Katoomba, New South Wales

Katoomba is an Australian town with about 7,700 inhabitants, which is the tourist and cultural center of the Blue Mountains. It is located in the state of New South Wales, 110 km west of the city of Sydney and 38 km south-east of Lithgow on the Great Western Highway. Katoomba is located at an altitude of 1017 m.

The name Katoomba is Aboriginal for " falling water ". This name is due to a waterfall in the Jamison Valley below Harry's amphitheater. The place was first known as The Crusher and was named in 1877 Katoomba. Since 1889 Katoomba has its own city government and is today the administrative seat of Blue Mountains City.

At the site of today's Scenic Railway began in 1878 coal mining. To transport the coal from the Jamison Valley to the top of the plateau to the railway, the Scenic Railway was built in 1885. Remains of the mines are still visible today. The mining ended in 1930; Since then, the Railway is only used by tourists.

Tourism began in the 1880s after a rail line was opened, connecting the Blue Mountains with Sydney. 1884 Six Foot Track was built, which was a shortcut for travelers to the Jenolan Caves: From Tree Exploreres this path leads down into the Megalong Valley, partly along the Coxs River on a total of 45 km to the popular caves. With the horse-drawn carriage that route could be completed in 8 hours. Today, the Six Foot Track is a walking trail.

In 2007, Katoomba has been recognized as a Slow City.

The train station of Kakoomba is located on the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney ( Central Station) to Lithgow. The journey takes about 2 hours.

Attractions

• Three Sisters ( a rock formation that is from Echo Point, two kilometers south of the town center, visible)
• Scenic World ( with the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the Scenic Skyway and the Scenic Cableway )
• The Giant Stairway