Location
Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Dharug and Gundungurra Country
Katoomba is a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney or a 2-hour train ride from Central Station. Once exiting the M4 highway it is a scenic drive through the lower mountains suburbs which have rest stops, lookouts and boutique stores to explore along the way. Aiesha & Sam’s favourite pit stop is Dolly’s Donuts in Glenbrrook, Cortardo Cafe in Lawson and Wyrd Books in Wentworth Falls.
Where to Stay
If you plan to extend your stay in Katoomba and soak up Dharug and Gundungurra Country a little longer, there are plenty of accommodation options close to the venue. Our recommendations are The Carrington Hotel, The Metropole, and Palis Royale which offer a mid-century modern charm, easy access to delicious food, great coffee, and scenic walks in the heart of Katoomba.
THE CARRINGTON HOTEL
15-47 Katoomba Street, Katoomba, NSW 2780
thecarrington.com.au
(02) 4782 1111
THE METROPOLE
Cnr Gang Gang & Lurline Streets
Katoomba, NSW 2780
(02) 4782 5544
What to Do
Aiesha & Sam moved to Katoomba in February 2024 and have since found their favourite places to eat, shop and explore. Below are some of the places you can find Aiesha & Sam on any given weekend or during the week when they should be working from home…
EAT & DRINK
Hominy Bakery on Katoomba Street has an incredible selection of baked goods that are all made in-house every morning. Sam has created his own off-menu selection which he has coined the ‘Hominy Special’. Order a chunky beef pie with the potato and rosemary focaccia and you’ve achieved excellence.
Aiesha’s speciality is heading to Black Cockatoo Bakery and enjoying a good book, coffee and a miso cookie (don’t knock it until you’ve experienced the full potential of the umami). If needing something stronger head to the Mountain View Brewery for a Scenic Route IPA and their deep-fried pickles which never disappoint.
SHOP
The Little Lost Bookshop in Katoomba is a regular stop in for Aiesha and Sam. You can find the latest lit-fic releases, hard to find non-fiction and a good selection of board games.
Further up the mountain in Blackheath is undoubtley the best record store you will come across. Hat Hill Records & Audio have limited edition vinyl presses, old faves and a niche selection of alt artist’s and international music. They have an exceptional collection of Fela Kuti.
For some more local shopping Blue Mountains Coop has organic produce and a range of art and homewares from local artists. There is also a great selection of op shops in Katoomba and Leura which always have plenty of hidden gems.
EXPLORE
When family and friends come to visit the first stop Aiesha and Sam go is Wentworth Falls for the Grand Clifftop Walk. The overall walk is 19km, however, you can do a shorter 25 minute loop track which will give you stunning views of Wentworth Falls steps and the valley as you walk under the cliff face greenery.
If you’re looking for a lookout, Blackheath’s Anvil Rock will give you a direct line of sight to the Sydney CBD skyline. You can also head indoors and check out the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre which exhibits local artists and has an incredible giftshop. The entrance of the centre has a scar tree from Dharug and Gundungurra Country and is worth the trip alone.