Katoomba’s town clock on Katoomba Street.
In the midst of the Upper Blue Mountains is a quiet, progressive town with a touch of cosmopolitan traits. This town, approximately 108 km to the west of Sydney, is Katoomba, home of the Magic Winter Festival and the access point to the renowned Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains.
Katoomba’s main street.
Street view where most shops are located.
Katoomba which is nestled in the heart of the Great Dividing Range boasts of several attractions. This is one of the main reasons why this quirky town is a favourite amongst tourists and locals especially during the weekend. Its clandestine mountain range, covered with centuries-old and high arching trees as well as a plethora of colourful flora and fauna, distinguishes it as a relaxing destination.
Autumn trees near Echo Point.
Beautiful scenery in Katoomba.
Besides natural wonders, this serene town of Katoomba is abundant with numerous memorabilia shops and cafes that line the bustling streets from across the station. Most of these shops cater to every local and foreign tourist, selling various crafts made from wood and fibre. Around the town centre are eccentric but stylish cafes and restaurants, offering an array of gastronomic and mouth-watering dishes. Visitors to the area will definitely salivate with all the different options one can have, which range from the west to the east.
Another view of a street intersecting Katoomba Street.
The famous Carrington Hotel.
Walking along the main road provides an enviable view for the wanderer who wanted to have a better time to see up close and personal several old architectural wonders. Most of these were built in the late 1800s. Notable amongst them is the Carrington Hotel which is heritage listed. This historical hotel would not be missed as its grand and sophisticated façade faces Katoomba Street. Along the main street, three churches can be seen – the Uniting Church, St. Hilda’s Anglican Church and St. Canice’s Catholic Church, all of which have their own unique architectural qualities.
Facade of St. Canice’s Catholic Church.
Wooden interior of St. Canice’s Catholic Church.
Another striking feature of the main street is the Katoomba Town Clock. This clock is centuries old, providing voyagers a timeless piece of a bygone era.
In the outskirts of the town centre are old federation houses and modern apartments which were surrounded with lush and wide gardens. Many of them are mesmerizing with elegant and attractive front yards, providing an environment of perfect retirement.
Modern houses along Katoomba Street.
With its solitude scenery, Katoomba is a perfect place for vacationers who either wanted to unwind after a weeklong work from the busy haven of the metropolis or, gallivant along the natural reserves, gaining relief from its ecological frontiers. Needless to say, Katoomba embodies a natural haven for people of all sorts and ages.
How To Get There
The most accessible way to get to Katoomba is via the CityRail’s Blue Mountains Line. From Central Station in Sydney, it is approximately 2 hours.
Other means is through organised bus tours and via a private transport through the Great Western Highway and M4.
Where To Stay
Since Katoomba is one of NSW’s iconic tourist spots, numerous hotels and hostels are available. Backpacker accommodation is also available in the area.
One of the many accommodation’s along Katoomba Street.
Another view of the town’s quiet streets.
Fast Facts of Katoomba
- Its name is derived from the Aboriginal term, Kedumba or Katta-toon-bah, which means ‘water coming over the hill’.
- Based on the 2011 Australian Census, its total population is around 8000 with predominant Anglo-Saxon heritage.
- Katoomba is the administrative seat of the Blue Mountains City Council.
The Carrington is an amazing hotel. Did you go inside for a look around? When my husband and I started dating 13 years ago, we stayed at The Carrington (was a big expense for 23 year olds!) … How amazing to see it again! And how funny, I was just talking to him about it the other night saying we should go back up there.
Thank you for reigniting such lovely a memory, of days gone past, with your snaps and your words.
Danni
Posted by dannignt | May 18, 2013, 10:11 PMWe didn’t had the chance to get inside the hotel as we don’t have that might time during our visit. Hopefully when we return we’ll have a good look of it. 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | May 19, 2013, 2:25 PMIt’s absolutely stunning 🙂
Posted by dannignt | May 19, 2013, 2:57 PMBeen there once before and I really love the laid back atmosphere of the town. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Kaye | May 21, 2013, 9:23 PMYou’re welcome dear! 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | May 21, 2013, 10:00 PMA number of years ago, friends (who used to live here in Sydney) took me to a “Christmas in July” event in the Blue Mountains. I’ve experienced my fair share of winter having lived in Toronto and Minneapolis, but that was a cold overnight stay in a non-insulated lodge.
The next day, we had brunch in Katoomba, followed by an afternoon hiking around the Three Sisters and in the valley below: beautiful stuff, beautiful hike. Thanks for highlighting Katoomba!
Posted by fotoeins | May 22, 2013, 11:18 PMThat’s great! We’re planning to go back there for the Magic Winter Festival and probably stay there for a night or two. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | May 23, 2013, 10:55 PMThere’s something magical about the Blue Mountains – you’ve really made me want to visit again after more years than I want to recall …
Posted by rednomadoz | May 24, 2013, 7:27 PMYeah, it’s really magical as well as mystical. We wanted to stay longer but time is not on our side. We hope to be back there soon as well. 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | May 24, 2013, 11:52 PMI find church interiors are architecturally interesting, the different coloured wood and red of St. Canice and that church’s frame strike me as quite visually appealing. I like the photo.
Posted by Connor @ Roamancing | May 25, 2013, 5:38 AMWe love churches too. It’s always a part of our itinerary when we go visiting places.
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | May 25, 2013, 12:39 PMThanks for a great article about Katoomba. We have just moved back to Sydney so we definitely plan to visit Katoomba again, our particular favourite is the gondolas and the almost vertical train…
Posted by Pretraveller | May 26, 2013, 8:58 PMThanks for the compliment. We’re hoping that you’ll enjoy being back in Sydney! 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | May 31, 2013, 12:13 AMbeautiful pictures dear..with a lot of useful information
Posted by Kavita Joshi | June 13, 2013, 11:54 PMThanks!:)
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | June 14, 2013, 8:51 PM