A mountain town in New South Wales with views of the Three Sisters rock formation. Popular base for hiking Blue Mountains trails and riding the Scenic Railway.
Katoomba, the main town of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, sits 1,017 meters above sea level and 102 kilometers west of Sydney. You can walk to thundering waterfalls, descend the world's steepest railway, explore sandstone caves, and hike through eucalyptus forests. The town's art galleries, vintage bookshops, and historic cinema add cultural depth to your mountain experience.
Getting to Katoomba
The Blue Mountains Line train runs regularly from Sydney Central Station to Katoomba, taking about two hours. By car, take the Great Western Highway west from Sydney for a 90-minute drive. Several tour buses leave daily from Sydney's CBD, making Katoomba ideal for day trips.
Three Sisters and Echo Point
The Three Sisters rock formation towers above Jamison Valley, with each sandstone pillar reaching nearly one kilometer into the sky. At Echo Point lookout, you'll see Mount Solitary and the sandstone cliffs that frame the valley. Walk down the Giant Stairway's 800 steps from Echo Point to the valley floor, where you can access multiple walking tracks.
Scenic World
At Scenic World, you'll experience four distinct adventures. The Scenic Railway plunges at a 52-degree angle through a cliff-side tunnel - the steepest passenger railway in the world. Take the Scenic Cableway 545 meters across Jamison Valley, or cross the valley 200 meters high in the glass-floored Scenic Skyway. Walk through rainforest at valley level on the elevated Scenic Walkway.
Walking Trails and Lookouts
Walk the Prince Henry Cliff track to see more than 20 lookouts between Katoomba and Leura, including three waterfalls. The Round Walking Track takes you through rainforest on a shorter route, while the Federal Pass challenges you with steep sections and valley views. Along Cliff Drive, stop at Eaglehawk, Landslide, and Narrow Neck lookouts for different perspectives of the valley.
Town Center Life
Katoomba Street buzzes with activity, where cafes and restaurants occupy 1920s and 1930s buildings with detailed art deco facades. Browse through second-hand bookshops and antique stores filled with vintage treasures. The Carrington Hotel, built in 1882, stands at the town's highest point, its Victorian architecture reflecting the grand tourism era of the Blue Mountains.
Winter in Katoomba
Snow falls about five days per year in Katoomba, typically during July and August. The Winter Magic Festival fills the streets each June with local artists, craft stalls, and street performances. Night temperatures often drop below freezing, creating clear morning conditions when you can see far across the valley.
Art and Culture Scene
Local artists and writers shape Katoomba's creative character. Watch films on one of the southern hemisphere's largest screens at The Edge Cinema. Find local artwork in galleries along Lurline Street, where painters and sculptors display their latest works.
