Blue Mountains Hikes
AUSTRALIA
Heather Markel, Writer, Speaker, Photographer, Traveler, Business Strategist
Gorgeous wildlife and spectacular mountains
Time is flying in Australia since I won’t be here too long. Bec’s family and I went to Symbio Wildlife Park and I got my first glimpses of koalas and kangaroos – they were wide awake, active, and so precious! We made a short stop in Woolongong, afterwards, and it was a perfect beach day. Here are some photos from the day:
Lucky me, after Symbio Wildlife Park, Bec took me on another adventure – a day in the Blue Mountains! Obviously, I first wanted to know why they’re called Blue. According to my handy research buddy, Google, I learned it’s the combination of eucalyptus oil, water droplets, dust particles, and sunlight that create a haze which, from a distance, appears to be blue.
Things To Know Before You Go
Check in advance whether trails you want to take might be closed due to weather-related incidents.
Make sure to bring water.
Wear layers because, depending on the weather, one side of the mountain can be vastly colder than the other!
If you enjoy taking photos, you’ll want a wide-angle lens to capture the beauty.
(A) Katoomba & The Three Sisters
I remember going to the 3 sisters 20 years ago, on my first visit to Australia, so I was looking forward to seeing them again. When we arrived in Kotumba, I had no recollection of the town, or of the visitor viewing platform. I remember hiking in the bush to get a glimpse. Either way, the day and the view were spectacular.
We had intended to start off with Govett’s Leap (B), further along our route, but we ended up just starting with The Three Sisters, because, it was just right in front of us, and who can resist?!
Once out on the viewing platform, I just wanted to stay all day and stare. It’s gorgeous. Even better, there are two levels of viewing – the bottom one is better to get photos without railings in them. You can then choose a hiking path, and get a closer look at the rock formations that comprise The Three Sisters. We walked to the honeymoon bridge, which, I wondered about…it seems the kind of bridge which you’d either go to if you were in an unhappy marriage, unless the idea is to create fear that leads to hugging each other in fear and suriving and then growing closer? 😮
The walk down to the biggest sister is really steep. There are steps, making it easier, but if you have any leg issues, you migt have to sit it out. The honeymoon bridge probably isn’t for you if you have a fear of heights. If you don’t, you’ll find it beautiful!
(B) Govett’s Leap
After our time with The Three Sisters we headed to Govett’s Leap. This lookout is on the other side of the mountain where you see The Three Sisters so offers a completely different view, but, equally as phenomenal. A wide expanse of trees and mountain ranges in the distance.
I’m amazed that I’m so close to New Zealand and yet, this country is vastly different scenery. We attempt to do a couple of hikes, but due to recent fires and landslides, many paths are closed, so we get a more intimate view of the mountain range, and then a walk through the bush where we can’t quite reach the waterfall we want, but have a lovely walk just the same.
(C) Wentworth Falls Track
We ended our day of mini hikes at Wentworth Falls Track. As the sun began to set, it was the most beautiful walk i could have imagined. We first took the Princes Rock Lookout, thinking we’d get to see the waterfall, but it wasn’t very close. However, the way the rock face juts out of a cliff, with water cascading down made me think of an alien spaceship somehow hovering impossibly in place. It reminded me of photos I might see as a screen saver, or on Bing!
We then doubled back and tried the Under Cliff walk. It was nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to whomever built the rock steps along the cliff! As we walked along, water dropped from the rocks around us, and it was like walking through a long, open cave. At the end of the path, you end up at the top of the rock cliff seen from a distance before you arrived. It’s magical knowing you’re there, and finding yourself in a sort of oasis made by nature.
The day turned out perfect. We got plenty of sunshine which was a wonderful break from the rain, and some spectacular scenery. And, how can you top a great day with a great friend? 🙂
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That sounds like such a lovely hike. I am sure you must have enjoyed it to the core.
I love the Blue Mountains! It’s my home away from home….in fact I’m in Blackheath now & it’s been raining for a few days. I was hoping to do some hiking but all I can see from Govett’s Leap is thick fog. I’d also love to get down to see Wentworth Falls & National pass! Maybe tomorrow …….Nice post by the way & I’m glad you had good weather!
The Blue Mountains are beautiful. I stood there for hours just looking at the sisters in amazement. And the hikes are great too. I found the walk to the largest sister a little scary. I’m glad you enjoyed your time in the mountains.