Katoomba

Katoomba is the largest and most convenient base for exploring the Blue Mountains, sitting 1,017 m above sea level with sweeping views of the Jamison Valley. The town preserves numerous art deco shopfronts from its interwar heyday along the main street, giving it a distinctive architectural character. It offers the full tourist infrastructure — tourist offices, accommodation, restaurants, and nightlife — while nearby Leura has absorbed the quaint village charm Katoomba once held. For backpackers, it's the practical hub: everything you need is within walking distance of the station, and major attractions like Echo Point and Scenic World are reachable by regular bus.

Before British colonization, the Gundungurra and Darug indigenous peoples called the area kedumba, meaning "shining falling water." Many Aboriginal peoples were forcibly relocated to The Gully, a tract of land in the middle of town. Katoomba developed as a mountain resort in the early 20th century, benefiting from train services from Sydney. The interwar period (between WWI and WWII) was its heyday, evidenced today by the numerous art deco buildings lining Katoomba Street. The town lost much of its original village character to its neighbour Leura to the east.

Katoomba is on the Blue Mountains Line, with train services from Sydney via its western suburbs on a mostly hourly basis. From Sydney Central, the adult fare is a maximum $8.30 each way, and the Opal Card can be used with its discounts and fare caps. Katoomba Station is at the northern end of the town centre. Bus tours to Jenolan Caves also operate from Katoomba.

The 686 bus departs every 30 minutes during the day from Katoomba Station to Scenic World and Echo Point. You can use your Opal card, and changing from train to bus gives you a $2 transfer credit. The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus offers hop-on/hop-off service from around 9AM to 5PM for adults $55 (children $15), though it's not Opal-enabled and queues can be long. Their ticket office is across the street from the railway station. The Trolley Tours service starts outside the Carrington Hotel and its HOHO ticket also covers the 686 bus.

Katoomba's elevation at 1,017 m means cooler temperatures than Sydney year-round. Winter (June-August) brings cold nights and occasional frost, with the Winter Magic Festival in June featuring parades, live music, and local produce. Summer offers warm days ideal for bushwalking, though crowds peak at Christmas and school holidays. The Vertical Film Festival runs annually, showcasing adventure and outdoor films. Scenic World can be extremely crowded on weekends and public holidays.

Katoomba offers the broadest accommodation range in the Blue Mountains. Budget options include Blue Mountains YHA (reception 7AM-10PM) and The Flying Fox Hostel, 350 m from the station, which offers free WiFi, breakfast, tea and coffee. No. 14 at 14 Lovel Street has dorms from $26 and doubles from $75, with a leafy veranda and valley views. Mid-range choices include Hotel Gearin (single $65, double $90) on the Great Western Highway and 3 Explorers Motel ($96-136 for doubles depending on day). The Carrington Hotel (built 1880) offers old-world charm near the station, while Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa near Echo Point represents the luxury end.

Katoomba's dining scene is concentrated along Katoomba Street. Cafe Zuppa at 36 Katoomba St (daily 7AM-11PM) serves good food at affordable prices in art deco surroundings. Common Ground café at the corner of Katoomba St and Waratah St is praised for excellent service and the best hot chocolate in town. Avalon at 8 Katoomba St (W-Su) offers stylish dining with valley views, mains up to $25. Thai Square serves Thai cuisine, while Blue Mountains Seafood at 191 Katoomba St (Tu-Sa 10:45AM-7:30PM, Su 11AM-7:30PM) is a fish and chips takeaway. For nightlife, the Carrington Piano Bar is the most upmarket option with occasional live piano, while the Carrington Main Bar is the standard local pub with poker machines. The Clarendon Guesthouse at 68 Lurline St features live music, comedy, and theatre.

Echo Point is free to visit and offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters rock formation, with a 30-minute walk to the Sisters themselves and an easy descent to a bridge at the base. The site is lit at night. Scenic World at the corner of Violet St and Cliff Drive costs $49.90 on weekdays and $55 on weekends and school holidays, featuring the world's steepest railway (52-degree incline), a 2.4-km high boardwalk through ancient rainforest, and 360-degree views from the Skyway. The Edge cinema at 225 Great Western Highway screens a 38-minute giant-screen film called Wild Australia: The Edge about Blue Mountains scenery and rainforest. Bushwalking opportunities include walks to the Ruined Castle and Mt Solitary, where lyrebirds are commonly spotted. Good shoes, water, and sun protection are essential for mountain walks.

Jenolan Caves lies further west, with guided bus tours available from Katoomba. Leura, the immediately adjacent town to the east, has absorbed the quaint village charm Katoomba has lost. Medlow Bath is five minutes by car or train to the west/north, home to the Hydro Majestic hotel (built 1904 as a health resort) with stunning Megalong Valley views and high tea in the Wintergarden.