The Blue Mountains

From the moment you step foot in the BLUE MOUNTAINS, the first thing that strikes you is the tranquility of the surroundings and the scents of the bush.

Named for their distinctive blue haze, the Blue Mountains have long been a favourite holiday destination. Famous for the grandeur of their scenery, spectacular rock formations, plummeting gorges and cliffs that extend hundreds of metres high, the Blue Mountains offer something very special indeed to holidaymakers.

Situated on the Great Dividing Range, the Blue Mountains can be found just a 90 minutes drive west from Sydney. At an average altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level, the Blue Mountains is a vast and rugged natural wilderness area containing three National Parks totalling almost 250,000 hectares.

The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area covers more than 1,000,000 hectares of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. This ancient sandstone plateau with its deep gorges, dense forests, hanging swamps and sheer cliffs has walking trails to suit everyone.

ATTRACTIONS

The Three Sisters is the most famous Blue Mountains attraction by far. These three soaring rock peaks are the subject of Aboriginal legend.

To the west of Katoomba lie Jenolan Caves, boasted as the world's best labyrinth of caverns and limestone formations.

Visit the Norman Lindsay Gallery, which was the home of the controversial artist for 57 years. It now houses a collection of his paintings, etchings and memorabilia.

Take a train ride through the Great Zig Zag Railway, which descends 5km from the Blue Mountains plateau through a deep, rugged ravine to the valley 210 metres below. Or venture on the world's steepest railway, the Katoomba Scenic Rail, which travels from the cliff top at Katoomba down into the Jamison Valley. You can also ride the Skyway, which travels along the same route on a ropeway 206 metres above the valley floor.

For the more adventurous type, embark on a mini self-drive tour that can range from 1-2 days in travel. There are a number of routes and tours on offer to suit every individual or group travelling.

Visit the local markets, which are operational monthly or peruse the museums and galleries, which house great relics including items taken from the art and music world.

ACTIVITIES

There is so much to see and do in the Blue Mountains. You can participate in horseriding, bush walking, golf, rockclimbing, abseiling, mountain biking, canyoning, li-lo rafting, adventure treks, scenic helicopter flights and cave expeditions.

Depending on what time of the year you visit the Blue Mountains, there are always a number of festivals taking place at the one time.

ACCOMMODATION

The Blue Mountains offer a wide range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets choose between bed and breakfasts, hotels, guest houses, motor inns, resorts, self-contained cottages, cabins, lodges, budget accommodation and country retreats.

- Annemarie Failla