Historians think that Katoomba’s name is derived from a local Aboriginal language and means ‘shining falling water’. This perfectly evokes the dramatic landscape surrounding Katoomba. It’s bordered by a rocky escarpment that drops down into the vast Jamison Valley, and a number of waterfalls punctuate its steep slopes. Tourists have been drawn to this landscape for over a hundred years and Katoomba’s progress has been closely tied to its status as one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. This status was consolidated in 1874, when the train line linking Katoomba to Sydney was finally constructed. Once opened, the rail line meant that a rapid escape from the crowds and congestion of Sydney could be easily achieved. Soon, those who had sought out Katoomba only as a holiday destination began to live here permanently. Contemporary Katoomba has benefited greatly from all of this; the town still has many of the lovely buildings that were constructed over a century ago. Today, Katoomba is the Mountain’s principal administrative centre. Despite this, it retains the charm and atmosphere of a much smaller town.

Fortunately for today’s residents, Katoomba’s rich legacy of nineteenth century architecture has been well preserved. Much of the local housing stock is comprised of weatherboard cottages and many of these have been beautifully restored. Katoomba also has some wonderful Art Deco residences, including a small number of apartment complexes. Like neighbouring Leura, Katoomba also offers a range of contemporary architect designed homes, as well as recently constructed brick veneer homes that have been designed with families in mind.

Even if you live in Katoomba it’s impossible not to be moved by the sight of the Three Sisters which rise up from the floor of the Jamison Valley. Entry to the World Heritage listed national park lies close to the Three Sisters.

As you’d expect, most locals make use of the outdoors when they want exercise or recreation. There are incredible options for climbing, abseiling, hiking and mountain biking in the bushland surrounding Katoomba, and the tracks and paths here make great places for walking and running. Club sports are played widely in the Mountains and competitions often cater to kids and adults. Katoomba also offers lots of options for indoor activity; Katoomba has its own Aquatic Centre which offers gym, aerobics and swimming classes. Yoga and Pilates have many local devotees and classes are widely available.

Fortunately for today’s residents, Katoomba’s rich legacy of nineteenth century architecture has been well preserved. Much of the local housing stock is comprised of weatherboard cottages and many of these have been beautifully restored. Katoomba also has some wonderful Art Deco residences, including a small number of apartment complexes. Like neighbouring Leura, Katoomba also offers a range of contemporary architect designed homes, as well as recently constructed brick veneer homes that have been designed with families in mind.

Katoomba has excellent services for children. In addition to providers of family daycare the Katoomba/ Leura Preschool and the Makayla Childcare Centre offer care to under-fives. Katoomba Public serves children from kindergarten to year six, as does the local Catholic school, St Canice’s. Katoomba also has its own secondary school, Katoomba High. A number of independent schools operate in the region, providing infants, primary and secondary education. Katoomba Day and Evening College offers a wide range of courses, as does the TAFE at nearby Wentworth Falls. Many local students commute to Sydney’s universities, particularly the University of Western Sydney.

The bookshops, boutiques and quirky specialty stores that line Katoomba Street tend to belie the fact that Katoomba is the Blue Mountain’s commercial and service hub. Katoomba combines the villagey feel of country town with the convenience of a large urban centre. There are bakeries, patisseries, delicatessens and grocery stores as well as a Coles and a Franklins supermarket. And then there’s The Paragon. It sells chocolate made on the premises; if only more towns featured places like this.

Katoomba is approximately 103 kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD. Katoomba train station provides access to the Blue Mountains Line, which offers a regular service east to Sydney and west to Lithgow. Buses operate locally, providing links between Katoomba and other Mountains towns.