Katoomba
NSW 2780 • Greater Sydney
About Katoomba
Katoomba is the main town and administrative centre of the City of Blue Mountains in New South Wales, situated 102 km west of Sydney CBD at an elevation of 1,017 metres. With a population of 8,268 (2021 census), it serves as the cultural and commercial hub of the upper Blue Mountains. The town is renowned as the gateway to the Three Sisters and the surrounding Blue Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Its name derives from the Aboriginal word meaning "shining falling water".
Katoomba offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with galleries, live music venues, and the biennial Vertical Film Festival. The main street features eclectic cafes, bookshops, and boutiques with a distinct bohemian character. Popular with bushwalkers, nature lovers, and creative professionals, the town attracts both tourists and residents seeking a mountain lifestyle. Local amenities include schools, medical facilities, The Edge cinema, and a range of dining options.
Katoomba falls under postcode 2780 and is governed by Blue Mountains Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Blue Mountains electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- 685, 686 — Echo Point / Scenic World 10-15 min
- 690 — Leura / Wentworth Falls 15-25 min
- 698 — Blackheath / Mount Victoria 20-30 min
Commute to Sydney
🛣️ Blue Mountains Line trains run hourly off-peak; express services during peak
Town centre is walkable with shops and station close together; outer areas are hilly and car-dependent
Supermarkets Nearby
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Coles34 Parke Street Katoomba 2780 NSW -
WoolworthsParke and Waratah Street Katoomba 2780 NSW
Schools
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Katoomba High School ICSEA 1034Martin Street
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Katoomba North Public School ICSEA 986Barton St
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Katoomba Public School ICSEA 1035Merriwa St
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Leura Public School ICSEA 1055Bathurst Rd
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158 Katoomba Street
Heritage-Listed Places
There are 6 heritage-listed places in or near Katoomba, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 460
- 2. New Zealand 165
- 3. Germany 85
- 4. China 83
- 5. United States 77
- 6. Philippines 74
- 7. Vietnam 64
- 8. India 56
- 9. Scotland 50
- 10. Ireland 39
- 11. Canada 36
- 12. France 36
- 13. South Africa 36
- 14. Malaysia 32
- 15. Poland 30
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)