walking the Grand Canyon track

Katoomba is the easiest base for a first Blue Mountains trip — central, on the train line, and walkable to Echo Point — while Blackheath and Wentworth Falls suit hikers who want to be closer to the trailheads. We stayed at the Blue Mountains Heritage Motel in Katoomba for our Fri–Mon August trip and it put us within walking distance of the main street. Getting to the actual trailheads (Burramoko Ridge, Grand Canyon Track) still meant a bus plus some walking, so budget extra time for that.

If you're building your trip around doing the big hikes, factor in which town gets you closest to the trail you're doing that day, or consider hiring a car to cut down on time navigating by bus or train.

Looking for activities and tours? Check out my Things to Do in the Blue Mountains guide

Katoomba: The easiest First Timer base

Katoomba is the "capital" of the mountains - everything from Echo Point to the Street Art Walk is within walking distance, and it's the main stop on the Blue Mountains Line train. This is where we based ourselves.

• Backpacker/hostel: YHA Blue Mountains - clean, social, walking distance to the station

• Low budget: Blue Mountains Heritage Motel - where we stayed, simple and central

• Mid budget: Carrington Hotel

• High end: Echoes Boutique Hotel

• Luxury: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Leura: Boutique & slower paced

Ten minutes from Katoomba by car or train, Leura trades a bit of convenience for boutique shopping, chocolate shops, and the Everglades Gardens.

• Mid budget: Leura Fairways

• High end: Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains - pool, golf, full resort setup

• Low budget: Leura Gardens Resort

You may also find my Blue Mountains 3 Day itinerary useful to read!

Blackheath & Wentworth Falls: Best for hikers

If your trip is built around the multi hour trails (National Pass, Grand Canyon Track), staying closer to the trailheads cuts down on bus/train time each hiking day.

• Low budget: High Mountains Motor Inn, Blackheath

• Mid budget: Grand View Hotel, Wentworth Falls

• High end: Kyah Boutique Hotel, Blackheath

• Caravan & campgrounds: Blackheath Holiday Cabins

Browse Blue Mountains hiking tours on GetYourGuide here - my affiliate code THEGRACEOUTDOORS5 gets you 5% off!

Three Sisters lookout is an absolute must see

A quick note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book or buy through them — at no extra cost to you.