Katoomba: Views, Walking Trails and Culture
Accommodation in Katoomba
When looking for a hotel in Katoomba, you can start by focusing on the experiences that matter to you. The destination combines viewpoints at the Three Sisters, walking trails in Blue Mountains National Park and cultural attractions in the town centre. The area around Katoomba forms the heart of the national park. Depending on whether you prefer individual views, different walking routes or cultural attractions, other aspects of your stay may take priority.
Viewpoints and Walking Trails
The easy Three Sisters Walk leads to some of the best-known viewpoints in Blue Mountains National Park and close to the famous Three Sisters. From Echo Point, you can see the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary and the dramatic sandstone cliffs above Jamison Valley. The upper viewing platform at Echo Point is wide, level and step-free; gently sloping, step-free concrete paths lead to the lower platform. As maintenance or construction work may affect accessibility, check the current conditions before your visit.
From Echo Point, the Giant Stairway descends 998 steps to Honeymoon Bridge, which is connected to the first sister. As trail conditions may change, check the latest information before setting out.
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk runs between Katoomba and Leura via the Three Sisters and Echo Point in the national park. There are more than 20 lookouts and three waterfalls along the trail. Another route is the Grand Cliff Top Walk: it runs 19 km from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba and links lookouts, waterfalls, forests and typical Blue Mountains landscapes. Rated Grade 3, it is suitable for most age groups and fitness levels; however, a moderate level of fitness and some bushwalking experience are recommended.
The Round Walk starts near Katoomba Falls, descends through a fern-lined gully and then climbs back up to the escarpment. The Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk is 1.3 km long and lets you experience the landscape in a different light. You may be able to spot owls, possums and microbats near the waterfall. The 1.3 km length of this walk can be compared with the 19 km Grand Cliff Top Walk.
Culture, History and Nature
The Three Sisters Aboriginal Place is considered a site of special cultural significance to Aboriginal people. In central Katoomba, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre includes the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, Katoomba Library and the interactive exhibition Into the Blue. It explores the history and natural landscape of the Blue Mountains. As exhibitions change, checking the current programme before planning a specific visit may be helpful.
Scenic World is home to the Scenic Railway. The site was originally a coal mine, with a history dating back to 1878. The Katoomba Street Art Walk passes murals on shopfronts and in laneways. These art installations may change over time.
Buses and Getting Around
Public buses in Katoomba travel to Echo Point. The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, a hop-on hop-off service, also runs from Katoomba Station on a loop to major attractions from Scenic World to Leura. Routes and operators may change; check current service information before travelling.
In Katoomba town centre, the Blue Mountains Food Co-operative is a community-run, not-for-profit wholefoods store. It sells fresh, seasonal organic fruit and vegetables, bulk staples, dairy products, and gluten-free and vegan foods. The product range and visitor services may change.
Discover more destinations: Leura, Medlow Bath, Wentworth Falls, Blackheath, Springwood
Back to the main travel overview: Blue Mountains City Council.
