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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

Katoomba accommodation: 9 incredible stays to try for yourself