Sixty kilometers west of Sydney, Blue Mountains National Park conserves an area rich in history, wildlife, and world-famous scenery. The name derives from the ever-present blue haze that is caused by light striking the droplets of eucalyptus oil that evaporates from the leaves of the dense surrounding forest. The area offers breathtaking views, rugged tablelands, sheer cliffs, and stupendous walking trails. Katoomba is the biggest town in the Mountains and the main commercial centre.
Day one. Arrival in Katoomba.
Cockatoo feasting upon arrival off the train.
A place to call home for the next two nights.
Dorm room number one. Sleeps four.
Organizing the itinerary for the week.
Day two. Abseiling & Canyoning New South Wales Adventure.
Australian School of Mountaineering.
The guide, Rachel, demonstrating abseiling at 15m.
Abseiling: It's easy, unbelievably good fun, and almost anyone can try it.
Lunch break for gourmet sandwiches.
The Explorer Wishing Chair.
The Western End.
The first crossing of the Blue Mountains in May 1813.
Lollies on the way to second site.
Heather informs us the importance of something.
Canyoning complete with helmet, harness, wetsuit & dry bag.
Nearly all first-timers for canyoning.
Guides, Heather & Nat, set up abseiling over a waterfall.
Last to take the plunge.
Wentworth Falls: 30m of wet sandstone.
Subterranian swim through the pool.
Ideal for beginners to experience the amazing landscape.
Best vantage point.
Valley of the Waters Track to Empress Lookout.
Traditional minced pie from Hominy Bakery on 185 Katoomba Street.
Day three. Day of departure.
Drink of choice. No coffee or tea.
Banana and coconut bread at The Hatters Cafe on 197 Katoomba Street.
Wednesday is rubbish day in Katoomba.
Buy a brochure, map, or book of the Mountains from the shop.
Next best alternative: Use common sense and follow the posted signs.
The back of the Three Sisters.
Echo Point, the southernmost tip of Katoomba.
Climbing prohibited due to preservation.
The taxing 860-step Giant Stairway Walk (2.5 hrs).
Connect up with the Federal Pass Trail.
Snake my way through the Jamison Valley.
Documenting a beetle.
The base of Katoomba Falls.
Surreal brillance of the plant diversity.
Prime and majestic resource.
Re-discover the golden era of the coal mines.
The rainforest and its inhabitants in safety & comfort.
It takes a village to further embarassment.
Beautiful, free-standing pillar known as Orphan Rock.
Hike the seemingly endless Furber Steps.
Ascend through sandstone and clay rock formations.
Mist and mystery shrouds the towering Three Sisters.
The Scenic Skyway, a cable gondola suspended over the Katoomba Falls Gorge.
One way out of the valley.
More aware of raindrops falling on leaves.
Confounded by my sense of distance.
Underfalls Walk. 10 mins - return same way.
Eerie gliding through a white curtain.
End of the visit to Scenic World, Katoomba.
Soup of the day: Tomato bisque at Paragon Cafe on 65 Katoomba Street.
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