Katoomba and the Blue Mountains

By Jenny Brewer

Famous for the Three Sisters, Katoomba Scenic Railway and breathtaking scenery, the Blue Mountains National Park needs to be visited at least once in a lifetime. It is a fantastic option for the driving holiday for so many reasons.

Accessible via Katoomba and only two hours from the harbour city of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a paradise for those yearning to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life. With dense rainforest, waterfalls, deep gorges and world class bushwalking trails, it is a haven for the seasoned traveller, with great accessibility by road and plenty of accommodation to suit all tastes.

Springtime is one of the best times to visit Katoomba and the surrounding mountains as the dazzling colours and beauty are a photographers delight. The temperatures are on average a lot lower than Sydney, but most of the year the climate is moderate in the mid teens. Make sure you come prepared with warm clothing especially on the long walks as mountain weather can change quickly.

There are plenty of camping grounds available, one of the most popular is the Euroka campground at Glenbrook. Only 4km from the entrance gate, the sites have excellent amenities and kangaroos at your doorstep.

Located on over one million hectares of pristine wilderness, the Blue Mountains comprise of eight conservation reserves, such as the Gardens of Stone and the famous Jenolan Caves. There is something here for everyone. The massive cliffs and canyons are an adventurers paradise, with abseiling, rock climbing and mountain biking some of the popular sports available.

For those who do not wish to risk life and limb on their holiday, there are plenty of alternatives. Birdwatchers will be close to heaven as the canopy is filled with the sounds of birdlife, as well as native animals. However, the extensive range of trails and walks available are what draw people year after year, and there really are walks for every type of fitness level. Young and old, fit and.not so fit.

So, where do you start? Firstly, you need to be prepared with a good map of the area, sturdy walking shoes and plenty of water. Echo Point is one of the most famous lookouts to see the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley. The Princes Rock Walk only takes half an hour to reach one of the most scenic lookouts over Kings Tableland. This is great for the whole family. Spectacular Kanangra Falls is located, not surprisingly, in the Kanangra Boyd National Park. With its reputation as being one of the best in Australia make sure you put this on your 'must see' list.

One popular attraction is Katoomba Falls. Pack a picnic lunch, and be prepared for paradise as you venture through the rainforest paths into a beautiful gully set off by the falls. With rock pools and majestic trees you might want to set some time aside here. Another famous attraction is the Katoomba Scenic Railway, which is the steepest railway in the world, so for firsts you will have to get on board and hang on tight!

Needing a challenge? There are walks for you in the Grand Canyon and Sassafras Gully, with wilderness trails that take you to incredible rainforest and breathtaking scenery. Why not try the Wollemi National Park which feature magnificent rock formations and the famous glow worm tunnels. The Grand Canyon Track is another popular walk, which stretches for 5kms deep into the Canyon.

Govetts Leap is a famous trail which takes you to the stunning views from Evans Lookout. Its great for the adventurous, but you may have to think twice if you are not too keen on heights. There are also many walks to choose from around Hazelbrook, most popular being the Valley of the Waters walk which basically follows the path of the falls down the valley.

Most visitors just want to see the raw beauty of the Blue Mountains, and that is why this magnificent wonder is internationally popular. No matter what type of traveller you are, it will take your breath away.