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The 10 best Katoomba cafes to fuel Blue Mountains adventure

Credit: Hounslow

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
Find creamy caffeination and farm-fresh meals at the best Katoomba cafes.

Katoomba is serious about fueling with a great cuppa and equally great eats. In June 2026, I returned after a far-too-long hiatus to find the mountain town’s long-serving stalwarts joined by a fresh crop of homely cafes, ensuring my every mist-blanketed meal was devoured in style. From homegrown coffee roasters and dining rooms with views, to hole-in-the-wall haunts with their own lines of merchandise, the best Katoomba cafes set every day up for success.

Here, my favourites to help you sit, sip and savour breakfast or brunch.

The shortlist

Best pastries: Black Cockatoo Bakery
Best coffee: Fidelity Coffee
Hottest new opening: Bon Bakery Cafe
Hidden gem: The Vault Katoomba

1. Black Cockatoo Bakery

sourdough bread at Black Cockatoo Bakery, Katoomba
Try the sourdough bread from Black Cockatoo Bakery.

“Matt Moran loves the one in Lawson, so you’ve got to try Black Cockatoo Bakery," a friend says of the region’s beloved knead masters ahead of my Katoomba visit, and the hype was real. Nationally renowned for its slow-baked, organic sourdough and weekly “bread schedule" of specials, this Katoomba cafe is a well-oiled machine of all things decadently doughy. A focaccia topped with olive oil-drizzled rainbow chard blew my taste buds away, while a Miche loaf laid the groundwork for the fluffiest of loaded sandwiches back at home. Better still, Single O coffee ensures a silky-smooth hit every time, and if you’re there on a Saturday, don’t miss the cult-adored apricot and fennel loaf. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday until around 2pm – unless everything sells out beforehand.

Cuisine: Bread and pastries

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly and always busy

Location: 165 Katoomba St, Katoomba

2. Fidelity Coffee

Lovers of caffeine, forever combing responsibly crafted beans in search of something new to experiment with, Fidelity Coffee is a magnet for coffee connoisseurs in Katoomba. A bright yet minimalistic fit-out opens from behind a simple black-and-white sign amid a complex of small shops, home to several work-from-anywhere patrons and a dad with his kids during my visit. You can do a coffee flight of whatever the house is utilising at the time for $13, and they knock out a short-but-sweet edit of dishes including avocado toast (using Black Cockatoo Bakery bread, bravo) with house-made crispy chilli oil, and pastries spanning Danishes, croissants and lamingtons. They’re open every day from 6am to 1pm.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Family-friendly and serious about coffee

Location: Shop 3/177-179 Katoomba St, Katoomba

3. Hounslow

coffee at Hounslow, Blackheath
Kickstart the day with a warm brew. (Credit: Hounslow)

If you’ve got a spare 10-15 minutes to drive up to beautiful Blackheath, drop into Hounslow in the arcade right opposite Glee Books. It’s free of a fussy fit-out, but don’t let that fool you because the staff are patient (especially for my indecisive menu perusing), friendly (the chef hand-delivered my table’s meals, to our complete surprise) and efficient (everything arrived without a single “Where’s our food?" from anybody). It’s packed with locals so be prepared to wait for a table inside – there are a few scattered out front if it’s warm enough. The wait is worth it when their smoked salmon mixed-seed bagel with dill mayo is beyond great, and Sydney’s Grace & Taylor small batch roasters ensure silky-smooth coffee. They’re open from Monday to Sunday, 7:30am to 2pm.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: A local’s gem

Location: 5/25 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath

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4. Bon Bakery Cafe

The newest Katoomba cafe to draw day-trippers, particularly anybody with a sweet tooth, is Bon Bakery Cafe where sugar rushes are highly encouraged. You won’t miss it – a gorgeous, white-painted cottage with a giant coffee cup replica “pouring" the good stuff down a bunch of blooms beside the front door – but you might overlook the handcrafted Three Sisters chocolate filled with gooey ganache, and I recommend you don’t. It’s such a delightful novelty. Elsewhere on the menu, the Japanese pancakes are popular, as are the brand-stamped cheesecake that dissolves far too quickly in the mouth. They’re open every day from 7am to 6pm.

Cuisine: Desserts

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Cosy and Instagram-friendly

Location: 176 Lurline Street, Katoomba

5. The Vault Katoomba

The Vault Katoomba cafe interior
The classic retro diner features a cosy aesthetic. (Credit: The Vault Katoomba)

If you’re a Blue Mountains local, breakfast is probably the furthest thing from your mind when someone suggests visiting The Vault Katoomba. But the beloved live music and comedy speakeasy has evolved in recent times, and so, I trotted down a short flight of stairs beyond a vintage television set to find one of the region’s few bottomless brunches. “No judgement, just brunch", a sign said of its “hangover cures," which consist of chicken and waffles and home-baked pastries including chocolate croissants, and I lapped up the unusualness of tucking into breakfast amid a hipster lounge room setting dimly lit with mismatched pendant lights. They’re open every day from 7:30am.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Eclectic

Location: 12/122 Katoomba Street, Katoomba

6. Tempus

Tempus, Katoomba
The menu centres around Mediterranean shared plates. (Credit: Tempus Katoomba)

An old bank has been expertly restored on the main stretch of Katoomba into Tempus. And its pretty facade, embracing an eggshell-white and terracotta palette, is photo-worthy when I spot it for the first time. Inside, the ‘Up Early’ menu (this cafe doubles as a restaurant) is equally impressive, spanning creative spins on classics like cauliflower fritters and toasties including lamb and harissa yoghurt, and zucchini with ricotta. The coffee? Beans are supplied by The Little Marionette out of Sydney’s Rozelle, so you know it’s good. These guys lean into cafe mode from 6am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, and they transition into a fine diner in the evenings from Friday to Monday.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Trendy

Location: 66 Katoomba Street, Katoomba

7. Cassiopeia

coffee at Cassiopeia, Katoomba
Sip on specialty coffee at Cassiopeia.

You’ll find one of four Cassiopeia espresso bars in Katoomba, a gorgeous spot to kickstart the day. Open from Monday to Friday, 6am to 2pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 6am to 1pm, this Katoomba cafe is very much about the bean with minimal eats to be had. Expect the usual coffee pairings, such as toast, banana bread and almond croissants, and if you fall in love with your cuppa like I did, you can take a bag of their home-roasted beans away with you.

Cuisine: Pastries and other sweets

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Welcoming, and chatty about coffee

Location: 79 Lurline Street, Katoomba

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8. The Milkbar at The Lookout Echo Point

The Milkbar at The Lookout Echo Point
Step into The Lookout Echo Point for breakfast with a view. (Credit: The Lookout Echo Point)

Enjoy breakfast served at The Milkbar at The Lookout Echo Point with a side of sweeping views as you gaze over the mountains. Settle in to enjoy classics like a bacon and egg roll and a smoked salmon toastie if you’re there for breakfast, or fried fish and chips and a cheeseburger for lunch. The main drawcard of this Katoomba cafe is undoubtedly the view which spans over the Three Sisters and the lush underlying valley below.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Scenic and breezy

Location: 33 Echo Point Road, Katoomba

9. Little Paris Cafe

Nobody does breakfast and brunch quite like the French, so if you’re after a wonderfully buttery start to the day, direct yourself to Little Paris Cafe. The menu embraces the classics and goes heavy-handed with cheese, so choose the croque monsieur, brioche toast, or omelette with Toulouse sausage if you’re there for breakfast. If you’re looking for lunch, opt for savoury crepes or traditional baguettes. There’s also good, fair-trade coffee and, of course, a range of sweeties that can’t easily be refused.

Cuisine: French

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: Shop 4/81–83 Katoomba Street, Katoomba

10. On the Soul Side Cafe

A little bit of quirk and good coffee make On the Soul Side Cafe a must-swing-by when you’re in and around the mountains. There’s often live music happening here, but if not, there’s always good music playing from owner Dave’s collection. Stop by for a toastie or a bacon and egg roll, plus there are also sweet treats that span the likes of Bilpin apple pies and sticky date pudding, as well as an evolving menu of savoury dishes that may include Italian bean soups and vegetable curries.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Lowkey and local

Location: 1 Goldsmith Place, Katoomba

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike. Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track, where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.