Things
to do
Bushwalking, photography
wildlife observation nature stud camping sightseeing picnicking
canoeing canyoning abseiling
rock climbing
The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains - a traditional
weekend getaway for the city dwellers of Sydney although the region is a
holiday destination in its own right. A bit more than an hours drive (60km) west
from Sydney on either the southern route via the Great Western Highway or
the more visually appealing Bells Line of Road to the north. This area is
located amongst a section of the Great Dividing Range which is so
precipitous that early settlers took 25 years to find a way through. The
region is now a very popular destination and home to some of the prettiest
villages in Australia. A haven for serious bushwalkers.
This is a "getaway
from it all" part of the world offering bushwalking, horse riding, rock
cliffs, waterfalls, national parks, flora and fauna, scenic railway,
limestone caves, botanic gardens and world class guest houses. The more
adventurous can try abseiling, rock climbing and canyoning.
The plateau reaches its
maximum height of about 1,100 m (3,280 ft) in the west and then slopes
gently towards the east. In the west, rivers such as the Grose, Coxs, and
Nepean have cut through the sandstone to the underlying rock, creating
spectacular cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls.
Three sisters - a
popular view point.
The Blue Mountains have been a
popular tourist spot for Sydney residents since the 19th century, favoured
for the cooler summer temperatures and picturesque scenery. In recent
years the region has experienced great population growth. The Blue
Mountains contain a number of designated wilderness areas. Katoomba is an
important resort town.
Allow for warm
clothing when visiting the Blue Mountains, especially in winter. The
temperatures are much colder than at the coast. During winter months it is
even common with some snow fall.
The Blue Mountains have
been named after a bluish mist that is created by the
vegetations, rising up from the valleys.
A number of years
ago some Scandinavian tourists visited the Blue Mountains during
the winter time, and they commented on how much it resembled
Scandinavia at Christmas time. Since then it has become a
growing tradition in the Blue Mountains to celebrate Yule Fest
(Christmas party) in July and August. Most B&B's nowadays
arrange for Christmas dinners and even visits from Santa every
weekend during the winter months.
Yulefest
Festivities Celebrated at accommodation houses and restaurants
throughout the Blue Mountains June-July-August.
How to get there
The Blue Mountains are about a two-hour
trip west of Sydney by car, train or coach.
By car: If travelling from
Sydney, take the M4 motorway to the base of the mountains at Lapstone
and head up the Great Western Highway. An alternative route is via
Windsor and Richmond, taking the Bells Line of Road to Mount Victoria
and then heading down through the townships via the Great Western
Highway. Visitors travelling from the west approach the mountains via
Lithgow and Hartley.
By train: Fast electric trains
leave for the Blue Mountains regularly from Central Station, Sydney.
Until Penrith, they usually make only a small number of stops, then stop
at all stations to Springwood, Katoomba and Mount Victoria. Be aware
that some trains terminate at Katoomba and that weekend timetables vary.
By bus: A number of coach
companies offer day tours to the Blue Mountains, departing from Circular
Quay, Sydney.
About the
places....
Leura - a quaint village
which is home to antique and craft stores, art galleries, bookstores,
restaurants and cafes. Starting point for Cliff Drive around the rim of
the Megalong and Jamieson Valleys taking in the famous Three Sisters
rock formations and the scenic railway through the rainforest down to
the valley floor.
Katoomba
- major town of the region. Home to most of the tour operators
and a bustling commercial centre hosting most of the guest houses and
tea shops. Echo Point and excellent views of the Jamieson Valley and
Three Sisters. Often subject to snow during winter.
Blackheath - the highest town
in the Blue Mountains and home to the National Parks & Wildlife
Heritage Centre. Well known Rhododendron and azalea gardens set in
natural bushland. Access to excellent lookouts at Govetts Leap and Evans
Lookout. Views over the Grosse Valley wilderness.
Mt Victoria
- a National Trust listed
town offering several heritage buildings and sites. Explorers memorial
at Mt York. Nearby Hartley is a ghost town which declined after being
bypassed by the railway. Sandstone heritage buildings open to
visitors.
Mount
Wilson
- a remnant of British
colonial life known for its formal gardens laid out last century when
Sydney's wealthy kept summer residences in the area.
Bilpin - famous for its
orchards and roadside stalls selling fresh fruit, produce and
juices.
Jenolan Caves - off the main road, south east of Lithgow. A magnificent site of
over 300 underground limestone caves with stalagmites and stalactites.
Only 9 caves are open and visits in tour groups is recommended. Tours
are generally 1 to 2 hours. The area is a wildlife reserve and has
walking trails, waterfalls and lookouts.
Lithgow - Perched on the
western rim of the mountains, Lithgow is the gateway to the Wollemi
National Park with its bushwalking trails. Adjacent lakes and rivers
offer sailing, water-skiing, fishing and swimming. The famous zig-zag
railway is close by.
For more information
on this region contact:
Glenbrook Visitor Centre Great Western
Highway Glenbrook 2773 Tel. (02) 4739 6266
Echo Point Visitor Centre Echo
Point Katoomba 2780 Tel. (02) 4739 6266
