Katoomba is a town steeped in history and set amid the stunning Blue Mountains National Park. The steep streets lined with art deco buildings give the town a sense of elegance, which sits perfectly alongside its laid-back vibe. The streets ofKatoomba are awashwithan array of restaurants, buskers, artists, welcoming pubsandhigh end hotels, all of which combine for a sense of bohemian chic.
The town is a tourist hub for the Blue Mountains region and if you adventure away from the main strip, you’ll find an impressive array of activities on offer. You can visit Scenic World, Echo Point, or go hiking, canyoning, abseiling, rock climbing and mountain biking.
With such a wealth of beauty, the area offers ample opportunity for both adventure and relaxation. For the best way to see it all, jump in a rental car and hit the road.
Enjoy a thriving arts scene
Katoomba has a lively arts scene – it’s home to all manner of creative types escaping Sydney for more serene surroundings. Take time to explore the town and you’ll find plenty of live music in bars and restaurants – as well as buskers dotted along Katoomba Street. The town is also home to plenty of reminders of the Blue Mountains’ indigenous, colonial and mining past, which you’ll see in sculptures and architecture throughout the town.
Stay in the lap of luxury
Once you’ve got a rental car sorted, take time to sort some accommodation at one of Katoomba’s many stunning luxury hotels. Check out One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa – Australia’s first luxury wildlife and conservation-based resort, located in the stunning surrounds of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Built around a restored 1832 homestead, the resort is made up of free-standing suites with private terraces and swimming pools.
Closer to town is Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, a five-star hotel housed in a historic country mansion. Set amidst beautiful, pristine gardens, the property overlooks the spectacular Jamison Valley and is the perfect base from which to explore the Upper Blue Mountains in your rental car.
Explore Blue Mountains National Park
Katoomba is a unique city surrounded by the incredible beauty of the world heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. The town is paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. For visitors, exploring this stunning national park is absolutely unmissable. Jump in your rental car and be sure to tick it off your list.
Visit the Blue Mountain Botanic Garden
With thousands of plants from the southern hemisphere and around the world, including the rare Wollemi Pine, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is a must-see for nature lovers. The cool climate garden is situated 1,000 metres above sea level and has stunning views across the area. Wander around the estate and explore the many formal gardens. The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition Centre is also worth visiting and will give you an understanding of why the region was classified a World Heritage Area.
Explore Jenolan Caves
Just over an hour’s drive in a rental car you’ll find Jenolan Caves. With 11 spectacular show caves, underground rivers and awe-inspiring formations, Jenolan Caves are some of the finest and oldest cave systems in the world.
You can explore the caves on a guided day tour, or choose to scare yourself on a ghost tour. The caves also host monthly concerts, with the cave’s cathedral-like natural acoustics creating a fairytale ambience.
Back above ground, stroll through the bush and marvel at Blue Lake, keeping your eyes peeled for kangaroos. For a spot of lunch, drop into the award-winning Chisholm's Restaurant, located in historic Caves House, where you can also stay the night.
Katoomba and the Blue Mountains have something to offer every traveller. For the best way to see it all, jump in a rental car and hit the road.
Wherever you choose to explore, you’ll get there in a rental car from Hertz.
