By Christine Knight
The Blue Mountains is full of secret walks and waterfalls, just waiting to be discovered. Our favorite place to take our preschooler is Katoomba Cascades, a small waterfall on a trail that starts at Katoomba Falls Park, on Cliff Drive.
The short 300 metre walk down to the falls takes about 15 mins, making it the perfect distance for smaller children. On the day we went it was extremely muddy even though we were in the middle of a long spell of dry weather, so be sure to wear closed shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
The track is such easy walking that even our preschooler could handle it. At the bottom of the walk is a bench seat and some shade, as well as plenty of rocks to sit on. On a hot day, take your shoes off and enjoy the clear, sparkling water.
The water at the base of the cascades is very shallow, so it’s a popular spot for kids to cool down. There are very few places like this where the walk in is so accessible yet you can get so close to a waterfall.
My preschooler needed a hand from Dad as the water was a little deep for her in places, like right under the waterfall. Despite the cool temperature of the water, she was happy to frolic long after her lips had started to turn blue. A few of the water-lovers in our group climbed up the rocks into the base of the cascades and enjoyed a solitary spot to contemplate life for a while.
With the fresh scent of the bush and the roar of the waterfall surrounding us, we felt like we were deep in the bush, rather than being just a few hundred metres off a main road.
If your kids are older and have more stamina, you can continue the walk by following the Kedumba river to the spot where it falls into the valley. A beautiful view will reward your efforts.
Back up at the start of the walk is a large grassed area that is perfect for picnicking and playing games before or after the waterfall walk. There are no bathrooms nearby though, so prepare accordingly.
If you’re after more things to do in the area, drive to the nearby (and extremely kid-friendly) Gingerbread Cafe, or enjoy some more nature with further bush walks around Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath. If you have children who are too young to take on longer bush walks, nearby Scenic World provides several different ways for families to enjoy the bush without much physical exertion.
How far would you go on a day trip from your town?
If you would like to be a contributor to this series with a hidden place of your own (anywhere!), please email me: maxabella(a)gmail.com
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I love the Blue Mountains – so many hidden spots! We’re Mountain bound in June, so I’ll have to check this one out!
Maxabella says
It looks so peaceful! I find bushwalking in the Blue Mountains rather intimidating (I picture being airlifted out of some tough spot by helicopter), but this has given me a do-able place to start!! x
Julie @ Off to the park says
This is why I love living in the Blue Mountains, it is such a beautiful place 🙂 When Hubby & I first moved here we did quite a few walks with waterfalls. We haven’t taken the girls bushwalking yet so will need to try one out when its warmer and the ground is dried out. 🙂
Maxabella says
If you know of another fine spot, be sure to do up a post for me, Julie! 😉 x
Jo @Countrylifeexperiment says
The Blue Mountains are my home, and I miss them still. We used to go for walks around the bush growing up.
Maxabella says
I didn’t know you were from around there, Jo. Quite a different environment for you these days!! x
Nicole@ The Builders Wife says
Wow! I’ve never been to the Blue Mountains, but I’ve just put this on the list.
Maxabella says
You’re in QLD aren’t you, Nicole? A holiday down this way may be in order! x
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
This looks beautiful. I love hidden treasures like this. As a day trip with two littlies in the car, we tend to not venture further than an hour from home.
Maxabella says
I think that sounds about right for a day trip, Malinda. I might stretch my bigs to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the destination. x