Blue Mountains - Australia
Situated in the west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a
natural wonderland of untamed bush, spectacular rock formations and fascinating
Australian wildlife and birdlife. The great dividing range stretches right up to
the east of Australia from Melbourne in the south to Crains in the north. The
area closest to Sydney is known as the Blue Mountains not because the mountains
are blue in colour but due to the vapour that rises from the millions of
eucalyptus trees that colour the whole range along with the sky above it. Blue
Mountains tourism offers a tempting combination of breathtaking natural beauty, fine
restaurants and romantic accommodation options within two hours drive from
Sydney.
The Blue Mountains includes the towns of Katoomba, Blackheath, Wentworth Falls, Mt Victoria, Leura, Lawson, Springwood, Glenbrook, Medlow Bath, Faulconbridge and many others. Katoomba is by far, the largest town in the Blue Mountains and the centre for tourism and hospitality in this beautiful area. It is home to some of the best known attractions in the mountains and has an array of restaurants and accommodation catering to the needs of the visitors. However, the gateway to the Blue Mountains is Leura, marking the start of Cliff Drive, one of the most scenic drives in Australia. At the top of the range, there is an extraordinary plateau into which over millions of years, rivers have carved deep valleys. The scenery from here is spectacular, cut by ravines and walled canyons.
Traveling to and within the Mountains is easy. Situated just 90 minutes drive from Sydney and well serviced by rail, coach and hire cars. There are several guided tours available, you could also take a helicopter ride and explore the hidden treasures of the area. The Blue Mountains National Park offers great walking trails and is still relatively untouched similar to the other national parks in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains also offer other activities such as abseiling, rock climbing and canoeing. Make sure that you go up to Sublime point lookout for spectacular panoramic views.
When Sydney was first colonized, after several unsuccessful expeditions, it was thought that the Blue Mountains were impassable. However in 1813 Wentworth, Blaxland and Lawson followed the ridges rather than the valleys and found their way across, thus enabling the western part to be open for civilization and settlement.
Blue Mountains Tourism Attractions:
Wentworth falls and Everglades Gardens.
Blue Mountains Climate:
Anytime of the year is a good time to come to explore the beauty of the Blue Mountains. Summers are mild, winters are crisp and autumn and spring are fresh and colorful.
Accommodation:
There is a range of accommodation located around the Blue Mountains including hostels, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts and even the unique Hatters Hideout offering mountain lodge and cave accommodation.
