The Blue Mountains stand to the west of Sydney and, at their highest point, tower 1190 metres above sea level. Their name is derived from the blue haze, which surrounds the area, caused by a combination of light, water vapour and an atmosphere rich in tiny droplets of oil from the many eucalyptus trees. But for this they might still be known as "Carmarthen Hills" and "Landsdowne Hills, the more prosaic names given to them by British settlers."
Those early colonists considered the Mountains to be an “insurmountable barrier” which would deter convicts from escaping in that direction. Little did they know that it was no such barrier to the indigenous Gundungurra clan who had made it their home for countless years. These days, happily, the Mountains are easily surmountable to visitors. Remember, though, that the high altitude and changeable weather can result in a distinct chilliness at any time of the year so dress accordingly.
Climb Every Mountain
The fresh mountain air and spectacular views attract visitors for a day, for a weekend or longer. With its plethora of gorges, high ridges and mountain pools, the region is an adventurer’s delight affording plenty of opportunities for camping, mountain-climbing, abseiling, biking and bushwalks ranging from gentle cliff top strolls to the challenging 34 mile long Six Foot Track to the magnificent Jenolan Caves. A less strenuous trek in the picturesque Wentworth Falls area is ‘Darwin’s Walk’ which follows the route taken by Charles Darwin in 1836 when he stayed at the old Weatherboard Inn. The inn has long since been demolished but a tree stands on the site, planted by the Naturalist Society to commemorate Darwin's visit.
Those seeking a more tranquil time should leave their hiking boots at home and simply drink in the superb panoramic sights whilst enjoying a picnic or relaxing in the cafes, restaurants and antique and craft stores dotted around the region.
A Return Ticket to Katoomba
Visitors heading to the Mountains can join one of several organised coach tours or make their own way, either by road or by rail. Trains run regularly from Sydney’s Circular Quay station to Katoomba, the unofficial capital of the Blue Mountains. Whether by road or rail, the journey takes approximately two hours and leads the traveller through places with wonderfully exotic names: Parramatta, Seven Hills, Mount Druitt, Warrimoo, Bullaburra and Emu Plains.
Katoomba is an Aboriginal term for “shining, falling water.” This refers to the Katoomba Falls which tumble into the Jamison Valley far below. Sightseeing tours around the region are provided by two Katoomba-based companies. The Blue Mountains Explorer offers London-style red buses, no commentary but a comprehensive guidebook with maps detailing bushwalks and other suggested activities. The other, Trolley Tours features minibuses masquerading as trams and commentary delivered by the drivers. Both companies offer a ‘hop on, hop off’ service and passengers can buy a pass, which includes access to the rides at Scenic World.
The Legend of The Three Sisters
The main attraction of the Blue Mountains is an ancient, three-pronged rock formation called the Three Sisters. Legend tells of three sisters who fell in love with men from a neighbouring tribe. Unhappy with such advances, their well-meaning but rather impetuous father transformed them to stone intending to protect them. Unfortunately, he was killed and so the sisters still sit patiently waiting to be restored to human form.
The Sisters are visible from Echo Point on all but the foggiest of days when a thick mist can turn the Blue Mountains grey. Even on such days, a sudden break in the weather will dramatically reveal the stone sisters to eager onlookers.
For many years, adventure-minded visitors could abseil down the rocks. This cause considerable erosion and has been prohibited since 2000 when the Blue Mountains became a World Heritage Site.
The World’s Steepest Railway
Scenic World nestles close to Echo Point and to the Sisters. It offers three means of descent to the rainforest floor of the Jamison Valley and the nearby bushwalks. In addition to climbing down, travellers can choose between the Scenic Railway, which is the world’s steepest and travels at 52 degrees and the Scenic Cableway which glides past the Three Sisters. Most tourists opt to take one method to descend, follow the easy, two kilometre bushwalk and then return to Scenic World using the other form of transportation. Along the walkway, passers-by are encouraged to stop at the 10 minute long Coal Mine Exhibition, drink from the Marrangaroo Spring and wonder at an ancient tree which disproves the theory that lightning never strikes twice.
Zig Zag Railway
Travellers venturing deeper into the Mountains can pay a visit to Lithgow’s Zig Zag Railway. Built in the late 1860s, the railway line was constructed with a series of zigzagged tracks to solve the engineer’s problem of how to negotiate the steep Lithgow valley and join the main railway line. After decades of disuse, the line was reopened in 1988 and steam trains now run daily with special event days featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and The Wizard's Express.
Take Me Back to The Blue Mountains
However old or adventurous the traveller may be, the Blue Mountains deserve to be explored, whether for one day’s excursion from Sydney or for several days. And, for the benefit of tourists concerned about the snakes and spiders that might lurk in dark corners, it is perfectly possible, when you visit, to encounter neither.
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