Blue Mountains

Trip Start Sep 04, 2007
1
41
59
Trip End May 28, 2008


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow
Where I stayed
(Katoomba hotels)

Flag of Australia  ,
Friday, March 28, 2008

I caught the train up to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, just 2 hours West of Sydney. The Blue Mountains get their name from the blue mist that rises from the eucalyptus trees, but I was surprised that there wasn't really a strong smell.

On my first day I went for walk down to the Bridal Falls lookout, and then followed the cliff around to Echo Point for an amazing view of the Three Sisters. These are three rocky points that are probably the most photographed rocks in the park. I then followed the Giant Stairway down 800 steps to get to the valley. There was a lovely walk through the rainforest to Katoomba falls. I was hoping to take the World's steepest railway (52°), but it was closed for maintenance so I walked up the valley instead. I reached Juliet's Balcony, but alas, she was nowhere to be seen!

On my second day I caught a bus to the next town and walked the Overcliff and Undercliff tracks to Wentworth Falls. Apparently Charles Darwin visited in 1836 and was impressed by the views, and who am I to argue? The waterfalls were easily the most impressive I have seen since Iguazu Falls. I walked back along the National Pass which clings halfway up the cliff face. There were plenty of hanging swamps, stunning views and a variety of unusual birds.
Slideshow Print this entry