Deciding where to stay in the Blue Mountains National Park is not as easy as it sounds. The UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site is huge! In fact, the park is part of an even bigger Great Blue Mountains Area that includes 8 protected areas and several towns in New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state.
That said, the area is so beautiful that you won’t have any trouble finding the right spot for you. You have several cute little towns to choose from. No matter where you spend your nights, you will be surrounded by jaw-dropping nature.
The Blue Mountains National Park has hotels for all tastes and budgets. You will need a great hotel to recover after incredible treks through nature. Besides, the area offers some of the best views you will ever see. Let’s not forget the warm hosts, delicious food, and pure air!
Katoomba City Center
Katoomba is our favorite place to stay in the Blue Mountains. We discovered it several years ago and keep going back. The charming little town is just 60 miles (100 km) west of Sydney. It’s got everything you need to enjoy the area. The train from Sydney stops here.
We love it because it’s a perfect size. Several coffee houses, restaurants, and bars line Katoomba Street, the town’s main drag. There are also a couple of well-stocked supermarkets to grab some food for the road or to take back to your hotel for a late dinner.
The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre is also in Katoomba. The sleek building offers gorgeous views, an art gallery, a library, and an interactive museum. It’s also a great place to meet locals. For more art, walk about the city center street searching for cool graffiti. You will also see lots of cockatoos!
We Recommend These Hotels in Katoomba City Center:
The Carrington Hotel
The best hotel in Katoomba City Center is the historic Carrington Hotel. The property opened in 1883 to instant acclaim. It’s retained its old lady charm but today features modern day conveniences. The plush rooms are huge. Book a premier room on the top floor to enjoy memorable views.
Palais Royale
The Palais Royale is also a historic property on the main street. The original building from 1896 was extended and upgraded over the years. It has a tub and a sauna. The rooms have high ceilings and extra comfy beds. Book a suite with views and a spa and you will never want to leave.
Katoomba – By the Cliffs
For unbelievable treks and views, stay in the area by the cliffs. The most spectacular lookouts and viewing platforms are here. All you have to do is walk. However, you will be within walking distance of the city center and its delicious restaurants and coffee houses.
You will never tire of looking at the Three Sisters. You can actually walk for a couple of hours around the iconic formation. Begin at the Echo Point lookout and go down the Giant Stairway. There is no need to rush. Take your time and enjoy this beauty.
The other walk you can’t miss is to Katoomba Falls. Walk west from Lady Darley’s Lookout. You won’t believe the views. From there, it’s a short walk to Scenic World and its fantastic Skywalk funicular. It goes from cliff to cliff! Keep walking and follow the signs to the falls.
We Recommend These Hotels in Katoomba by the Cliffs:
Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant
If you have the money to splash, do so at the Echoes Boutique Hotel. Every single room has a balcony with priceless views. The hotel features two pools, one heated. It also has a gym and spa services. The restaurant is the best in the city. You can access the Lilianfels next door.
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Lilianfels is one of the best luxury hotels in the area. The property is set in a 2-acre lovely garden with a pool and lounges. The service is impeccable and warm. Every luxurious room has views and comes with big bathrooms with tubs. The hotel has two incredible restaurants.
Leura
Leura is the town next to Katoomba, and you should stay here if you want even more peace. You can walk to Katoomba in some 45 minutes. Buses link both towns in less than half an hour. Therefore, you can visit the Three Sisters and come back easily.
The place is famous for its lush green gardens and relaxed vibe. Life in the town centers around Leura Mall. Restaurants, bars, and art galleries line the streets. Our favorite is Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum and Tearooms. You can eat and have high tea in these beautiful gardens.
The Everglades House from the 1930s is set on 12 acres (5 hectares) of manicured gardens. The Pool of Siloam lookout is in front. From there, walk west to Elysean Rock. The Olympian Rock is next. A half an hour’s walk south of the Everglades takes you to Sublime Point Lookout.
We Recommend These Hotels in Leura:
Fairmont Resort & Spa
The only resort and spa in the Blue Mountains is the Fairmont, managed by Sofitel. It’s a massive property with everything you ever dreamed of, including two pools, tennis and golf courts, a gym, and lots of games for children. Since the gardens face a cliff, you won’t forget the views.
Old Leura Dairy
For authentic accommodation, book a shed or a cottage at the Old Leura Dairy. Both options are huge, extra comfortable, and perfect for families. You can cook in the fully equipped kitchen or walk to nearby restaurants. You will fall in love with the house and your hosts!
Wentworth Falls
Don’t get us wrong, Wentworth Falls is absolutely beautiful and worth your time. Every town within the park is fantastic! However, it’s our least favorite place to stay. Especially if you will be visiting for less than 3 days or if it’s your first time.
Wentworth Falls is east of Katoomba and Leura. It’s pretty much the first town up the hills. Since it’s next to the cliffs, it has gorgeous views galore. Within the town, walk to the Wentworth Falls Lake. You can eat at any of the restaurants that line Station Street.
Walk south to see the Wentworth Falls. You can go down the trail and through the bush south to Lincoln’s Rock. If you continue walking an hour you reach Kings Tableland Lookout. Walk west along the Valley of the Waters track to Empress Falls. You can continue beneath Edinburgh Castle.
We Recommend These Hotels in Wentworth Falls:
Falls Mountain Retreat
The best hotel in Wentworth Falls is the Falls Mountain Retreat. The property is set in a massive garden. Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen, seating area, fireplace, balcony, and bathroom with a spa tub! Considering its class and location, it’s a great deal.
Grand View Hotel
You won’t get better accommodation at this price than at the Grand View Hotel. Recently refurbished, it offers rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel has onsite parking for free. The onsite restaurant is good, and you can walk to the station.
Blackheath
Blackheath is north of Katoomba. A bus links both places in 20 minutes. Due to its location, it offers different views than the towns mentioned above. It’s also the smallest town on our list. And that’s why we love it. Stay in Blackheath if you want a more isolated experience.
The town is an attraction in itself. Historic buildings dot the area next to the train station. Some of the best restaurants in the Blue Mountains are here. Blackheath has attracted a community of artists. You will see art galleries and street art. Walk to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre to learn about local aboriginal cultures. The iconic Govetts Leap Lookout is near.
Blackheath is the best place to stay if you like to trek. Walk from Paul Harris Memorial Lookout to Mount Boyce. Burramoko Ridge is 7 miles (10 km) northeast. The Anvil Rock Lookout and its iconic views are east. The Grand Canyon Walking Track begins southeast and takes you to the Blue Gum forest.
We Recommend These Hotels in Blackheath:
Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges
For a luxurious stay in a fancy mansion set in splendid gardens, book a room at the Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges. The property is a dream come true! Everything is top quality and perfect to rest after walking for hours. This is our favorite hotel for couples.
Blackheath Motor Inn
If you are looking for a good night’s sleep in a clean, simple, and comfy room, stay at the Blackheath Motor Inn. It’s great value for money. The rooms have a microwave and kettle. It’s perfectly heated in winter and summer. It’s got onsite parking and plenty of hot water.
How to Get to the Blue Mountains
Most tourist drive to the Blue Mountains National Park. The park is only 60 miles (100 km) west of Sydney. The road is in perfect shape, and the entire journey to Katoomba should take less than an hour and a half. The hotels we recommend have parking.
We took the train to Katoomba. The Blue Mountains Line departs from Sydney’s Central Station and takes a bit over two hours to reach Katoomba. This train stops in Leura, Wentworth Falls, and Blackheath. The last time we went, they were fixing the rails, so we hopped on a bus for part of the journey.
If you don’t have time or don’t feel like going alone, we strongly recommend taking one of these tours. This one lasts a whole day but includes the most important sites and a cruise along the Parramatta River. If you want the all-inclusive deal, take this guided tour.
How Long to Stay in the Blue Mountains
You can spend as many days as you want! Some people like it so much, that they’ve moved to the park. It is that amazing! However, we all have time constraints and a big world to discover. That’s why you are probably wondering how many days are needed in the Blue Mountains to cover the basics.
We believe you should spend at least two nights. You will rush a little, but you will get to enjoy this magical place. Base yourself in Katoomba. Spend your first day around the iconic Three Sisters. It’s big so you will need hours to see it all.
On the next day, go to the other towns and do a couple of treks. We believe that 5 days are best. Once done with the highlights, move to Blackheath or Wentworth Falls and go on much longer treks. Don’t forget proper gear and loads of water.
Moving Around the Blue Mountains
You can use the Blue Mountains Line to travel between Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba, Blackheath, and other places in the park. They run mostly on time and are safe. If for any reason, trains are not operating, they run replacement buses on the same route.
You can also take buses within the towns and from town to town. However, these are not that reliable. Remember that the weather changes a lot in the park. Always have some sunscreen, an umbrella, and a jacket handy. Since we don’t drive, we walk and take buses everywhere. Never had a problem.
You can also take this hop-on and hop-off bus. It takes you to the area’s attractions in no time. It can be useful if you are short on time. Biking is another great option. You can bike within the towns. The terrain is mostly flat. The adventurous can use bike lanes through the bush.
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