The breathtaking Blue Mountains World Heritage Area consists of one
million hectares of towering forests, sheer sandstone cliffs, tremendous
canyons, cascading waterfalls and tranquil bushland. For more than a
century the Blue mountains regions has been a favourite holiday
destination for Australians and overseas tourists alike. Do you know why
the Blue mountains are so blue? The whole area is dense with Eucalypts,
which constantly disperse fine droplets of oil into the atmosphere.
These droplets cause the blue frequency of the Sun’s light rays to be
scattered more effectively, causing distant objects to appear blue. The
Blue Mountains national park which covers an area of 218,100 hectares,
dense with Eucalypts is the fourth largest national park in NSW.
Enjoy the beauty of this spectacular region on a bushwalk along one of
the many walking trails, mountain biking, rock climbing or by abseiling.
The blue mountain region is filled withnatural attractions like the
spectacular Wentworth Falls and the Three Sisters, a trio of rocky
outcrops; explore the underground rivers and awe-inspiring network that
is Jenolan Caves; walk the historic Six Foot Track to Katoomba. Amongst
all this natural beauty and breathtaking forest you can enjoy great
cafes/restaurants, cosy accommodation to suite any budget. You could
explore the work of well known artists and appreciate the world’s
steepest railway while you are holidaying in this magnificent region.
You could view the beauty of Three Sisters from Katoomba. Then visit
Wentworth Falls, a picturesque 300 metre waterfall situated on the edge
of the Jamison Valley. In Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, you can step back
in time with the Wollemi Pine, one of the world’s oldest and rarest
plants. The Blue Mountains is a place to eat, drink and relax. Enjoy
lunch in a cafe or dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants at the
beautiful township of Leura. You could browse the galleries, boutiques
and bric-a-brac stores during the day, enjoying a coffee or snack while
your meander through the various souvenir shops.
If driving is what you enjoy, then take an adventure drive on the
Greater Blue Mountains Drive which consists of trails that circle the
10,000 square kilometres of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. If
you want to add a little bit more flavour to your motorised journey,
then take the Zig Zag Railway, which is a vintage steam train that
follows the original line from Bell to Lithgow.
If looking for Blue Mountains accommodation, you will find plenty in
http://www.ozehols.com.au/holiday_accommodation/new_south_wales_accommodation/blue_mountains_area whether your choice is a
bed and breakfast ,
apartment, cabin, cottage, holiday home, motel, hotel, resort, retreat,
short term rental, self contained accommodation, self catering
accommodation,
last minute accommodation ,Blue Mountains Holiday rentals, or a short term accommodation.
Not to be missed when in Blue Mountains region:
Three sisters in Katoomba
Wentworth Falls
Jenolan caves
Township of Leura
Zig Zag Railway
The World Heritage Listed Blue
Mountains have become one of the most consistently popular holiday
regions of Australia. Numerous visitors return year after year to enjoy
the wide range of sporting facilities and outdoor activities in the
healthy, invigorating climate. The breathtaking scenic beauty, nostalgic
appeal and opportunity for relaxation attract more than a million
visitors each year. The Blue Mountains are easily reached by road and
rail from Sydney in less than 2 hours, while one day round trip coach
services run daily from Sydney to Katoomba. The wide diversity of
accommodation and great range of activities available makes it an ideal
destination for a stay of longer duration. Evidence of Aboriginal
occupation of the Blue Mountains dates back at least 14 000 years ago.
Many camp sites, art sites, axe grinding grooves, rock engravings and
stone tools and flakes exist throughout the Blue Mountains.
Activities you can engage in
- Mountain Biking
- Shopping
- Self-Guided
- Bushwalking
Experiences you can enjoy
Katoomba
Originally called 'Godoomba' - aboriginal meaning 'shiny falling waters' - the name was transposed to Katoomba.
While on Katoomba's main street - you're bound to find something of
appeal. The main street is packed with coffee shops and cafes,
collectibles and curios.To explore the history behind the streetscape
pick up our Katoomba Heritage and Art Trail
guide. Scenic World, with the world's steepest incline railway is in
Katoomba and many bushwalks originate here.Take a hike out to the Ruined Castle
and for an overnight experience camp out at Mt Solitary and return back
to Katoomba the next morning. Winter is a festive time in Katoomba and
in honour of the Winter Solstice the town celebrates Winter Magic. It's a
day when the main street is handed over to the community to p-a-r-t-y!
Katoomba Accommodation, Katoomba Holiday Accommodation, Blue Mountains holiday house, can be found in http://www.ozehols.com.au/holiday_accommodation/new_south_wales_accommodation/blue_mountains_area/katoomba
Echo Point
Echo Point is located in Katoomba within the World Heritage National Park,
and home to the world famousThree Sisters, surrounded by numerous
bushwalks leading to various popular locations. You can hike out to the
Ruined Castle and if it’s the overnight experience your after then camp
out at Mount Solitary and return back to Katoomba the next morning.
Visit the Katoomba Heritage and Art Trail featuring dominant and
historical buildings dating back to the coal mining times of Katoomba
and galleries featuring the works of local Blue Mountains artists. Echo
Point is the main lookout area for viewing the Three Sisters.
Around
450 million years ago when Australia's eastern coastline was further
inland, coral atolls developed around a series of partially submerged
volcanoes. The coral became compressed and developed into Australia's
most spectacular limestone caves. About 1840, James and
Charles Whalan discovered the caves. The government appointed Jeremiah
Wilson as guide and caretaker of the caves in 1867. The name was changed
to Jenolan, Aboriginal for 'high mountain' in 1884. Improvements were
made to the caves with cement floors and handrails added, and electric
lighting in 1887. In the late 1880s the road from Mount Victoria and
Hartley was built allowing carriages to drive all the way. In 1884 the
'six foot track' was built. Many more caves were discovered, the last
being the River Cave in 1903. Jenolan Caves are world famous limestone
caves containing amazing rock formations. Guided tours of caves take
about two hours and contain many steps.
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Blackheath
Blackheath
is a vibrant village- about a 15 minute drive from Katoomba. There's a
range of unique shops and the Victory Theatre is always abuzz and full
to the brim with the Blue Mountains' largest variety of antiques and
collectables. A short drive from the village is Govetts Leap, a lookout
with spectacular views of the Grose Valley and nearby waterfalls
including the tallest single drop waterfall in the region, Bridal Veil
Falls. If you're keen to stretch your legs, try the Grand Canyon track
which takes walkers along the path of a canyon; the majestic Blue Gum
Forest or the Fairfax Track, a walk suitable for all ages and abilities.
Another colourful highlight of the village is the Campbell Rhododendron
Gardens. Every November these gardens are abloom and the whole town
celebrates with a month long festival all in honour of the 'Rhodo'.
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Glenbrook
Glenbrook, 67 kilometres west of Sydney, is the Eastern gateway to the Blue Mountains and the entry point to Glenbrook National Park
(entry fee - $7). Go for a bushwalk, pack the mountain bikes in the car
or picnic at Euroka Clearing.There's a variety of walking tracks too -
leading to waterholes on Glenbrook Creek (Blue Pool and Jellybean Pool),
lookouts (Tunnel View or Mount Portal), or further afield, Red Hands
Cave.To learn more about Glenbrook's attractions, untouched landscapes
and spectacular lookouts why not pull over from the Great Western
Highway into the Glenbrook Visitor Information Centre? There's plenty of
parking, the staff are friendly and can suggest some great spots and
you can even pick up a souvenir or postcard.
Leura
Both the township of Leura and the nearby picturesque Leura Falls were named after a pastoral property in Central
Queensland, of the same name. At the heart of the village is The Mall.
Few can resist the lure of walking up and down The Mall and indulging in
some retail therapy at one of the many beautifully presented boutique
stores or spending some time in a coffee shop or cafe watching the
people promenade past. Leura - is known as the GardenVillage.
It is the home of the historic Everglades Gardens, 12 and half acres of
European style and native bush and every October many locals open up
their splendid private gardens for the public to view.
Leura Accommodation, Leura Holiday Accommodation, in http://www.ozehols.com.au/holiday_accommodation/new_south_wales_accommodation/blue_mountains_area/leura
