Between Emu Plains and Lithgow sit more than a dozen train stations that dot their way along the tracks of the Blue Mountains line, each home to towns, walking tracks, hotels, pubs and more. It would take quite a few weekends to visit them all, so we’ve rounded up some of the top towns to visit in the area. We’re big fans of character-filled villages, scenic bushwalking tracks and picturesque waterfalls, so they’ve all been factored into our picks for the best Blue Mountains towns.
So, if you’re looking for somewhere to spend the night or just a spot to have lunch in between hikes and sightseeing, consider getting off the train at these stops.
TL;DR: Best Blue Mountains towns in a nutshell
- For a classic Blue Mountains experience: Katoomba
- For quaint village vibes: Leura
- For the most scenic walks: Wentworth Falls
- For the best overall experience: Blackheath
Leura
Where is it? 100km from Sydney, or 1 hour, 46 minutes by train from Central Station
Elevation: 985m
Best for: Village walks, upscale hotels and accessible views
Nearby walks: Leura Cascades (1km), Pool of Siloam Track (4.2km), Grand Cliff Top Walk (18.3km)
With a delightfully quaint village with cute cafes, shops and dining options, Leura is a perfect little mountain getaway. It’s got that cosy feel you look for in a bushland holiday, yet it accessible to the city by train and has plenty of scenic bushwalks nearby. From the easy and kid-friendly Leura Cascades to the lengthy Grand Clifftop Walk, there’s something for everyone here.
✅ We’ve been here and stayed overnight!
Want to make your visit to Leura a getaway? Consider these accommodation options:
- Sinofeld: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com (We’ve stayed here!)
Katoomba
Where is it? 103km from Sydney, or 1 hour, 51 minutes by train from Central Station
Elevation: 1,017m
Best for: Setting up a local basecamp, access Scenic World and seeing the Three Sisters
Nearby walks: Three Sisters Walk (1km), Dardanelles Pass Loop Walking Track (5.8km) Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway (4.5km)
The centre of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba is the largest town up here with the most facilities and options for tourists. It’s also home to Scenic World, where you can have some pretty incredible experiences like taking the cable car over mountain gorges or the world’s steepest railway. In town, you’ll find everything you need from large supermarkets to trendy restaurants and more than a few pubs for that post-hike brew.
✅ We’ve been here and stayed overnight!
Want to make your visit to Katoomba a getaway? Consider these accommodation options:
- Blue Mountains Heritage Motel: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We’ve stayed here!)
Blackheath
Where is it? 113km from Sydney, or 2 hours, 5 minutes by train from Central Station
Elevation: 1,066m
Best for: A quiet mountain getaway, gourmet dining and endless views
Nearby walks: Fairfax Heritage Walking Track (3.9km and accessible) Grand Canyon Track (6km), Cliff Top Walking Track (6.6km)
Sleepier but, in our view, one of the most scenic, Blackheath is where we go to feel like we’ve escaped. It’s got a small, uncrowded town centre with a comfortable pub and delicious local pie shop. Just a few minutes down the road you’ll find Govett’s Leap Lookout. It’s got all the views that Katoomba has, but none of the tourists. (Okay, and not the Three Sisters, either.) From here, either take in the views or hit the trails. There’s quite a few walks that start from this freeparking area.
✅ We’ve been here but haven’t stayed overnight.
Want to make your visit to Blackheath a getaway? Consider these accommodation options:
- Kyah Hotel: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We have friends who have stayed here and have recommended it, and have dined at the on-site Blaq restaurant, which we certainly recommend!)
Wentworth Falls
Where is it? 95km from Sydney, or 1 hour, 49 minutes by train from Central Station
Elevation: 867m
Best for: Jaw-dropping views without a busy town centre.
Nearby walks: Undercliff-Overcliff Track (4.3km), Charles Darwin Walk (4.7km), National Pass (5.3km, but temporarily closed in parts)
With a soaring 187-metre waterfall as the main event, Wentworth Falls isn’t just a one-hit wonder. There’s actually plenty of smaller falls around here too. So, if you love mountain views and waterfalls galore, this one’s for you. While the temporarily-closed National Pass is our favourite track here, others like the Undercliff-Overcliff can get you to spectacular lookouts toward the waterfalls and Jamison Valley.
✅ We’ve been here but haven’t stayed overnight!
Want to make your visit to Wentworth Falls a getaway? Consider these accommodation options:
- Falls Mountain Retreat: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
