Katoomba is well known for its' spectacular mountain views and bushwalks. It is Aboriginal for ‘Shining falling water" due to the many beautiful waterfalls one can see whilst bushwalking here in the Jamison Valley. Katoomba's most famous features are "the Three Sisters" (a rock formation) and The Giant Stairway which leads to the Scenic Railway, now a tourist ride but originally built to move coal and oil shale which was mined in the valley. Scenic World, a tourist complex, also has the Scenic Skyway Cable Car . Katoomba has many hotels and guest -houses with many retaining the character of a bygone era.

Winter Magic is a local festival to celebrate the Winter solstice and Blue Mountains Yulefest.