The Blue Mountains in Australia
Discover This National Park Near Sydney, New South Wales
Luxury & heritage hotels, spas, fine restaurants, antique shops, hiking trails, wildlife and adventure tours all await you in the Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains National Park is less than a two-hour drive from Sydney. This is a popular area for day trips, but why not hire a car and go on a discovery tour of your own? There are some beautiful bush walks through eucalypt forests and sandstone gullies. Afterwards there are some delightful hotels where you can indulge in spa treatments, or restaurants where you can savour fine Australian cuisine. This is a lovely area all year round, but especially in the spring (Sept-Nov) when the bush flowers are in bloom.
Accommodation
Options range from basic cabins to five star, luxury hotels. In Katoomba three of the best hotels are the Mountain Heritage - a multi award winning 4.5 Star Hotel and Spa Retreat; Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restauarant - this property actually runs into the national park, providing stunning panoramas of the Jamison Valley from every room; and Lilianfels - This historic five star country house is set in two acres of gardens. There is a luxurous spa and the elegant Darley’s fine dining restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine. Further afield there are a number of grand historic retreats. These include the Hotel Imperial at Mount Victoria, the Grand Mercure Hydro Majestic at Medlow Bath and Jenolan Caves House.
Hiking Trails & Activities
There are numerous walks and hiking trails. The National Parks and Wildlife Service produce comprehensive notes with maps (every weekend they also run walks, talks & tours with experienced rangers). Details can be obtained at the visitor's centre in Katoomba (see below). There is a hiking trail to The Three Sisters (rock formation) and beyond, starting close to the visitor's centre.
Whilst walking it is possible to see a variety of colorful parrots and other native birds as well as water dragons and reptiles. In grassy areas wallabies are sometimes seen, particularly early in the morning and at dusk.
A wide range of adventure activities are offered by River Deep Mountain High who are based in Katoomba. Choose from abseiling, bushwalking, canyoning, rock climbing, photographic safaris, four wheel drive experiences and camping tours.
Phone: +61 2 4782 6109 / Mobile: +61 500 8888 33. Email: fun@rdmh.com.au
Tread Lightly Ecotours offer fully guided bushwalks and 4WD tours specialising in the environmental and the cultural aspects of the Blue Mountains.
Tel/Fax: +61 2 4788 1229. Email: ecotours@treadlightly.com.au
Major Tourist Attractions & Events
- Katoomba - At Blue Mountains Scenic World it is possible to experience the dramatic panorama of the landscape from above. The Skyway, with its glass floor, glides 270m above waterfalls and ancient ravines. This can be followed by a ride on the world's steepest incline railway down to the forest floor. The Blue Mountains Music Festival is held in Katoomba (14-16 March 2008).
- Leura - Thisis a pretty small town close to Katoomba with antique shops, art galleries and restaurants. There is a Leura Garden festival in October (4-12 Oct 2008) when many beautiful gardens are open to the public.
- Jenolan Caves - Guided tours of show caves, self-guided digital audio tours and more serious adventure caving are offered. Deep underground, the Cathedral Cave creates an extraordinary stage. Afternoon music concerts are held on the 3rd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Visit jenolancaves.org.au for further information.
Blue Mountains Fine Food Festival (At Blackheath)
An indulgent weekend for lovers of great food and wine with a collection of 30 stalls showcasing the inspired dishes of some wonderful Blue Mountains restaurants and gourmet produce, and fine cool climate wines from the greater region (April 12-13 2008).
- Yulefest– Christmas in July. Hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas-style packages in July (Australian winter).
Further Information:
Visitor Information Centre, Echo Point, Katoomba.
Open: 9am to 5pm Daily (Closed Christmas Day) . Tel: +61 1300 653 408 / Fax: +61 2 4780 5729
Visit the Blue Mountains Tourism Website or bluemts.com.au business directory.
Getting There:
International flights arrive at Sydney Airport. The Blue Mountains are less than 2 hours by road west of Sydney.
Day trips and short trips from Sydney are organized by a number of companies including Australian Eco Adventures who offer a 'Blue Mountains Deluxe Eco Day' featuring breakfast with koalas and champagne with kangaroos.
Find luxury boutique accommodation in Sydney.
