Katoomba (Kedoombar)

Katoomba had many names before, often suggesting who inhabited this place at that particular time (e.g. "Collett's Swamp"). When the railway line was built in 1874 Katoomba became known as "The Crushers", referring to a quarry that operated nearby.

In 1877 this name was replaced with Katoomba, which is said to be of Aboriginal origin. It is a name known also as Kedoombar (or Go Doom Ba, Arcartoomba, Goodomabah), derived from the Gundungurra Aboriginal people. However, what it exactly means is not quite clear. Most commonly it is said to mean "falling waters" or "falling together of many waters" and probably not only for the Katoomba site, but also other places in the Blue Mountains area where water drained into the valleys.

Newer research suggests that the Gundungurra site of Katoomba is actually 15 kilometres away from the present township and that the word "Katoomba" refers to an edible fern species rather than to falling water (Jim Smith, Macquarie University).

Katoomba walking track guide

Check out this guide to Katoomba walking tracks which I've compiled from personal experience.

There you'll get all the tips you need. Discover the less beaten tracks and get away from the crowds.

The Blue Mountains

by Henry Lawson, 1888

Above the ashes straight and tall,
through ferns with moisture dripping,
I climb beneath the sandstone wall,
my feet on mosses slipping.

Like ramparts round the valley's edge
the tinted cliffs are standing,
with many a broken wall and ledge,
and many a rocky landing.

And round about their rugged feet
deep ferny dells are hidden
in shadowed depths, whence dust and heat
are banished and forbidden.

The stream that, crooning to itself,
comes down a tireless rover,
flows calmly to the rocky shelf,
and there leaps bravely over.

Now pouring down, now lost in spray
when mountain breezes sally,
the water strikes the rock midway,
and leaps into the valley.

Now in the west the colours change,
the blue with crimson blending;
behind the far Dividing Range,
the sun is fast descending.

And mellowed day comes o'er the place,
and softens ragged edges;
the rising moon's great placid face
looks gravely o'er the ledges.

Getting there

Katoomba is best visited by car since you are then free to drive to the less beaten tracks. If you cannot use a car, take the first train from Central Station in Sydney. It leaves around 8am, but it's very worthwhile the early start. You'll be in Katoomba around two hours later.