What do the residents of Sydney, tired of the city’s hustle and bustle, do? Those who love the mountains probably get into their cars and head to the nearby park, famous for its forested hills enveloped in a characteristic blue haze.
The Blue Mountains are an Australian region located just over 60 km west of Sydney. This mountain range is part of the Great Dividing Range, which stretches for thousands of kilometers along Australia’s eastern coast. The Blue Mountains National Park is one of the most well-known and frequently visited parks in Australia. Due to its incredibly picturesque areas full of forested valleys, caves, rock formations, waterfalls, and gorges, it has held a prestigious spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000.
Are the Blue Mountains really blue?
Most of you are probably wondering where the name of the mountain range comes from and whether it actually has anything to do with the appearance of the place. It’s time to clear up any doubts. The slopes of the mountains in this area are densely covered with eucalyptus trees, which produce characteristic essential oils. This affects not only the fragrance that permeates the area. The droplets of oil also combine with dust particles and water vapor, scattering blue rays of light. While walking along the paths and being close to the eucalyptus trees may not impress you much, when viewed from a bird’s eye perspective, the mountains appear to be covered with a light mist and a blue glow.
The Three Sisters
Before you stands the most impressive and well-known symbol of the Blue Mountains. This extraordinary rock formation is the star of the vast majority of postcards from the area. The three rocky peaks, which according to local beliefs are sisters turned into stone, measure 922 m, 918 m, and 906 m respectively, and are located near the popular Echo Point Katoomba lookout. It is also at this point that you can find the start of the path leading to the stone sisters.
The story of how the sisters became stones is explained by a well-known Aboriginal legend. Supposedly, Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo, as the young women were named, fell in love with three brothers from a rival tribe. However, the tribal law at the time forbade marriage between these groups.
Driven by their hearts, the men decided to defy the elders and abduct the sisters, sparking a serious tribal battle. Fearing for the sisters’ safety, a local shaman turned them into stone. According to the plan, he was to reverse the spell once the battle ended, but he himself was killed in the fight. Since he was the only person who could bring the women back to life, they still stand there today, serving as a reminder of the events in the story.
FUN FACT: Although the Three Sisters are widely regarded as the most famous landmark of the Blue Mountains, they are not the tallest peaks. The highest point in this mountain range is One Tree Hill, which rises to 1,119 meters above sea level.
Hiking Trails
To the delight of trekking enthusiasts, the Blue Mountains feature over 100 trails and mountain paths. There’s something for everyone, as the trails vary in length and difficulty levels. Some are easy enough for young children or people using wheelchairs. The trails are spread throughout the park, and most are equipped with restrooms and picnic areas. Along certain routes, you’ll have the chance to observe spectacular rock formations and native bird species. You’ll also be enchanted by waterfalls and lookout points showcasing the park’s most impressive views.
One of the most popular medium-difficulty trails is the Scenic Walkway, which takes you through dense rainforest, between towering cliffs, and near streams and waterfalls. A similar landscape will amaze you on the Grand Canyon trail, which is a bit longer but considered by many to be the most beautiful in the area. Equally breathtaking views are offered by shorter paths like Cliff View Lookout, Fairfax Heritage Track, or Kanangra Walls Lookout. For those looking for a more challenging experience, trails like Victoria Falls Lookout, Pipeline Track, Grose Valley, and Golden Stairs are sure to satisfy.
WARTO WIEDZIEĆ: Przed wyborem górskich tras warto zajrzeć na oficjalną stronę internetową parku, na której znajdziecie tabelki pokazujące trudność i dystans każdej oferowanej trasy, a także informację o mijanych po drodze wodospadach, lasach deszczowych czy dostępności miejsc piknikowych. Jako że mgły są częstym zjawiskiem spotykanym w Górach Błękitnych, znajdziecie tam także wskazówki dotyczące tego, czy dany szlak nadaje się na wędrówkę z ograniczoną widocznością.
GOOD TO KNOW: Before choosing your hiking trails, it’s worth visiting the park’s official website, where you’ll find tables displaying the difficulty and distance of each trail, as well as information about waterfalls, rainforests, and available picnic areas along the way. Since fog is a common phenomenon in the Blue Mountains, the site also provides tips on whether a particular trail is suitable for hiking in low visibility conditions.
Six Foot Track
If hiking is your passion and you’re ready for a true adventure, the Six Foot Track is perfect for you. This three-day, 44-kilometer walking trail runs from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves. It was originally built as a horse track in the 1880s but was later converted into a hiking route for the most daring explorers, taking you through some of the pristine valleys of the Blue Mountains.
Of course, if you’re not ready for the full hike, you can cover just one of the sections and turn the 44 kilometers into a day trip. However, to fully appreciate the beauty of the Australian mountains, it’s recommended to complete the entire trail. For those who prefer running to walking, visit the Six Foot Track in March when the annual marathon takes place, attracting runners from around the world.
Villages of the Blue Mountains
Although most people head to the mountain trails to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s worth taking a brief detour to experience the charm of the quaint villages surrounding the park. These towns offer visitors plenty of entertainment while also providing a break from long hikes. Besides visiting museums and gardens, don’t forget to stop by one of the local eateries, where you can enjoy regional dishes and baked goods, and taste some of Australia’s famous coffee, which is highly regarded by coffee lovers worldwide.
Katoomba
The most visited town in the Blue Mountains is Katoomba, which offers much more to its guests than just the nearby Three Sisters. One of its most popular attractions is Scenic World, which consists of four major highlights. One is the aforementioned Scenic Walkway, while the other three are mountain rides offering incredible views, which you’ll read about shortly. For a bit of entertainment, you can also visit The Edge Cinema, which boasts one of the largest movie screens in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, you can watch a 40-minute documentary that reveals secrets of the Blue Mountains that can’t be discovered on the trails.
Leura
At the heart of the Blue Mountains lies Leura, a town popular with tourists, renowned for its enchanting gardens, such as the Everglades Gardens. Though most of these gardens are privately owned, they open to the public at certain times of the year. The town also boasts one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world, as well as a unique Toy and Railway Museum, which houses Australia’s largest collection of toys, dolls, teddy bears, and model trains.
Other Blue Mountains Villages
While exploring the Blue Mountains, it’s worth visiting the peaceful town of Bell, the artistic village of Linden, or Wentworth Falls, home to the largest waterfall in the range. Museum enthusiasts should head to Valley Heights to visit the Railway Museum or the Museum of Fire in Penrith. But that’s not all—scattered along various trails, you’ll find over 30 villages, each with its own unique story to tell.
Mountain Rides
Cable cars and gondolas are a great option for those who don’t have much time to take a longer walk in the park. In the Blue Mountains, there are three such rides. The oldest is the Katoomba Scenic Skyway, which travels 270 meters above Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters. Next is the Scenic Railway, which many consider the steepest cable-driven funicular railway in the world (though not everyone agrees due to the questionable classification of the Scenic Railway), and finally, there’s the 510-meter-long Scenic Cableway.
To make the most of these rides, it’s a good idea to organize a descent into the Jamison Valley on the Scenic Railway and return to the main station via the Scenic Cableway. Or vice versa, the choice is yours.
Other Park Attractions
The villages, scenic trails, and cable cars are a major part of what Blue Mountains National Park has to offer, but there’s much more to explore. If you want to make your stay in the Blue Mountains unforgettable, you can extend your visit by staying in one of the available apartments or, for a closer experience with nature, at one of the many campgrounds. A longer stay will allow you to enjoy a range of unique attractions.
You can explore the mountain trails not only on foot but also by bike or horseback. You can also try cave exploration or get closer to streams by fishing, and approach waterfalls by attempting white-water kayaking. If you prefer something more peaceful or need a moment of relaxation, the towns and villages offer various spas and even meditation centers.
How to Get to the Blue Mountains?
You can explore the Blue Mountain range and all its trails completely free of charge. The only fee is for parking your car. Driving is the most popular way to get there, so if you’re planning a trip to Australia, it’s worth looking into car rentals (for example, via this site). However, driving isn’t the only option. You can easily reach the park using public transport, primarily by taking a train from Sydney.
If organizing your own trip isn’t your thing, you can always join organized tours to the Blue Mountains National Park. Depending on the package, such tours can guide you through selected trails, offer access to Scenic World attractions, or let you watch the sunset over the Three Sisters. You can book these types of trips from Sydney on platforms like GetYourGuide.
Practical information
- It is worth booking tickets for Blue Mountains tours in advance. There are many tours available with experienced guides who will show you the most interesting spots, answer questions, and share fascinating facts about the areas being visited.
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
