[4] For thousands of years, the Blue Mountains were home to Aboriginal peoples, specifically, the Gundungurra and Darug tribes.

[5] Today, there are still many traditional Aboriginal peoples living in the Blue Mountains, where there are now a number of cultural sites that walk visitors through the region's rich past and share the customs and heritage of the local tribes.

[citation needed] Katoomba and nearby Medlow Bath were first developed as tourist destinations towards the end of the 19th century when a series of hotels were built and then repeatedly extended.

[9] Coal and oil shale mining was also carried out in the Jamison Valley for many years,[10][11] but when the seams were completely exhausted by the early 20th century, Katoomba was an established resort town.

[14] Moreover, winters are not as snowy and rainy as those of Orange and Oberon, to the west; this is due to the fact Katoomba mostly lies on the leeward (eastern) side of the ranges, thereby experiencing a moderate foehn effect.

The snow and ice caused significant problems throughout central New South Wales, with rail and road closures, damage to buildings, and disruption to telegraph services.

A winter storm on 17 July 1965 also produced very heavy snow and ice in the area, with damage to buildings and major difficulties with road and rail transport.

More recently, a cold snap brought heavy snow, up to 20 cm (7.9 in), to Katoomba and other towns in the upper Blue Mountains on 17 July 2015 which was the heaviest snowfall in many years.

Yulefest is a long-running tourism initiative that promotes Northern Hemisphere-style Christmas celebrations during the Australian winter months June to August.

[20] In 1921, production house duo Raymond Longford and Lottie Lyell filmed The Blue Mountains Mystery in part around the town centre.

Blues musician Claude Hay is also a resident of Katoomba, having built his home and recording studio on the outskirts of town.

[22] In addition to its alternative sub-culture, the area is home to a large number of culturally diverse families and has a significant Aboriginal population.

Gundungurra Tribal Council Aboriginal Corporation has had a registered Native Title Claim since 1995 over their traditional lands which include the Blue Mountains and surrounding areas.

[23] The rock formation known as the Three Sisters, viewable from Echo Point about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) south of the main town, attracts thousands of visitors each year.

[24] Other features of the Jamison Valley visible from Echo Point include Mount Solitary and the rock formation known as the Ruined Castle.

[25] The local geography includes extensive areas of dense warm temperate rainforest, hanging swamps and a series of waterfalls.

In 1983 construction began at the site on a roller coaster called the Orphan Rocker; the track was completed, but this attraction has never been opened to the public.