The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Blue Mountains National Park

Barrow Lookout is named after Saac Le Pipre Barrow, a government surveyor in the late 1870s who worked on mapping this area. This viewpoint is breathtaking, perched up on sandstone cliffs. There are railings for safety around this concrete platform that overlooks Govett Gorge, a side view of Govetts Leap Falls, and nearby peaks like Mount Hay. There is a rest bench here for a break, a perfect spot to take in the amazing views.

It may not seem obvious at first glance, but from this point in on the Cliff Top walking track, bushwalkers you are standing at the top of a 180-metre waterfall. The falls are huge, plunging down the cliffs below, but from here the Govetts Leap Brook seems to sort of just come to an end. This section of Cliff Top walking track has stone steps and is fenced off for safety.

Valley View Lookout is a nice alternative to Evans Lookout, as it is a bit quieter, and just as accessible and beautiful. This lookout shows off an amazing vantage point over the massive Grose Valley and Hayward Gully Falls. Often during sunrise there's low-lying fog in the valley, so to see a nice undercast, arrive early.

Katoomba Falls is a fantastic multi-tiered waterfall that cascades over sandstone cliffs into the Jamison Valley, and is one of the Blue Mountains’ most recognisable waterfall locations. The falls are surrounded by rugged escarpments, and from here, there are beautiful expansive views across the eucalyptus-covered ridges that stretch through the valley. The combination of plunging water, towering cliffs, and wide valley scenery makes it especially impressive if you're lucky enough to be here after it rains.

Federal Pass Walking Track is a historic and relatively challenging route that follows the base of the Jamison Valley cliffs between Leura and Katoomba, passing under dramatic escarpments and connecting several iconic walking routes. The track winds through cool forest, fern-filled gullies, creek crossings, and waterfall areas, with access to Leura Forest, the Giant Stairway, Scenic World, and routes toward Ruined Castle. The towering sandstone cliffs combined with the lush valley vegetation, and changing views of the escarpment create an ideal immersive walk that contrasts with the busy exposed lookouts high above you.

Spooners Lookout is a quieter viewpoint along the Three Sisters Walk near Echo Point, offering a slightly different angle of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation with extended views across the Jamison Valley. Reached by a short detour on a paved path through eucalypt forest, this lookout provides a more peaceful vantage point than the main Echo Point platform while still capturing the impressive escarpment scenery. Sandstone cliffs, forested ridges, and expansive valley views make it an excellent spot for appreciating the scale and beauty of the Blue Mountains landscape.

Burrabarroo Lookout is a smaller, quieter viewpoint set just off the Prince Henry Cliff Walk near Katoomba. The lookout sits on a rocky outcrop above the Jamison Valley, with views stretching toward Sublime Point, Kings Tableland, and Mount Solitary. Access is via a short side track with stairs and uneven rock sections leading to a fenced viewing area. Compared to the larger lookouts nearby, this spot feels more tucked into the bush and is often much less crowded. The name “Burrabarroo” is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning “very large stones” or “big feller stone.”

The Three Sisters Walk is a short, well-formed track from Echo Point that takes you right up to the Three Sisters via a series of paved paths and stairs. A small bridge connects to the first sister, with close-up views back across the Jamison Valley. The track links directly to the Giant Stairway, which continues down into the valley for those wanting a longer route. Expect steps and steady foot traffic, especially during busy periods.