Confused about where to stay in the Blue Mountains? We are not surprised; there are literally hundreds of properties of every style here. This guide will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect spot for your next getaway.

Updated Dec 2023

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.

Planning your visit to the Blue Mountains

What is the weather like in the Blue Mountains?

Summer (Dec-Feb)
While a little cooler than Sydney, it still gets pretty warm up here in summer, and you could find yourself hiking in 3o°C or more. Choose accommodation with air conditioning and perhaps even a pool if the budget stretches.

Autumn (March-May)
Perfect walking temperatures combined with gorgeous fall foliage make this a favourite time for visitors.

Winter (June-Aug)
Winter is cold, and it’s something that takes a lot of international visitors by surprise. This past month has seen two days when enough snow fell to close the highway for several hours. It’s still an excellent time to visit with lots of clear blue skies after foggy mornings. As long as you dress appropriately, you will be fine.

Spring (Sept-Nov) 
Spring is a big deal here with the annual garden festival bringing vast numbers of visitors. It can still be freezing, so bring that warm coat and beanie.

When is the best time to spend a few days in the Blue Mountains

The mountains are at their busiest during their key festivals and over the winter period when visitors celebrate Christmas in July. Spring and autumn are also busy when the gardens of the region are at their prettiest.

Key attractions are busy over Christmas and New Year, and on long weekends (public holidays) outside of this summer is not too bad.

My favourite time to visit is in late April to mid-May when the autumn foliage is stunning, the colours are sensational and the brisk cold weather is perfect for open fires and red wine.

While being around for a local festival is a fantastic way to experience a place, these events might impact prices, so they are worth knowing about in advance to find a place to stay at a reasonable price.

If you have a choice, avoid staying on the weekend and choose Tuesday – Thursday for better prices and reduced crowds.

How early to book your mountains accommodation

It is recommended you book 1-2 months in advance and further head over key festival periods listed below. This will give you the best choice of properties. There are some average motels and BnBs that will end up costing you almost as much nicer places if you get in early. Last-minute savings can be found in the low season, but they are few and far between at other times.

Often holiday rentals will be a better bet for groups of 4 or more travelling together. There are some great 3-4 bedroom vacation rentals in all the villages, so check these out too. Many don’t have minimum stays.

Festivals and events in the Blue Mountains

Festivals and events are lots of fun, but they also see availability tighten and prices double so book early for these periods.

• 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 the Blue Mountains using Public Transport

Drivers and those not used to public transport will tell you that you need a car to visit the Blue Mountains and while it certainly makes life more comfortable, it is not essential. I say this as a non-driver who visits without my reliable chauffeur (and partner in crime, Charles).

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 Stops include Everglades
• 697- Katoomba to North Katoomba Loop that also stops at Wentworth Falls Station and Leura Mall
• 685- Katoomba via Wentworth Falls Lake and Leura.
• 686- Katoomba, Echo Point, Katoomba Falls Reserve and Scenic World
• 698- Katoomba to Blackheath and the National Park Heritage Centre

You will find the timetables and full list of Blue Mountain bus services here 

The Blue Mountains Villages

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. The area, which was initially called weatherboard after a hut, was built there in 1814. Today, Wentworth Falls is home to artists and creative types, but many residents make the daily commute to Sydney for work.

The National Park here offers some of the best walking tracks in the region and is popular with anyone fond of chasing waterfalls. Its namesake is the biggest, most impressive waterfall in the area, although in recent times of low rain it might not seem that way. There is a walk from the village to the waterfall named after Charles Darwin, who took this route when staying overnight in 1836.

While the village’s town centre is small, there are some quirky shops and several delicious cafes. In the streets between the station and the national park, you will find many large art déco style homes set on extensive grounds surrounded by well cared for gardens. These appeared in the early 1900-1930s when the area took off as a holiday spot for wealthy Sydneysiders.

The owners of this land, the Gundungurra People, lived in the area for an estimated 40,000 years before the arrival of the Europeans in 1813.

There are many important aboriginal sites nearby. Pop into the visitors’ centre at Glenbrook on your way up the mountain for more detail on the history of the area.

Things to see in Wentworth Falls

• Princes Rock Lookout – 45 minutes walk, full waterfall view.
• Lincoln’s Rock
• Rocket Point Lookout
• Conservation Hut
• Empress Falls, Sylvia Falls, Lodore Falls
• Vera Falls
• Valley of the Waters walk
• Falls Gallery
• Yester Grange – an elegant old home once owned by an Australian Prime Minister

Pros: This beautiful spot is quieter than Leura and Katoomba, so suited to relaxing breaks away. It is the starting point of many popular walks that take in. Few tour buses make but a brief stop, meaning that you can often walk in solitude if you visit mid-week.

Cons: Most of the properties here are self-contained, with few facilities if this is important to you. A smaller retail centre with few shops and restaurants may not suit all travellers.

Who should stay in Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls is perfect for hikers with or without their own transport and anyone wanting to rent a holiday retreat with spectacular views. It is also great for quiet getaways with many luxury properties overlooking the escapement offering breathtaking views. Stick to the south side of the Great Western Highway for best access to the sights and walks.

Where to eat in Wentworth Falls

• Bakery Patisserie Schwarz – great bread and an excellent selection of other treats
• Fed – decent coffee and tasty vegan and gluten-free options.

Where to stay in Wentworth Falls

Falls Mountain Retreat

The Falls Mountain Retreat offers studio, one or two-bedroom modern self-contained apartments. The grounds feature a pond and extensive landscaped gardens.

The apartment offers a small kitchenette and features everything you need for a romantic weekend away, including a fireplace and a double hydrotherapy spa bath. There is reverse cycle air condition and electric blankets so that you will be comfortable regardless of the season. The property appealed to us because of its modern furnishings, no floral curtains, restored sofas or creaky floorboards here.

It’s about a one km walk into town, and the villages of Leura and Katoomba are a short drive away. This is also a pet-friendly property!

Valley of the Waters Bnb

This popular bed-and-breakfast sits high on the escarpment, meaning you are looking directly out into the valley from the house. It is located right by Conservation Hut, right at the start of several great walks.

The property offers three rooms, each with an ensuite, double spa and deck. There is a communal living room with a fireplace, making it perfect when travelling with family or friends who can share the entire property.

The decor is not luxurious, but they more than make up for that with the view and the hospitality on offer.

Leura

The prettiest of the mountains villages Leura, known as the garden village, is the most upmarket village in the area. The first word that springs to mind when we drive through the neighbourhood is quaint.

The main street known as Leura Mall (not to be confused with a shopping mall) is a beautiful tree-lined street full of original Edwardian shopfronts and a lovely mix of independent shops.

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.

It was not until the 1880s when a coal mine was established nearby that western residents started arriving. They built the first large home in the late 1880s and the railway opened in 1891. It was not until the 1920s that the main street shopfronts we see today appeared.

Spring is by far the prettiest time to visit; the main street is lined with Cherry trees that make the place feel just a little magical when flowering. English-style gardens were prevalent at the time of settlement and these features across the village.

Pros: No need for a car, easy to walk to transport and dining options. Public buses service the area.

Cons: Leura is very popular with day tours and day-trippers. Parking and congestion can be quite bad during the day.

Things to see in Leura

• Everglades
• Bygone Beautys Treasured Teapot Museum
• Sublime Point Lookout 
• Leura Cascades

Festivals and events in Leura

• Leura Garden Festival in October

Who should stay in Leura

If you like a bit of a poke about the shops after a hard days bushwalking, look no further. Leura has the best assortment of retail therapy opportunities in the mountains. It is also a good choice for hardcore coffee lovers with several excellent cafes and foodies who prefer not to drive in the evening.

Where to eat in Leura

• The Bunker
• Red door
• Polar Bear

Where to stay in Leura

The Fairmont Resort and Spa

The views from the Fairmont Resort property are stunning. It is a large modern hotel, so probably not the best fit for anyone looking for a quiet mountain escape. It is, however, perfect if you want all the facilities a larger resort can offer.

It is these excellent facilities that make this an excellent choice for more extended stays. There are tennis courts, daily yoga, an indoor and possibly the best outdoor pool area in the mountains, making this a great summer choice.

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.

Old Leura Dairy

At almost polar opposite to the Fairmont, we have the gorgeous Old Leura Dairy. Comprising 6 self-contained options with the rooms given names like Moo Manor and Buttercup Barn, you know you are going to a place with some personality. Created from a run-down old workers’ cottage, the owners have added several new buildings, all designed with the environment in mind.

The apartments/cottages can cater to 2-11 guests and have been created using a wide variety of upcycled materials. They have certainly earned their eco-certification. It’s a 15-minute walk to the station and Leura Mall, so you could do this without a car, but personally, I think it’s better suited to those with a vehicle.

Katoomba

Katoomba was an established resort town in the 20th century, and in its heyday was the holiday playground of Sydney’s elite. These days it has a much more alternative vibe with writers, poets, vegans and hippies. 

The main street is looking a little less shiny than it once did, I am sure, but it’s still a great spot to stroll, and there are some interesting shops here.

Kedumba or Katta-toon-bah is an Aboriginal term for “shining falling water” or “water tumbling over hills.”

Katoomba is the administrative centre of the Blue Mountains region and provides all the services for the area. There are supermarkets, numerous outdoor and camping stores and plenty of cafes. It’s also where you will find Echo Point and the Three Sisters.

Things to see and do in Katoomba

• Three Sisters
• Scenic World – Railway, Skyway and rainforest walk
• Katoomba Falls
• Katoomba Street Art Walk
• Eaglehawk Lookout
• Blue Mountains Art Gallery
• The starting point for the Blue Mountains HOHO Bus

Pros: Lots of affordable dining options, the best public transport in the region. Very walkable.

Cons: It’s not quaint, although many of the properties are. It can feel busy with large coaches and big tour groups making their most extended stops here. Also, being the leading centre for the region, there is a lot of everyday life here that may make it feel less unique.

Who should stay in Katoomba

Short on time, no car? This is a good choice, with plenty of transport options and several attractions within walking distance.

Where to eat in Katoomba

• Mountain Culture – great beer and burgers
• The Bowery – fabulous breakfast and delicious share plates for lunch
• Elephant Bean – best for coffee
• Aunty Jacks – burgers and spiders
• The Bootlegger Bar – Low and slow – Try the Ride the Lightning Cocktail made with local gin
• Hominy Bakery – fantastic pastries and pies – always have vegetarian options

Where to stay in Katoomba

Lilianfels Resort and Spa

We spent a night in Lilianfels earlier this year, and it changed our mind about staying in Katoomba. We had previously been put off by the thought of tour buses at Echo Point and the busier main street, but once you are on the grounds of this resort, you feel a thousand miles away.

The resort has two restaurants, and also a bar serving share plates and high teas. There is a billiards room, spa, gym, indoor heated pool, so there is plenty to keep you here once you have finished your walks for the day. We particularly enjoyed Miss Lilian’s Teahouse, a Vietnamese restaurant at the front of the property. Even if you are not staying here, I recommend a meal here.

There are several rooms types on offer. Our room, a deluxe valley view, was quite large and had a lovely sitting area and a huge marble bathroom. There was a view over the valley, but if you want to impress, book one of their executive rooms.

The bed was comfortable, and the room was peaceful.

With 89 rooms, this hotel is large enough to offer all the features of a five-star hotel, and its location just 3 minutes walk away from the Three Sisters is also fantastic. The Hop on Hop off bus stops at the door, and we used it for two days while we were there. I highly recommend it. The driver/guides are fantastic. You can see how we used it to get around here.

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

Echoes Boutique Hotel

With the same owners as Lilianfels – it’s just next door; Echoes is the right choice if you prefer a more intimate setting. We are partial to boutique hotels because we love the friendly feeling they offer.

With just 14 rooms and helpful, warm staff, Echoes do this well. The rooms here are more spacious than many of the older properties, and the facilities are excellent. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.

The Carrington Hotel

The Carrington opened in 1883 and was a favourite spot for Sydney’s elite to escape the city. It was at the time, said to rival Raffle in Singapore.

The hotel continued to operate for over 100 years before closing for over a decade and undergoing six years of restoration. The refit is true to the period with lots of lovely details, and many of the public areas make you feel you have stepped back in time.

There are not a lot of mod cons here, but there is everything you need for a comfortable stay and the location right in Katoomba is great for dining and exploring.

We have not stayed here, although we have popped in for drinks and a meal on more than one occasion. The front verandah is a lovely spot for a summer drink.

Blue Mountains YHA

You don’t need a champagne budget to make the most of an overnight visit to the mountains. The YHA is a great budget choice, with an excellent central location close to the station and shops for supplies.

There is a pool table, a giant outdoor chess set and a large communal kitchen. The common room features a large open fireplace that is a perfect spot to curl up with a book in winter.

The hostel has 200 beds and both dorms and private rooms and is great for families or solo travellers.

Medlow Bath

There is only one reason to stop at Medlow Bath, and that is the Hydro Majestic Hotel. This art déco beauty has recently been restored and is stunning inside and out. The Megalong Valley views are some of the best in the mountains, and the night sky is exceptional with minimal light pollution, helping the stars stand out.

Hydro Majestic at Medlow Bath

The Heritage-listed Hydro Majestic is one of the iconic buildings of the mountains with a mysterious past. The hotel, built by department store mogul Mark Foy, opened in 1904 and was made in a mix of Edwardian and art déco styles and includes a domed roof that the owners brought in from Chicago.

During World War 2, the hotel was turned into a hospital for US Soldiers. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a guest here, Opera Singer Dame Nellie Melba performed here, and the country’s first Prime Minister died here.

Over the last few years, the hotel has undergone considerable refurbishment, and the views from the public rooms are truly spectacular. If you love art déco, you will love this place. It’s one of the most unique hotels in the country.

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 Blackheath in 1836; Donald Bradman scored 256 runs in a local “friendly” and is the highest point in the Blue Mountains. Just three reasons a stop at Blackheath should be on the list.

The only village that offers walks and lookouts on the northern escarpment, Blackheath, is our favourite Blue Mountains village. It’s home to some of the most stunning views in the region, does not attract tour buses and has some quality cafes and restaurants.

“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: a great mix of cafes and lookouts without the crowds of the lower villages.

Cons: Another spot that challenges those without a car. It can be done provided you don’t mind lots of walking or taking the odd taxi.

Who should stay in Blackheath

If you have a car, love bushwalking or photography and prefer self-contained accommodation, you should choose Blackheath. While you can use public transport, I think a stay here is best suited to those travelling by car. There are no fancy hotels here, so if you want any level of service with your visit, choose one of the other villages.

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

We spent a weekend in this cute little cottage within walking distance to both the Blackheath shops and the valley lookouts. We have written a long review of our stay, complete with photos here.

Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges

With 28 rooms set on 28 acres of gardens, Parklands offers space and a feeling of luxury as soon as you arrive. The accommodation is in cottages on the grounds.

There are two types of rooms, ground floor garden suites and loft rooms, two of each in each cottage. My preference is for the garden suites as these have a separate bedroom, which is great when I wake up hours before Charles.

Our bedroom had a lovely window seat overlooking the garden and was large enough to sit in to read. There was an open fireplace and a comfortable sofa. Even though three other couples were staying in the cottage, we didn’t hear a peep, so the soundproofing they mention on their website is real 🙂

Other than gardens, spa and the breakfast area, there are not really any other facilities to speak of, but you don’t need them. Just put on your walking shoes and explore the fantastic bush walks in Blackheath. It’s worth noting you will need to go out for dinner as there is no on-site restaurant, but Blackheath has plenty of options, so there is no need to worry. It’s an easy 15 min walk away, and you could always taxi home.

The Kyah

We recently spent a couple of nights at The Kyah Boutique Hotel and shared our detailed review here, in short we loved it. Great food onsite and very comfortable rooms made for a very enjoyable stay.

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

More information to plan your Blue Mountains Getaway

• 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

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