Drive your four-wheels about an hour from Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, and you will come across the foothills of the iconic Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. Spread across a landmass of around one million hectares, the place thrives on a treasure trove of nature’s wonders including bush lands, tall forests, waterfalls and canyons.
The territory is home to more than 400 different animal species including some of the country’s most popular species such as Koalas, Kangaroos and the endangered spotted-tail quolls. The precinct has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 2000. Arrive at the place and reveal the secrets hidden in the caves, mountains, valleys and falls, which make it one of the most stunning world heritage listed sites in the country.
Hiding out in a haze of Blue Mountains
Well, there is a scientific reason behind the blue shade of the Blue Mountains. The environment here has small droplets of oil thanks to the great number of eucalyptus in the area. The oil comes in contact with other particles of the air including water vapor and dust, resulting in a blue haze. In layman’s terms, you can think of it as similar to the rainbow phenomenon. But leaving the science fundaments behind, the incredible natural beauty of the place is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
How to get to the mountains?
According to the local experts, the mountains are reachable by ways of car or train. You can also browse the web for day tours options at the Blue Mountains.
Dress for the journey to the heights
The best time to visit these magnificent peaks is in the summer months, when the temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius. In winter (June to August), the temperature may go down to about 5 degrees Celsius. So, if you are arriving in winter, it is recommended that you pack your woolen clothes and stay fully covered. And don’t forget to carry your hiking shoes for trail walking experience.
Best things to do
The Blue Mountains are rewarded with the label of a world heritage site mostly due to the eye-popping blue haze in the air. The mountains have many hidden gems in store for visitors. One of the most popular is the Three Sisters at Echo Point Katoomba, an iconic rock formation. It has an interesting legend sung by the locals: the rocks were originally three sisters who turned into three stones. The stones are 3000 feet above the sea level. Wait till the sunshine bounces off the rocks’ faces and you will witness a palette of colors brimming in the air.
If not short on time, you must visit the Wentworth Falls, the Botanic Gardens in Mount Tomah, and the wonderful underground cave system of Jenolan Caves. Adventurous travelers may enjoy trekking along the zigzag Walking Track at the foothills of the eastern Blue Mountains in Lapstone.
So, what are you waiting for? Get set for a trip to real experiences!
About the Author
Jennifer Martin is a great travel enthusiast. She loves going off the beaten paths in New South Wales with campervan rental in Sydney and enjoyed on the roads of Australia a lot.