A guest post by Cal Bailey of Mountain Leon
Guide to Australia’s Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains of Australia are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one glance at this beautiful wilderness justifies its status. The mountains were named for the blue haze that settles over the area as a result of the evaporation of eucalyptus oil from the gum trees that dot the landscape.
The Blue Mountains sit at 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, on the Great Dividing Range. The region is an immensely popular destination for sightseers, thrill-seekers, and nature lovers alike. The scenery is absolutely phenomenal, with awe-inspiring rock formations, towering sandstone cliffs and huge gorges.
There are approximately 77,000 inhabitants in the Blue Mountain region, although once upon a time the area was thought to be a wilderness so dense that nobody could find their way through it. In 1813, explorers navigated a route through the mountains and history was made.
Things to do in the Blue Mountains
1. Explore Katoomba
Of the many towns nestled within the Blue Mountains, Katoomba is the largest. It receives more tourists than any other, so there is plenty to keep visitors entertained and it tends to be the most popular town to stay in. Katoomba is the most common starting point for tours.
You can find all kinds of accommodation, lots of boutiques (not cheap!) and craft shops, as well as some great restaurants and cafes. There are also a few bars to unwind in at the end of a long day exploring, and a grand movie theatre called The Edge. What’s more, it has a decent alternative scene, so the town is a popular stop for those wishing to indulge in alternative therapies during their trip.
Katoomba is the site of the world-famous Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point; this happens to be one of Australia’s most famous natural attractions, and there are excellent hiking trails in the vicinity too. People often hop over from Sydney for a day trip, as it’s only an hour’s drive or train ride from the city.
As if that weren’t enough already, in Katoomba you can ride on the world’s steepest railway – if you dare – and the Scenic World Skyway, on which you’ll be transported along a rope way positioned over 200 metres above the valley. The Skyway takes you from the Katoomba cliff top all the way down to the Jamison Valley, and the views are simply unforgettable.
2. Do some outdoor adventure activities
In New South Wales, the Blue Mountains are unrivalled for their adrenaline-inducing outdoor activities. Canyoning is incredibly popular and you’ll see many rock climbers and abseilers pitting their wits against the rocks, so why not join them in such an exhilarating challenge?
If that seems a little too much, stick to bush walking or mountain biking. You can also trek around on horseback if you like.
3. Drink in the scenery in the National Parks
In the region you can find three World Heritage National Parks spread out over a vast area of nearly 250,000 hectares. These parks here are quite something; you’ll be hard pushed to find more impressive scenery elsewhere, so some time on your trip should certainly be allocated to these.
4. Visit the Jenolan Caves
Situated just west of the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves are considered to be among Australia’s most spectacular caves. Made from natural limestone, the caves are termed ‘impounded’ karst, because the limestone gets almost all of its water from the insoluble rocks surrounding it. The caves can be found at the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, in the Central Tablelands region.
5. Check out the other Blue Mountain towns
Katoomba is unmissable, but it’s not the only town worth visiting in the Blue Mountains. Put some of the other quaint little towns on your agenda and you won’t be disappointed. You can find lovely cafes, tranquil vibe and even a few art galleries.
Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls is a town rich in history, and it’s another popular choice for a base during your trip. It has decent cafes and galleries, and offers easy access to the surrounding National Park, as well as amazing views of the Jamison Valley. While here, you’ll certainly want to visit Wentworth Falls, the three-tiered waterfall fed by the Jamison Creek.
Leura
Leura is truly beautiful. The luxurious homes here will have you green with envy, as will the pretty gardens. Walk the local bush tracks for epic views of the valleys and mountains, and then settle in one of the lovely cafes or restaurants for a rest. Leura has some worthy art galleries too.
Blackheath
Blackheath is the highest town in the Blue Mountain region, which makes it a great choice for those who proritise the views above all else. Head to Evans or Hargreaves Lookouts, Govett’s Leap or Grose Valley for scenes that will move you. Garden lovers will appreciate the beautiful seasonal garden displays in the town, and as with the other towns, there are plenty of quality cafes to eat in.
Getting around Blue Mountains
Along the approximate route discovered by the original explorers, there is now the Great Western Highway, which meanders through 26 mountain towns. Today it is even possible to access Blue Mountains via train from Sydney; Katoomba has its own train station. Incidentally, if you’re sticking around this town, you’ll find it simple enough to explore on foot.
There is also a bus company operating in the Blue Mountains, so it’s easy enough to get from place to place. Services are regular and run throughout the day, but try to be back before 6pm or you could be waiting around. Check out the Blue Mountains Bus Company site for more information.
Another option is the tourist bus service, called Blue Mountains Explorer. Their buses run on a loop of the main attractions around Katoomba and Leura. Be warned though, it costs a whole lot more than the local bus company; the former will set you back a maximum of just over $4 one way, while the latter will sting you for $40!
The Blue Mountains are guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories and a sense of longing that may well bring you back here time and time again. It should be on every serious backpackers to-visit list – that much is indisputable. Have fun!
About The Author: Cal Bailey runs Mountain Leon – a travel blog he started after two years on backpacking around the world. If you want to learn more about life on the road or his blogging, you can read his latest blog posts.