Katoomba sits at 1040 metres above sea level, and that single fact shapes every family trip here. Nights are cool even in summer, and winter mornings can bring frost. Katoomba holidays with kids work best when the packing list matches the altitude.
The town is the main base for bush and nature walks in the Blue Mountains, about 102 km by road west of Sydney's CBD. Below we cover the sights children tend to enjoy, the tours and parks listed on this site, and the weather you should plan around. For wider ideas, see our Katoomba attractions page.
Family-friendly sights in Katoomba
The Three Sisters is the best-known landmark in town. The lookout at Eco Point is an easy walk, and the views run a long way across the valley. Energetic families can take the 800 steps down to the valley floor and back up again. That is a big effort for small legs, so we would think carefully before promising it to young children.
Two rides near the Three Sisters suit curious kids. The Scenic Railway is an old coalmining train built on a 45 degree angle, and it is the steepest in Australia. The Scenic Skyway travels 200 metres above the valley. Skyrail and the scenic walk are also popular with children.
Waterfalls and Aboriginal heritage
The name Katoomba comes from an Aboriginal term meaning shining falling water, after a waterfall that drops into the Jamison Valley below the Harrys Amphitheatre escarpment. Katoomba Falls is a good stop for families, and Aboriginal rock art formations can be seen nearby. The land belongs to the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples, and there are cultural sites in the region that share their heritage. It is a good chance to talk with older children about the area's history.
Walks, parks and things to do
Around the town, the national parks offer bush walking, hiking and swimming. Older children and teens can also try horse riding, abseiling, rock climbing, canyoning and mountain biking. Waterfalls in the parks can be swum in all year, although we reckon winter dips are for the very brave.
Back in town, the Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre has indoor and outdoor activities, a heated pool and a toddler pool. That is a handy backup for a wet day. The local cinema, The Edge, is on the Great Western Highway. Our Katoomba activities page has more to browse.
Tours that suit families
The Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour runs eight hours from AUD 330. A local guide tailors the route to your interests and prior visits, with lookouts, valleys and rock formations. Pickup is from your Blue Mountains accommodation or Katoomba train station, and lunch at a local café is included.
For teenagers wanting a challenge, the Small-Group Full-Day Rock Climbing Adventure takes eight hours from AUD 250. It suits absolute beginners through to gym climbers, with a qualified guide covering safety, equipment, technique and belaying. A longer option is the Small-Group Weekend Rock Climbing Adventure, two days from AUD 550. Check current prices, times and age requirements with the operator before booking.
| Tour | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour | 8 hours | from AUD 330 |
| Full-Day Rock Climbing Adventure | 8 hours | from AUD 250 |
| Weekend Rock Climbing Adventure | 2 days | from AUD 550 |
Where to stay with children
Two parks are listed on this site. Katoomba Falls is a caravan park in Katoomba with powered sites and cabins. Blue Mountains National Park also offers powered sites and cabins. Contact the park for current rates and availability before booking.
If a cabin is not your style, browse Katoomba accommodation for other options.
Katoomba weather for family trips
Katoomba has an oceanic climate with mild summers and cool to cold winters. Temperatures run on average 7 °C lower than Sydney, and misty days are common. Summer days are usually in the low 20s, with nights in the low teens. Winter maximums sit around 10 °C, with minimums near 0 °C on clear nights.
Snow is rarer than many people expect. There are only around five snowy days a year in the upper mountains, though two or three settled snowfalls are usual. Frost on the ground and ice on car windscreens are far more common on winter mornings.
| Month | Max °C | Min °C | Rain mm | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23.5 | 12.6 | 123.2 | 15.0 |
| February | 22.1 | 12.4 | 145.2 | 15.3 |
| March | 19.7 | 10.5 | 106.9 | 15.0 |
| April | 16.7 | 7.4 | 56.4 | 9.0 |
| May | 13.1 | 4.4 | 48.0 | 6.7 |
| June | 10.2 | 2.4 | 63.6 | 7.7 |
| July | 9.8 | 1.3 | 36.8 | 6.3 |
| August | 11.3 | 1.6 | 45.9 | 6.7 |
| September | 14.9 | 4.0 | 53.0 | 8.3 |
| October | 17.9 | 6.4 | 74.5 | 10.4 |
| November | 20.0 | 8.7 | 104.2 | 13.5 |
| December | 21.9 | 10.8 | 118.7 | 13.3 |
January to March are the wettest months, with rain on around 15 days each. April to September are drier, but cold. Pack layers year round, plus rain jackets in summer.
Getting there and timing your visit
Katoomba is on the Great Western Highway and the Great Western Railway, and Katoomba railway station serves the town. From the Blue Mountains area, Sydney is 104 km by road, about 104 minutes. Wollongong is 161 km, about 146 minutes, and Orange is 158 km, about 155 minutes.
In winter, the Winter Magic festival features local talent, art and handicraft, and is part of the Yulefest season of Northern Hemisphere-style Christmas celebrations from June to August. Check our Katoomba events page and the official Visit NSW site for current dates. For background on the town, there is a Wikipedia entry for Katoomba.
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Katoomba?
Sometimes, but not often. There are only around five snowy days a year in the upper Blue Mountains, and snow is extremely rare below Lawson. Frost is much more common.
Is Katoomba much colder than Sydney?
Yes. Temperatures average 7 °C lower than Sydney, and misty days are common, so bring warm layers for children.
How far is Katoomba from Sydney by road?
Katoomba is about 102 km west of the Sydney CBD by road. From the Blue Mountains area the drive is 104 km, around 104 minutes.
