Don’t Delay Your Stay: A complete travel guide to visiting Katoomba
Katoomba is the biggest and most visited town in the Blue Mountains. But there’s a few secret spots you won’t want to miss.
Welcome to Don’t Delay Your Stay, news.com.au’s campaign to support communities hard hit by this summer’s devastating bushfires. Many of these regions rely on tourism so one of the best ways to help is to visit and spend time in some of the most beautiful parts of our great country.
Katoomba is the biggest and most visited town in the Blue Mountains. And for good reason.
Home to the region’s most famous sight — the iconic Three Sisters rock formation — and plenty of jaw-dropping views, the town also has a vibrant and eclectic town centre.
But it has been quiet since the bushfires. The iconic local attraction Scenic World, which was shut down for several days as a precaution in December, had 50,000 fewer visitors that month compared to December 2018.
But Scenic World was unaffected by the fire and is in action, with the Scenic Railway, Scenic Cableway and Scenic Skyway — which offers incredible views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley — operating as normal. Longer walks on the Scenic Walkway remain closed for now.
Also open is Echo Point lookout, where you can see the Three Sisters, the scenic spot Nellie’s Glen, and a huge variety of local bushwalks and hikes. (The NSW National Parks site has updated information on what’s open or still closed across the Blue Mountains.)
Take in the amazing views of Echo Point over a drink or meal at Bar NSW at The Lookout, and for a memorable meal, check out 8 Things on Katoomba St, which serves eight authentic dishes from around the world created daily.
For a really fancy dining experience, splash out at Darley’s Restaurant at the heritage-listed Lilianfels property.
Katoomba is also a great place to shop for all kinds of kooky curiosities. Local favourites include Odd Mountain Oddities and the Katoomba Antique Centre.
If you’re staying in town, you can’t beat The Carrington Hotel, a gorgeous property that’s been around since the 19th century. At the very least, pop in for a cocktail or beer. Or drop into the Mountain Culture Beer Company in the main street for a local brew.