The Blue Mountains YHA

The Blue Mountains are one of the most visited spots for backpackers in Australia.

Their natural beauty, stunning views, and incredible selection of wildlife make them the go-to place for anyone look to marvel at the country’s scenery.

In the town of Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains, the Blue Mountains YHA offers backpackers a place to stay after a day of exploring. The award-winning hostel boasts comfortable log fires for cosy evenings in, a large communal kitchen for sociable events, and free WiFi for all guests. It is set in the heart of picturesque Katoomba, right near the train station, making it a central point for anyone visiting.

The building itself is a restored National Trust building which sits just moments away from the incredible national parks and bush landscapes of the region, including the much-loved Echo Point and Three Sisters.

As well as multi-share dorms and en-suite private rooms, the hostel also caters to families with a selection of family rooms.

Facilities at the Blue Mountains YHA

There are plenty of perks at the hostel, including an on-site BBQ area for warm summer evenings, a games room to unwind in, and an open fireplace that offers a cosy respite from the wild surroundings of the Blue Mountains. For quiet time, there is a designated reading room to relax in, and a TV area where you can meet your fellow travellers and kick back before another day of discoveries.

The hostel also puts on a number of nights for its guests, including Ice Cream Night on a Sunday, where ice cream is served in the lounge to anyone who’s interested, and Movie Night on a Thursday, where guests can chill out to a film with popcorn.

Activities Around the Blue Mountains YHA

There is plenty to get stuck into in the surrounding area, especially if you’re looking to get to know the Blue Mountains on a personal level.

There are four-wheel drive tours that take you on rocky terrain through the mountainous landscape, abseiling activities where you can get your adrenalin pumping while admiring the incredible views, and hiking expeditions that take you past the eclectic selection of native wildlife.

For the more adventurous traveller, there is the chance to go canyoning and caving in the surrounding mountains, or try your hand at rock climbing in the beautiful scenery. To explore at a more leisurely pace, you can take a horseback ride, or simply duck in and out of the numerous galleries that can be found around the hostel in Katoomba.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.