Our place sits on a 1600 sqm block with views of the Blue Mountains National Reserve. Our focus is on creating a Mediterranean oasis in the heart of Katoomba.
Making it the perfect location for our Italian cooking class experiences. Accomodation available A touch of southern Italy in the Blue Mountains NSW
Our three bedroom house (plus converted garage living space) has everything you need to feel at home when all you want to do is escape the rat race for awhile. So much more personal than a motel, shared accommodation or large hotel. Lots of room to s
pread out with outdoor eating area plus a huge backyard for kids to explore. Set on 1020 sqm, overlooking Blue Mountains National Park and down the road from Minni HaHa Falls, this self-contained mountain retreat offers a relaxing backdrop to your stay. Air conditioning and free wifi. BEDROOMS:
One Queen, one Double and two Singles which can be joined on request. Plus our converted garage with double sofa bed, rug, curtains and wall mounted TV). All beds (apart from double sofa) are set up on arrival. Carpeted. Included in the price: sheets, blankets, doona, pillows. Cot set up in one of the rooms, with mattress protector. Cot linen is not provided. No charge for use of cot. BATHROOM:
Continuous hot water. Three way bathroom with shower, tub, toilet and vanity areas. Plus a second toilet in laundry. Heat lamp and floor towels. Included in the price: bath sheet, face washer, hand towel, body wash, hand soap, first aid. KITCHEN:
Goodies supplied in the pantry inc coffee, range of teas, Milo, honey, Vegemite, cereal, oatmeal, salt, vinegar, oil. Microwave containers. Take away containers. Fully stocked with crockery, pots and pans, glassware, cutlery etc. Electric oven and cooktop. Microwave, toaster, kettle, portable electric BBQ. Italian caffettiera for a good coffee. Dishwasher. DINING AREAS:
Large dinner table seating 10. Tablecloths provided. Outdoor chairs and ottomans. Two large gorgeous cane chairs nearby to lounge about in. Cushions provided. Overlooks our lovely large backyard with fruit trees, mini vineyard and seasonal veggie patch. Views to Blue Mountains National Park. Outdoor eating area under the deck: large table with room for 8. LOUNGE:
Flat screen wall mounted TV with internal DVD player. Video player provided. Two sofas with room for 8. Throws provided to rug up into. Large range of coffee table books and magazines to browse through. Movies for young and old provided. Music CDs provided. Family friendly - lots of games, puzzles and toys provided for some great family time. LAUNDRY:
Large washing machine and sink. Laundry powder, clothes basket and pegs provided. Outdoor clothes line. Indoor airer. Second toilet. BABIES / TODDLERS:
(Due to Covid, ask us at booking for any of the following which we will provide on request, cleaned and sanitised.) We provide a large range of items you won't have to pack including traditional cot, change mat, high chair, bouncer, stroller, pram, baby bath, potty and child toilet seat. Plus lots of toys, puzzles and books suitable for young children. WHY STAY WITH US? Read our reviews on Google or .citrus.flour.katoomba
We offer late check out when available. Impeccably cleaned by the owners after every booking. Public bus runs through our street, with nearest bus stop at Minni HaHa Road taking you into the town centre. So you can leave your car at home if you don't feel like driving. The bus driver may drop you off right outside our house on your return - they're good that way. Accessible by car from the Great Western Highway from Sydney. By train, Katoomba train station and town centre is a 5 minute drive away. The Edge Cinema is just around the corner. Huge backyard for your children to explore and let out some energy. NB ground level varies. Ask about our Italian home made meals all you need do is reheat. Some require a short cooking time. See our website (Accommodation Amenities) for details. ITALIAN COOKING CLASSES
Why not organise a group of 4 to 6 foodies with a passion for learning how to cook and eat traditional Italian home made meals? Nonna Maria will demonstrate how to make the pasta dough, set up and use the pasta machine, and how to make a basic but scrumptious tomato based sauce. To name just one of our classes. All participants will take part in a hands-on way, and the best part is, the class is followed by a long lunch of Italian foods. Class includes a three course meal and espresso after lunch. A day spent in great company you'll be ready to show off your pasta-making skills at home. These days make fantastic bonding sessions or a gift with thought. Check our www.fifthavekatoombaretreat.com/classes-and-products page for details.
21/08/2025
At the age of ten, I got to witness what to me was a fairy wonderland of twinkling lights over head, children running around outside at night, music that filled my spirit even at that age, perhaps because it was in another language. All together an indescribable feeling that comes back with certain songs, or a scent in the air. This is what I experienced at Ferragosto and the many other festas in Italy all those years ago. This is what I have tried to bring to life in my version of this celebration.
At the age of ten, I witnessed what to me was a fairy wonderland of twinkling lights over head, children running around outside at night, music that filled my spirit even at that age, perhaps because it was in another language. All together an indescribable feeling that comes back with certain songs...
15/08/2025
As I prepare the details and finishing touches for our traditional Italian long lunch this Sunday, I marvel at the intricacy of these embroidered tablecloths - central to setting the scene for a sit down meal together.
The scalloped corners, the delicate petals on the flowers and the bright yet not loud colours.
It takes me back to my 10 year old self when my mum took me and my baby sister to Italy. We lived in the country with her parents for five months. During this time I got to see much of their way of life - including seeing local women embroider beautiful pieces of cloth that would be sold at the market.
I consider these pieces a glimpse into a past slower paced life, one that I’m happy to bring back.
This Sunday 17th August we will be sharing our slow cooked foods over a leisurely four hours at my place in Katoomba.
If you missed out this time, won’t you join us on Saturday 13th September? I know you’ll love it. We do 🥰.
To book, see our bio link Ferragosto Long Lunch.
08/08/2025
Scenes and vibes from Ferragosto at my place in Katoomba over the past few years - except the first pic - I don’t own a 500 Bambino!! But if anyone wants to park one out the front, you’re welcome 😉.
Join us soon to experience this tradition that brings Italy to a standstill ☺️. Those Italians know how to live!
Once August hits, I know I should be planning my Christmas shopping because we know how time flies by, but I've told family I'm not doing gifts anymore, preferring to give them experiences, food or my time – so that's that.
However, it doesn't mean I can put my feet up just yet. If you're planning on fitting in some of our Italian cooking classes or joining our special events before the end of the year, whether on your own or with someone near and dear, here are our dates to December 2025.
Many of you have requested a calendar of dates for our Italian cooking classes and special events to help you schedule them into your diaries. Class sizes are small and intimate so book now to avoid disappointment.
21/07/2025
What a fantastic group we had on Sunday in our Arancini and Meatballs class! A wonderful way to connect with like minded people, making new friends to swap numbers with. And we got to sit down and share what everyone made in class - plus a few extra things I prepared. Makes me happy to provide the space to create these experiences.
Check our range of class options on the website and book. You may like our special offer Book 3 classes, get 4th free.
17/07/2025
A long lunch in Katoomba - to celebrate good food with new friends and family.
School holiday handmade pasta classes have been fun this week. A welcome back to Karmela and her granddaughters. And two good friends reuniting in the Blue Mountains to spend time together.
A screen-free, hands-on experience followed by lunch.
🇮🇹
03/07/2025
29/06/2025
Bread - the staff of life! Today our class took home more than the skills to make fresh bread. But also the joyous experience of being surrounded by family and friends, sharing time together.
Having three different generations today, everyone took turns at doing all the steps involved in bread making - with the happy sounds of excited chatter and plenty of laughs.
And who can resist the smell of freshly baked bread?! The perfect reason to sit around the table and share a meal.
Thank you for making our day beautiful.
29/06/2025
Learning to make potato gnocchi is no mean feat. It takes practice and patience. If you get it right, they’re definitely worth it. This group got it right!
And they tasted delicious for lunch 😋.
26/06/2025
What do you get when you combine six lifelong friends on a surprise birthday weekend and an Italian cooking class?
Lots of smiles and laughs along with some pretty good food!!
We had the best day, having the privilege of sharing our traditional knowledge of handmade pasta and a rich delicious tomato based sauce with this wonderful group of women - and helping to fulfil a lifelong dream of learning to make fresh pasta!
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fifth Ave Katoomba Retreat posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?
Share
Our Story
Now more than ever, we are feeling the need to be in tune with each other and with Nature. Set with a backdrop to the Blue Mountains National Reserve and Minni HaHa Falls down the street, Fifth Ave Katoomba Retreat sits on 1000 sqm block and is a relaxing space for 8 where you will experience that 'ahhh' moment instantly. Main tourist attractions are 5-10 minute drive with a peaceful aspect when you return from your Blue Mtns outing.
Presentation and cleanliness is everything to us (well before Covid-19). Our attention to detail could possibly be borderline obsessive – if you consider polishing all the taps til they gleam or lining up the coffee cups so the handles face the same way obsessive. I just call it thorough.
Suitable for small groups and the perfect family accommodation with holiday house essentials and little luxuries – encouraging you to unwind so you focus on time together. It's not too big for couples either.
Consider adding one of our Italian cooking class experiences to your stay. Run with the help of my mother, the quintessential Nonna, our classes give an insight into our southern Italian traditions which focus on food and family.
My grandparents lived in a small mountainous village in Italy and even though I only got to experience their way of life for a few months as a child, it must have rubbed off on me, along with my father's lifelong connection to the land.
So what will you experience when you combine your stay at Fifth Ave Katoomba Retreat with one of our classes?
Expect to immerse yourself in how we live – lots of fresh food (including homegrown) prepared in simple quick ways yet so full of flavour, you'll want to come back for more. Pasta alla Norma. Stuffed zucchini. Crisp arancini. Light and fluffy gnocchi. Homemade bread. Wine, espresso and tiramisu. Delectable. In an environment that makes you think of the Mediterranean – our "mini" vineyard, our fruit trees and coming soon, our olive grove.
With so many walks and sites for you to discover in the Blue Mountains, your time in this part of NSW will no doubt include lots of outdoor exploring. Coming home to really good wholesome and delicious homemade food is certainly the icing on the cake!
In fact, participants arrive as strangers and leave as family. They love the hands on aspect of the class and the sit down meal, a long standing custom throughout Italy. What better way to leave your usual routine behind than with such a memorable experience?
Since 2011, guests have remarked on our high standards consistently which shows how essential this is. Guests feel the love and care that has gone into the preparation of the house and the classes each and every time which only comes from a self managed family run business.
We're looking forward to hosting you soon. For details on facilities and amenities, check out our website at www.fifthavekatoombaretreat.com
