Things to Do, Things to see, Places to Stay
While in Katoomba
Katoomba - one of the major towns of the Blue Mountains and a must "stop and see"place on your visit through to western NSW or a day trip to get away from the city bussle.
We are a community - supporting each other and working together to help each other succeed. If you are interested in making your visit to Gallery ONE88 a well rounded trip - why not stay the weekend, take a bus trip on the hop on hop off red bus. Stay at an accommodation location for the weekend and perhaps enjoy one of the many walks.
Catch the Hop On Hop Off Bus
The best value family fun in the Blue Mountains!
Arrive early for your full day of adventure! Get the train from Central Station for less than $10 for a relaxing, scenic journey up to the Blue Mountains and arrive refreshed and ready for your day. Then pick up your guidebook at our office at the top of the stairs next to Katoomba station and you're on your way!
The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus takes you to MORE of the sights, faster and more frequently than any other Blue Mountains tour. Hop on and off at 37 stops in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area – with live commentary and personal service from friendly driver-guides. All on one amazing value ticket!
Hop on the bus in Katoomba and in minutes you can be soaring high above huge waterfalls or shooting down into ancient rainforest on the world's steepest railway. Every bus goes to every stop every 45 minutes, so you can spend as much or as little time as you want.
Walk out to the edge at Echo Point and look into a wilderness so pure, you can easily feel like the first person ever to see it. The Three Sisters are just the beginning. Hop on the Explorer Bus and discover all the highlights and hidden wonders of this vast mountain kingdom.
Like waterfalls? Let the sound of cascading water refresh your soul at one of the Blue Mountains' countless beautiful cascades. We take you to some of the most spectacular waterfalls, so the choice is yours: see them all, or stay a while and treat yourself to a secluded natural shower!
Love a bit of bush walking? You’ll be spoilt for choice. The Explorer Bus is your key to a bush adventure that can last half an hour or half a day.
Staying longer than 1 day? We can extend your Explorer Bus ticket for up to 3 days. Just let us know when you arrive to pick up your ticket.
Include these Explorer Exclusives:
✓ Cliff Tops and Valleys Tour
Take a scenic loop on stunning Cliff Drive and experience views that the other tour buses miss.
✓ Free Guidebook
Discover more of the Blue Mountains. Your free take-home guide has info on history, wildlife, bushwalks, maps and more.
✓ Live Commentary
Hear wild tales of the Blue Mountains from your friendly local driver-guide. No two tours are the same!
✓ Exclusive Discounts
Show your Explorer Bus Pass for special deals and discounts at many local businesses.
Go on a Bush Walk
We certainly live in a beautiful country, and privileged to have so many places to explore. We encourage visitors to see the sites and experience all the magnificence that Mother Nature has to offer.... BUT ... we respectfully ask you to step lightly, stay on the designated walking paths, take ALL your rubbish with you and remember, you are walking on the lands of the DARUG and GUNDUNGURRA Peoples.
Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, home of the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba. Discover iconic lookouts and waterfalls, historic walking tracks, mountain biking, Aboriginal culture, adventure sports, and camping - right on Sydney's doorstep.
Stay the Night - or Two
The Carrington Hotel
The Grand Old Lady of Katoomba is a beloved local landmark offering the uinque ambience, elegance and character of a bygone era. Spacious rooms and suite in a range of different styles offers something for all tastes and budgets. The Carrington is perfect for a romantic getaway or a convenient base from which to explore the stunning World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park.
The Carrington Hotel has a long and rich history since her establishment by Sydney hotelier Harry Rowell more than one hundred and thirty years ago. Opened in 1883 as The Great Western, this Grand Old Lady soon became a popular mountain retreat for international visitors, the elite of Sydney, and those eager to see the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains.
Renamed 'The Carrington' in 1886, in honour of the then Governor of New South Wales, Lord Carrington, the hotel was extended by its new owner, Mr F C Goyder who is credited with the creation of The Grand Dining Room. With its extended and upgraded facilities, The Carrington gained even more acceptance as a world class establishment.
By the early 1900's The Carrington's reputation as the premier tourist resort in the Southern Hemisphere was undisputed and the newspapers of the day often cited her as the only rival to Raffles Hotel, Singapore within The Empire.
Sold in 1911 to Sir James Joynton Smith, who introduced the famous stained glass facade, The Carrington entered a new phase and quickly became known as the honeymoon destination of choice, and this remained so for the next half a century.
Although in a time of decline in Mountains tourism, The Carrington remained popular as ever through the 1950's and 60's and was bought by Theo Morris, a developer, in 1968. Despite the dwindling popularity of the Mountains in the 70's and the toll taken by time on the Hotel, her loyal clientele kept her afloat for nearly twenty more years.
The Carrington closed her doors in late 1985 and remained empty and derelict until 1991 when it was purchased with the aim of restoring and relaunching this Grand Old Lady of the Mountains.
The Carrington reopened her doors in December 1998 after eight years of restoration, however renovation and upgrade works still continue today as well as the restoration of the gardens, garages and old stables.
No. 14 Lovel Street
Welcoming guests since 1913, No.14 Lovel St is the unique hostel in the beautiful World Heritage listed Blue Mountains.
We are peaceful retreat to relax after a big day exploring all that the Blue Mountains region has to offer – and there’s something for everyone! Whether your ideal getaway is adventure sports, bushwalks, vintage finds, artistic minds, foodie feasts or live music beats – you’ll find it in the Mountains!
Not just for backpackers, but savvy travellers. We are definitely not a party hostel! There are no TVs, music, radios etc. You can of course stream your own content (with earphones) but we encourage guests to get off their screens and unplug, read a book, unwind by yourself, or enjoy conversation with other guests.
No.14 is full of traditional character, cosy, comfortable, and often described as a ‘home away from home’.
We have just 11 rooms which are a mix of 5bed dorm, twin, doubles and queen private rooms (one with ensuite). Shared facilities include a large bathroom with constant hot water, communal kitchen available to cook your own meals, indoor/outdoor dining, two lounge areas inside and a big verandah where you can relax, free WiFi, free tea/coffee all day and we supply a simple cereals breakfast in each room price.