Family-Friendly Adventures in !

Jenolan Caves

Why Visit?

Family Adventure Itinerary: Discovering Jenolan Caves

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

- Morning: Depart from Sydney by car or coach, enjoying the scenic drive through the Blue Mountains. The journey is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a perfect morning trip.

- Afternoon: Arrive at Jenolan Caves and check into Jenolan Caves House for a comfortable stay. Built in 1897, this heritage-listed hotel provides a quaint, historical backdrop to your cave exploration adventure.

- Evening: Take the easy and enchanting 1-hour "Legends, Mysteries, and Ghosts" tour to learn the gripping tales of the caves. It’s a gentle introduction to the area that’s perfect for kids and starts at dusk.

Day 2: Exploring the Caves

- Morning: Start with the Chifley Cave, one of the first caves to be opened to tourists in 1880. It offers beautiful lighting and shorter paths, ideal for younger family members.

- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic outside or dine at the Caves House, offering dishes that cater to all ages.

- Afternoon: Embark on the Imperial Cave tour, which is known for its fossil remains and is relatively easy to navigate. It’s a great educational tour that explains how caves form, making it perfect for curious minds.

- Evening: Relax at the Caves House or explore the serene Blue Lake, where you might spot the elusive platypus at dusk!

Day 3: Leisure and Departure

- Morning: Take a self-guided bushwalk along one of the many trails around the area. The Jenolan River walking track offers gentle paths suitable for families.

- Lunch: Have lunch at the Chisolm’s Restaurant, which serves hearty meals in a grand dining room.

- Afternoon: Depart for Sydney, filled with memories of an unforgettable subterranean adventure.

Interesting Fact: Jenolan Caves are amongst the world’s oldest known caves, estimated to be at least 340 million years old, providing a unique glimpse into Earth’s geological history.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Katoomba Falls

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure at Katoomba Falls in the stunning Blue Mountains, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney. Start your journey at the Katoomba Falls Reserve, a perfect spot for a leisurely picnic amidst native bushland while enjoying the serene sounds of the waterfall.

Morning

Arrive early to secure a parking spot at the Katoomba Falls Kiosk. From here, begin your day with the Katoomba Falls Round Walk, an easy 2-km circuit that offers spectacular views of the falls and the lush valleys. Informative signs along the path will educate the kids about local flora and fauna. Don’t miss the Furber Steps for a closer view of the falls, which cascade dramatically into the Jamison Valley.

Midday

Enjoy lunch back at the Katoomba Falls Reserve or grab a bite at the nearby Kiosk. Refuel and get ready for the afternoon’s highlight.

Afternoon

Head to the nearby Scenic World, where the family can experience the Scenic Skyway, a glass-bottom cable car offering breathtaking views of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. Glide over ancient ravines and dense rainforest; it’s a thrilling way for the kids to learn about the area"s geology and history. Following the ride, explore the Scenic Walkway, a 2.4 km boardwalk through the temperate rainforest. Engage with interactive displays about the area’s coal mining history and the local ecosystem.

Fun Fact: Did you know Katoomba Falls was a popular spot for honeymooners in the early 20th century, earning the nickname "Honeymoon Falls"?

Wrap up your day with a relaxing stroll back to your starting point, filled with memories and pictures of a scenic family day out. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, and a camera to capture the spectacular views and fun moments!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden (Mt. Tomah Botanic Garden)

Why Visit?

Embark on a refreshing family outing to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, situated at Mount Tomah, approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Sydney. This serene sanctuary offers a splendid day of exploration and education amidst Australia’s natural beauty.

Getting There

Drive is the most convenient option, winding through the scenic Bells Line of Road. Public transport options are limited, but for a unique experience, you could take a train to Bell Station and arrange a taxi for the remaining 30-minute drive.

Morning Exploration

Begin your visit at the Visitor Centre by picking up a garden map. Dive into the "Botanists Way Discovery Centre" right next, where interactive exhibits bring the science of botany to life for the kids. Start your garden exploration at the Brunet Meadow – a perfect spot for a morning picnic with breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.

Interactive Walks

Post-lunch, take the "Family Adventure Quest," a self-guided tour designed to engage children with nature through fun challenges and quests available at the Visitor Centre. Don’t miss the Dinosaur Tree, a prehistoric Wollemi Pine, offering a great educational talk about plant evolution and conservation.

Must-Visit Highlights

Visit the Formal Garden to see vibrant floral displays and the cool temperate rainforest for a shaded stroll under ancient tree ferns. The Rock Garden showcases mountain flora from around the world.

Relax and Recharge

In the afternoon, relax at The Potager restaurant for some locally sourced, garden-inspired dishes while enjoying panoramic views.

Fun Fact

The garden is located at 1,000 meters above sea is one of the few places in the world where you can see the rare Wollemi pine in its natural habitat.

This botanical journey not only delights but also educates, making for a memorable family day in the lush landscapes of the Blue Mountains.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Wentworth Falls

Why Visit?

Family Adventure at Wentworth Falls

Day 1: Discover Wentworth Falls

- Morning: Start your adventure with a refreshing walk to the spectacular Wentworth Falls, one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. Park your car at the Wentworth Falls picnic area. Begin your journey on the Charles Darwin Walk, an easy 3.5 km return trail that follows Jamison Creek, leading you to the top of the falls. Along the way, enjoy the lush scenery and keep an eye out for native birds and informative signs detailing Charles Darwin"s 1836 visit which inspired his evolutionary theory.

- Lunch: Have a picnic at the Wentworth Falls picnic area, equipped with facilities and beautiful spots to relax while kids can explore the nearby natural play area.

- Afternoon: Post lunch, tackle the Wentworth Pass loop walking track. This moderate 4-hour walk offers breathtaking views of the valley and passes through dense rainforest. The highlight for kids will be the stepping stones across Jamison Creek - a real adventure!

Day 2: Explore Nearby Attractions

- Morning: Drive to the nearby town of Leura. Spend your morning at the Leura Toy and Railway Museum, a 10-minute drive from Wentworth Falls. It"s a paradise for kids with its extensive collection of toys and model railways.

- Lunch: Grab a bite in one of Leura’s quaint cafes.

- Afternoon: Conclude your trip with a visit to the Everglades Historic House and Gardens, just a 5-minute drive from Leura. This 1930s garden landscape offers scenic walks with views of the Blue Mountains and features interactive children’s garden trails.

Tips

- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water bottles, sunscreen, and hats.

- Check weather conditions and park alerts on the National Parks website before visiting.

Enjoy your family trip filled with nature, history, and adventure at Wentworth Falls!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Scenic World

Why Visit?

Welcome to Scenic World in the picturesque Blue Mountains, a captivating destination for families seeking adventure and natural beauty! Here"s a fun-filled itinerary to make the most of your visit.

Morning Arrival:

Start your day early to beat the crowds. If you’re driving, Scenic World is located in Katoomba, just under two hours from Sydney. There’s ample parking available on-site. Alternatively, take the train from Sydney to Katoomba Station and hop on the blue Mountains Explorer Bus or a local bus which drops you right at the entrance.

Scenic Skyway:

Begin your adventure with the Scenic Skyway. Suspended 270 meters above ancient ravines, the glass-bottom cabin offers breathtaking views of the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, and Jamison Valley. It’s a thrilling start to your day, providing not just views but also an educational experience with commentary about the area’s history and flora.

Scenic Walkway:

Next, explore the Scenic Walkway, a 2.4-kilometer elevated boardwalk through the temperate rainforest. This easy walk is stroller-friendly and offers insights into the mining history of the Blue Mountains. Engage with interactive displays and see the remnants of a bygone era.

Scenic Cableway:

Head to the Scenic Cableway for your return trip. This cable car has a capacity of 84 people and offers a stunning ascent from the valley floor, up the cliff face, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s the steepest and largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.

Scenic Railway:

Finish your visit with a ride on the Scenic Railway, the world"s steepest passenger railway. Descend through a cliff-side tunnel into ancient rainforest. The customizable seating positions add excitement for the kids, making the descent a thrilling end to your day.

After a day of exploration and adventure, relax at one of the on-site dining options before heading back, filled with unforgettable memories of Scenic World.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.