Katoomba Accommodation: 9 Incredible Stays To Try For Yourself

Base yourself at one of these incredible Katoomba stays as you discover the stunning Blue Mountains beyond.

The Gateway to the World-Heritage Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba has long been a magnetic mountain town. With her elegant Art Deco buildings, undeniable originality and bounteous natural assets, such as those drama-filled Jamison Valley vistas, this historic destination offers some of the region’s most character-filled stays. From five-star luxury to centenarian cottages and cool cabins, our pick of Katoomba accommodation will fulfill your mountain hideout needs.

1. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa

Best for: Special occasion stays and moments of opulence.
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This Echo Point-adjacent resort occupies the historic summer homestead of a former chief justice of NSW and unfurls across two acres of splendid English gardens. This elegant, five-star beauty has set the standard for luxury in the Blue Mountains and is an iconic experience for those who appreciate bygone grandeur.

the garden at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa — Lilianfels channels old-world elegance. (Image: Destination NSW)

The 85-room hotel makes a fine base for outward exploration, but guests are well-entertained onsite with the Lilianfels day spa, swimming pools, tennis court, library and games room. Darley’s Restaurant is the resort’s fine-diner occupying an ornate, chandelier-illuminated room with views toward the Jamison Valley escarpment.

an aerial view of Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa — The heritage-listed homestead oozes glamour and comfort.

2. Palais Royale

Best for: Everyone looking for a little charm.
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Built in 1896, this grand, old building once housed a boarding school for young ladies but now caters to visitors touring the Blue Mountains. With 40 comfortable suites and rooms, including family rooms, the Palais Royale brings a touch of charm to mid-range accommodation. While not wildly opulent, the hotel possesses inherent grace and is a lovely base for relishing Katoomba’s many attractions.

the Palais Royale building exterior in Katoomba, Blue Mountains — The grand Palais Royale brings a touch of charm to mid-range accommodation. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Sable Mae

Best for: Design boffins on a weekend away.
$$$

Just a seven-minute drive from Katoomba will see you in Medlow Bath and checking into this mountain luxe cabin . Beautifully designed and appointed, this ranch-style stay is positioned for bushland fun, from wandering historic towns to following trails frolicking in waterfalls and ogling the landscape. Raw materials, minimal tones and swoon-worthy details, such as a breakfast window and fire pit, make for a cosy base year-round.

outdoor dining chairs at Sable Mae, Katoomba — Settle into this ranch-style stay at Sable Mae.

4. Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant

Best for: Dramatic vistas and enjoying the perks of Lilianfels for a smaller price tag.
$$$

Each room at this 4.5-star Jamison Valley-perched hotel gazes upon the unrelenting beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park. Angled specifically to take in the splendour that plays out with varying colours throughout the day, this spot, set within manicured gardens, allows guests to absorb it all without ever having to put boot to trail.

the corner view suite balcony overlooking the Blue Mountains — Every corner has panoramic views over the scenic Blue Mountains landscape.

Onsite there’s the fine dining Echoes Restaurant and a day spa, while you’ll also have access to a range of leisure activities next door at sister resort, Lilianfels.

the Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel restaurant terrace — Dine at Echoes Restaurant and Bar for incredible views.

5. The Carrington

Best for: Anyone and everyone who’d like a side of handsome history with their stay.
$$–$$$

Set at the highest point of Katoomba, this iconic darling of the mountains is much more than a hotel. Housing the Katoomba Brewing Co, Carrington Cellars and Deli, Old City Bank Bar and Brasserie, Champagne Charlie’s and live music venue, The Baroque Room, this grand old dame is the centrepiece of the town’s nightly action. With suites and rooms restored to their former glamour, The Carrington caters to everyone from families to flashpackers.

an aerial view of The Carrington, Katoomba — The Carrington is considered the iconic darling of the mountains.

6. Eden Farm Escape

Best for: Horse lovers and families with furred friends.

$$$

An hour’s drive from Katoomba, you’ll find five luxury cabins on the lush, groomed meadows of a working equine farm in Bilpin, where idyllic white fences keep well-groomed horses from galloping into the national park beyond.

Bring your dog, kid or both and enjoy some bucolic serenity, swims in the dam, horse rides and egg-collecting from Cluckingham Palace. Sleeping from two up to eight guests, the cabins are curated with loads of style and well-appointed with fireplaces, coffee machines and bespoke kitchens.

two people sitting on a long bench admiring the landscape at Eden Farm Escape — Venture further up the mountains to Bilpin for this idyllic farm stay.

7. Megalong Lookout Cottage

Best for: A little rest and relaxation.
$$$

Enjoy your morning meditation or coffee on the balcony here overlooking the dusty green eucalypts of Megalong Valley.

a wine bottle with glasses on the balcony at sunset, Megalong Lookout Cottage — Admire the cotton candy sky over Megalong Valley.

A lofty and restful escape, the three-bedroom cottage has a calm demeanour and is equipped with everything a comfortable stay requires, plus a few little luxuries, such as Smeg appliances, coffee machine and Aesop products.

View from the lounge out onto the deck at Megalong Lookout Cottage — Expect to feel like you are sleeping in the trees at Megalong Lookout Cottage.

8. Cosy Bush Cabin

Best for: Couples who appreciate timber.
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Taking style cues from Hobbiton, this rustic cabin is a cute little stay hewn from recycled materials. Surrounded by bush and backing onto the national park, this is a cosy spot to retreat to after a day spent in the great outdoors. With just a kitchenette, you may need to take a 10-minute drive into Katoomba for dinner or supplies.

the entrance of Cosy Bush Cabin, Katoomba — Cosy Bush Cabin is a cosy spot to retreat.

9. Traveller’s Treehouse

Best for: Two couples on a restorative stay and twitchers.
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Poised for a treetop aspect, this charming stay is bright, open and frequented by colourful birdlife. Tucked privately in Katoomba, but close to town, the two-bedroom treehouse is close to the big attractions of the area, such as the Three Sisters and Scenic World yet feels perfectly isolated as you watch the sun dip behind the gums.

Traveller’s Treehouse view from inside — Hide yourself away in this modern-day treehouse in Katoomba.

Find more incredible stays in the region in our guide to Blue Mountains accommodation.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

Katoomba accommodation: 9 incredible stays to try for yourself