Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains: Best Towns and Villages

Stop wasting time comparing 200+ Blue Mountains properties. After 15+ years visiting and staying across these mountains, I’ve learned exactly which towns deliver what travellers actually want. This guide cuts through the guesswork with honest insights on five must-visit areas; Katoomba, Leura, Blackheath, Wentworth Falls, and Medlow Bath, plus specific recommendations for where to stay without a car, romantic getaways, family adventures, and budget stays. Find your ideal base in under 5 minutes.

On this page you’ll find:

• Best Blue Mountains towns compared (Katoomba, Leura, Blackheath, Wentworth Falls, Medlow Bath)
• Pros and cons of each town for different travel styles
• Recommended hotels, B&Bs, and cottages in each area
• Where to stay without a car (car-free options)

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Ok, so if you have decided that the Blue Mountains deserve more than a day trip – well done, great decision! Now where to stay. On this page, we will give you a rundown of the various villages in the Blue Mountains and the pros and cons of staying in each.

• Looking for a romantic getaway in the mountains?
• Need to find a Blue Mountains property suitable for the whole family?
• Travelling on a super tight budget and need a cheap bed in the mountains?
• Want to feel a million miles from civilisation?

Don’t worry; we will cover all this and more, hotels, hostels and holiday rentals so that you can work out the best fit for your plans and your budget.

You can do the Blue Mountains in a day, but it’s even better when you take your time! 

If you plan on driving up for your visit, check out our guide to planning a road trip to the Blue Mountains. If you have not read much about the region, it might be useful to start here with our guide to the Blue Mountains for a bit of background.

The Upper Blue Mountains are home to several villages, each with a different feel, and I am sure there is one that will be perfect for you. We have stayed in each of these villages, and below, we share our thoughts to help you make your choice. Location is less important if you have a car and are happy to drive to dinner in the evenings.

Map of the Blue Mountains areas

We have also listed our favourite Blue Mountains town on this map

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls is both a village and a key location in the Blue Mountains. Wentworth Falls was named after a historic hut called Weatherboard (built 1814). Today it’s home to artists and creatives, though many commute to Sydney for work

The National Park offers excellent walking tracks and waterfall hikes. The falls themselves are spectacular after rain, though appear smaller in dry periods. A walk from the village follows the route Charles Darwin took in 1836.

The small town centre has quirky shops and good cafes. Between the station and national park, you’ll find striking art déco homes built on extensive grounds during the 1900s-1930s, when the area became a holiday destination for Sydney’s elite.

The Gundungurra People lived here for an estimated 40,000 years before European arrival in 1813. Important Aboriginal sites remain throughout the area. Visit the Glenbrook visitor centre for more information on the region’s history.

Things to see in Wentworth Falls

The quieter, bohemian alternative to Katoomba and Leura. Today home to artists, writers, and walkers seeking solitude away from tourist crowds

Pros: Quieter than Leura/Katoomba, perfect for peaceful getaways. Starting point for excellent walks, and few tour buses mean you can often walk in solitude on weekdays.

Cons: Most properties are self-catering with limited facilities. Not a lot of shopping and dining options.”

Who should stay in Wentworth Falls: Best for hikers seeking peaceful getaways. Choose the south side of the Great Western Highway for easy access to walks and escarpment views.

Where to eat in Wentworth Falls

• Bakery Patisserie Schwarz – Traditional German bakery with excellent bread selection and pastries
• Fed – Specialty coffee, tasty vegan and gluten-free options, modern cafe

Where to stay in Wentworth Falls

Falls Mountain Retreat

If you want to stay near the falls without the fuss of a larger resort, the Falls Mountain Retreat is ideal. Modern self-contained studios and one/two-bedroom apartments come with everything you need for a romantic escape, think fireplaces, hydrotherapy spas, and no dated floral nonsense. There’s a pond and gardens to wander, it’s pet-friendly, and walking distance to town. Perfect for couples who want comfort without the crowds.

Valley of the Waters BNB

Perched right by Conservation Hut with views straight into the valley, the Valley of the Waters B&B puts you at the doorstep of incredible walks. The three rooms each have a spa and deck; the communal fireplace is perfect for sharing stories with other guests. It’s modest but the real star here is the view and the warm hospitality.

Leura

The original inhabitants of this part of the mountains were the Dharug people, and at Lyrebird Dell in South Leura, archeologists have dated findings back more than 12,000 years.

A coal mine in the 1880s attracted Western settlers. The first major home appeared in the late 1880s, the railway opened in 1891, and the main street’s distinctive Edwardian shopfronts emerged in the 1920s

Spring is the standout season, cherry blossoms line the main street, and private English-style gardens throughout the village are in full bloom.

Pros: No car needed. Everything’s walkable; transport, dining, shops. Good bus connections too.

Cons: Very popular with day tours and day-trippers. Parking and congestion can be rough during peak times.

Who should stay in Leura: If you love a good poke around the shops after a day’s bushwalking, Leura is your spot. The village has the mountains’ best shopping, plus excellent cafes for coffee enthusiasts and foodies who prefer not to drive after dinner

Things to see in Leura

• Everglades – Historic 1930s garden estate with sweeping valley views and native plantings set on 13 acres.
• Bygone Beauty’s Treasured Teapot Museum – Quirky collection of vintage teapots and antiques for collectors and curious browsers.
• Sublime Point Lookout – Elevated vantage point with dramatic views across the valleys to the escarpment beyond.
• Leura Cascades – Picturesque waterfall in a rainforest setting, best visited after rain when the flow is strongest.

Festivals and events in Leura

• Leura Garden Festival in October

Where to eat in Leura

• The Bunker – Modern Australian cafe, bar and restaurant. Contemporary cuisine, live music weekends, dog-friendly
• Red Door Cafe – Charming country rustic cafe. Homestyle cooking, excellent coffee, vegetarian and gluten-free options
• Polar Bear of Leura – Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Handcrafted dips, grilled meats, excellent cocktails and wine selection

Where to stay in Leura

The Fairmont Resort and Spa

The Fairmont Resort is perfect if you want all-inclusive comfort, think multiple restaurants and bars, tennis courts, daily yoga, and arguably the best pool area in the mountains.

Yes, it’s bigger and busier than other options (especially during school holidays with their Kidzone), but for extended stays and families, the facilities make it worth it. Great for a summer getaway where you don’t want to think about logistics.

During school holiday periods, the resort is very popular with families because of their Kidzone, the only special kids offering in the region. If you are child-free, you might like to avoid these dates.

Katoomba

Katoomba was first settled in the 1870s when the railway arrived, attracting Sydney’s elite seeking cool mountain escapes. Grand hotels like the Carrington drew visitors to the dramatic scenery and mineral springs. The town evolved from Victorian resort to creative hub. Mountain Tales Walking Tours offers guided explorations of Katoomba’s heritage if you want to dive deeper into its history.

The name Katoomba comes from the Aboriginal term Kedumba (or Katta-toon-bah), meaning ‘shining falling water.

Things to see and do in Katoomba

Pros: Affordable dining, best public transport in the region, highly walkable.

Cons: Not quaint, though some properties are charming. Busy with tour coaches and day-trippers. The regional hub status means it has more everyday hustle than mountain village charm.

Who should stay in Katoomba: Perfect if you’re short on time without a car, plenty of transport and walking-distance attractions.

Where to eat in Katoomba

You might also like to check out our list of Afternoon Teas in the mountains.

• Mountain Culture – Great beer selection and gourmet burgers
• The Bowery – Fabulous breakfast, delicious share plates for lunch, vibrant atmosphere
• Elephant Bean – Best local coffee, specialty cafe
• Aunty Jacks – Classic burgers and retro spiders (ice cream floats)
• The Bootlegger Bar – Low and slow BBQ, craft cocktails made with local gin, sophisticated bar atmosphere
• Hominy Bakery – Fantastic pastries and pies, always has vegetarian options

Have questions about things to see and do in the mountains?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.

Where to stay in Katoomba

Lilianfels Resort and Spa

We went to Lilianfels expecting a busy resort hotel vibe, but stepping onto the grounds felt like stepping away from the world. Two restaurants (don’t miss Miss Lilian’s Teahouse for Vietnamese), bars, billiards, gym, spa, and multiple pools keep you entertained without leaving the property.

The valley-view rooms are spacious with marble bathrooms; the location is just 3 minutes from the Three Sisters. The HOHO bus stops at the door. This is the resort that actually delivers.

Tip: Wander down to the Three Sisters after dark and see them lit up against the light sky. Lights stay on until about 11pm.

Echoes Boutique Hotel

Want Lilianfels’ quality but with a smaller, more personal touch? Echoes (literally next door to Lilianfels) has just 14 rooms and staff who actually know your name. Spacious, comfortable and friendly. We’d honestly stay here again in a heartbeat.

The Carrington Hotel

The Carrington is where history comes alive. Opening in 1883, it’s been carefully restored to its original glory with stunning art deco details, period furnishings, and that unmistakable old-world charm.

Don’t expect modern amenities (you won’t find them), but you will find character and location. The front verandah is perfect for a summer sundowner. Stay if you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time; skip it if you need WiFi and modern creature comforts.

Blue Mountains YHA

Budget doesn’t mean boring at the YHA. Right near the station with access to shops and transport, it has dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, fireplace (brilliant in winter), pool table, and genuinely fun common areas.

Families, solo travelers, and anyone watching their wallet appreciate this spot.

Medlow Bath

There’s only one reason to visit Medlow Bath: the extraordinary Hydro Majestic Hotel. The Megalong Valley views are exceptional, as is the night sky with minimal light pollution making it ideal for stargazing.

Pros: One of the most iconic and unique hotels in Australia. Spectacular Megalong Valley views. Clear night sky with minimal light pollution. Fine dining and high tea available onsite.

Cons: Very limited accommodation options (only one main property). No alternative dining or shopping in the area. Most remote of all the Blue Mountains villages.

Who should stay in Medlow Bath: Perfect for those seeking a unique, heritage luxury experience and don’t mind the isolation. Best for couples on romantic getaways, art deco enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to experience one of Australia’s most historically significant hotels. Only choose Medlow Bath if staying at the Hydro Majestic itself is your priority, it’s essentially a one-property destination.

Where to eat in Medlow Bath

• Wintergarden Restaurant (Hydro Majestic) – Upscale dining in a stunning art deco room overlooking the Megalong Valley. 
• Boiler House Restaurant (Hydro Majestic) – Casual spot for when you want proper food without the formality.

Hydro Majestic at Medlow Bath

There’s a reason people make pilgrimages to the Hydro Majestic. Built in 1904 by department store mogul Mark Foy, this Heritage-listed masterpiece (think Edwardian grandeur meets art deco) commands the Megalong Valley with views that stop you mid-sentence. Guests have included Conan Doyle and Dame Nellie Melba; it even served as a hospital during WWII.

After years of restoration, the public rooms are absolutely spectacular, if you love art deco, you’ll weep. The rooms vary (some with that legendary valley view), there are two restaurants including the elegant Wintergarden, and the whole experience feels unapologetically heritage. This isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a destination in itself.

Even if you don’t spend the night here, you should stop in for high tea and a poke about the shop.

Blackheath

Charles Darwin visited in 1836. Donald Bradman scored 256 runs in a local match. At 1,000m, it’s the highest point in the region. Three great reasons to visit.

The only village offering northern escarpment walks and lookouts, Blackheath boasts the region’s finest views, minimal tour buses, and excellent cafes and restaurants. It’s our favourite.

“This place having a black wild appearance I have this day named it Black-Heath.”

Governor Lachlan Macquarie 

The area boasts many original workers’ cottages that have been lovingly restored as homes for locals and holiday rentals for those of us lucky enough to pop up for a few days. On our last visit, we stayed at Illangi Cottage – you can read about our stay in Blackheath here.

It sits just 11km north of Katoomba but can feel a world away from the relative rush of the other mountain villages, especially if you choose a cottage or cabin in the bushland here.

Things to do in Blackheath

• Goverts Leap Lookout – a must-see
• Pulpit Rock Lookout – stunning at sunrise
• Evans Lookout – less visited, walk to Govert’s leap from here.
• Blue Mountains Heritage Centre – register before heading on long walks
• Victory Theatre Antique Centre – so much fun to fossick through
• Find Mermaid Cave – a hidden sandstone cave with a little waterfall
• Rhododendron Garden – in spring, this is well worth a visit
• Grand Canyon track walk – considered one of the best trails in the mountains.
• Logan Brae Orchard – treat yourself to afternoon tea
• Blackheath Growers Market – 2nd Sunday of the month

Pros: Excellent cafes and lookouts with far fewer crowds than lower villages. Most stunning views in the region.
Cons: Requires a car or frequent walking/taxis. No upmarket hotel accommodation.
Who should stay in Blackheath: Perfect for drivers who love bushwalking, photography, and self-catering. Choose another village if you prefer upmarket service options.

Where to eat in Blackheath

• Blaq Restaurant and Cafe – hyper-local produce sourced directly from the onsite garden and local producers.
• Anonymous – excellent cocktail bar
• Blackheath General Store – fine breakfast and lunch choice

Where to stay in Blackheath

There are a couple of hotels if you prefer these, but Blackheath has some fantastic holiday rentals and some charming bush cabins.

Illalangi Cottage in Blackheath

The Illalangi Cottage is exactly what a mountain cottage should be, walking distance to both shops and the valley lookouts that make Blackheath special. Charming, comfortable, and perfect for a getaway. (We wrote a full review with photos here.)

Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges

Parklands feels less like a hotel and more like finding a secret retreat. Cottage-style rooms scattered across 28 acres of gardens, excellent soundproofing, fireplaces, window seats overlooking the grounds, it’s designed for peace.

No on-site restaurant (but Blackheath’s restaurants are a 15-minute walk away), but honestly, you’ll want to stay put. The walks start right outside your door.

The Kyah

The Kyah hits that sweet spot. It’s stylish, well-located for exploring the northern escarpment (where the tour buses don’t go), and with excellent food on-site. We loved it. (Full review here.)

It’s well located for exploring the upper Blue Mountains, especially to places most of the tour buses don’t get to.

Now that you’ve narrowed down your perfect Blue Mountains village, let’s talk logistics. Here’s everything you need to know about timing your visit, booking smartly, and getting around.

What is the weather like in the Blue Mountains?

Summer (Dec-Feb): Cooler than Sydney but still warm. Choose accommodation with air conditioning and consider a pool if budget allows.

Autumn (March-May): Perfect walking temperatures with gorgeous fall foliage. A favourite time for visitors.

Winter (June-Aug): Cold and sometimes snowy (expect occasional snow closures). Clear blue skies after foggy mornings make it excellent for walks. Dress warmly.

Spring (Sept-Nov): Peak season with cherry blossoms and blooming gardens. Still cool—bring a warm coat and beanie.

When is the best time to visit the Blue Mountains

Busiest times: Festival periods, Christmas-New Year, and winter (Christmas in July). Summer is quietest outside holidays. Spring and autumn attract crowds when gardens are at their best.

My pick: late April to mid-May for stunning autumn foliage and perfect walking weather. Book festivals in advance for better prices, and choose Tuesday-Thursday weekdays over weekends for best rates and fewer crowds.

When to Book Your Blue Mountains Accommodation

Book 1-2 months ahead for best choice and pricing, especially during festival periods. Budget accommodations can match nicer places in price if booked early, so plan ahead. Last-minute deals are rare during peak times. For groups of 4+, holiday rentals often offer better value and flexibility.

Festivals and events in the Blue Mountains

Book early for festival periods when availability tightens and prices double.

• Blue Mountains Music Festival in March
• Wentworth Falls Autumn Festival in April.
• Winter Magic Festival in late June
• Yulefest – July/August
• Blue Mountains Writers Festival in August
• Leura Garden Festival in October
• Blackheath Rhododendron Festival in early November

NSW School holidays and Christmas to New Year can be busy with local and international visitors.

Getting Around Without a Car

You don’t need a car to visit the Blue Mountains, it makes life easier, but it’s not essential.

Trains service all of these villages from Sydney and you can travel between all the towns by train. There is at least one train an hour with frequency increasing to 2 an hour in peak times. Download the Opal travel app if you plan on using these services to have the most up-to-date times on hand.

• Wentworth Falls to Katoomba takes 9 minutes
• Leura to Katoomba takes 3 minutes
• Katoomba to Medlow Bath takes 7 minutes
• Katoomba to Blackheath takes 13 minutes

The critical thing is that many of the best walks start 2km or so from the nearest train station, so you will need to factor in longer walking time or learn to use the bus services if you choose to stay near the village centres and not the escarpment.

Blue Mountains Local Buses for visitors 

Buses can be useful for sightseeing, mainly if staying in an Airbnb or holiday rental without a car.

• 695 – Katoomba to South Leura Loop (Everglades stop) – Scenic loop connecting the main villages with stops at key gardens.
• 697 – Katoomba to North Katoomba Loop (Wentworth Falls Station and Leura Mall stops) – Connects the northern villages for shopping and dining.
• 685 – Katoomba via Wentworth Falls Lake and Leura – Full-day circuit through all three villages passing scenic lakes.
• 686 – Katoomba, Echo Point, Katoomba Falls Reserve and Scenic World – Essential route for major attractions at Echo Point.
• 698 – Katoomba to Blackheath and the National Park Heritage Centre – Northern escarpment access for walks and Heritage Centre.

Ready for More? Additional Blue Mountains Resources

Now that you’ve picked your town and booked your stay, here are some extra resources to help you make the most of your Blue Mountains trip.

• Self Drive Itineraries 
• 50 Things to do in the Blue Mountains
• Easy Blue Mountains Bush walks
• Kid-friendly dining in the Blue Mountains 
• 33 Blue Mountains Lookouts