The Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia offer a variety of activities and interesting sights and are a popular vacation spot with locals and tourists. Here are some of the attractions in this beautiful area.
Facts about the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are sandstone formations and consist of soaring mountains, sheer cliffs and lush vegetation. Waterfalls punctuate the scenery and there is a sense of isolation and wildness. A number of unusual birds can be seen in the mountains and cockatoos and parrots are attracted to picnic areas.
Outdoor Activities on the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are ideal for walking, climbing and abseiling and there are a number of set routes that people can follow. A Blue Mountain website gives a list of bush walks along with guidance about the level of difficulty, preparation required and length of the route. Some walks are wheelchair accessible while others are extremely demanding.
The Three Sisters and the Blue Mountains
The Three Sisters are one of the best known landmarks in the Blue Mountains. An Aboriginal legend tells that 3 beautiful sisters were turned to stone by a witchdoctor to protect them from being captured by a different tribe. He intended to reverse the spell but was killed before he could do so. The Three Sisters rock formation is over 3000 feet above sea level and can be accessed by The Giant Stairway which has over 800 steps.
Scenic World in the Blue Mountains
Scenic World is a major tourist attraction in the Blue Mountains and is located on the site of Katoomba Colliery that operated in the late 1800’s. Visitors access Scenic World by a glass-bottomed cable car that transports them from one mountainside to another. The views below include lush rainforest and tumbling waterfalls. Once in Scenic world, people can choose between a cable car ride or the steepest railway in the world to descend into the valley. Down there, boardwalks meander through dense forests and visitors can examine historical coal mine exhibits.
Towns within the Blue Mountains
There are a number of towns and villages situated in the Blue Mountains. Katoomba with an approximate population of 19,000 is the biggest of these. Accommodation is available for those who wish to spend several days exploring the area and there are a number of visitor information centers. These are manned by locals who have excellent knowledge of the Blue Mountains and can help visitors plan their trips.
The Blue Mountains are mysterious and imposing and attract tourists year round. There is an abundance of activities for those who like entertainment and quiet bush walks for those who like to connect with nature. For those visiting Sydney, it is worth taking a couple of days to drive inland and visit the Blue Mountains.
Reference:
Blue Mountain Information
