⦿ Katoomba
Katoomba is the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and the gateway to spectacular natural attractions, like the iconic Three Sisters. The town is an attraction in itself, with charming art-deco architecture, a thriving food scene, shopping and galleries galore.
Stories
There is a particular magic to live music in the Blue Mountains - the scene is as diverse as the landscape. If you’re looking to soundtrack your mountain escape, here are some of the premier venues where the stage is always set.
Chasing jaw-dropping sunsets has to be one of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains. In the light of golden hour, the landscape completely transforms as a palette of vibrant colours dance across the sky.
The Blue Mountains is famous for its dramatic escarpments, eucalyptus haze and endless valley views — and there’s no better way to experience it all than from one of its iconic lookouts.
From small-batch breweries to boutique distilleries and cool-climate wineries, the Blue Mountains Craft Beverage Trail is the perfect way to sip your way through the region while soaking up its relaxed, creative vibe.
From locally curated retro fashion and vinyl to antiques, curios and timeless décor, the Blue Mountains is a vintage lover’s paradise. Here’s your guide to the best vintage and antique shops worth exploring.
This architectural journey showcases the region's 1920s and 30s glamour, from Katoomba’s main street lined with 1930s buildings, cafes, and shops, to Art-Deco styled gardens and historic landmarks.
Escape the city for a high-altitude adventure where Art Deco elegance meets rugged wilderness. This guide leads you from specialty coffee and artisan pastries to sun-drenched cliff walks, hidden vintage haunts, and award-winning craft brews.
Eat & Drink
Housed in the charming, heritage Niagara building, Bootlegger Bar oozes speakeasy vibes, featuring rustic timber, exposed brick, and a warm, candlelit atmosphere that feels like a mountain hideaway.
Set in the dress circle of Katoomba’s historic Savoy Theatre, Avalon Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is a local institution, serving their unique style of hospitality for the past 35 years.
Housed inside a converted church, Bowery Kitchen and Bar is the perfect spot for sharing an intimate dinner, catching up with friends at the large communal tables, or dining al fresco in the courtyard.
Mountain Culture Beer Co. isn't just a brewery; it’s a Katoomba phenomenon, home of the famous ‘Status Quo’, and a must-visit for craft beer aficionados.
If you suffer from menu fatigue, this might be your ideal spot. This street-food eatery operates on the simple premise - around the world in 8 dishes.
For those who view coffee as a craft, Cassiopeia has you covered with three espresso bar locations around the mountains.
Tempus is a cosy, upscale bistro-style eatery on Katoomba’s main street. By day, a bright, casual café and espresso bar, and in the evening, a sophisticated diner, perfect for a date night.
Shop
This long-standing family-run business has become a Katoomba staple, offering menswear perfectly suited to mountain life: part city, part country, with a touch of pattern, colour and personality.
Tucked away in Ha’penny Lane Katoomba, this whimsical store is for those who believe in the magic of print, offering a thoughtfully curated collection that spans from contemporary literature and stunning art tomes to an enchanting children’s corner.
Housed inside the old Katoomba Post Office building, with 20 curated stalls, Postmistress Vintage is a treasure chest for fashion historians and lovers of old-world glamour.
A masterfully curated haven for those who appreciate heritage and high-quality utilitarian style, this boutique focuses on hand-picked vintage Americana, European workwear, and Australian military pieces from the 60s through the 90s.
This independent record bar has spent over 25 years as the heart of the mountains' vinyl scene, specialising in high-quality secondhand records, rare 45s, and vintage hi-fi equipment.
Capturing the rugged essence of the Mountains in every bottle with their small-batch precision, Blue Mountains Gin Company have become a staple with their range of artisan gins and vodkas.
If you’re chasing the ultimate sourdough or almond croissant in the Blue Mountains, you’ll find it here.
Omnia is a boutique that lives by the motto: Collect, Create, Curate. A treasure trove of eclectic fashion, local crafts, and global curios, it’s the kind of place where you don't just shop; you discover objects with stories.
Explore
The Castle Head Walk is one of the Blue Mountains’ best-kept secrets. As you reach the dramatic sandstone outcrop, the plateau drops away to reveal a staggering 360-degree panorama of the Jamison and Mount Solitary.
Perched above the Megalong Valley, Cahill’s Lookout offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Narrow Neck Peninsula, and the jagged silhouette of Boars Head Rock and the valley below.
When the sun dips below the horizon, the rugged landscape transforms into a luminous wonderland. Discreet lighting illuminates the rock faces and water features on this 1.3km clifftop circuit.
Echo Point lookout is the best spot to see the Three Sisters - the iconic rock formation that you must see at least once in your lifetime.
For locals, Scenic World is often viewed as a tourist spot, but it also provides effortless access to the Jamison Valley’s deep wilderness, allowing you to immerse yourself in ancient rainforest and Jurassic-era ferns without the muddy boots or heavy climb.
Stay
Spanning 1.1 km along the Medlow Bath escarpment, the Hydro Majestic is a legendary "palace in the wilderness." Opened in 1904 this heritage icon blends Art Deco and Edwardian styles. It’s famous for its Chicago-imported dome, and stunning views over the Megalong Valley.
Dominating the Katoomba skyline with its iconic chimney stack, this heritage-listed landmark remains the only 19th-century grand resort hotel still operating in New South Wales.
Nestled in the heart of Leura village is this luxurious weatherboard retreat, with room for 10 guests, it’s the perfect choice for a group getaway.