A short drive west of Sydney, lies a natural wonder that captivates the hearts of both locals and tourists alike – Australia’s Blue Mountains. This World Heritage site is named for the mesmerizing blue haze that envelops the eucalyptus-rich valleys. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking for a tranquil escape from city life. While most visitors to Australia will never make the journey out to the Blue Mountains, those that do are in for a treat for the senses. Once you understand the allure of the Blue Mountains, you will certainly want to add this stop to your itinerary.
Where to Start
From Sydney, the Glenbrook visitor center is the official gateway to Blue Mountain National Park. Start by picking up a map at the visitor center and head out on your adventure. You will need the map to navigate the lush tropical landscape ahead of you. There are hundreds of trails in Australia’s Blue Mountains with varying degrees of difficulty. Easy walks turn to full on adventure hikes with a simple turn. Here, you just might have with an unplanned abseiling (rapelling) adventure down the side of a mountain. That said, abseiling is a common site in the Blue Mountains. Those in search of a true adventure can camp out overnight in nearby towns to see the glow worms and fireflies magically light up the night sky. Refer to the Blue Mountains Official Visitors Guide for details to plan your adventure.
My Must See List
The Three Sisters is arguably the most iconic feature of the Blue Mountain. It stands proudly as a trio of towering sandstone peaks. Legend has it these distinct rock formations were once three Aboriginal sisters who were turned to stone for protection. Visitors can witness the breathtaking view of the Three Sisters from Echo Point. Here you can experience a panoramic view of this spectacle that changes hues with the shifting sunlight.
Govetts Leap is one of the most famous lookouts in Australia and can be found in Blue Mountain National Park. Here you can view the stunning Bridal Veil waterfall plummeting down the cliff into the valley.
Interestingly, there are four waterfalls in the park with Govetts Leap being the tallest. Spend some time wandering through the trails and keep an eye out for some of natures magic.
If you are looking for a bit of a break from the hike, head to Scenic World. Jump on the world’s steepest railway and journey down into the Jamison Valley. You could also try the Scenic Cableway to get a breathtaking view of Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters. If you are afraid of heights, this might not be the adventure for you.
Pulpit Rock LookOut. This is probably one of the most scenic yet easily accessible points in the Blue Mountains. You can actually drive within a reasonable distance of the lookout using Hill Hat Road. Once you arrive at the lookout, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Grose Valley below. If you are up for a bit of a hike, this is also the starting point for Pulpit walking trail.
Katoomba Falls. If you’re up for a real adventure, try your skills at abseiling. There are a couple of adventure companies that you can work with to book a heart pumping experience in Katoomba. If you like more of a low risk adventure, just admire the beauty of the falls.
My Photo Journey
It’s hard to provide details on how to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site, instead I will simply share a few of the photos we took in the Blue Mountains. Perhaps with a bit of luck, you can find some of these majestic spots during your journey.
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