Our Story

Welcome to Avalon

Avalon Restaurant in Katoomba is a Blue Mountains institution known for its quirky retro decor, hearty global-influenced comfort food, and cosy cocktail lounge. Operating for over three decades, the restaurant recently embarked on an exciting new chapter, relocating to its new home at the heritage 'Rubyston' building at 132 Lurline St, Katoomba.

Known for combining playful retro charm with warm, friendly hospitality, Avalon serves up generous, comforting dishes—such as slow-roasted lamb wrapped in bacon—alongside an extensive list of Australian wines and craft beers. The venue remains a beloved social hub for both locals and travellers exploring the mountains, offering relaxed weekend brunch services and cozy dinners six nights a week.

Owners Dylan Brookes & David Cartwright collaborate with their team to present a menu that takes influence from around the globe - with something to suit every taste.

Local musicians perform each Friday night in the main dining room, and a calendar of special events means there’s always something interesting to partake in. Top this off with friendly, casual service and you will see why Avalon is one of the Blue Mountains’ most popular and long-standing dining experiences.

Mullany & Co. 1990-1999

The Avalon was first established in 1990 in the old Mullany & Co. Universal Provider Building, which later became David Jones Manufacturing, in Main Street Katoomba.

An unassuming single doorway led into a long maze-like passageway where patrons trekked up three flights of stairs to the restaurant, which was set in a large warehouse space at the back of the building.

The smoking room was a fondly remembered nook which added to the bohemian atmosphere. In 1999, a pyromaniac set fire to the building, which was subsequently demolished.

Savoy Theatre 2000-2026

The Avalon re-established itself in the dress-circle of the historic Savoy Picture Theatre, just around the corner from the original site. The projection room became the kitchen and the old refreshment lounge now houses the Cocktail Bar. A large window was installed at the back of the space which opened up to views of Leura and the Jameson Valley.

The restaurant design took inspiration from old ocean liners of the 40’s & 50’s, while in keeping with the art deco style of the historic Picture Theatre and Lounge.

In 2016, Dylan Brookes and David Cartwright took over ownership of the Avalon, continuing to build upon the unique dining experience, while adding their own stamp to this Blue Mountains institution.

In 2020, the Avalon expanded to incorporate the Savoy Theatre foyer, which had been unused since fire gutted the theatre in 1982. The space currently hosts live music and the monthly Katoomba Comedy Club.

Rubyston Estate 2026-Present

In August 2026, Avalon Restaurant relocated to the historic ‘Rubyston’ estate at 132 Lurline Street, Katoomba. Built in 1898, the property holds a rich history reflecting the town's evolution from a late-Victorian retreat to a premier tourism hub.

Originally built as a luxury furnished letting house named Rubyston, the property has had multiple uses over the decades, including as a private school, guesthouse, and in 1982 the Lurline Cottage Tearoom. The building would later house the Swiss Cottage Restaurant and Pins on Lurline restaurants.

In 2026, the historic property was acquired by Dylan Brookes and David Cartwright, to provide a more secure and sustainable future for Katoomba's iconic Avalon Restaurant.

The History of Rubyston

1898: Rubyston

Built by local businessman HA Bundy, the house was originally called Rubyston, and was used as a high-end furnished letting house, complete with piano, during Katoomba’s early tourism boom. A charming photograph of the house and garden in the Bundy period, featuring the proprietor, his family and/or staff is displayed in our dining room today.
c1911: St Bridget's

The building was purchased by Mrs Clara Sinclair, who adapted the residential property into a small private school named St Bridget’s.
Pic: the adjacent Katoomba St, c1911.
1921–1932: Guesthouse Era

Rubyston was operated as a guesthouse by Mrs Martha Harris and her two daughters, serving the rapidly growing Blue Mountains holiday market. The town had over 60 guesthouses, frequently managed and operated by women. At this time, the property was owned by Mrs Maria Gilhooley, who also owned the neighbouring guesthouse at no.134 called Nusa, and employed managers to run them both. Maria’s sister Mary MacShane ran Derryvale at no.136. In 1927, two years before her death, Maria had sold Rubyston, to Mrs Annie Lewis.
Pic: The Clarendon Guesthouse on Lurline St.
1931: Pine Court

Acquired by Mrs Boyle, who renamed the estate Pine Court, and continued to run it as a guesthouse. During her ownership, the property underwent a significant structural addition by incorporating a salvaged timber church hall from St Hilda’s Anglican Church on Katoomba Street. The original hall, built in 1885, was dismantled and brought to 132 Lurline Street where it was reassembled to create a dining-room.
Mid-20th Century

The property was sold to retired grazier Tomas Thompson and his wife who managed it as a guesthouse until Mr Thompson entered a nursing-home and the property fell into severe structural decline, during the mid-to-late 20th century.
1982: Lurline Cottage Tearoom

Restored by Matthew and Valerie Jones, who adapted the heritage church hall annexe into the Lurline Cottage Tearoom.
1990's: Swiss Cottage Restaurant

The property was bought by Monique and Roland Rummer, who created the Swiss Cottage Restaurant in the old church-hall and offered overnight accommodation adjacent to the Victorian house.
2012: Pins on Lurline

The property was purchased by Simon and Keiko Kjelgaard who ran it as Pins on Lurline, offering quality Japanese, Australian and Italian cuisine in the old church hall dining room. A separate garden cottage was added and used as guest accommodation.
2016: Pins on Lurline

The property was sold and the owners continued to run it as Pins on Lurline, focussing on fine-dining degustation cuisine.
2026: Avalon Restaurant

In 2026, the property was acquired by Dylan Brookes and David Cartwright, to provide a secure future for Katoomba's iconic Avalon Restaurant. Avalon invites guests to step beyond the ordinary, where timeless hospitality, refined comfort food, and a touch of theatrical charm converge.