Katoomba, Blue Mountains Region — New South Wales

Katoomba is a town and the administrative center of Blue Mountains, a city west of Sydney in New South Wales. It is the foremost tourist destination of the area, primarily for its spectacular scenery. The place-name was derived from an Aboriginal word meaning shining falling water.

Echo Point, located at the end of the road bearing the same name, offers previews of spectacular vistas visitors get to see later on. Visitors will not miss the unusual rock formation dubbed as The Three Sisters. At night, this attraction is floodlit and is quite a sight to see, especially for first-time visitors.

Visitors shouldn’t also miss the Paragon Café, a property listed in the National Trust and famous for its Art Deco interiors styled in the 1930s. This particular attraction is located along Katoomba Street.

For souvenirs, visitors should drop by the Aboriginal Dreamtime shop, where items for sale include jewelry, paintings, artifacts, and all things made by the Aboriginal people.

West of the town is the Katoomba Falls Reserve, where bushwalking, bird watching, and animal viewing are popular activities. The surrounding views are also quite breathtaking, especially during nighttime when the falls is filled with floodlight.

For the more adventurous individuals, a ride in the Scenic Skyway is a must. This aerial cable car is a top tourist attraction of the area, which afforded views of the Katoomba Falls and the Orphan Rock.

Nearby is the Scenic Railway, which offers cable car rides descending toward the floor of the Jamison Valley, where the Ruined Castle Walk and the Furber Steps/Ruined Castle/Golden Stairs Walk are offered.

Over at Cliff Drive, a short walk leads to the Leura Cascades, Leura Falls, and the Leura Forest. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching and animal viewing.

A similar attraction can also be found along Nellies Glen Road, the location of the Bonnie Doon Falls. A walking path from this site leads to the Megalong Creek and to the Jenolan Caves.

For more spectacular views, visitors should take time to visit Cahill’s Lookout and Narrow Neck Lookout, both located along Cliff Drive.

The town is also host to the annual Winter Magic Festival, a huge community event composed of parades, stage performances, and markets held every June.

The influx of tourists in this town has fueled the demand for accommodations. Examples of bed and breakfast inns include the St. Elmo Heritage and the Cecil Guesthouse, both on Katoomba Street. Options for affordable accommodations can be found at the Central Blue Mountains Backpackers and the Flying Fox hostels on Bathurst Road. More luxurious rooms and amenities can be had at the Palais Royale Blue Mountain hotel on Katoomba Street, the Mountain Heritage Blue Mountain hotel on Lovel Street, and the Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, located in Echo Point. Another good accommodation option is available at the historic Carrington Hotel.

Katoomba does not lack dining establishments, either. In fact, the town has numerous restaurants and café located within its boundaries that offer varied types of menus and cuisine, from budget meals to fine dining.