Katoomba Mist

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1L followed by 1M casts off and crosses to opposite side (2s step up 3-4); 1s+3s dance LH across
9-16 1L followed by 1M casts up and cross to own side; 1s+2s dance RH across
17-24 Reels of 3 on sides, 1s RSh to 2s. 1s end facing down, 2s facing up
25-32 1s+2s set and change places RH; 2s+1s circle 4H round to left

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Katoomba Mist - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

Katoomba has a temperate oceanic climate with cool winters and mild summers. The average high temperature is 17.6°C, while the average low is 8.3°C. It receives about 1,309.2 millimetres of rainfall each year.

Katoomba's mist is closely linked to its high elevation and cool climate. Situated over 1,000 metres above sea level, the town experiences significantly lower temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. When warmer, moisture-laden air rises from lower altitudes and meets the cooler air over Katoomba, the moisture condenses into fine water droplets, creating mist. This effect is particularly common in the early morning and evening.

The region's relatively high annual rainfall, averaging around 1,309 millimetres, also contributes to mist formation. Frequent precipitation keeps the air and ground moist, providing the necessary humidity for mist to develop whenever temperatures drop. Even outside of heavy rain, the consistent dampness in the environment supports regular misty conditions.

Katoomba's oceanic climate, with mild summers and cool, wet winters, helps maintain high humidity and stable air temperatures. These gentle conditions allow mist to form regularly and linger for extended periods, especially during periods of calm weather.

Temperature inversions are another common feature in Katoomba's climate. These occur when a layer of cooler air becomes trapped near the ground beneath a layer of warmer air. Inversions prevent air from mixing and allow mist or fog to persist, particularly in the valleys and forested areas around the town.

These combined factors give Katoomba its characteristic mists, often seen rolling through the eucalyptus forests or settling into the Jamison Valley, enhancing the area's visual appeal and natural atmosphere.

Katoomba lies roughly 102 kilometres west of central Sydney and is the administrative hub for the City of Blue Mountains. The town stands at an altitude of 1,017 metres above sea level. According to the 2021 census, its population was 8,268.

The name 'Katoomba' originates from an Aboriginal phrase describing 'shining falling water' or 'water tumbling over the hill', referring to a local waterfall that flows into the Jamison Valley. The area previously went by several names, including William's Chimney and Collett's Swamp. It was also known as The Crushers in 1874 due to a rock-crushing plant in the area. The name Katoomba was officially adopted in 1877, and the town became a municipality in 1889.

Katoomba is located on the Main Western railway line and the Great Western Highway. The local railway station opened in 1874 and was renamed Katoomba in 1877. It is currently served by the Blue Mountains Line and the weekly Outback Xplorer, which runs between Sydney and Broken Hill. Road access is provided by the Great Western Highway. Although Katoomba Airfield, located about 11.5 kilometres away, is closed to civilian flights, it remains in use for emergency services.

Katoomba attracts visitors due to its proximity to major natural features in the Blue Mountains. The Three Sisters rock formation and Echo Point lookout are among its most visited sites. The town also features historic buildings such as the Carrington Hotel, built in stages from 1882 to 1913, and Lilianfels, originally a private residence constructed in 1889, now a hotel and restaurant.

Heritage-listed locations in Katoomba include the Carrington Hotel, Katoomba railway station, and Lilianfels. These structures represent important aspects of the town's cultural and architectural past.

Jamieson Valley Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia

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