Blue Mountains Area Guide
A UNESCO World Heritage Site less than two hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are one of the most beautiful regions in the world, not just New South Wales. Come and marvel at the same view that stunned Charles Darwin, the Blue Mountains have been a source of wonderment for travelers for over a hundred years. This magical world, tinged with a ‘Blue Hue’ from the Eucalyptus trees, is the perfect place to lose yourself and escape from the hardships of daily life.
The main attractions of the Blue Mountains are centered around Bush-Walking. The various trails lead you around the cliffs, past waterfalls, or down onto the valley floor and back up again to see the canyons and valleys in all their blue glory. Slightly cooler than Sydney proper due to the extensive shade from the forest and the higher altitude (over 1,000 meters in some places), bushwalking in the Blue Mountains can be a pleasurable experience for even novice walkers. There are public trails for every age and experience group, don’t forget a map which are available at nearly every retailer in the area. The Katoomba Scenic Railway is the steepest railway in the world, and is the easiest way down to the valley floor. Walk back up the Giants Staircase to the Three Sisters Rock Formation, an inspiration for indigenous stories, myths and legends throughout the ages.
Katoomba is not just home to the impressive views from Echo Point and the Three Sisters, but also to one of the best spas in New South Wales. Winner of a Tourism Award in 2010 is The Spa Sublime. This federation homestead hides the magnificent vistas that are only revealed when you are inside and in a state of serenity, induced by stupendous spa treatments. For something a little more adventurous, pay a visit to ‘River Deep, Mountain High’. This company is the only operator that can take you abseiling and rock-climbing in view of waterfalls, Echo Point and the Three Sisters. They also offer guided bush-walks, by the hour, day or over several days providing the best support and camping equipment available. To move a little faster, take ‘River Deep, Mountain High’ up on their offer of mountain biking or 4WD adventures, for a more fast-paced Blue Mountains experience.
Head into the Megalong Valley and saddle up at Blue Mountains Horse Riding. Just over a ridge from the main Blue Mountains canyon at Katoomba and Leura, Megalong is a different view of the Blue Mountains and just perfect for horse riding. With horses and trails to suit all levels of experience and time, anyone can enjoy the Blue Mountains from horse-back and join the ranks of Blue Mountains horse-back bushmen.
The communities of Blackheath and Leura are hosts to an impressive array of artists, with boutique galleries, studios and workshops waiting to be explored. Retreats are also popular in the Blue Mountains from painting to yoga and meditation, you can find a retreat to suit your desired escapist fantasy. If shopping is your preferred indulgence, then the Blue Mountains won’t disappoint, with several independent bookshops, antique, arts and crafts stores, as well as unique clothing outlets that also sell the ever important but always forgotten fleece during the winter months.