Katoomba Oasis
Katoomba is the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, where freedom is easy to find. This charming town is the gateway to spectacular natural attractions like the Three Sisters. It offers superb heritage hotels, a thriving café culture, and a host of boutiques and art galleries.
Table of Contents
The mountains offer a feeling of liberation
Katumba is the most popular tourist destination in the Blue Mountains National Park. It only became famous in 1879 when J.B. North discovered the Katoomba mine. Coal was extracted from the mountainside near Orphan’s Rock and transported to the top via cable car. The now-famous Scenic Railway travels beside the original trench in the mountain landscapes.
Join us on a Blue Mountains tour and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure!
Scenic World
The Scenic Railway is the steepest in the world and is one of Australia’s most popular artificial tourist attractions. The ride takes you on a steep descent along Orphan Rock, through a tunnel, and over magnificent wet fern cliffs.
Adjacent to the Scenic Railway is the Scenic Cableway, Australia’s steepest cable car. The Scenic Cableway takes 545 meters into the rainforest of the Jamison Valley, a World Heritage Site in the Greater Blue Mountains. Scenic world also offers a spectacular scenic drive. Visitors can descend into the canyon on the Scenic Railway, stroll along the Scenic Trail, and ride back up to the top on the Scenic Cable Car.
The spectacular Skyway Scenic Cable Car is also located in the same area. The original Skyway cable car, constructed in 1958, was Australia’s first passenger cable car. The new glass-floored cable car can transport up to 84 passengers across the Jamieson Valley at a height of 200 meters. The incredible views are something worth seeing.
Echo Point's Three Sisters
A trip to the Blue Mountains is complete with visiting the breathtaking Three Sisters at Echo Point. The road to the Three Sisters is well-marked. Take Katoomba Street or Lurline Street to Echo Point Road. Three Sisters is around 2.5 km from the Great Western Highway or Katoomba Station. At the same time, the mountains provide more than simply natural beauty. You can’t help but admire the breathtaking magnificence of this rock structure.
The Three Sisters’ personalities change throughout the day and seasons, and sunshine highlights their fantastic colours. They are also lighted at night, standing against the black night sky. If you wish to learn more about the Three Sisters, read the Aboriginal legends about the period of dreams.
Echo Point also has the world-famous gigantic stairway. You can descend 800 stairs to the valley bottom if willing and sturdy. The Katoomba Echo Point Visitor Information Center is located near Echo Point Road, where you can enjoy incredible views and get up close and personal with rosellas eating sunflower seeds. The centre sells various Australian goods and offers information on what to see, do, and how to get there.
Katoomba Lookouts
Eaglehawk Lookout and Landslide Lookout are located on Cliff Drive west of Scenic World. The Katoomba Christian Conference Centre is nearby. Continue along Cliff Drive to the Narrow Neck Lookout. You may also go to Cahills Lookout, which provides dramatic views of the spectacular Megalong Valley.
Driving east on Cliff Drive from the Scenic Byway, you may see the cascades and walk to Katoomba Falls. Prince Henry Cliff Drive also leads to picnic and grilling areas in Lilianfels Park, including Cliff View Lookout, Wollumai Lookout, Allambie Lookout, and Lady Darly Lookout.
Historical Katoomba
The iconic Explorers Marked Tree is located west of Katoomba along the Great Western Highway. It has the initials of the famous explorers Blaxland, Wentworth, and Lawson and dates from 1813.
Just behind the tree, at the top of Pulpit Hill, you will see about twenty piles of stones. It is believed that these are the graves of prisoners who died during the construction of the road. Cathedral Hill also served as a location for various religious services.
Yosemite Park
If you travel the Mini-Ha-Ha Road, you’ll arrive at the Mini-Ha-Ha Nature Reserve, where you may climb to the Mini-Ha-Ha Waterfall in the gorgeous Yosemite National Park.
Katoomba's North
North Katoomba is home to the Exhibition Centre (on the Great Western Highway) and various parks such as Melrose Park, Harold Hodgson Park, and Burea Park. There is an RSPCA animal refuge on Mort Street.
In Town
The first hotel in the centre of Katoomba was built in 1882 by Mr Harry Rowell.
The Great Western Hotel, known for its attractiveness, received many guests. In 1886, Mr F. Goyder purchased the hotel and renamed it “H. Carrington” in honour of the then-Governor. The Carrington Hotel reopened to the public in 1998 after undergoing major restoration.
The Blue Mountains City Council offices, Renaissance Center, and The Edge Cinema are all located on the north side of the Great Western Highway. The Edge Cinema boasts one of the most giant screens in the Southern Hemisphere. The Edge, a 40-minute documentary, is available in the theatre. The film will take you to regions in the Blue Mountains that you would not have been able to see with your own eyes.
It is the origin of traditional shopping. It is also a site where history, art, a beautiful natural environment, and café culture all combine, making it an exciting area to explore on foot. We recommend that you utilize this map to make the most of your visit to Katoomba, the central city of the Blue Mountains and a World Heritage Site.
Katoomba Heritage Walk
Katoomba activities and events
Katoomba comes alive in the evenings due to the numerous cafés and restaurants along the main street. The only issue is choosing which one to dine at.
There are several art galleries in Katumba, including ones on Lorraine Street. Katoomba’s most significant events are the March Six Foot Running Marathon and the June Winter Magic Festival.
1874, a quarry along the Blue Mountains railway line produced ballast stone. Trains stopped there to adjust the brakes on the cars so they could descend to Springwood safely. In 1877, the name “engine” was changed to Katoomba.
Katoomba comes from the Aboriginal word “brilliant,” which refers to the area’s natural beauty.
Six-foot walking track
The famous Six Foot Walking Track begins at a tree discovered by explorers along the way to Nellies Glen. For those who are brave, this historic track leads from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, down to Nellies Glen, and via Megalong Valley. Pulpit Rock and Boonie Doon Falls are also accessible by foot via Nellies Glen Road.
FAQ
What is Katoomba famous for?
Katoomba is known as the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park and is home to attractions like the Three Sisters, Scenic World, and stunning lookouts.
How do I get to the Three Sisters from Katoomba?
From Katoomba Street or Lurline Street, follow signs to Echo Point Road. It’s about 2.5 km from the Great Western Highway or Katoomba Station.
What can I do at Scenic World?
You can ride the world’s steepest Scenic Railway, explore the rainforest via the Scenic Cableway, and enjoy panoramic views from the glass-floored Scenic Skyway.
Are there any notable lookouts in Katoomba?
Yes — Eaglehawk Lookout, Landslide Lookout, Narrow Neck Lookout, Cahills Lookout, and Cliff View Lookout all offer spectacular mountain and valley views.
What events take place in Katoomba?
Major events include the March Six Foot Running Marathon and the June Winter Magic Festival, plus a lively café and arts scene year-round.
