Katoomba Suburb Profile

Where bohemia meets adventure, living in Katoomba offers an intriguing experience in a mountain city with endearing charm – art deco streetscapes, family-owned stores, and a burgeoning arts and music scene. The rugged beauty of the Australian bush surrounding Katoomba inspires many creative souls and outdoor adventurers. A small-village vibe underpins Katoomba’s starring role as the tourism hub of the Blue Mountains region. There are plenty of brand-name stores and eateries and, if you venture away from the main strip, there is an impressive line-up of activities waiting for you. You can visit Scenic World, Echo Point or go hiking, canyoning, abseiling, rock climbing and mountain biking. 

Living in Katoomba means immersing yourself in a lively arts scene – it’s home to poets, writers, artists, and musicians. There is live music in bars and restaurants or you can listen to the buskers dotted along Katoomba Street. Throughout the city, sculptures and architecture serve as reminders of the Blue Mountains region’s indigenous, colonial, and mining heritage. Surrounded by the incredible beauty of the world heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers who prefer a quiet, laid-back lifestyle. 

Area Features

Blue Mountains National Park

Bordering the world heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, locals have access to an abundance of hiking trails and adventure activities. Visitors come by the busload to view Echo Point, the Three Sisters and the incredible vistas of the Jamieson Valley.

Adventure

Katoomba is the gateway to many adventure activities especially hiking, canyoning, abseiling, rock climbing and mountain biking. For those looking for something a little more low-key, Scenic World operates the steepest passenger railway in the world or there are short bushwalks that lead you to jaw-dropping views.

Katoomba Village

With charming art deco facades, adventure companies and backpacker hostels sit alongside cafés, restaurants and bars. With three large supermarkets and an abundance of mechanic shops, this is where many Blue Mountains adventures start.