Katoomba is a great place to visit if you are into hiking, spectacular views, and nature. On a previous day trip, we didn’t spend the night (coming in and out by train from Sydney is almost fast enough to make that work). This time, we opted to stay at Lilianfels which is an old school resort right near the three sisters.
Lilianfels resort has many buildings
Lilianfels was likely built back when royalty seemed to matter. NPS calls this kind of place an “old lady hotel.” Lets just say Lilianfels is most famous for its high tea in the afternoon. We missed that in favor of hiking.
See more about the Three Sisters hike and the Grand Stairway here.
When we arrived just after an early lunch at 8things (recommended), only one of the rooms was ready, so we ditched our stuff and headed off on the trail. Three hours and 6.3 miles later, we enjoyed a Negroni by the pool.
Lunch at 8things
Post hike Negroni
I was assigned room 223.
Lilianfels bedroom
No real view from 223
The bathroom was spacious and the shower was not plastic at all. Very solid.
A visit to the spa got us access to the hot tub, which after going up over 900 steps felt pretty great.
Lilianfels spa
Dinner at Miss Lilian teahouse was bad. Do not eat there.
Drinks at the bar downstairs in the main house were much needed.
On the way out of town, we stopped into Wentworth Falls for a hike there too. Absolutely worth it.
Hiking wentworth falls
All told, Katoomba overnight may be a bit of overkill. Lilianfels is a four showerhead kind of place. A bit too old school, and who lets such a bad restaurant persist?
