16 memorable things to do in Katoomba

Lara Picone Lara Picone
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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)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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.

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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.
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    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.