But to fully appreciate the region — from the charming towns to the natural wonders — you need more time, which is why planning a proper stay is a great idea.

When deciding where to stay in the Blue Mountains, you should focus on its four main towns: Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath (ordered from east to west). After all, most of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains (9 out of 10, to be exact) are in or near these towns. Plus, as they sit close to each other along the Great Western Highway, you can easily hop between them.

The bottom line: Any of these towns makes a handy base. That said, each comes with its own pros and cons. So, let’s take a closer look at exactly where you should stay in the Blue Mountains.

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Wentworth Falls

Just a 1.5-hour drive west of Sydney, the town of Wentworth Falls, named after its most prominent waterfall, offers quintessential Blue Mountains scenery without any distractions. It’s a great place to stay, especially for hiking-focused visitors.

Directly connecting the small town centre with Blue Mountains National Park is the scenic 2.4-km (one way) Charles Darwin Walk. Along Jamison Creek, with views of rock pools and cascades, it traces the route the naturalist himself took in 1836.

You can also access the national park through Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, with nearby Jamison Lookout and Wentworth Falls Lookout providing clifftop vistas. From the latter, the 1-hour Wentworth Falls Track leads down to the very top of the town’s namesake waterfall. Linking trails, including the National Pass, Undercliff-Overcliff and Wentworth Pass, make it easy to build on that.

For a meal with a fantastic view, head to the Conservation Hut café, overlooking the Jamison Valley. It also marks the start of the Valley of the Waters Track, which steeply descends to the picturesque Empress Falls (an abseiling hotspot) and Sylvia Falls.

You won’t find a big selection of accommodation or dining here, though. A short drive away, neighbouring Leura and Katoomba offer many more options.

Sleeping in Wentworth Falls

Falls Mountain Retreat

Choose from smaller loft suites and bigger self-contained apartment suites set just a 10-minute walk from Wentworth Falls Lookout. The hydrotherapy spa baths come in extra handy after a day of tramping.

Valley of the Waters B&B

This bed and breakfast is perfectly located for hiking lovers, within a stone’s throw of Conservation Hut and the adjoining trail system. You might think that the very best view is from your own room, though.

Leura

Leura has picture-perfect, tree-lined streets and a bubbling town centre. That makes it a great base for travellers who want both easy access to nature and plenty to do beyond the trails.

The town’s heart is Leura Mall, home to boutique shops, cafés and restaurants. Ambling around is always pleasant here, but perhaps most so in autumn, when the leaves turn orange and red.

For great Blue Mountains views without leaving town, visit the historic Everglades House and Gardens. It boasts Art Deco features and terraced gardens beautifully set against the Jamison Valley.

Much more nature awaits along the iconic 7-km (one-way) Prince Henry Cliff Walk, featuring over 20 lookouts. It runs between Gordon Falls Reserve in Leura and Katoomba Cascades, via Leura Cascades and the Three Sisters.

Also consider visiting the appropriately named Sublime Point. It sits a short drive outside town, providing far-reaching views of ridges and valleys, as well as picnic tables.

Leura certainly is charming — but not necessarily budget-friendly. You might notice that your hard-earned dollars last longer if you opt for one of the nearby towns.

Sleeping in Leura

Bethany Manor B&B

Tranquillity characterises Bethany Manor Bed & Breakfast, with only four rooms and a park-like garden. The plentiful breakfast makes every bushwalk feel possible.

Leura House

Surrounded by a leafy garden, the heritage-listed Leura House oozes old-world charm. Dating back to the 1880s, it is, in fact, the very oldest house in town.

Leisure Inn Spires

With Leura Mall on the doorstep, these comfy studios and self-contained apartments make exploring town on foot effortless.

Katoomba

The biggest town in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba feels more like a small mountain city than a village. With the Three Sisters and Scenic World in its backyard, it’s arguably the most practical base in the Blue Mountains.

A diverse mix of eateries, bookshops, vintage clothing stores and galleries cluster along the lively Katoomba Street, with street art adding character. But the most typical drink for the Blue Mountains can be had on the town’s outskirts — a hot chocolate at the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company.

The Three Sisters, The Blue Mountains’ number-one landmark, can easily be enjoyed from Echo Point Lookout. You can add to that in various ways: the Prince Henry Cliff Walk offers elevated vistas, while the Giant Stairway steeply leads down to the bottom of the valley.

If you want to immerse yourself in the big landscape without making a big hike, the purpose-built Scenic World is for you. Visitors can effortlessly marvel at the Jamison Valley from above with the skyway and explore the valley floor by taking the cableway or railway, claimed to be the world’s steepest.

The downside with Katoomba? It gets busy — very busy. Everyone — including you, for good reasons — wants at least a brief stop here.

Sleeping in Katoomba

Echoes Boutique Hotel

Only steps from the Three Sisters, true luxury awaits at the adults-only Echoes Boutique Hotel, complete with a rooftop bar and restaurant. While the price point is high, the views of the Jamison Valley are exceptional.

Kurrara Historic Guest House

A guest house since 1902, the thoughtfully restored Kurrara transports visitors back in time. Up for grabs are nine guest rooms, of which the most romantic have a four-poster bed and a spa bath.

Carrington Hotel

A heritage-listed landmark along Katoomba Street, the Carrington Hotel has 65 unique rooms and suites that celebrate the past. There are multiple venues for eating, drinking and socialising, such as the Grand Dining Room and the spacious front verandah — a neat spot for a post-hike drink.

Mountain Heritage Hotel

Pick from 41 rooms and suites with traditional European-style furnishings, located a sloping 10-minute walk from Katoomba Street. Breakfast is served in the Jamison Restaurant, offering lovely views of the Blue Mountains.

YHA Blue Mountains

People of all ages choose YHA for its budget-friendliness and central location on buzzing Katoomba Street. Sleeping arrangements range from co-living dorms to private rooms.

Blackheath

Those who continue just 15 minutes past Katoomba, higher up into the mountains, will suddenly find themselves slightly off the tourist trail. While the town of Blackheath functions as the gateway to some of the Blue Mountains’ most impressive landscapes, it has a more secluded feel.

The compact, unpretentious town centre provides a fine selection of places to eat and drink before or after a bushwalk. For a unique trinket, make time for the Victory Theatre Antique Centre, where you can find anything and everything. Also consider taking a stroll through the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, especially if you visit in spring.

Vistas as grand as they come (even considering the renowned Three Sisters) can easily be admired from Govett’s Leap Lookout and Evan’s Lookout, both overlooking Grose Valley. The latter is one of many highlights along the 6.3-km Grand Canyon Track, as varied as it is steep — one of our favourite hikes in the Blue Mountains.

The potential drawback of staying in Blackheath? Getting to the popular spots in the east involves a drive — albeit a short one.

Sleeping in Blackheath

Kyah

A former motel turned into a trendy hotel, Kyah offers immaculate rooms that sleep up to five persons. Allow time to enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar (BLAQ), sports court, hot tub and sauna.

Federation Gardens & Possums Hideaway

Couples and families alike can spread out on the lush 8-acre property, with accommodation ranging from romantic yurt-style cabins to roomy family cottages. The shared facilities include a tennis court and an indoor swimming pool.

Which Blue Mountains town should you choose?

Ultimately, the choice between Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath depends on the type of trip you’re planning. Here’s a simple way to decide.

Best for first-time visitors

If it’s your first visit, Katoomba is usually the most convenient base. It’s close to the Three Sisters and Scenic World, and has the widest range of dining and accommodation.

Best for couples

Leura is often considered the prettiest town, and it’s hard to disagree when you see its leafy streets, boutique shops and cosy cafés. It’s ideal for couples who seek a restful stay but still appreciate a village atmosphere.

Best for families

When travelling with young kids or as a bigger group, Katoomba is usually the easiest base thanks to its proximity to major attractions. The broad accommodation options certainly help, too.

Best for a quieter stay

If avoiding crowds is your priority, Blackheath’s seclusion should not be overlooked. While Wentworth Falls is another good option for a calmer vibe away from the busier tourist centre, most Sydney daytrippers pass through here, causing a fair amount of trail jams.

In case you wonder…

More Blue Mountains & NSW

Best things to do in the Blue Mountains

Guide to Sydney