Goldenbackpacker.com

BLUE MOUNTAINS - STAY FOR LESS "A$"

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS (NSW) is part of the Great Dividing Range which hemmed in Sydney from 1788 until 1813, preventing any Westward progression from the original Oz settlement over that period. Then explorers Baxland, Lawson & Wentworth reached Mt. York & descended into the valley below to open up a Western crossing. A survey was then undertaken by Evans to map out a suitable route & Cox was commissioned to build a road 12ft. in width, which was completed in Dec. 1815 & allowed expansion West to take off. The name, Blue Mountains, derives from the ever present haze caused by rays of light striking dust & droplets of moisture containing oil from the Eucalyptus trees which timber the area. This phenomenon is named “Raleigh’s Scattering” after the English Lord who first investigated it in the early 1900’s. Today the areas a World Heritage Site & one of Australia’s major tourist attractions from Sydney with the main centre at Katoomba.

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – BLUE MOUNTAINS YHA at 207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba NSW 2780 (directly along Main St. from the Train Station) tele (02) 4782 1416, www.yha.com.au - $18 pn in 6 bed dorms, sep showers & wc’s. Excellent modern s/c kitchen & adjacent dining area, spacious lounge /TV & Games room with open fire place, outside veranda. Great location for visiting the BM & staying in this beautiful, friendly & well managed 1930’s Art Deco hostel

FOOD is available nearby at the main Coles Supermarket in the shopping centre behind Main Street, there are also many speciality food shops around Town.

TRAVELLING AROUND to get to the BM’s can be on an organised tour from Sydney by coach (not recommended unless short of time) or by train which is the most restful understanding the journey takes almost 2hrs through some pretty remote & rugged country. The first train from Sydney Central is at 0822 weekdays, 0602 weekends & returns from Katoomba at 1726 – day return $13.60 or single $11.40 when an overnight stay is taken

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. Echo Point Lookout – Panoramic views over the vast National Park, near to the Visitors Centre
2. The Three Sisters – “Icon” sight of the BM’s said to represent 3 Aboriginal sisters turned to stone
3. Giant Stairway – Descends to the floor of the Valley, over 900 steps hewn out by a Park Ranger
4. Katoomba Falls – Impressive cascade of water which starts life from a spring under an old hotel
5. Skyway Station – Top terminal for all rides to bottom with café, souvenir shops & open viewing
6. Furber Steps – Rear of Scenic World, 1000 steps takes you to the valley floor through rain forest
7. Scenic World Boardwalk – Protective 2.5km walkway through fragile ancient rain forest area
8. Magic Tree – At floor turn right to 500 year Turpentine tree on way to Cooks Crossing picnic area
9. Coal Mine – Follow the tracks through beautiful tree ferns & see a row of sleepers from 1920
10. Laura Falls – Spectacular water cascade on East side of 3 Sisters with challenging walkway

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. Sceniscender Cable Car – New high tech transport to get to valley floor or more important - back
2. Skyway Cable Car – Installed 1958 it carries 30 people across the Jamison Valley & back
3. Scenic Railway – Old, but still used, way of getting to the bottom with steep incline down & back
4. Purse Museum – Only museum in Oz 7 second in World, devoted to purses & handbags

* Gregory, William, Charles – George – William – Meenhi, Weemala, Guneedoo