Top 16 Things to Do in Katoomba | Australian Traveller

The historic Blue Mountains town of Katoomba is a vibrant, creative enclave filled with attractions from outdoor excitement to cosy places to sit and sip.

The lofty town of Katoomba is at the heart of the Blue Mountains. Set on the fringe of the heritage-listed national park, this heritage centre is usually the first stop on any excursion into the high-country and is a great place to base oneself. While there’s plenty of natural attractions a stone’s throw from town, you certainly won’t be left wanting for things to do in Katoomba once you unlace your walking shoes. Here’s our pick of the must-do and see experiences from the streets to bush.

1. Visit the Three Sisters

Perhaps the most iconic Katoomba sight, the Three Sisters rise almost one kilometre above sea level from the north escarpment of the Jamison Valley.

Family enjoying views across Blue Mountains National Park to the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary from Echo Point Lookout — Prepare to be awe-struck at the majestic Three Sisters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Steeped deeply in lore and of great significance to the Traditional Owners, these monolithic pillars are awe-inspiring for anyone who glimpses their majestic beauty. The sisters can be easily discovered on a gentle 800-metre walk in Katoomba, making them a must-see on any Blue Mountains jaunt.

sunrise over the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, Katoomba — Witness incredible sunrise views over the Jamison Valley and Three Sisters. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Try a beer at Mountain Culture

This Blue Mountains-born craft brewery barrels out interesting and high-quality beer that’s adored around Australia, but you’ll only find the Brewpub in Katoomba.

a bartender holding beer at Mountain Culture Beer Co — Try the award-winning brews at Mountain Culture Beer Co. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located in a restored historic 1912 building, which once housed the local paper, a video store and a home for ‘lost or belated drunks’, the Mountain Culture brewery is a convivial place to sink a cold one after a day hiking. Stop by for a fortifying burger and beer, such as the award-winning Status Quo Pale Ale or the Scenic Route Session.

craft beers from Mountain Culture Beer Co. — It’s a great place to sink a cold one back in town after a day of exploring. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Discover Scenic World

A veritable theme park with nature as the star attraction, Scenic World is a collection of jaw-dropping rides that show the magnitude of beauty in the Blue Mountains National Park. There’s the 2.2-kilometre Scenic Walkway for those who prefer to stay on the ground, but the real showstoppers are the eight-minute Scenic Cableway some 216 metres above ground; the Scenic Skyway that’s elevated 270 metres; and the historic 1878 Scenic Railway, which travels at a thrilling gradient of 52-degrees to take out the gong for the steepest railway in the world.

riding a cable car at Scenic World, Katoomba — Take in the sights on a cable car ride at Scenic World. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Check out Katoomba Falls

Thundering 150 metres from the Kedumba River to the Jamison Valley below, Katoomba Falls is one of the Blue Mountain’s most captivating waterfalls. Starting from Scenic World, you can take the short, two-kilometre circuit to take in the beauty of the falls with a photo op along the way at Juliet’s Balcony, which overlooks the dramatic Witches Leap.

bushwalking past a waterfall in Katoomba — Make your way to one of the most captivating waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Descend the Giant Stairway and take in the view at Echo Point Lookout

For those keen to tackle a physical challenge, make for the Echo Point to Scenic World walking track via the Giant Stairway . Absorb the vistas from Echo Point before making your way to the Jamison Valley below.

scenic views from Echo Point Lookout — Take in the beauty of this icon from Echo Point Lookout. (Image: Destination NSW)

Forged from steel and stone in 1909, the 998 stairs lead to Honeymoon Bridge, which connects to the first of the Three Sisters. Once at the base, you can take the Scenic Railway back to the top, should you not feel inclined to tackle the stairs in reverse.

a couple enjoying views from Honeymoon Bridge overlooking the Jamison Valley along the Three Sisters Walking Trail, Katoomba — Hike to Honeymoon Bridge for rewarding views of the Jamison Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Wild swim at Katoomba Cascades and Minnehaha Falls

There’s nothing like a dip in a cool mountain pool come summer. There are a few spots to wash away the heat in Katoomba, but our top picks are the layered Katoomba Cascades, where, after rain, the gentle falls plunge with force and kids can splash in the lower level, while adults enjoy a spa-like experience higher up. Also head to the deeper waterhole at Minnehaha Falls, where you can frolic under the gentle cascade and loll about in the water or sun yourself on the bank.

7. Enjoy a luxe stay at Lilianfels

A graceful place to relish the mountain air, this five-star resort is set amid deftly tended, cool-climate gardens and sprawls out across 89 guest rooms and suites styled with a luxe settler aesthetic. Lilianfel’s onsite fine-dining restaurant, Darley’s, is housed in a heritage-listed homestead and offers up splendid vistas of the Jamison Valley. It’s special occasion territory for escapes that require a little indulgence.

Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains — Breathe in the fresh mountain air during your luxe stay at Lilianfels. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Sip high tea at the Hydro Majestic

Scones and the Blue Mountains go hand-in-hand and one of the most stylish ways to take tea in the region is with a high tea experience at the grand Hydro Majestic . With dramatic views overlooking the Megalong Valley, tea is served daily between 11am and 3pm in the elegant Wintergarden room and consists of three tiers of finger sandwiches and petit pastries.

an aerial view of the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains — The Hydro Majestic Hotel pairs their high tea with incredible views. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Find clifftop thrills with Blue Mountains Adventure Company

With cliffs to climb and valleys to traverse, Katoomba and the Blue Mountains region is an adventurer’s playground. If your idea of a good time sees you dangling from a canyon tethered by a rope, you’ll love to slip into a harness for a guided experience canyoning, abseiling and climbing. Blue Mountains Adventure Company offers all these activities for beginner to advanced thrill-seekers, plus gentler walks to multi-day hikes.

a woman abseiling at Cahills Lookout, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains — Book with Blue Mountains Adventure Company for memorable thrills. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. Ride an e-bike in the Blue Mountains National Park

Not all exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park need be done by foot. For an energetic but less taxing experience, taking a guided e-bike tour ticks all the boxes for most fitness levels aged 12 to 70-plus.

You’ll head off the beaten track on the latest e-mountain bikes that assist your pedalling with a little motorised push, so you can spend your time admiring the bush surrounds rather than working up a sweat. Blue Mountain Biking Adventures offers tours that include a helmet, bike, snack and guide through Katoomba’s Narrowneck Plateau and other locations.

a family mountain biking in the Blue Mountains National Park — Explore the Blue Mountains National Park on a mountain bike. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Join Gundungurra Indigenous Tours at Scenic World

Long before the area was named the Blue Mountains, it had been given the name Gundungurra Country. Learn about local lore with a first nations guide as you explore the endemic flora and fauna and hear stories from the Dreamtime. Leaving from Scenic World, you’ll take the Cableway and Skyway as you learn about the rich culture of the region.

12. Hike the Six Foot Track

Serious walkers will be keen to follow the trail from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves on this three-day hike that follows an 1884 horse track.

sunrise at Kanangra-Boyd National Park — Join a three-day hike to witness the beauty of Kanangra-Boyd National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Weaving through Kanangra-Boyd National Park and state forests, enthusiastic nature-lovers will relish camping under the stars as they meander through the Megalong Valley to arrive at the caves. If the full Six Foot Track requires too much commitment, you can also tackle it in shorter sections.

the entrance of Jenolan Caves — The trek ends at Jenolan Caves, an impressive limestone attraction in the Blue Mountains. (Image: Jenolan Caves)

13. Indulge in some Blue Mountains spa time

When wintry, snow-dusted days suggest a little pampering, book in for a massage or treatment at one of Katoomba’s day spas. Spa Sublime and Aspara Day Spa both offer a window into wellness on a weekend away in the mountains, where you can work out any tension from daily life or soothe limbs after a bush hike.

a spa bath at Spa sublime in Katoomb — Pamper yourself at Spa Sublime. (Image: Darren Edwards; Destination NSW)

14. Follow the Katoomba Night-Lit Walk

While the Blue Mountains is undeniably spectacular by day, it also has an ethereal beauty by night. The Katoomba Night-Lit Walk is illuminated from dusk to 11pm, giving walkers a chance to safely experience the sights and nocturnal sounds of the bush come dark. Follow the forest path on the 2.4-kilometre return route that passes Katoomba Cascades, Katoomba Falls, Orphan Rock and Witches Leap, at some parts you can also see the Three Sisters all aglow.

15. Take in the sunset at Boars Head

It would be remiss of anyone to visit the Blue Mountains and not find a position to admire the nightly light show at sunset. With vibrant orange and pink hues bathing the ancient rock cliffs and swathing the bush in a spectrum of colours, this is a free spectacle not to be missed. For prime viewing, make your way to Boars Head Lookout and join the audience for a picnic and a show. Be sure to rug up, though, it can get windy and chilly.

16. Tour Katoomba’s street art

The energy of the mountains imbues its residents with an abundance of creativity, which can be seen through the many galleries and bespoke craft boutiques, but also on the streets of Katoomba.

friends taking a selfie along the Street Art Walk, Katoomba — Get a group selfie along the Street Art Walk, Katoomba. (Image: Destination NSW)

A joint venture between Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, University of Western Sydney and Street Art Murals Australia, the Beverly Place precinct has been decorated with large-scale murals that showcase the talent of street artists from the region and around Australia. Have your camera at-the-ready to snap a few selfies along the walk.

street art in Katoomba — The street art here is truly striking. (Image: Destination NSW)

Keep reading our Blue Mountains travel guide for more insider tips and hidden gems to discover in this unforgettable part of Australia.

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

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

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

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.

16 memorable things to do in Katoomba