Katoomba is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains. It wasn't until 1879 that the town of Katoomba became known when J.B. North opened the Katoomba Coal Mine. Coal was obtained from the side of the mountain near Orphan Rock using a cable car to bring the coal to the top. The now famous Scenic Railway operates in the original cutting.

 

A visit to the Blue Mountains would not be complete without viewing the spectacular Three Sisters at Echo Point. Directions to the Three Sisters are well signposted. Take Katoomba Street to Echo Point Road. The Three Sisters is approximately 2.5 kilometres from the Great Western Highway or Katoomba Railway Station. While the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can't help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours.  The Three Sisters is also floodlit at night looking even more stunning set against the black background of the night sky. For those wishing to know more about the Three Sisters, the Aboriginal Dream Time Stories are well worth a read.

 

The famous Giant Stairway is also found at Echo Point. If you are enthusiastic and energetic, you can take the 800 steps down to the floor of the valley. The Katoomba Visitor Information Centre is located at Echo Point where you can experience the spectacular views as well as an up close view of Rosellas feeding on sunflower seed.

 

In Katoomba's North you will find the Showground, several parks including Melrose Park, Harold Hodgson Park and Burea Park. Along Mini Ha-Ha Road you will reach Mini Ha-Ha Reserve and can walk to Mini Ha-Ha Falls within the beautiful Yosemite Park.

 

Further west in Katoomba is the famous Explorers Marked Tree, now caged in and sheltered to protect the remains of the tree. The tree has the initials of the famous explorers Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson dated 1813. Just behind the Marked tree at the top of Pulpit Hill you will see around 20 heaps of stones. It is believed that these mark the graves of convicts who died while working on the building of Cox's Road.

 

Down Nellies Glen Road is the start of the famous ‘Six Foot Track'. This track takes you from Katoomba through to Jenolan Caves, and across the Megalong Valley. You can also walk to Pulpit Rock and Boonie Doon Falls.

 

Katoomba features many galleries, major festivals including the Six Foot Track Marathon in March, and the Winter Magic Festival.

 

Along the Blue Mountains railway line in 1874, there was an area where stone was quarried to provide ballast. The area was given the name of "Crushes". The name "Crushes" was changed to Katoomba in 1877. Katoomba is a derivative of the Aboriginal word ‘Kedumba' meaning ‘shiny, falling waters' after the natural beauty of the area.