Explore the Blue Mountains area with a car hire from Katoomba
Katoomba is located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. As the largest and most important town in the area, it is a fantastic base for visiting one of Australia's most spectacular national parks. For this reason, many lovers of the outdoors choose to secure a car hire Katoomba with Airport Rentals to explore the park at their own pace.
The New South Wales town lies 110 kilometres west of Sydney CBD and 40 kilometres southeast of Lithgow. Its location on the Great Western Highway makes it a great starting point for an Australian road trip. Just pack the essentials and head northeast for a car hire adventure to Newcastle and take in the incredible scenery of the Wollemi and Yengo national parks. Drive east for the world-class beaches of Central Coast, or venture south to spend some time in vibrant, multicultural Wollongong.
Planning a longer adventure? Rent a car in Katoomba and set off on the 965-kilometre drive north toward Brisbane, or take the slightly shorter - but equally impressive - route south toward Melbourne. Along the way, consider driving your car rental to Canberra, the nation's capital.
Book car hire Katoomba with Airport Rentals
There are so many reasons to book your Katoomba car hire through Airport Rentals. Perhaps most importantly, our customers trust us. We've arranged more than 2.5 million car rentals in over 50,000 locations across the world, and our efforts have earned us a rating of 9.1/10 on TrustPilot. With all the other stresses of preparing for a holiday, it's reassuring to know that your car hire needn't be another headache to contend with!
Worried that we charge a premium for our fantastic service? Don't be! With our exclusive special offers and everyday low prices, you can be sure that you'll always find superb rental rates at Airport Rentals. And we won't charge you booking fees or make you pay more for using a credit card, either.
A quick guide to Katoomba
While it's a pleasant town in its own right, most people choose to hire a car in Katoomba to explore the majesty of the Blue Mountains. Some of the national park's most iconic attractions can be found on the town's doorstep. Enjoy the remarkable views of the Three Sisters from the Echo Point Lookout, then make the short drive to Scenic World, which boasts the steepest passenger railway on the planet.
If you've got a flight to catch after visiting Katoomba, the most popular option is Sydney Airport, Australia's busiest flight hub. It currently offers direct flights to 46 domestic and 43 international locations. Another option is to fly into Brisbane and grab a rental car from there to explore this beautiful city. Alternatively, Bathurst Airport is 90 kilometres west of Katoomba. It offers limited flights to Sydney and Parkes.
● From June to August, average night-time temperatures drop to the low single digits. Pack warm clothes if you're visiting at this time of year, and be sure to check out our winter driving tips.
● Tolls apply on many of Australia's main roads. You'll need to use an electronic tag or pass, as all payments are cashless.
● Hiring a car in Katoomba from overseas? Police enforce a zero alcohol limit for visiting motorists in New South Wales. Two default speed limits apply across the state. If there is no posted speed limit, stick to 50 km/h (30 mph) in built-up areas and 100 km/h (60 mph) elsewhere.
There is limited on-road parking in Katoomba CBD, although underground car parks can be found at Coles and Woolworths. New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service provides information on parking throughout the Blue Mountains National Park.
Katoomba Information
Accommodation in Katoomba
Katoomba offers a range of accommodation, from budget options to upscale hotels. Here are some of our favourites:
● No.14 Hostel - Cheap prices, free cereals, milk, tea and coffee at breakfast, and a large communal kitchen make this a great choice for budget travellers.
● Carrington Hotel - A 19th-century mansion converted into a grand hotel, The Carrington also boasts a convenient location in the heart of the CBD.
● Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa - An out-of-town resort set in two acres of garden, complete with an outdoor pool and luxury spa facilities.
Annual events in Katoomba
There's always something going on in Katoomba. Top events include:
● Lady Luck Festival (January) - This rockabilly and vintage festival, held at The Carrington, features live music, market stalls, a hot rod show and much more.
● Winter Magic Festival (June) - A community winter solstice celebration incorporating live music, theatre and fireworks.
● Leura Gardens Festival (October) - Explore the beautiful gardens, which are renowned for their cool climate exotics, from azaleas to rhododendrons.
Main attractions in Katoomba
Once you've picked up your car hire Katoomba, be sure to check out these local sites:
● Echo Point Lookout - Just outside the national park, this viewpoint offers unparalleled vistas of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.
● Scenic World - Take a trip on the world's steepest passenger railway and the glass-floored Skyway, suspended 270 metres in the air.
● Six Foot Walking Track - Starting near Katoomba, this historic path follows a 19th-century horse track through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.
