New South Wales » Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains were once thought of as the barrier to freedom, with many early settlers believing China was on the other side. 25 years later Europeans crossed the mountains and soon after a road was built to the other side. Although there are various Aboriginal markings few Aborigines were found in the Blue

Mountains, thought to have been wiped out by disease. The Blue Mountains offer spectacular scenery, plantlife and wildlife. The mountains reach a height of 1100m, and have been given their name due to the blue haze
that hovered above the mountains produced by the oil from the plentiful Eucalyptus trees. The Blue Mountains National Park offers great walking trails and is still relatively untouched similar to the other national parks in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains also offers other activities such as abseiling, rock climbing and

canoeing, as well as accommodation.
The two main routes into the Blue Mountains are along the Great Western Highway or along the much prettier Bells Line of Road. There is also a train service from

Sydney to Katoomba approximately every hour, stopping at various other places in the Blue Mountains along the way. There are also a couple of bus services which run around the Blue Mountains. There is also a Blue Mountains Explorer bus which stops at 18 attractions around the Blue Mountains.

There are some fabulous lookout points and points of interest on the way to the Blue Mountains. Just south of Glenbrook you will find the Red Hand Cave which features a selection of Aboriginal hand stencils. Leura is a small and pretty town which offers a number of cafes and dainty stores. Just south of this is Sublime Point

a great lookout. For great views of the Jamison Valley and of course to see the spectacular Wentworth Falls head to Wentworth Falls. Between Leura and Wentworth Falls is Katoomba which is the main tourist centre and viewing area for the Three Sisters.

Other places that are worth visiting include Anvil Rock, Evan’s Lookout, Govetts Leap, Perry’s Lookdown and Pulpit Rock lookouts, just outside of the small town of

Blackheath. There are some wonderful bushland walks including a spectacular 4 hour walk to the Blue Gum Forest at the base of the valley.

South of Blackheath you can pass through beautiful rainforest before reaching the farmland of Megalong Valley. There are also several places to go horse riding around here, as well as a variety of accommodation places.

West of Blackheath is the pretty and historic town of Mt. Victoria. There are a number of buildings which are worth visiting, as well as a memorial for the first explorers to cross the Blue Mountains. There are also several interesting buildings in nearby Hartley.

There is a range of accommodation located around the Blue Mountains including hostels, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts and even the unique Hatters Hideout offering mountain lodge and cave accommodation.

Events
Buggy Xtreme (Adventure)
ADDRESS: Colo Heights, Hawkesbury
TOWN / CITY, COUNTRY: Bells Line of Road, New South Wales 2756 - Australia
DESCRIPTION: Feel the adrenalin start as you strap yourself in the drivers seat of a real off road race buggy. YOU are the driver from the beginning and your navigator is an experienced off road racer who will teach you how to get the best from this machine.You race on a long purpose built course at The Sydney Off Road Racing Association track.Plenty of slide, plenty of air,release that race driver within you. ..

Health Resorts
Bilpin Health Resort (Health Resort)
ADDRESS: 68 Powells Road, Bilpin
TOWN / CITY, COUNTRY: Bells Line of Road, New South Wales 2758 - Australia
DESCRIPTION: Total Luxury in a peaceful setting within the tranquil Blue Mountains. Resort accommodation within individual bungalows. Here you can indulge the senses and lift the spirits. Weight control and fitness, advanced face and body treatments and Yoga followed by meditation. Enjoy a game of tennis or a spa within and idyllic, stress free, environment. Perfect for individuals, couples & small conferences

Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa (Hotel)
ADDRESS: Lilianfels Avenue Echo Point, Katoomba, NSW 2780
TOWN / CITY, COUNTRY: Katoomba, Katoomba - Australia
DESCRIPTION: A European style country house, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa is a breath-taking escape for romantics, delight for gourmets and a wonder for lovers of nature. Location : Nestled on the edge of the magnificent Jamison Valley, overlooking world heritage listed wilderness, the resort is a renowned haven of relaxation. Set amidst two acres of English style gardens, the property is just a 9