Getting ‘Out of the Nest’ is often easier said than done right?
My heart is to make it easier for you. So, I have created some Day trip guides for some of the suburbs in the Blue Mountains.
I have based these guides loosely on:
Places to PLAY, EAT, WALK, SHOP and any additional extra activities. Ill also give a brief of a day trip plan that I particularly like based on my family of 4 (11,8,6 and 3).
I will link to as much as I can and add as many helpful insights as I know of.
If you have additional insight/ideas, please do let me know. I can add them in for the benefit of everyone.
Lets look at….
KATOOMBA
EAT:
Blue Mountains Chocolate Company. This destination is exactly as it sounds- A chocolate shop. There are generally some light cafe food options you can purchase to eat, but honestly you are coming here for the chocolate. There is a beautiful sunny deck that you sit on while the kids play in the outdoor cubby or run in the grassy yard space. I will say, the cubby has a steep slide so probably not fit for young children.
The Bowery. In an effort to be really honest with you, this restaurant is absolutely beautiful- and perhaps a bit too classy to be a destination for families. However, they do have a cubby house in the courtyard outside, as well as colouring options, there are toilets, highchairs and a children’s menu so if you are looking for a nice restaurant that you can bring your children to, our experience here has been positive.
Aunty Eds. This is a lovely restaurant with a retro vibe and fabulous Burgers and Milkshakes. Located on one of the main streets in Katoomba.
Station Bar and Woodfired Pizza. I thought it was worth mentioning Station Bar, because as the name suggests it is next to the station. So, if you were looking for fun dinner plans, you could catch the train just to have dinner. Pizza and family dinner- winner in my family.
TO PLAY:
Hinkler Park This playground has been a favourite in our family for a long time. It is a minutes drive from the main streets in Katoomba and just around the corner from some of the best coffee at Cassiopeia Katoomba.
Melrose Playground. The most appealing part of this playground is the small skate park. It is a nice opportunity for younger kids to give it a try, it is on the North side of Katoomba and not really located close to anything else but if your kids like to skate or bike ride, then it may be worth the little detour.
Katoomba Falls This playground is located just up the road from scenic world, should you want to add some extra play to your day at Scenic world- this is a nice little stop.
Carrington Park. This is a humble playground on a hill with beautiful views. I thought it was worth mentioning though as it is also a great starting point for one of the bushwalks listed below. Providing the opportunity for play and bushwalking- great combination.
TO WALK:
Prince Henry Cliff Walk 1 and Cliff Walk 2 – Both of these bushwalks take you around the cliff edges of Katoomba including Echo Point. You could do both if you were eager. You could start and finish at Echo point or just walk by. Beautiful views and a reminder of what people travel across the world to behold. You could also start or Finish at Carrington Park if you wanted the extra opportunity for play +/- use the Big Red hop on and off bus to help you get back to your car or to the station- Time table and map can be found here.
Gully Walk. This is a short 1km, mostly flat walk that is located just near to the Aquatic centre in Katoomba. So you could add this walk to a swim or play at Kids Kingdom.
TO SHOP:
Like many other Blue Mountains villages the Main Street of shops offers lots of boutique stores as well as vintage shops. There are quite a few Australian stores geared for tourists but even us locals can enjoy a lot of what they have to offer- because Australia is Awesome!!!
There is also the big department stores- Big W, Kmart, Aldi, Coles and Woolworths should you need some essentials.
EXTRAS:
Scenic World. People travel from all around the world to see our beautiful Valleys. Featuring the world steepest railway, taking you down into the valley where there are beautiful boardwalks and a cable car to bring you back up. There is a skyway also that can take you across the valley giving you further spectacular views. Scenic world often plays host to certain exhibitions so make sure you look up if anything is featuring at the time of your visits.
Echo Point and the 3 sisters. This is one of the most famous places in Australia and for good reason. Take in the sites of our beautiful sisters, you can add in a walk too if you feel keen.
Katoomba Aquatic Centre and Kids Kingdom. An indoor and outdoor swimming pool with a newly added Splash pad outside is fun for kids of all ages. In the same building is an indoor play centre in the form of a castle- great for climbing, bouncing and sliding. Be warned though- if the weather is Cold it is freezing in there and if the weather is hot, it will be Really warm in there.
Katoomba Library and Cultural Centre. Katoomba Library is one of the biggest libraries in the Blue Mountains and is situated next to the Cultural Centre which houses some beautiful exhibitions, including some that are family friendly. There is a cafe on site and a large outdoor area with outdoor viewing area that takes in spectacular views of Katoomba as well as offering opportunity for little ones to have a runaround while you have a coffee. The library also offers Storytime and baby time so
Hop and Hop off Bus. Also known as the Big Red Bus is a double decker bus that moves around Katoomba and Leura- Not the cheapest transport option but it is a hit with the kids.
My favourite plan.
As always I can’t pick one. So I am going to give you two.
1/ Scenic World. It really is a fantastic place to take the family. It is a bit pricey, but it is a day full of fun in the outdoors that my kids always enjoy. We like to arrive at Scenic world, ideally at a time where there is an exhibition on display in the valley (Dino Valley is a favourite!!!), catch the railway down into the valley, the cable car back up, then a trip across the valley on the skyway. Once on the other side of the valley we might take the walking track up to Echo Point and grab an ice cream at The Milkbar at the Lookout or grab some lunch if we hadn’t packed a picnic. Then head back across the valley in the sky way to scenic world. A big day out enjoying some of the best views Australia has to offer.
2/ Katoomba Aquatic Centre is a slightly cheaper day out with the family. The aquatic centre is best enjoyed in the warmer weather as the outdoor area is really lovely including a splash pad, you can also head to the other side of the building to Kids Kingdom where the kids can climb, bounce and slide in the indoor play centre. We would probably buy hot chips for lunch at the kiosk and then if we wanted to head outdoors, take a stroll around the Gully walk before heading home.
I hope this is helpful. Let me know if it is.
For more Day Trip inspiration CLICK HERE
Blessings,
Rachel xo
