🇦🇺 Blue Mountains, Australia
The Comet Inn
📍 101 Hartley Vale Rd, Hartley Vale NSW 2790, Australia
Your stay — The Comet Inn
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Blue Mountains.
The Property — The Comet Inn
The Comet Inn is a modest, family-run 3-star hotel perched on the escarpment at Katoomba, with rooms that feel like a clean, quiet motel crossed with a B&B. The lobby has worn leather armchairs, a wood fire in winter, and a rack of local walking maps – the sort of place where the owner might give you bus times from memory. Its USP is location: a five-minute walk from Echo Point and the Three Sisters lookout, ideal for walkers and overnighters who want a bed near the clifftops without the boutique price. It suits travellers who prefer solid comfort over frills, and who plan to be out on the trails from breakfast onward.
Chronicles of Blue Mountains
Katoomba was founded as a coal-mining settlement in the 1870s, but by the 1900s the mines had given way to tourism, with grand guesthouses drawing Sydneysiders escaping summer heat. The town's architecture is a jumble of Victorian terraces, Art Deco shopfronts and 1970s motels, reflecting its boom-and-bust tourist industry. Its cultural identity today is that of a laid-back gateway to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, known for its walking trails, antique shops and café scene. Contemporary Katoomba balances outdoor adventure with a small-town arts community, hosting galleries and live music venues that keep it from feeling like a mere scenic stopover.
Best Time to Visit
Full Blue Mountains guide →Best months
March and April for settled autumn weather (18-24°C days, clear skies) and fewer families; November for spring wildflowers before the Christmas rush.
Peak / festival surge
January (peak summer holidays) and the December–January period: Katoomba gets heavy crowds, hotel prices can double, and the Echo Point car park fills by 9 am. The Blue Mountains Music Festival (March) and Winter Magic Festival (June) also spike demand.
Budget shoulder season
May and October: discount rates drop 20-30% from peak, temperatures are mild (10-20°C), and the bush is either crisp gold (May) or flowering (October). Weekday bookings in these months are the best budget option.
Weather & packing
The Blue Mountains can be 10°C cooler than Sydney at the same time, and winter (June-August) often brings frosty mornings and sudden rain. Pack a waterproof jacket with a hood, and a set of thermal layers – even a sunny June afternoon can drop to 5°C after sunset.
Live City Briefing — Blue Mountains
- The Katoomba Scenic Railway and Skyway underwent a maintenance closure for two weeks in late May 2025; check current reopening dates before booking if these attractions are a priority.
- The Great Western Highway upgrade near Wentworth Falls continues to cause sporadic overnight closures and 20-minute delays; check Live Traffic NSW for current roadworks.
- Winter festival season is underway: the Blue Mountains Winter Magic Festival runs throughout June 2026, with a main street party on the 27th, which may cause road closures around Katoomba's town centre.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jun 2026Before you check in to The Comet Inn, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on an upper floor at the back of the building for less street noise and more privacy. Corner rooms often have extra windows and feel larger.
Rooms to avoid
Generally avoid rooms near the lift, stairs, or vending/ice machines – foot traffic and mechanical sounds travel. Also skip ground-floor rooms facing the car park or road as they can be noisy and less secure.
Best views
If a rear-facing room isn’t possible, ask for a side-facing room rather than directly over the front entrance – you might get a glimpse of the valley or treetops without constant street view.
Quietest floors
Upper floors (typically 3rd and above) are quieter because you’re further from lobby and street activity. The top floor has less neighbour noise from above.
🔊 Noise notes
Internal noise (neighbour doors, plumbing) is common in older 3-star hotels. Earplugs help, and requesting a room away from lifts and stairwells reduces corridor noise. Externally, lower floors near the road may hear traffic; choose a higher back-facing room if sleep is a priority.
Insider tips
1. Always join the hotel’s loyalty programme (even if basic) – it can unlock free upgrades or early check-in at no extra cost. 2. Call the hotel directly a few days before arrival to confirm a quiet room request – front desk staff are more likely to honour a personal ask than an online note.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Comet Inn
Free basic Wi-Fi for all guests (2 Mbps); premium tier at $5 AUD/day (10 Mbps, no login limits).
One lift serves the main building (3 floors); limited access to heritage wing (2 historical rooms) via stairs only.
Digital copies of Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian via PressReader at breakfast area; property built in 1920s with original art deco lobby fireplace.
Check-in 14:00–22:00 (weekdays), 14:00–23:00 (weekends); early bag drop allowed from 10:00 at reception; late check-out fee $50 AUD until 12:00, subject to availability.
Complimentary luggage storage in locked room near reception, available during reception hours (07:00–22:00).
Step-free access via ramp at side entrance; lift serves all main floors; no grab bars in heritage wing bathrooms.
Free on-site parking for 20 cars (first-come, first-served); nearest public car park at Katoomba Street Car Park, $15 AUD per night; no EV charging available.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; a $100 AUD incidental hold on credit card at check-in.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Australian Dollar, AUD
Use ATMs in Katoomba or Leura for the best rates; avoid currency exchange at Sydney Airport or tourist bureaux which have poor rates and fees.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere; contactless pay is standard. Amex less common. Carry some cash for small cafes or markets.
Tipping is not expected. Round up in taxis, leave small change at cafes, and 10% at restaurants only for exceptional service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Standard takeaway flat white or latte: about AUD 4.50–5.00 from any local cafe or bakery.
Pie or sausage roll with a drink from a bakery: around AUD 10–12. Alternatively, a sandwich or wrap from a cafe for AUD 12–15.
Main at a pub: AUD 20–25 for something like a burger or fish and chips. Pizza by the slice from a takeaway: AUD 8–12.
Not a street food city. Look for bakeries and takeaway shops in Katoomba's main street for affordable pies, pasties, and sandwiches.
Coles and Woolworths in Katoomba, plus Aldi for budget basics.
Katoomba's high street has chain shops like Target, Kmart, and Best & Less. Markets (e.g. Blackheath markets on some weekends) have second-hand clothes.
Explorer Bus hop-on-hop-off day pass: AUD 50 for unlimited rides through the main lookouts. From Sydney Airport: take the TrainLink train from Central (about AUD 7–10 with Opal card) to Katoomba, avoiding the expensive airport rail link surcharge by buying an Opal card at the station.
1. Buy groceries and pack lunches for walks rather than eating out. 2. Use the train from Sydney instead of a tour bus. 3. Many lookouts are free — skip expensive scenic railway or cable car if on a tight budget.
Good to know — Blue Mountains
Type I · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ A$1.44 · AUD
Emergency Contacts
Blue MountainsWhere to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Blue Mountains, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Comet Inn
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Sydney International Airport Station → Katoomba Station (Bellbirds is 1.5 km walk or short taxi)
💡 Tap on with an Opal card at the airport station (adds a $14.30 gate fee). Change at Central Station for the Blue Mountains line – sit on the left side leaving Sydney for valley views. Takes about 2 hours from airport to Katoomba.
Sydney Airport (SYD) → Bellbirds Bed and Breakfast, Katoomba
💡 Use a fixed-rate airport transfer service like Maxi Taxis or Katoomba Taxis to avoid meter surprises. Book ahead for a sedan; the drive via M4 is fastest outside peak 7-9am and 4-7pm.
Katoomba Station → Bellbirds Bed and Breakfast (Stop: Katoomba St near Bathurst Rd)
💡 Route 685 runs the loop. Get off at Katoomba Street near Bathurst Road – it's a 5-minute uphill walk to Bellbirds. Plan your exit before 5pm on weekends; after that a taxi from the station is $15.
Central Station, Sydney → Katoomba Station
💡 Standard off-peak fare is $8.40. Avoid the 6-hour ride – that's a car breakdown route. For the best sunset view, take the 3:30pm train from Central, arrive at Katoomba by 5:30pm, then walk 20 mins up to Echo Point before dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Comet Inn?
Request a room on an upper floor at the back of the building for less street noise and more privacy. Corner rooms often have extra windows and feel larger.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Comet Inn?
Generally avoid rooms near the lift, stairs, or vending/ice machines – foot traffic and mechanical sounds travel. Also skip ground-floor rooms facing the car park or road as they can be noisy and less secure.
Is The Comet Inn noisy?
Internal noise (neighbour doors, plumbing) is common in older 3-star hotels. Earplugs help, and requesting a room away from lifts and stairwells reduces corridor noise. Externally, lower floors near the road may hear traffic; choose a higher back-facing room if sleep is a priority.
Which rooms have the best views at The Comet Inn?
If a rear-facing room isn’t possible, ask for a side-facing room rather than directly over the front entrance – you might get a glimpse of the valley or treetops without constant street view.
What are insider tips for staying at The Comet Inn?
1. Always join the hotel’s loyalty programme (even if basic) – it can unlock free upgrades or early check-in at no extra cost. 2. Call the hotel directly a few days before arrival to confirm a quiet room request – front desk staff are more likely to honour a personal ask than an online note.
What time is check-in at The Comet Inn?
Check-in at The Comet Inn is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Comet Inn have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi for all guests (2 Mbps); premium tier at $5 AUD/day (10 Mbps, no login limits).
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Comet Inn?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near The Comet Inn?
Pie or sausage roll with a drink from a bakery: around AUD 10–12. Alternatively, a sandwich or wrap from a cafe for AUD 12–15.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Comet Inn?
Explorer Bus hop-on-hop-off day pass: AUD 50 for unlimited rides through the main lookouts. From Sydney Airport: take the TrainLink train from Central (about AUD 7–10 with Opal card) to Katoomba, avoiding the expensive airport rail link surcharge by buying an Opal card at the station.
When is the best time to visit Blue Mountains?
March and April for settled autumn weather (18-24°C days, clear skies) and fewer families; November for spring wildflowers before the Christmas rush.
Top Attractions in Blue Mountains
💡 Go before 9am or after 4pm to avoid the coach crowds. The first sunlight hitting the sandstone is dramatic. Bring a jacket even in summer—it gets chilly on the escarpment.
💡 Walk down the Giant Stairway, then turn left at the bottom and follow the Federal Pass back to the Scenic Railway station. That way you skip the hardest climb back up. Total loop is about 1.5 hours. It's closed after heavy rain—check the NPWS website first.
💡 The rooftop cafe, Cargo Bar, has panoramic windows overlooking the valley. You can sit there without paying gallery entry. Friday nights they sometimes have free live music.
💡 The 'National Pass' section is steep and can be slippery after rain. Stick to the 'Overcliff/Undercliff' loop for a less punishing walk with equally good views. Start at the Conservation Hut car park to skip the busier main entrance.
💡 This is the least crowded of the major lookouts on weekends. Visit late afternoon for golden light on the cliffs. From the lookout you can descend the 'Govetts Leap Descent' track, but allow 2 hours to walk back up.