Katoomba, New South Wales

04. Jul, 2011

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Katoomba

Bathurst Road

Is the chief town of the City of Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia and the administrative headquarters of Blue Mountains City Council. It is on the Great Western Highway 110 kilometres west of Sydney and 39 kilometres south-east of Lithgow. Katoomba railway station is on the Main Western line. Katoomba is well known for spectacular mountain views and extensive bush and nature walks in the surrounding Blue Mountains. At the 2006 census, Katoomba had a population of 7,623 people.

Place name

Kedumba or Katta-toon-bah is an Aboriginal term for “shining falling water” or “water tumbling over hill” and takes its name from a waterfall that drops into the Jamison Valley below the Harrys Amphitheatre escarpment. Previously, the site was known as William’s Chimney and Collett’s Swamp. In 1874 the locality was named The Crushers after the name of the railway station that served a nearby quarry. The name Katoomba was adopted in 1877 and the town achieved municipality status in 1889.

History

Katoomba and nearby Medlow Bath were first developed as tourist destinations towards the end of the 19th century when a series of grand hotels, notably the Carrington and the Belgravia (later the Hydro Majestic) were built and then repeatedly extended. Coal and shale mining was also carried out in the Jamison Valley for many years, but when the seams were completely exhausted by the early 20th century, Katoomba was an established resort town. By the 1960s, Katoomba had somewhat declined, and several of its guest houses were converted for other purposes including convalescent hospitals. Some even succumbed to arson. Housing was inexpensive, allowing many young families to

Three Sisters

establish themselves, many of whom still live there. In the 1980s, the guest houses and hotels again became fashionable and many were restored to their former glory. However, since the late 1990s tourism to the area has once again levelled off. Housing in the Katoomba region has become more expensive, but in general housing prices in the district are still markedly lower than those in Sydney.

Tourism

Katoomba’s main industry is tourism based on scenic mountain scenery. The rock formation known as the Three Sisters, viewable from Echo Point about two kilometres south of the main town, is the most famous feature. Other features of the Jamison Valley visible from Echo Point include Mount Solitary and the rock formation known as the Ruined Castle. A short walk from Echo Point leads to The Giant Stairway which provides access to a number of nature walks through the Valley. Some of these are quite rugged and not recommended for inexperienced walkers. Several of the Jamison Valley tracks including the Stairway itself were closed in recent years due to maintenance, but most have since been re-opened. The local geography includes extensive areas of dense sub-tropical rainforest, hanging swamps and a series of spectacular waterfalls (albeit with a relatively low water volume).

Other attractions include Scenic World, a tourist complex in the southwest of the town. This site is home to the steepest funicular railway in the world, the Katoomba Scenic Railway, which was originally built to facilitate coal and oil shale mining in the Jamison Valley. Scenic World also offers the Scenic Skyway cable car, which travels over an arm of the Jamison Valley and offers views of Katoomba Falls and Orphan Rock. In 2004 the original Skyway car was replaced by a new car with a liquid crystal panel floor, which abruptly becomes transparent while the car travels. In 1983 construction began at the site on a rollercoaster called the Orphan Rocker; the track was completed, but this attraction has never been opened to the public. Katoomba is well-served by hotels and guest-houses, the oldest and most prominent of which is the Carrington Hotel, established in 1882 and occupying the highest point in town. The nearby village of Leura also features numerous

Suburban Katoomba

well-appointed hotels and health spas and Medlow Bath boasts the grand Hydro Majestic Hotel , originally built in 1891 and currently closed for renovations since 2009. The Five Star Lilianfels at Echo Point is home to Darley’s Restaurant, which has been rated with two Chef Hats. The busy town centre, centered on Katoomba Street, features dozens of cafes and restaurants, including the Paragon which dates the early 1900s, as well as a number of second-hand book and antique stores.

Climate

Climate in the Blue Mountains region varies with height, but generally Katoomba falls within the criteria of a subtropical highland climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb). At Katoomba (1030m), summer daytime temperatures are usually in the low 20s, with a few rare days extending into the 30s (Celsius). Night- time temperatures are usually in the low teens. In winter the temperature is typically about 10 °C in the daytime with 0°C or so on clear nights and 3 to 4 °C on cloudy nights. There are two to three settled snowfalls per year. Katoomba is quite wet all year round; the annual rainfall is about 1,400 millimetres (55 in) with many misty days. Temperatures are on average 7°C lower than Sydney.

The Blue Mountains has a reputation for snow in winter. However, despite the cool temperatures, there are only around five snowy days per year in the upper mountains area. It is extremely rare to see snow below Lawson. It is not unusual to see white blankets of frost covering the ground in the early morning hours. In the evening, thick coverings of ice can form on car windscreens. Several significant snowfalls have been recorded since 1900, the most significant on 5 July 1900, when snowdrifts were over six feet deep in parts of the Blue Mountains. The snow and ice caused significant problems throughout Central New South Wales, with rail and road closures, damage to buildings, and disruption to telegraph services. A significant winter storm on 18 July 1965 also produced very heavy snow and ice in the area, with damage to buildings and major difficulties with road and rail transport.

People and culture

Heritage-listed Carrington Hotel

The area’s beautiful scenery and colourful art-deco style shops and houses attract an alternative and somewhat eccentric subculture. Many poets, artists, environmentalists and numerous eccentric characters reside in Katoomba (and the Blue Mountains, generally) and the town hosts the well-patronised Winter Solstice festival, Winter Magic, that features local talent, art and handicraft. The festival was established in 1994 to provide a local focus for the Blue Mountains-wide Yulefest. Yulefest is a long-running tourism initiative that promotes Northern Hemisphere-style Christmas celebrations during the Australian winter months June to August. Novelist and historian Eleanor Dark (1901–1985), best known for her historical novel A Timeless Land, lived in Katoomba with her husband Dr. Eric Dark from 1923 until her death. The couple’s home “Varuna” is now a writer’s centre. In 1921, acclaimed production house duo Raymond Longford and Lottie Lyell filmed The Blue Mountains Mystery in part around the town centre.

Lincoln Hall is a well known Australian mountaineer and adventurer who lives in the neighbouring town of Wentworth Falls. He has written a guidebook on walks and attractions in the area. He was responsible for organising the first Australian ascent of Mount Everest in 1984. Blues/Roots musician Claude Hay is also a resident of Katoomba, having built his home and recording studio on the outskirts of town. Both of Hay’s albums, 2007′s Kiss The Sky and 2010′s Deep Fried Satisfied were recorded in Katoomba, with the latter earning Hay critical acclaim and a #1 on the Roots Music Report Australian chart and #21 for airplay worldwide in October 2010. The scenic beauty and tranquillity of Katoomba and the surrounding Blue Mountains area have long made Katoomba a haven for Sydney-siders looking for rest and relaxation. Many celebrities and affluent locals have built or restored houses with

Katoomba Court House, Civic Place (1897)

magnificent views, especially in Leura, just to the east of Katoomba. As well as attracting a resident artistic community, Katoomba and its environs has also been the inspiration for art and music. For example, Australian artist Peter Kingston, well known as a long time campaigner for the preservation of Sydney’s Luna Park) has produced many works inspired by Katoomba and surrounding areas including the etching “Brave and Cruel” which shows a dark figure leaving Leura Railway Station. Another example is The Mexican Spitfires song “Until” which includes lines reflective of the idea of Katoomba as a sanctuary from city life: “In distance I found strength/Katoomba gave me peace of mind.”

In addition to its ever-publicised ‘alternative’ sub-culture, the area is home to a large number of culturally diverse families and has a significant Aboriginal population. Catalina Park commonly known as the Gully was declared an Aboriginal Place in May 2002. It is a ecological and culturally sensitive area with a long history of occupation by the Gundungarra and Darug Tribes. The Gundungurra Tribal Council Aboriginal Corporation which is based in Katoomba is a not for profit organisation representing the Gundungurra traditional owners, promoting heritage and culture and providing a support for Gundungurra people connecting back to Country. Gundungurra Tribal Council Aboriginal Corporation has a registered Native Title Claim since 1995 over their traditional lands which include the Blue Mountains and surrounding areas. Katoomba is the home of local community radio station BLU FM and the popular Edge 96.1.

Heritage buildings

Katoomba has a number of significant buildings. The following are all heritage-listed.

Uniting Church: situated in Katoomba Street, the Uniting Church—formerly the Methodist Church—has survived as a good example of Gothic styles that have stretched from the Victorian era to the inter-war period. It was designed by Henry Simonson and the main building was constructed in 1888. The parsonage was built in 1906 and the church hall in 1933.

Carrington Hotel: situated on the west side of Katoomba Street, the Carrington has played a significant role in the growth of Katoomba as a resort town. It was designed by John Kirkpatrick and built in 1882. Extensions were built by Edward Hogben and the Goyder Brothers in 1911-13. It is an excellent and rare example of a high Victorian grand hotel. It was named after Lord Carrington, then governor of New South Wales. It has seen a long stream of significant guests, including British royalty, Prime Ministers, premiers and actors. The Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti stayed at the Carrington in the 1920s when he was under the tutelage of the Theosophical Society.

Swiss Cottage (formerly known as Lurline Cottage): this Federation Queen Anne cottage was built in 1898 on the east side of Lurline Street. Incorporating parts of the original St Hilda’s Church hall, it belonged to H.A.Bundy, who called it Rubyston. It had a number of owners over the years and later served as a guest house, but deteriorated somewhat until the late 1980s, when a new owner opened it as the Lurline Cottage Tea Room. It became the Swiss Cottage Restaurant in the 1990s.

Mount St Mary’s College and Convent: this building is significant for its connection with the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity, the first order of nuns in Australia. The nuns moved to Katoomba in 1900 and set up a school, which eventually outgrew the old premises. A new building was designed by Nangle and Nurzey in the Italianate style and built in 1909, just across from the Katoomba Court House. The first boarders took up residence in 1910. In more recent times, the building passed into the hands of the Blue Mountains City Council, which restored it and opened it as the Renaissance Centre in 1985. However, this project failed and the building was derelict as of 2011.

Kapsalie: this Federation Bungalow-style home was built in Lurline Street in 1915. The owner was Mrs. Fanny Allibone, who called the house Cheltenham. It changed hands in 1919, and the Varipatis family eventually acquired it circa 1940. This family ran a seafood restaurant in Katoomba, and they named the house Kapsalie after their home town in Greece.

Mount St Mary's Convent, Civic Place

Katoomba Court House: by the 1890s, Katoomba had grown enough to need its own court house, which was duly designed by the Government Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon, and built in 1897. It was constructed of sandstone obtained from local quarries. By 1925, the work of the court had increased to the point where the old building was too small, so extensions were designed by Richard Wells. Further changes and extensions took place in the late 1940s and 1989. The court house is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Varuna: this house in Cascade Street was built in 1939. It was the home of Eleanor Dark and Dr Eric Dark, who moved to Cascade Street in 1923. Their new home, built in 1939, was designed by Eleanor Dark. The Darks were extremely active in the writers’ community of the Blue Mountains, which flourished as a result of many writers and artists moving to the area. Varuna became central to this community in the 1940s. It became a writers’ centre in 1989. The house, studio and garden are all listed as being of heritage significance.

Paragon Cafe: situated in Katoomba Street, the Paragon is significant as an example of a fine, inter-war restaurant in the Art Deco style. The cafe is part of a group of shops that were built in 1909 on land purchased by William Newlind in 1886. The shops were built at 63-69 Katoomba Street. By 1911, 63-67 were owned by the Rector of the nearby St Hilda’s Anglican Church. In 1923 the Paragon was being run by Zacharias Simos, who leased the property from the Rector. Simos then bought the property in 1924. It remains intact as a well-preserved example of this kind of building. It is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Blue Mountains Art and Crafts Exhibitions

Blue Mountains Art and Crafts Exhibitions

Throughout the Blue Mountains
Katoomba
New South Wales 2780
Australia

FALLS GALLERY – 161 Falls Road Wentworth Falls. Changing exhibition of works on paper and ceramics by emerging and well established artists. Open Wed to Sun 10am to 5pm and PHols. P: 4757 1139. BRAEMAR GALLERY – 104 Macquarie Road Springwood. A community gallery, hosting different exhibitions that showcase works by local and emerging artists. Open Fri and Sun.

P: 4723 5046.

EVENT HORIZON GALLERY – 186 Bathurst Road Katoomba.

Contemporary works

Open Wed to Sat.

P: 4782 2907.

NOLAN ON LOVELL ART GALLERY – 56a Lovell Street Katoomba. Changing exhibitions of emerging and established artists in the region.

Open Thurs to Sunday 10am to 5pm P: 4782 3490.

KATOOMBA FINE ART – 98 Lurline Street Katoomba. Blue Mountains artists works

Open Daily. P: 47821220.

LOST BEAR GALLERY Post Office Arc. Leura

Represents Blue Mountains artists Open Daily. P 47821220

MARRA MOB ABORIGINAL WORKS – Jemby Rinjah, Evans Lookout Rood, Blackheath.

Local Aboriginal artwork, prints, gift cards and jewellery.

WARAGIL STUDIO Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath. Various – Telephone : P: 4787 7722.

Open Weekends.

PAPYRUS GALLERY – 175A The Mall Leura. New gallery with artworks on paper – P: 4784 1896

GALLERY BLACKHEATH – 44 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath

Open Friday to Sunday 10am to 5pm – P: 4787 8800

THE NOOK 133A The Mall Leura. Open 7 days. Local handmade art and crafts. P: 4784 2917

THE BROOK FINE ARTS and CRAFT 1 Ross Street Glenbrook.

Local art and crafts

KEDUMBA GALLERY “Coorah” Blue Mountain Grammar School Wentworth Falls .

Open Mon Fri 10am to 4pm, daily during Awards in November P: 4757 2371

NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY -14 Norman Lindsay Cres. Faulconbridge P: 4751 1067 Open 7 days P: 4787 8800

Katoomba and the 3 Sisters Mild Adventure Flight

Come and join us for an exciting adventure and see the beautiful Blue Mountains and iconic landmarks in our historical plane with exceptional views. Our Katoomba and The 3 Sisters Mild Adventure Flight lasts for 50 wonderful minutes. During our Katoomba and the 3 Sisters Mild Adventure Flight we will fly out to the West of Bankstown over Warragamba Dam to picturesque Katoomba and the Three Sisters, enjoy the 360 degree panoramic views, that make for that fantastic photo or video. The aircraft that we fly in is a CHUJIAO 6 (CJ-6A)

Team Building High Ropes Course

Fighter Trainer that has a Husoi HS-6A 9 Cylinder Supercharged Radial Engine rated at 285 Horsepower and can fly at a maximum Speed of 200 knots or 360 kilometres per hour with a max ‘G’ Limit of +6.5 and – 3.5. If you are a fan of flying then you will love our Katoomba and the 3 Sisters Mild Adventure Flight as flight time is 50 minutes and the views are spectacular!

Team Building High Ropes Course

Raise the bar and be amazed at what you can achieve as a team. A one hour to full day event that accommodates 10 people. This teambuilding program is all about working together safely at heights greater than 8 meters. Activities include climbing walls, flying foxes, leaps of faith, walking across horizontal ladders and more. Through these tasks each teammate gains self-confidence while learning to trust their team members, and realizing that more can be accomplished by working together than individually. Facilitates individual development and goal

Win It In A Minute Teambuilding Exercise

setting, with a teambuilding outcome, and provides all equipment to get it done. Enjoy watching each team learn to work together to achieve their goals.

Win It In A Minute Teambuilding Exercise

Win It In A Minute is a hilarious team activity where small teams compete in multiple short games that must be successfully completed in under a minute. Have a great time as your team or group comes closer as a unit! Competing in small teams, the objective is to complete each activity successfully in under one minute. One person from each team will compete in every round and may have to do anything to complete the game such as successfully stacking four apples on top of each other, or running on the spot like crazy to clock up 500 steps on a pedometer. Teams accrue points throughout the event based on how well they perform at each game. Staff will provide all of the equipment to

The Mini Jump Abseiling Adventure

your venue or alternatively, you can be provided you with some unique venue options. Win It in a Minute is a fun team building activity or Christmas party that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

The Mini Jump Abseiling Adventure

A brilliant day in its own right, the Mini-Jump is an ideal half day abseiling adventure. Suitable for children from 10 years.The abseiling starts with a beginner-friendly three metre high cliff. Your instructors are close at hand to encourage and explain the techniques. With your instructor explaining each step, you gradually continue to bigger cliffs, finishing on an exciting 30 metre high drop. The setting is beautiful

Super Abseiling Adventure in the Blue Mountains

bushland, making it both a scenic and exciting adventure!

Super Abseiling Adventure in the Blue Mountains

For those looking for something a little more than an introduction to abseiling. The Super Jump is 18 storeys of overhanging rock making this abseil an exciting trip even for seasoned abseilers. Don’t worry about any nerves, as your helpful and professional instructors will guide you through this unique experience. After a morning of abseils up to 30 metres at the Mini-Jump site, tuck into a nutritious and tasty lunch. Then comes “the big one”, an 18 storey overhang! The views are fantastic and the adrenaline will be pumping as you descend to the valley floor some 60 metres below.

The Mega Jump Abseiling Advenutre

Rock Climbing & Abseiling

For those looking to test their mettle, at a height of 125 metres, The Mega Jump provides the opportunity. The Mega Jump is the highest continuous free-hanging abseil in the Southern Hemisphere that is available as a guided trip. This trip is a must for people who want to get the maximum experience from an abseiling day. The walk out includes a ride up the world famous Scenic Railway and a leisurely walk through the beautiful rainforests of the Jamison Valley.

Your abseiling adventure will begin with a quick safety briefing on the equipment and procedures necessary for abseiling. Proceed up the Blue Mountain trail as you steel yourself for this truly riveting experience. Atop the run’s peak your harness is equipped and you will take the plunge! At a heigh of 125 metres the Mega Jump is the highest continous free-hanging abseil in the Southen Hemisphere availble to abseilers of any skill level. Glimpse the stunning panoramic views before touching back down to Earth with a feeling of elation and adrenalin having completed your abseiling adventure.

Full Day Rock Climbing Adventure

A Full Day Rock Climbing Adventure is an ideal follow up to a half day session or as a first time. With a complete introduction to the fundamentals of rock climbing no experience is required to enjoy this day of fun outdoors. With fantastic views atop the beautiful Blue Mountains this day of excitement and adventure is an experience you won’t soon forget. Your full day rock climbing adventure begins with a brief speech regarding the safety aspects and precautions required while rock climbing. After familiarising with the equipment you will be using for the day, it’s time to start rock climbing!

You will start out on the practice cliffs, where you will be working on the fundamental techniques of rock climbing. With experienced and helpful instructors you will be coached through the climbs as you refine your technique. Once you have built up some confidence on the practice cliffs, you can take a break for a tasty and healthy lunch. Once lunch is under your belt you’ll climb more rock, learning more about technique and the different types of moves required. The day’s emphasis is on having fun while you learn to climb. This makes the experience greatly rewarding for both families and friends.

2 Day Rock Climbing Adventure

This two day course is designed for people who want to fully immerse themselves in the wonderful world of rock climbing. No matter what your level of experience this course will teach you detailed fundamental approaches to rock climbing. With a focus on learning while you climb in a friendly group environment you are sure to enjoy this experience. Your rock climbing adventure will consist of 2 days rock climbing sessions. Each session will last for the day and includes lunch. You will be required to be briefed on the safety aspects and precautions necessary when climbing before you start your adventure.

With helpful and fully qualified instructors you will begin to uncover the skills required to climb sheer rock walls. As there are no more than four participants assigned to any one instructor the focus of the experience is on personal development, learning as you climb. Whether you have some indoor climbing experience or none at all, this course will teach you how to be a confident climber when going climbing with experienced friends. Componenet covered in the course include learning about anchor selection and usage, methods for tying into the rope and anchors, belaying techniques and devices, gear selection, self-rescuing, guide book usage and route selection. You will also learn climbing techniques for varying terrain such as slabs, cracks, walls and overhangs.

Half Day Private Rock Climbing Session

Whether you need an instructor for yourself, a group of friends or family, this intense private half day rock climbing session is the best option. Focusing on any weaknesses you may have at any level of skill, this private session will help you refine your techniques to improve your rock climbing ability. One on one instruction is the very best teaching and learning method. You will find that your instructor will be able to design half a day of activity around your needs. You choose the date, the time and what you want to learn and an expert instructor will be provided to suit.

With your own personal instructor, you can go over anything related to climbing: lead climbing, anchor systems, use of equipment, running belays, multi-pitch climbing, crack climbing, face climbing, sport climbing, rescue techniques, aid climbing, training programmes, etc. So take full advantage of this enriching private session to ensure your advancement of skill in the fantastic sport that is rock climbing.

Full Day Private Rock Climbing Session

Whether you need an instructor for yourself, a group of friends or family, this intense private full day rock climbing session is the best option. Improve your rock climbing ability as your fully qualified instructor helps you focus on any weaknesses in your technique. One on one instruction is the very best teaching and learning method. You will find that your instructor will be able to design a day of activity around your needs. You choose the date, the time and what you want to learn and an expert instructor is provided to suit.

With your own personal instructor, you can go over anything related to climbing: lead climbing, anchor systems, use of equipment, running belays, multi-pitch climbing, crack climbing, face climbing, sport climbing, rescue techniques, aid climbing, training programmes, etc. With an extended session lasting an entire day, you and you personal instructor are sure to highlight any areas that need improving and do what it takes to further refine your rock climbing technique.

Rocky Creek Canyon Adventure

Explore the depths of Australia’s natural canyons with this full day tour. Rocky Creek is one of the most magnificent Blue Mountains canyons that is regarded by insiders as a ‘must do’. Your complete day of canyoneering begins with a rainforest walk after meeting at the rendezvous point. Traversing the luscious undergrowth you will marvel at the beauty of nature as you proceed along the trail towards Twister Canyon.

Here the group will be sized for wetsuits and once fitted the fun begins! There are 8 jumps and slides before you reach Rocky Creek. The further you proceed the canyon becomes magnificent and deep. The tour includes alot of swimming and a great water-slide into a deep pool. In some parts the canyon is very narrow with high rock walls towering above. Once you reach the end of the canyon the group will be lead back up through the magnificent gorge of Rocky Creek. Returning to the departure point, you will be accompanied with the memories of a fantastic day’s adventure.

Claustral Canyon Adventure

This tour is an intermediate to advanced canyoning course for experienced asbeseilers and canyoneers. Including advanced abseils down waterfalls and a stamina requiring cavern trail, Claustral Canyon provides an excellent adventure for the seasoned canyoneer. Your day of fast paced adventure begins with a 45 minute bushwalk through the scenic Blue Mountains region, proceeding to the the entrance of Claustral Canyon. After a swim and down climb you will arrive at the famous abseil point into the vertical tunnels of “the Black Hole of Calcutta”. Here there are three very spectacular waterfall abseils which follow one after the other, culminating in a narrow 20 metre swim. A truly fantastic experience!

Soon after the swim you reach the junction of Ranon Brook, and from here it is another 1km or so of wonderful canyoning. Following a rest at Thunder Canyon junction, there is more excitement: water jumps, slides, down climbs and swims before you reach the Rainbow Ravine exit point and lunch. From Rainbow Ravine it is a solid 2 hr uphill walk back to the car park, for a well-earned drink and snack. Returning back to the departure point you will have completed your exhilirating canyoning experience, an adventure not soon to be forgotten.