For the ultimate hiking in the mountains, visit Katoomba in the Blue Mountains

Found on the edge of a nearly 200-metre cliff, looking out across amazing Blue Mountains, the town of Katoomba is home to incredible views, fresh mountain air, and hundreds of kilometres of beautiful nature walks. Since the late 1800s, this beautiful mountain getaway west of Sydney in New South Wales has been the perfect getaway spot for everybody from hikers and campers, to famous actors and politicians.

The name Katoomba is Aboriginal for the shining waterfalls in the area, landscape is what has made it such a draw. People come from all around for the views of the fancifully named rock formations, including the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, Orphan Rock and the Ruined Castle.The town was settled in the mid-1800s, and the Jamison Valley was briefly mined for coal and shale. However, Katoomba became famous as a tourist haven, with a number of luxurious hotels offering luxury services to the rich and famous. By the turn of the 20th century, the area was well entrenched as a fantastic mountain escape.

For more than 100 years, bushwalkers and hikers have flocked to Katoomba for its outstanding variety of scenic paths. It has also become a magnet for people who want to take part in canyoning excursions, abseiling (or rappelling) and rock climbing. You can admire the view of the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, Orphan Rock and the Ruined Castle, or you can go hiking around the Giant Stairway throughout all of the Jamison Valley.

You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery from a more relaxed vantage point, if you'd prefer. The Katoomba Scenic Railway was originally built to service the area's mines, but nowadays, it offers an enjoyable way to take in the view. There’s also the Scenic Skyway cable car, which gives you a stunning view from above. There are also many beautiful vistas for anyone with a car, all along the scenic Cliff Drive.

There is more to a trip to Katoomba than just the incredible mountain views. There’s also lots to do and see right in the town, from its thriving local music scene, to art galleries and fantastic restaurants and Art Deco cafés. History buffs will also enjoy exploring quite a few heritage buildings in town, including some of the grand hotels, like the historic Carrington Hotel, designed in 1882, and visited by everyone from foreign royalty to actors and politicians.

The Carrington is just one of the area’s grand hotels, and one of the hundreds of places to stay around Katoomba. Whether you’re looking for a first class room in one of the historic hotels, or a lovely campsite, you’ll find every kind of accommodation available in and around Katoomba.

Regardless of whether you’re planning an energetic vacation of mountain climbing or hiking, or you’re planning to breathe in the fresh mountain air at an outdoor café, the stunning surroundings around Katoomba is certain to leave an impression. From the beauty of the Blue Mountains, to the splendour of the rainforest, and the area's many sparkling waterfalls, there is no end to the view here, and there is no end of ways to get out and enjoy it

Take a few days off, find Katoomba Accommodation, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.