Katoomba

Features

Katoomba

Take a Ride on the Scenic Railway

A highlight of any visit to Katoomba is the Scenic Railway, a thrilling journey on the world’s steepest passenger train. Originally part of a vast system of tramways built to transport coal and shale from the valleys below, the railway has been transformed into a must-see attraction. Open every day, it offers breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the ancient landscape. With a 52-degree incline, this exhilarating ride plunges through a rock tunnel before emerging into the lush Jamison Valley.

Katoomba Railway Station – A Window into the Past

The Katoomba Railway Station stands as a significant historical site, reflecting the evolution of rail transport in New South Wales. Opened in 1874 and initially known as “Crushers,” the station played a crucial role in the expansion of settlement and tourism in the Blue Mountains. Its renaming to Katoomba in 1877 coincided with the area’s growing popularity as a holiday retreat.

The station precinct contains one of the most complete collections of timber railway structures in the NSW Railways network. The goods yard, still intact today, is a rare example of a complete railway goods facility. The platform buildings, constructed between 1877 and 1891, showcase evolving architectural styles, from simple weatherboard sheds to more elaborate Edwardian designs.

Evolution of Katoomba’s Platform Buildings

1877-1884: The Early Years

• The first passenger platform was built in 1877, with basic wooden structures added over time.

• A telegraph office was established in 1878, followed by a waiting room, booking office, and station master’s office.

• By 1881-82, a larger, non-standard timber building was constructed, featuring a narrow awning supported by timber struts.

1884-1891: Expansion and the Influence of the Carrington Hotel

• The opening of the grand Carrington Hotel in 1884 brought increased passenger demand, prompting the station’s expansion.

• Between 1884 and 1891, a more substantial platform awning was installed, supported by timber posts extending to the platform edge.

• Additional waiting space was created by relocating structures and infilling gaps between buildings.

1891-Present: A Landmark Station

• In response to growing tourism, a new station building was approved in 1891 under the direction of railway commissioner E.M.G. Eddy.

• The new design was the first example of a standard platform building outside of Sydney’s Redfern-Homebush corridor.

• Featuring a curved layout, cantilevered awnings, and ornate ironwork, the building was a significant departure from previous railway designs.

• Distinctive features include a low-pitched slate roof, decorative cast iron awning brackets inscribed with “NSWR,” and multi-paned coloured glass windows.

• The internal layout included a Booking Hall, Ladies’ Waiting Room, and General Waiting Room—making it one of the few stations in NSW with three separate waiting areas.

A Railway Legacy That Lives On

Today, Katoomba remains a vital link in the Blue Mountains Rail Trail, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Australia’s railway heritage. Whether exploring the station’s historic architecture, taking in the sweeping views from the Scenic Railway, or wandering through the charming streets of Katoomba, this phase of the journey offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty.

Discover Katoomba – where the past and present meet along the rails of the Blue Mountains.