Blue Mountains Australia Tourism is gaining in popularity because of the many things that you can do when visiting this amazing destination. The Blue Mountains are in close proximity to Sydney which makes it the perfect getaway for a day trip. However, you will require quite a few days to experience all of the beautiful areas of these fantastic mountains. You can drive, take a coach, or catch a train. In fact, if you fly into Sydney airport there is a rail link that will make it easy for you to visit the mountains.
FUN FACTS:- the Blue Mountains were originally named “Carmarthen Hills” in 1788 and “Landsdowne Hills” by Governor Phillip. But not long after, that they were renamed the Blue Mountains because of the distinctive blue haze surrounding the area. In 1813, three European settlers surnamed Blaxland, Wentworth, and Lawson successfully navigated a path across the Blue Mountains. The famous Wentworth Falls was named after William Wentworth.
Hiking by Day, Stars by Night
The Blue Mountains can be visited at any time during the year but there is something special about visiting them as the summer ends and the leaves start to turn color. It is a perfect time for sightseeing or taking a crisp morning mountain walk. The cooler nights are ideal for a glass of wine during a delicious meal as you stare into the starry sky.
Blue Mountains Events
Some of the events during the year include the Springwoods Foundation Day that has a variety of amusements, street stalls, and a grand parade. If you are visiting the area during the springtime you can be part of the Sculpture at Scenic World. This event offers an exciting opportunity for visitors to experience a spectacular setting while strolling through outdoor exhibits of artwork.
Visit These Blue Mountains Waterfalls and Lookouts
There are 7 scenic waterfalls in the Blue Mountains and countless scenic walking tracks. Some waterfalls include natural swimming holes. A visit to the Wentworth Falls should be on everyone’s agenda. It is perhaps the area’s most spectacular waterfall and this is especially true after heavy rainfall. The falls are created by Jamison Creek passing over the escarpment and cascading down 300 metres into a large pool at the bottom. Overflowing the pool, the creek winds its way on into the Valley of the Waters. From the top of the falls, there are some spectacular views to be seen.
You might like to enjoy a picnic and a swim afterward at Wentworth Falls Lake. The on-site playground there makes it very kid-friendly.
Aside from the Falls, there are also things to do in nearby Wentworth Village, including coffee shops and eateries, especially for tourists. You can stop at the Conservation Hut along the way. It is an ideal pitstop to experience unparalleled views of Jamison Valley while enjoying a tasty spot of lunch. From here, you can navigate a short walking track which includes some lovely views of the Jamison Valley and comes out at Empress Falls.
If you’re into hiking, there are a number of well-constructed walks around Wentworth Falls. These include the Charles Darwin Walk, Wentworth Pass, and the National Pass. Some of these lead into lookouts, including the Jamison Lookout, Fletchers Lookout, where you can take in the falls and the vista of the Jamison Valley all at once. Check out the rock formations at the Rocket Point Lookout. But we’ve left the best till last – Princes Rock Lookout. This is the most sought after lookout in the Wentworth Falls area. From here, you get to survey the entire waterfalls and if you like, afterward make your way in a circuit that goes over the cliff into an undercliff walking track.
But we’re not finished with waterfalls yet. Victoria Falls and Cascades is a 20 metre drop on Victoria Creek, the water cascading over the layers from a rock overhang. If you start from the Victoria Falls Lookout above, you can make your way down along a steep but short walking track to the falls below.
If you’re visiting the Katoomba area of the Blue Mountains, you want to take a look at the Katoomba Falls. Tucked away between Katoomba and Echo Point, this waterfall drops 150 metres into the Jamison Valley. It includes a short but very picturesque walk through the lush rainforest, commencing at Scenic World, passing by scenic views of the valley and ending at the Katoomba Falls.
Moving away from the Katoomba area and traveling about 14km towards Sydney, we come to the Federal Falls in the South Lawson area of the Blue Mountains. Lawson, named after the abovementioned European explorer, is a quiet, historic town in the Blue Mountains. But it does have its own railway station and from there, you can walk about 1km to the South Lawson Circuit Walk. This track will take you a further 2.5km that passes by four waterfalls along the way. The nicest of these is the Federal Falls.
Discover Scenic World in the Blue Mountains
Scenic World is a private, family-owned tourist attraction located in Katoomba. It includes the world’s steepest incline railway, known as the Scenic Railway – and the glass-bottomed Scenic Skyway that traverses the cliff tops over the Jamison Valley 270 metres below. From there, you can take the Cableway into the valley and explore the Jurassic rainforest as you navigate the 2.4km constructed walkway, which, incidentally, is the longest boardwalk in Australia.
The Scenic Skyway will allow you to gaze at the rain forest canopy as you glide between the cliff tops. The Skyway has a glass floor to provide excellent viewing. It is suspended over 200 m above ancient ravines and the glass floor makes it a unique and thrilling ride.
The Cableway ride also allows you to have panoramic views of the scenic Blue Mountains. It is a gentle 510 m journey that will give you excellent opportunities to view Katoomba Falls, Three Sisters Orphan Rock, and Mt. Solitary. It has a capacity for 84 passengers and it is wheelchair accessible. This amazing Cableway ride is the largest and steepest cable car journey in the Southern Hemisphere.
Of course, any visit to the Blue Mountains will necessitate a ride on the Scenic Railway. It is the steepest passenger railway in the entire world. It has an incredible 52° incline. It will provide its passengers with an unforgettable experience as they gaze through the glass roof at spectacular Rain Forest and Jamison Valley views. Simply remember that a trip into the beautiful world of Blue Mountains Australia tourism will require a few days to see the wonders of it all.
