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.
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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.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Katoomba accommodation: 9 incredible stays to try for yourself