Did You Know Katoomba is A Slow Town? How To Best Enjoy The Blue Mountains!
The rugged Blue Mountains is one of the most stunning regions around Sydney with its characteristic eucalyptus forests, dramatic cliffs and stunning views as far as the eye can see. Only about a 1.5-hour drive northwest of Sydney, the area is popular with weekend visitors. The small picturesque Blue Mountain village roads usually fill up on Saturdays and Sundays with city slickers enjoying the rural life, perusing the antique shops and artisanal bakeries. The crown jewel of the Blue Mountains is the quaint little town of Katoomba. But did you know that Katoomba is an official Slow Town? It is one of Australia's three Slow Towns, also called Cittaslow. Never heard of Cittaslow? Don't worry! We are here to find out!
In March 2020, when COVID kicked off, we hastily left Bangkok to return to Australia to ‘wait out’ the lockdown. Little did we know what the world had in store… However, after our return to Sydney, we self-quarantined for the first week in the quaint little town of Katoomba, the jewel of the Blue Mountains region. We rented a lovely little Airbnb cottage about 3 km from the Echo Point Lookout, from where you can see the famous Three Sisters rock formation.
What attracted us to stay in Katoomba after leaving Bangkok’s hot and polluted busyness was the abundance of nature, the fresh air and the fantastic bushwalking trails. After living in such a fast-paced, huge metropolis where you have to go a long way to find nature, this was truly a breath of fresh air. No pun intended!
Once we settled into the peaceful village life, we found out that Katoomba is officially a Slow Town. Sounds all nice, but what does that mean?
Welcome to the Cittaslow Movement!
The Slow Town or Cittaslow Movement was born in Orvieto, Italy in 1999, inspired by the Slow Food Movement. The Slow Food Movement was established in 1986 as a protest against the opening of the first McDonalds restaurant in Rome. The idea was to promote regional food and preserve traditional cooking as an alternative to the growing fast food industry. The movement made sure to promote local businesses, ensure sustainable food practices and preserve regional traditions. As slow food got more traction and following, the idea for a Slow Town movement was born as a natural extension. Towns that are members of Cittaslow are motivated to improve the quality of life by slowing down the overall pace! There are several requirements that the towns councils need to implement to be eligible to call themselves a Cittaslow, a Slow Town! Australia only has three official Slow Towns – Katoomba in New South Wales, Yea in Victoria and Goolwa in South Australia.
How Do You Become a Slow Town?
The benchmark to become a member of the Cittaslow Movement is set high. First of all, only towns with a population under 50,000 are eligible for full Cittaslow membership. There are about 72 goals and principles the town then has to commit to achieving. A central principle is to resist globalisation and homogenization by ensuring to keep regional traditions alive. The town has to make sure to preserve its uniqueness while promoting cultural diversity. The protection of the environment is another central point of the movement! The goals are reaching from protecting parks and green areas to recycling and garbage management as well as the use of renewable energy. These are just a few of the requirements to join the Cittaslow membership. After all, the thought behind those principles is to provide a healthier and happier lifestyle to the Cittaslow inhabitants! An idea, I think, many people crave in today’s busy world!
Where is my Closest Slow Town?
Today there are about 278 official Slow Towns worldwide! The majority can be found in Italy, the birthplace of the Slow Movement! Italy has a whopping 75 official Slow Towns, Germany has a surprising 23 and Poland makes it with 17 in third place. Australia is ranking not badly with three Cittaslow, even though there should be many more towns eligible here.
Apart from Katoomba, the only other official Slow Town I have been to is beautiful Sedgefield in the Western Cape, South Africa. Located along the so-called Garden Route, Sedgefield is already part of one of the most beautiful stretches of land in South Africa. When I visited the town years ago, the locals told me extremely proudly that Sedgefield is the only official Cittaslow in the whole of Africa! I didn’t quite understand what it meant at the time! Now, years later, maybe craving a life with a slower pace, a healthy environment and a lifestyle, I am fascinated with the concept.
Back to Katoomba!
Katoomba is the ideal place to relax and get out of the rat race! You feel the tranquillity and the laid back lifestyle as soon as you enter this sleepy little town. The main road on the way to Echo Point Lookout is lined with stunning shops, bakeries, butchers and little restaurants. You could spend a good couple of hours window shopping – or actual shopping – at the artisanal, individual little shops. From handmade candles, ceramics or woollen ware, you can find so many beautiful knick-knacks that would surely look great in your house! Make sure to not eat before you come into town because you should try the homemade pies, the gelato and barista coffee. It truly is culinary heaven. A visit to Echo Point to see the Three Sisters is an absolute Must-Do when you are in town. The view over the mountains with its ever-green bush and typical eucalyptus trees is simply breathtaking. This landscape certainly inspires even the dullest mind! There is also a lot of Aboriginal history in this area, Katoomba being an Aboriginal term for ‘shining falling water’, referring to the many waterfalls around here. The newly renovated Echo Point Lookout offers visitors some interesting background information on the history of the land and its indigenous people.
Where to Stay in Katoomba?
You can’t go to a Cittaslow and then rush your visit! Stay a few nights and get into the slow groove! Enjoy nature, eat good food, take it easy!
As always, your accommodation entirely depends, of course, on your personal preferences. Yet, Katoomba and the Blue Mountains region seem to call for a stay in a self-contained cottage. In summer, you can sit outside on the verandah for a BBQ or in winter you get all huddled up in front of a fireplace – I can’t think of anything better. If you enjoy cooking, you have the option to do so and if you don’t, there are enough restaurants to treat yourself to a dinner or takeaway.
Have a look at the Airbnb website for cottages and holiday rentals that fit your taste and budget. Otherwise, have a look at the official Blue Mountains website for some inspiration. You can find any type of accommodation here, from mountain lodges and country manors to guest houses and cosy B&B’s – take your pick. Just make sure to treat yourself, take it slow and enjoy your time in this beautiful landscape.
What Best To Do in Katoomba?
With so much stunning landscape around you simply have to go for a hike. Explore some of the fantastic trails, visit some of the stunning waterfalls and discover the other neighbouring villages. There is plenty to do in and around Katoomba. Here is a quick rundown of a few of the must-do highlights in the area!
#1 - Enjoy the views of the Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout
I know, we have mentioned Echo Point already, but it simply is THE place to go when you are in Katoomba! It is a great start for your Blue Mountains experience. The views from here are simply breathtaking. A definite Must-Do! The trail around the lookout point is only about 1 km long but offers many spectacular lookout points! If you are not planning a serious walk, this is a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the best views the Blue Mountains have to offer.
#2 - Hiking - Katoomba Falls, Wentworth Pass and the Giant Staircase
Magical waterfalls, stunning rock formations, thick forests and incredible indigenous flora and fauna – a visit to the Blue Mountains would not be complete without exploring some of the more serious hiking trails. The good thing is, there is a trail for any interest and fitness level. Do a bit of research before you go to make sure to find the right one for you. There are several good websites offering information on highlights, length and starting points for the trails. You couldn’t find a more beautiful terrain than the Blue Mountains to explore nature at its finest.
#3 - Scenic World - All the Views and none of the Hikes
If hiking is not for you, Scenic World allows you to enjoy all the amazing views and natural wonders without having to break a sweat. The Scenic Railway brings you from the top of the cliffs to the bottom of the valley. From here, you can take an easy stroll along the well-maintained boardwalk. Not many hikers make it to the valley floor, so this is a very special area you will be able to explore. Alternatively, take the Scenic Cable Car, which descends similar to the Railway from a clifftop to the valley floor.
Last but not least – yet another spectacular option to catch some unique views over the area is the Scenic Skyway. It’s a cable car that travels about 720 metres between clifftops, offering the best views over the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Mt. Solitary and the Jamison Valley.
#4 - Indulge in the locally crafted goods - Craft Beer & Chocolate
Since one of the Cittaslow Movement’s principles is to support local businesses, I can recommend two that should cover every palette.
If you are thirsty after your successful hikes in the area, relax in Katoomba at the Mountain Culture Beer Company! You’ll find this contemporary little gem right in Katoomba’s city centre! If you are lusting for an IPA, Pale Ale or a Kolsch, all brewed here, in the heart of the Blue Mountains, look no further! It’s a lovely little place with good, locally crafted beer. If beer is not for you, but you have an insatiable sweet tooth visit the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company! It’s a paradise for anyone loving good chocolate. From pralinés, cakes and bars, you can find any chocolate indulgence under the sun here. Especially the hot chocolate comes highly recommended and is the perfect pick-me-up after a strenuous walk! Locally owned and lovingly crafted, you simply need to visit the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company!
#5 - Visit Leura and Wentworth Falls
If you are in the area, you also need to visit Leura and Wentworth Falls. Both are equally quaint little towns, just like Katoomba with lots of little highlights. Wentworth Falls is only about an 8 km drive from Katoomba and the gateway to the Kings Tableland, a stunning natural area offering spectacular views and the traditional land of the Gundungurra people. Have a picnic at Ingar Picnic Ground or have a few sundowners at McMahon’s Lookout, which offer some of the best views over Lake Burragorang. For some good food and a few drinks spend some time at the Grandview Hotel, just off the Great Western Highway. The historic town centre is – just like Katoomba – filled with small local shops, fresh local food and charming little galleries.
Leura is one of my favourite places in the Blue Mountains, possibly because of its outstanding pie shop, Bakehouse on Wentworth. Their freshly baked pies and cakes are simply too delicious not to try! So, don’t miss out on it. The heritage-protected ‘Leura Mall’, which are the beautiful artisanal shops along the village main road is worth a visit and extremely popular amongst the weekend visitors. For some natural beauty, get out to Cliff Drive and have a picnic at Leura Cascades. From here you can also walk along some stunning waterfalls called Leura, Linda, Lila and Bridal Veils Falls. Both Wentworth Falls and Leura host some lovely events throughout the year, especially around the change of the seasons in April and October. Keep an eye out for those ones.
I hope you had a good time today exploring the beautiful Blue Mountain area and its Slow Town, Katoomba. I find the Cittaslow Movement a fantastic idea and would hope that more small towns commit to the Slow Town principles and goals. There is so much unique history, traditions and nature that deserves to be preserved in the small towns, I hope we don’t lose it. Plus it does make for calmer, healthier living!
No matter if you come for the amazing nature or the small-town vibe – should you find yourself in Sydney, please make sure to get out to the Blue Mountains. It is worth a visit!
Thank you and I hope you join us next week again for another Australian adventure. If you enjoyed this post – please give it a Like and Subscribe!
Have a fantastic week and until next time!
