Katoomba Accommodation: 9 Incredible Stays To Try For Yourself

Base yourself at one of these incredible Katoomba stays as you discover the stunning Blue Mountains beyond.

The Gateway to the World-Heritage Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba has long been a magnetic mountain town. With her elegant Art Deco buildings, undeniable originality and bounteous natural assets, such as those drama-filled Jamison Valley vistas, this historic destination offers some of the region’s most character-filled stays. From five-star luxury to centenarian cottages and cool cabins, our pick of Katoomba accommodation will fulfill your mountain hideout needs.

1. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa

Best for: Special occasion stays and moments of opulence.
$$$$

This Echo Point-adjacent resort occupies the historic summer homestead of a former chief justice of NSW and unfurls across two acres of splendid English gardens. This elegant, five-star beauty has set the standard for luxury in the Blue Mountains and is an iconic experience for those who appreciate bygone grandeur.

the garden at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa — Lilianfels channels old-world elegance. (Image: Destination NSW)

The 85-room hotel makes a fine base for outward exploration, but guests are well-entertained onsite with the Lilianfels day spa, swimming pools, tennis court, library and games room. Darley’s Restaurant is the resort’s fine-diner occupying an ornate, chandelier-illuminated room with views toward the Jamison Valley escarpment.

an aerial view of Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa — The heritage-listed homestead oozes glamour and comfort.

2. Palais Royale

Best for: Everyone looking for a little charm.
$$$

Built in 1896, this grand, old building once housed a boarding school for young ladies but now caters to visitors touring the Blue Mountains. With 40 comfortable suites and rooms, including family rooms, the Palais Royale brings a touch of charm to mid-range accommodation. While not wildly opulent, the hotel possesses inherent grace and is a lovely base for relishing Katoomba’s many attractions.

the Palais Royale building exterior in Katoomba, Blue Mountains — The grand Palais Royale brings a touch of charm to mid-range accommodation. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Sable Mae

Best for: Design boffins on a weekend away.
$$$

Just a seven-minute drive from Katoomba will see you in Medlow Bath and checking into this mountain luxe cabin . Beautifully designed and appointed, this ranch-style stay is positioned for bushland fun, from wandering historic towns to following trails frolicking in waterfalls and ogling the landscape. Raw materials, minimal tones and swoon-worthy details, such as a breakfast window and fire pit, make for a cosy base year-round.

outdoor dining chairs at Sable Mae, Katoomba — Settle into this ranch-style stay at Sable Mae.

4. Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant

Best for: Dramatic vistas and enjoying the perks of Lilianfels for a smaller price tag.
$$$

Each room at this 4.5-star Jamison Valley-perched hotel gazes upon the unrelenting beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park. Angled specifically to take in the splendour that plays out with varying colours throughout the day, this spot, set within manicured gardens, allows guests to absorb it all without ever having to put boot to trail.

the corner view suite balcony overlooking the Blue Mountains — Every corner has panoramic views over the scenic Blue Mountains landscape.

Onsite there’s the fine dining Echoes Restaurant and a day spa, while you’ll also have access to a range of leisure activities next door at sister resort, Lilianfels.

the Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel restaurant terrace — Dine at Echoes Restaurant and Bar for incredible views.

5. The Carrington

Best for: Anyone and everyone who’d like a side of handsome history with their stay.
$$–$$$

Set at the highest point of Katoomba, this iconic darling of the mountains is much more than a hotel. Housing the Katoomba Brewing Co, Carrington Cellars and Deli, Old City Bank Bar and Brasserie, Champagne Charlie’s and live music venue, The Baroque Room, this grand old dame is the centrepiece of the town’s nightly action. With suites and rooms restored to their former glamour, The Carrington caters to everyone from families to flashpackers.

an aerial view of The Carrington, Katoomba — The Carrington is considered the iconic darling of the mountains.

6. Eden Farm Escape

Best for: Horse lovers and families with furred friends.

$$$

An hour’s drive from Katoomba, you’ll find five luxury cabins on the lush, groomed meadows of a working equine farm in Bilpin, where idyllic white fences keep well-groomed horses from galloping into the national park beyond.

Bring your dog, kid or both and enjoy some bucolic serenity, swims in the dam, horse rides and egg-collecting from Cluckingham Palace. Sleeping from two up to eight guests, the cabins are curated with loads of style and well-appointed with fireplaces, coffee machines and bespoke kitchens.

two people sitting on a long bench admiring the landscape at Eden Farm Escape — Venture further up the mountains to Bilpin for this idyllic farm stay.

7. Megalong Lookout Cottage

Best for: A little rest and relaxation.
$$$

Enjoy your morning meditation or coffee on the balcony here overlooking the dusty green eucalypts of Megalong Valley.

a wine bottle with glasses on the balcony at sunset, Megalong Lookout Cottage — Admire the cotton candy sky over Megalong Valley.

A lofty and restful escape, the three-bedroom cottage has a calm demeanour and is equipped with everything a comfortable stay requires, plus a few little luxuries, such as Smeg appliances, coffee machine and Aesop products.

View from the lounge out onto the deck at Megalong Lookout Cottage — Expect to feel like you are sleeping in the trees at Megalong Lookout Cottage.

8. Cosy Bush Cabin

Best for: Couples who appreciate timber.
$$

Taking style cues from Hobbiton, this rustic cabin is a cute little stay hewn from recycled materials. Surrounded by bush and backing onto the national park, this is a cosy spot to retreat to after a day spent in the great outdoors. With just a kitchenette, you may need to take a 10-minute drive into Katoomba for dinner or supplies.

the entrance of Cosy Bush Cabin, Katoomba — Cosy Bush Cabin is a cosy spot to retreat.

9. Traveller’s Treehouse

Best for: Two couples on a restorative stay and twitchers.
$$

Poised for a treetop aspect, this charming stay is bright, open and frequented by colourful birdlife. Tucked privately in Katoomba, but close to town, the two-bedroom treehouse is close to the big attractions of the area, such as the Three Sisters and Scenic World yet feels perfectly isolated as you watch the sun dip behind the gums.

Traveller’s Treehouse view from inside — Hide yourself away in this modern-day treehouse in Katoomba.

Find more incredible stays in the region in our guide to Blue Mountains accommodation.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Katoomba accommodation: 9 incredible stays to try for yourself