Breathtaking scenary only an hour from Sydney! (Blue Mountains National Park)

Member Name: tiaw

Product:	Blue Mountains National Park
Date:	20/06/07 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Scenary, Break from Sydney

Disadvantages: None

I take a day out of the city, to join a tour of the Blue Mountains along with several English tourists and a Scottish guide (who incidently hates Scotland!).

The 'Mountains' lie 70 miles outside Sydney near a town called Lithgow and are named so because of the blue tint that rises from their peaks on the release of eucalyptus oil from surrounding forests.

A colossal valley extends across a wide distance in the middle, with forests and greenery hugging every inch of the landscape. To each edge of the plateau are rising cliffs which arn't so much mountains, rather adjoining ridges.

We stand on a long plate of rock with no natural barrier from the gaping drop beneath. The scene is stunning. From here, it's possible to see at least 30 miles in any direction. We have morning tea at a colourful park next to affluent, well hidden country houses.

It's quite an adventure and a welcome escape to be driving around such an area of natural beauty. In and around small towns and navigating large thick forrests on what are no more than dusty tracks.

We drive to several lookout points and before heading out after lunch again, I journey off the beaten track a little to discover an even better view than any before, overlooking the entire 1000 square kilometer area.

In the afternoon, we take a trip down the world's steepest railway (which better resembles a slow moving, almost vertically steep rollercoaster drop) and into the deep rainforest for a bush walk. We ascend again in the cable skyway, and get yet more amazing views over the region.

Later, we wind and weave twisting sandy roads only metres from deep gorges, and arrive in a whole secluded park area of daytripping topless Australian rules fans with steam rising from their barbies and little kids running after prancing Kangeroos.

We decide to assume the role of the children for a while and do some Kangeroo spotting ourselves.

Before heading back to the city, we stop off at the site of famous Aboriginal rock paintings and then return to modern life with a visit to the Olympic Village and Telstra Stadium.

Our tour ends at a 'River Cat' station on the Paramatta. From here it's a 30 minute ferry ride back to central Sydney.

Summary: Breathtaking scenary only an hour from Sydney!