There’s a lookout for an escarpment in the tourist town of Katoomba. The watch overlooks the Jamison Valley. You can see the Three Sisters, the locality’s iconic landmark, from its vantage point. Not far away behind the strange sandstone formation stood Mount Solitary. It is an impressive table mountain, one of the mountain ranges of the Blue Mountains. On the farther right lay the Narrow Neck Plateau, a 1,000-metre high canyon and a rugged terrain.
The Blue Mountains is a World Heritage-listed national park located 50 km from the capital of New South Wales. It is part of the Great Dividing Range stretching from Queensland to the north and dissolves in Victoria’s Grampians. It covered more than 11,000 square kilometres of land area.
With its proximity close to Sydney, the Blue Mountains emerged as a favourite tourist stop.
The Blue Mountains consist of mountain ranges and plateaus on sandstone bedrock. Its highest point is an unnamed peak standing 1,189 metres tall.
The national park showcases a unique bluish hue earning its name “Blue Mountains.” Thanks to the eucalyptus forests and the scorching Australian sun. When combined, they are responsible for the mysterious blue haze.
The Blue Mountains hosts a wide range of different varieties of plant and animal species. Many of them are endemic to the region. Its forests of eucalyptus and gums were credited with a World Heritage citation. Visit the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah to learn about its flora. The botanical garden exhibits more than 900 plant species.
It is also home to rare native wildlife, including the ever-elusive platypus, quolls, gliders, potoroos, and exotic reptiles and crustaceans. Wild kangaroos and koalas are common sightings and different species of colourful and lovely birds. The friendly parrots at Govetts Leap in the Grose Valley are a delight and fun to watch.
As a popular tourist destination, the region boasts many scenic attractions. These include sandstone formations, caves, waterfalls, lakes, diverse flora and fauna, and fun rides.
The Three Sisters rock formation is the most famous, followed by Katoomba Falls. They’re all in Jamison Valley, close to the tourist town of Katoomba. Other sandstone formations nearby are the Orphan Rock and the Pagodas. These formations have been carved by nature for millions of years due to weathering and water flow.
Some impressive waterfalls also dotted the Blue Mountains. Katoomba Falls is the most visited waterfall. But the most outstanding would be Wentworth Falls. Then there’s Govetts Leap Falls accenting the landscape of the Grose Valley. Other equally beautiful waterfalls are Vera Falls, Minnehaha Falls, Leura Falls, Leura Cascades, Empress Falls, and Gordon Falls.
Visitors can choose many different activities ranging from fun rides to extreme sports.
Sightseeing around the Blue Mountains on board a four-wheel drive or horseback would let you cover long distances. But you can also try what Australians call “bushwalking.” It is trekking the trail down to a desired scenic attraction. You can follow the tracks to Katoomba Falls or to Wentworth Falls.
Folks can also take the World’s steepest funicular railway — the Katoomba Scenic Railway. Scenic World, a tourism complex in Katoomba, operates it. Scenic World also runs Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway.
If you want to experience the fantastic views of the Blue Mountains above the ground, the Scenic Skyway or the Scenic Cableway is perfect. You will have a 360-degree view of the Blue Mountains — Katoomba Falls, Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, and the Jamison Valley.
There are picnic areas available throughout the Blue Mountains. Of course, with beautiful views and natural scenery as the backdrop.
The picnic area at the base of the Govetts Leap Falls has the Grose Valley and the waterfall as the highlight. Plus, the friendly cockatoos and other lovely birds.
On the lakeside of Wentworth Falls Lake, the scenery is idyllic, relaxing, and serene. Another excellent place to picnic with family is near the Leura Cascades.
You may cool off in the Paradise Pool’s fresh, clean, and rejuvenating waters. The flowing water’s natural sound provides a calm, serene, and relaxing ambience. It lets you rest in the embrace of mother nature.
Those who are into extreme sports and adventures would have their hands full. Test your mettle in the cliffs and rugged terrains of the Blue Mountains. Try rock climbing, abseiling, and canyoning. They are fun.
Several rock climbing and abseiling spots include Mount Piddington, Zig Zag, and Narrow Neck Plateau. These spots are suitable for both newbies and pros.
Go a little further to the extreme — go canyoning! Hike the trails on the canyons, cross the rivers, swim and wade in the strong current, scramble over boulders, jump into pools, and rappel on cliffs. The gorges and plateaus of the Blue Mountains are a perfect venue for such an extreme adventure. Test your strength, stamina, and resolve. This activity, though, requires a certain level of physical fitness.
There’s a lot more the Blue Mountains can offer.
Cosy and comfortable, our tour packages are designed to satisfy your travel needs. Relaxed and comfortable, our tour packages are designed to fulfil your travel needs. You can arrange a unique Blue Mountains tour itinerary with Autopia Tours. You may wish to join our Blue Mountains Sunset Tour, which departs most days from Sydney and travels in a small group.
