Blue Mountains – A perfect day trip from Sydney
City sights don’t have to be the only highlight to your Sydney vacation. The Blue Mountains, just 2 hours west of the city, is a nature lover’s paradise. Earning its name from the eucalyptus trees that form a lingering blue haze over the mountain range, this region is ideal for those who enjoy walks with fantastic scenery. The several different townships which make up the Blue Mountains are linked by road, train or tourist buses. Alternately, get your walking boots on and you will discover romantic lookout points, deserted cascading waterfalls, and thigh muscles you never knew you had.
One of the great qualities of the Blue Mountain’s World Heritage Site is how accessible it is for travelers. From Sydney you can either drive along the Great Western Highway or sit back and watch the scenery from the comfortable 2 hour train journey departing from Central Station. BlackHeath is one of the more easterly stops along the train line and a great place to start your day.
A 30-minute walk down Govett’s Leap Road will take you through BlackHeath’s neighborhood suburbs and the occasional “G’day” from a passing local. The road winds down to a local information centre shortly followed by the Govett’s Leap Lookout point. The view from the platform looks as far as the naked eye can see over Grose valley - the northerly section of the Blue Mountains. Perhaps BlackHeath’s finest feature is the lack of crowds compared to other sites in the area. Enjoy the tranquility by venturing on many of the walking routes that set off down the cliffs edge. Make sure not to miss Bridal Veil Falls – a suitably named waterfall seen from the Govett’s Leap viewing platform.
Katoomba, 103km west of the city, is the most populated town of the Blue Mountains. The Three Sisters, the areas most treasured attraction, is often used as a symbol to represent the Blue Mountains. According to an Aboriginal dreamtime story, each rock represents one of three sisters from the Katoomba tribe. As legend has it, a witchdoctor from the tribe took it upon himself to turn each sister into stone to protect them from the evils of the war. He had intended to reverse the spell when the battle was over, but before this was done, the witchdoctor himself was tragically killed. Consequently, the sisters still remain trapped in stone form.
The Three Sisters and Echo Point are an easy 2km stroll from Katoomba train station. A lively line up of cafés and antique stores lead the way at the start of Katoomba Street. If you’re visiting in winter be sure to grab a takeaway cappuccino from one of the many surrounding cafes. Alternately, you can make a diversion to the Blue Mountains Chocolate company on Lurine Street. This speciality store offers hot chocolates made from real melted chocolate and plenty of souvenir treats to take away. Don’t feel too guilty after your indulgence as you’ll be sure to burn it off with an afternoon of adventurous walks.
From the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company, head down Echo Point Road and the magnificent views begin to emerge. Pass the information centre to a large look out platform which extends over the Jamison valleys. Views unfold far and wide displaying a sea of eucalyptus forests and deep canyons. To the left you can get your first glimpse of the unmistakable Three Sisters. With crowds all aiming to get the perfect picture, you may have to fight for a solo spot with this well-loved monument in the distance.
It’s just a short walk from Echo Point to the base of the Three Sisters. From here you can have your picture taken on the bridge which links the cliffs edge with the first of these pinnacles. To explore the area further, follow the descending stair well for an hour long walking track named Federal Pass. Round the side of the mountain hides spectacular views looking deep into the valley. Just remember, for each step down, there’s also a step back up! Alternately, from the Three Sisters there are a number of walks which trace the cliff top edge. The Prince Henry cliff-top walk and Honeymoon lookout to name a few.
Just five minutes train ride from Katoomba, Wentworth Falls holds even more surprises for anyone who loves to be dazzled by what nature has to offer. A sign posted road leads from the Great Western Highway to the Wentworth Falls reserve. For those walking from the train station, head on to the Highway and follow the signs for Darwin’s Walk. A 3km road side journey leads to the Valley of the Waters Conservation Hut at the end of Fletchers Street.
It is from here you can embark on the National Pass – a spectacular 4 hour round trip that passes through the famous Wentworth Falls. For a less timely walk, you can reach the base of the falls and back, in under two hours. Shortly into the walk, you will come across the Queen Elizabeth lookout. Catch the view after midday and take spectacular pictures of the warm afternoon sun bouncing off the cliff face. Continue trekking through the National Pass track to reach the Empress lookout which faces the opposite direction. From this point you can hear the waterfall but not yet see it.
Half way down, don’t miss a picnic spot shrouded in lush greenery and cascading waterfall backdrop. From here it’s more down hill activity as stepping stones lead over various creeks and white stone walls guide you round the edge of the mountain. Once at the base of the falls, be careful of the slippery moss covering the rocks and stepping stones leading over the stream. Slipping over in front of a crowd could be embarrassing – and I talk from personal experience. If you’re feeling adventurous follow the path further to complete the 4 hour National Pass circuit.
If you’re looking for some serious nature walking or just a day-trip from the city, the Blue Mountains will leave you astonished. With just a two-hour train journey from Sydney, it couldn’t be easier for visitors to experience the Australian Outdoors. Whether you decide to spend the day hiking through Wentworth Falls, capturing your best snapshot of The Three Sisters, or enjoying Katoomba’s café culture, you’ll definitely want to return. Who knows, you may even decide to skip the last train home and stay for a few days more!