Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Katoomba?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Katoomba?

Most visitors spend two to four days in Katoomba when visiting. The stunning town offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the small town charm, and the museums and landmarks.

Katoomba is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains. It has a charming personality and makes a great base for exploring the surrounding natural areas. From town you can hike to waterfalls and impressive viewpoints. There are also a number of cafes and breweries where you can sample craft beer.

Do you have one or two days to visit Katoomba? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one day enough time in Katoomba?

One day is generally not enough time to experience the town and surrounding mountains while visiting Katoomba. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to experience the hiking, the beautiful scenery, the small town charm, and the museums and landmarks. To genuinely appreciate the mountain atmosphere, local flavors, and epic views of the stunning town, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. In fact, many tourists opt for two to four days in the area. After all, Katoomba, renowned for its numerous sights and attractions, is a major draw for tourists. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.

How to spend a day in Katoomba

Known for it's hiking, Katoomba sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Small-Group Blue Mountains Tour with Bush Walks and Featherdale Wildlife Park ($117)
  • Wollemi Twilight Wildlife Tour ($81)

Katoomba is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

The public transit in Katoomba is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Katoomba?

Katoomba, a small town brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. Given only a weekend, you will likely find yourself hurrying to experience the mountain town vibe and surrounding mountains here. You won't want to miss the chance to take a hike, admire the wonderful scenery, wander through the small town, and browse through museums. To truly savor all that the town boasts, a longer amount of time is recommended. Many vacationers opt for two to four days to thoroughly enjoy the mountain vibe of the town. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit.

The Blue Mountains, Australia The Blue Mountains, Australia

How to spend 2 days in Katoomba

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Katoomba, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.

Don't miss Scenic World during your trip to Katoomba, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience ($38)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Katoomba, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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