Katoomba is one of our favourite towns in the Blue Mountains. It’s a great place to base yourself for a weekend, with so many incredible things to do on its doorstep. There’s something for everyone from waterfalls you can swim under, to incredible sunset spots, a craft brewery and even the world’s steepest railway!
We’ve spent years exploring all its nooks and crannies to bring you this list, which we’ve kept strictly to Katoomba - we also have detailed guides to Leura and Wentworth Falls if you’re looking for other things to do in the area.
Here are the best things to do in Katoomba.
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1. Admire the incredible Katoomba Falls
2. Have a picnic with a view at Castle Head
3. Ride the steepest railway in the world at Scenic World
4. Take a dip at the base of the stunning Minnehaha Falls
5. Indulge in a local beer at Mountain Culture
6. Stroll under the stars on the Katoomba Night Walk
7. Catch a sunset at Boars Head
8. Check out the fantastic local street art
9. Try the mountains best hot chocolate
10. Take in the iconic view at Echo Point
11. Climb the Giant Stairway
12. Learn about the local history at The Gully, Aboriginal Place
13. Splash about at Katoomba Cascades
14. Sit on top of the Ruined Castle
The best things to do in Katoomba
1. Admire the incredible Katoomba Falls
We thought we should start with one of Katoomba’s icons, Katoomba Falls. This huge waterfall is a beauty as it cascades down the cliffs and into the picturesque valley below.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the area after heavy rain, it’s the first place you should go.
There are so many different viewpoints of the waterfall, each offering a unique perspective.
Our personal favourite is the close up view that you can get along the Underfalls Walk, as well as the aptly named Katoomba Falls Lookout, which offers a more distant view - but you can take in the whole valley at the same time.
We’ve got a full list of the Katoomba Falls lookouts, including how far the walk is to each in this guide.
2. Have a picnic with a view Castle Head
Katoomba has lots of great picnic spots, but if you’re looking for a quiet one with spectacular views then you can’t go past the first viewpoint along the Castle Head Track. The walk to get there is 1.3km each way, but it really is worth it.
There is a large rocky platform with plenty of room to lay out a blanket and enjoy uninterrupted views over the Jamison Valley. You can even see the famous Three Sisters.
You can continue on to the main lookout after your picnic, which is also fantastic. The walk to the picnic spot is mainly flat, with just one small hill.
You can read more about the trail and the views in our guide to Castle Head.
3. Ride the steepest railway in the world at Scenic World
If you want to see some of the best views in the Blue Mountains, but don’t want to hit the trails, then head to Scenic World.
As well as having the steepest railway in the world which takes you from the cliff tops to the valley floor, there is also a cable car across the valley and a cableway.
Once on the valley floor there’s a gorgeous little rainforest trail which is all on well maintained boardwalk and very easy going. We always see lyrebirds on this boardwalk which is special every single time. It’s a whole other world down there and an absolute must do.
You can also use the Scenic World railway as a one way journey from the valley floor to the cliff tops again if you want to do one of the longer walks in the area, such as Ruined Castle, or the Federal Pass, but don’t want to climb up the steep Furber Steps.
4. Take a dip at the the base of stunning Minnehaha Falls
Is there anything better than taking a dip under a waterfall on a sunny day? It’s even better when the waterfall is as beautiful as Minnehaha Falls.
This jaw dropping waterfall flows into a deep emerald swimming hole surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, making it one of the most majestic wild swimming spots in the mountains.
The walk to get there is fairly easy, there are a couple of steep staircases, but there are handrails to help you if needed. It’s 2.5km return and very picturesque.
It’s well worth going to check out the falls even if you aren’t going to swim.
You can read all the trail details here.
5. Indulge in locally brewed Craft beer
The perfect place to toast finishing one of Katoomba’s epic hiking trails is at the Mountain Culture Beer Company.
With fantastic craft beers brewed onsite and a very cool interior, it’s brought a much needed contemporary option to Katoomba’s bar scene. There’s also a deck outside which is a great spot for warm evenings.
There are lots to choose from including Pale Ales, IPA’s and Joe’s favourite, a Kolsch. If you’re not a beer drinker, they have wine and cider too, as well as a small food menu (mainly burgers). We haven’t eaten there yet but did try the paprika roasted nuts which were delish.
Dine in is Thursday to Sunday only.
6. Stroll under the stars on the Katoomba Night Walk
The new Katoomba Night Walk is such a great addition to the town. It’s an opportunity to see some of the valley’s best loved attractions after dark.
If you manage to luck out with clear skies, walking under the stars along pretty forested paths is an experience to remember.
The full walk is 2.4km return but you can see the main sights in around half that. You can read the full lowdown in our detailed guide to the Katoomba Night Walk.
7. Catch a sunset at Boars Head
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to sunset spots in Katoomba, but our favourite has to be from Boars Head climbing area. The view of Narrow Neck and the Jamison valley is spectacular and it’s usually very quiet and peaceful.
There is a large rocky area where you can sit and enjoy the sun slowly dropping below the mountains in the distance.
It only takes around five minutes to reach this spot, there are a few stairs but it’s still an easy walk. This area does get very windy though so if I’d recommend bringing a warm layer even in summer.
If you’d like to see more lookouts in the Katoomba area, we have several listed in this post.
8. Check out the fantastic local street art
When you think of Katoomba, you probably don’t think of cool street art, but that’s exactly what you’ll find.
Although there is some great art scattered throughout the town, the main bulk is found at Beverly Place. It’s brilliantly done and wouldn’t look out of place in Melbourne’s Hosier Lane or at the Darwin Street Art Festival.
Unlike Hosier Lane, Katoomba’s street art remains a hidden gem and you’re unlikely to share it with anyone else.
Although Beverly Place is quite small, you could spend a while here lingering over the art and looking for all the details that you don’t notice at a quick glance.
9. Try the mountains best hot chocolate at the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say it’s not just the mountain’s best hot chocolate, but the best I’ve tried yet in Australia.
It’s the kind where you get given a huge bowl of real chocolate, hot milk, and a candle and melt the thing yourself! It’s so delicious and the perfect winter treat (or if you’re like me, all year round!).
As well as the hot choc, there are also dozens of different handmade made chocolates as well as ice cream.
It’s open until 6pm, long after other cafes close, which is brilliant when you’re looking for a late pick me up after hiking.
10. Take in the mountains most iconic views at the Echo Point Lookout
We couldn’t write about the best things to do in Katoomba without mentioning its most famous lookout. Whilst we love our hidden gems and quiet spots, Echo Point is famous for a reason.
It is one of the best views in all the Blue Mountains, not just of the Three Sisters, but also the Jamison Valley. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to this viewpoint but it still wows me every time.
Echo Point has recently been upgraded, adding in extra viewing platforms which spreads out the crowds. Head back in the evening to see the sisters illuminated as the bats swoop in and out of the valley.
I’d also highly recommend heading a few hundred metres further along the paved trail to Honeymoon Bridge. This gets you right up close to one of the Three Sisters, as well as offering yet more fabulous valley views from a different angle.
11. Climb the historic Giant Stairway
If you’re up for a bit of cardio, one of the best walks in Katoomba is the Giant Stairway and Dardanelles Pass Circuit. This short walk really does have it all, with glorious rainforest, pretty waterfalls, fabulous views and of course the chance to climb the Giant Staircase.
With around 1000 steps, it’s a fairly hefty climb, but there are lots of places to take a breather and you feel a good sense of accomplishment at the top!
Before climbing the stairs you will also have the chance to picnic in the old shelter at Leura Forest, something people have been doing since the 1890’s!
It’s a fantastic and varied walk, which surprisingly never gets busy despite being one of the most beautiful trails in the mountains.
If you like the idea of checking out the Giant Stairway but you’d rather skip the climb you can descend on the staircase and then follow the Federal Pass to the Scenic World railway and take the train back up!
12. Learn important local history at The Gully, Aboriginal place
The Gully is the largest Aboriginal Place in NSW, which is surprising because you don’t hear much about it.
The traditional custodians of the Gully, the Gundungurra and Darug people, lived there until 1957 when they were forcibly evicted from their homes to make way for a new racing track.
That story, as well as many others, are told through a series of information boards along a short walk through The Gully. Although the area has a slightly forlorn air, the information that’s there is set out well and we felt like we learnt a lot about an area that we spend so much time in, yet previously had no idea about its past.
To get here you will need to park on Catalina Avenue by the Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre, and walk into the park. You’ll soon see the start of the interpretive walk.
13. Splash about at Katoomba Cascades
Katoomba Cascades are a family favourite. They are gorgeous and incredibly easy to access, with a walk of just a few hundred metres to reach. Unlike Katoomba Falls, they are not behind barriers so you can get up close and personal.
It’s very common to see children splashing about in the pools at the base, or adults trying to get under the flow for a waterfall shower.
It’s a beautiful spot and one of our favourite waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, particularly after rain when they are transformed from a gentle cascade to a roaring torrent.
14. Sit on the top of the Ruined Castle
The Ruined Castle offers some of the best views in all the Blue Mountains and you can enjoy them from on top of the jumble of boulders that make up this much loved rock formation.
Whilst the walk has two climbs, the majority of the track is flat and easy, through a beautiful fern filled forest. Seeing a lyrebird here is virtually guaranteed.
To get up on top of the castle - which you'll need to do to get those incredible views - requires negotiating one boulder scramble. If you're used to scrambling, you'll find it easy as it only requires a couple of moves. If not, you might want to bring someone confident along who can give you a helping hand.
Once you're on the castle you'll have many different boulders to choose from when it comes to relaxing and enjoying the view. If you want to get to the very top of Ruined Castle, you'll have one more short scramble to take on.
All the details about the walk and the scrambles are in this post. If you're a keen hiker you can continue the walk on to the summit of Mount Solitary, but it's a much bigger endeavour.
Where to stay in Katoomba
Self catering option - Ironstone Views
This is the house that we booked as a surprise for Joe’s parents when they came to say.
We chose it for the views and we weren’t disappointed. it allowed us to cook all our meals in the well equipped kitchen and it also had a huge jacuzzi bath.
There’s a BBQ on the terrace and a cosy fire if you’re visiting in winter. The downside to this place which didn’t come across in the photos was that some parts of it including some furniture was a bit tired.
Overall we all really enjoyed it though and would recommend it if there are at least four of you to split the cost.
Check prices on for Ironstone Views on:
Luxury - Fairmont Hotel (M Gallery)
The Fairmont in Leura is an M Gallery hotel, so you know the standard and quality you’ll be getting. We love the lobby here which has panoramic views of the valley ahead. It has a fireplace and comfortable chairs, making it a great place to retreat on a cold winter’s day!
The rooms are modern and great for resting up if you’ve been hiking. The hotel is set on a golf course which has the occasional kangaroo as well!
There are quite a few walking trails which begin from the hotel itself which was a big drawcard for us.
Unfortunately not all rooms have a view, ours didn’t, and it was the one disappointment for this hotel.
Opt for a room with a stunning mountain view if you can.
Check prices for Fairmont (M Gallery) on:
Mid-Range - Metropole
The Metropole is a decent choice in Katoomba. The rooms are cozy, warm and clean with en-suite bathrooms. The hotel has a lot of character in that creaky old kind of way. It’s the opposite of modern but we actually found it quite fun to stay somewhere a bit different.
It’s very central and walking distance from the restaurants in town. The only drawback is that parking can be limited.
Still, it is a good option, especially if you snag one of the discounted deals they offer.
Check prices on for the Metropole on:
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