Mont Bleu (Blue Mountains National Park)

Member Name: kirstymack80

Product:	Blue Mountains National Park
Date:	06/08/04 (146 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: scenery, eating, fun

Disadvantages: you have to come home, annoying flies

While on my trip to Australia in January 2004, my friend and I spent a few days in Sydney. This was my third trip there and I?d always wanted to visit the Blue Mountains. The first time I went, in 1995, my whole week?s stay in Sydney was marred by bad weather, so we didn?t go. Last year there were bush fires. So ? third time lucky!

* Booking *

Many companies travel to the mountains ? it?s one of New South Wales' most popular attractions. We booked with AAT Kings, they are Oz?s number one day tour operator. My friend booked at travelthere.com (a company based in Queensland) as it was 8 dollars cheaper than the brochure price. The total cost for the day online was $92.82 (about £37).

Payment was by credit card. A voucher is then emailed to you so be sure to print that off as it will be collected at your pick up point.

Collection and drop offs are at your local hotel.

* Trip duration *

8.45 am to around 5.45pm (we arrived back at our hotel at 6.10 pm).

* Itinerary *

1) Featherdale wildlife park - opportunity for mid-morning snack, tea/coffee.
2) Blue Mountains and lunch at own expense
3) Scenic World
4) Quick tour of Olympic Stadium
Back to hotel

* A little history *

In the early 1800s many people tried to cross these mountains but all attempts failed until 1813, when three men, Gregory Blaxland, William Wentworth and Lieutenant Lawson had a go. They took over two weeks to reach the other side but it was to create history. In 1814 a road was constructed by 30 convicts and 9 soldiers. The convicts would be granted their freedom if they built the road within six months. It was done in four. The road was 167 kms in length.

Only the w
ealthy travelled to the Blue Mountains, they had holiday homes to escape the humidity of Sydney. In 1867 a railway line was completed and opened up which brought in even more people. But it wasn?t until the 1940s to 1970s that the place really boomed and became popular. This was primarily because Sydney was becoming busier. The mountains were an ideal escape as they are around one and half to two hours drive from the city.

There are 26 suburbs between Penrith and the other side of the mountains.

* Useless info *

The mountains are 218,000 hectares and are part of the Great Dividing Range. The highest peak is 1,070 feet above sea level.

The Blue Mountains are so called because of rays of light striking dust particles and small droplets of moisture in the atmosphere cause the ever-present haze. The area is covered with Eucalypt trees from which tiny droplets of oil evaporate.

The Great Western Highway takes you up to the Blue Mountains. Driving along the highway you leave suburbia behind and travel towards the mountains, faintly in the foreground, yet never seeming to get any nearer.

* What?s there? *

Among other things, a hospital, college, retirement home, churches, shops, restaurants, art galleries, emergency services and hotels.

* Temperatures *

During winter (June-August), the average temperature in the Upper Mountains is approximately 5°C, while in summer (December-February), the average temperature is approximately 18°C. The rainfall is similar to that of Sydney.

* Popular spots *

Katoomba is the second most visited spot in New South Wales. The main attraction here is the Edge cinema with its six storey high screen.

Scenic World - be sure to travel on the
Sceniscender, the newest $8 million cable car, carrying you smoothly up or down the mountains. {My tip - travel down by the scenic railway if you like a fright and go back up by the Sceniscender}.

The railway has the world?s steepest incline. Tall people beware ? there?s a cage above and on the right hand side of the train so if you don?t want to have your head resting on the ceiling, sit on the open side where there?s more room! It can feel very claustrophobic otherwise. The trip only lasts a couple of minutes and is a very slow ride, although the dips do seem nearly vertical!

The Sceniscender is more serene and is a large cable car surrounded by large windows, enabling stunning views to be seen and photographed. 84 passengers are carried up on a 3 minute journey over the valley 454 metres below, past the Three Sisters.

Three Sisters - named after 3 Aboriginal Sisters, this is a rock formation and a photo of this is a must! Echo Point is another popular attraction although we didn?t stop there.

The Sceniscender handily brings you up into the gift shop (!), where there?s a large variety of mementoes just begging to be bought. And don?t forget your postcards and bush tucker for the relatives back home!

Railway/Sceniscender return ticket costs $12.
Last rides are at 4.50pm.

* Govett?s Leap *

This was our first stop. We were given the option of taking the 20 minute walk down to the lookout but as time was short, my friend and I stayed on board the coach. There are restrooms here and this is a popular picnic spot.

I have to say the picture that greeted me was spectacular - straight ahead were the mountains. The shaded ones did, indeed, appear blue. Down below were green trees and to the side, cliffs with matching horizontal layers, the sandstone. On the right hand
cliff the red shale halfway down indicated there?s vegetation growing.

Comparable to the Grand Canyon some say, although greener!

* Food *

Our lunch stop was at Leura. The restaurant was called Terra Firma and was a set menu of $20. Some of our companions had already paid for their meal (included in the tour price) and our driver said we were welcome to come along as the portions were generous! (Err, you didn?t have to ask me twice!).

Garlic bread and a soft drink were included along with four main meals (I had a warm chicken salad) followed by either ice cream or pavlova with fresh fruit and cream. Well worth the money.

Leura had many shops including a bakery. Sandwiches can be purchased and eaten al fresco. There?s also a quaint Christmas shop that?s worth a visit!

* Experience it *

I can?t possibly describe all the places one can visit here, I?ve just given a small indication. Wentworth Falls is another popular stop.

The mountain air is bracing ? don?t go up there in teeny clothing! You?ll feel a lot cooler up there than in the glare of the Sydney sun. The scenery is dramatic and peaceful away from the busy pace of the city. It makes you feel insignificant.

This is a long day, and involves an early start and a fair amount of walking (sensible shoes are a must). Go away with fabulous memories and photographs to remember your day by.

* Recommended *

Obviously, yes! The highlight for me was going on the world?s steepest train. I was apprehensive, especially after the young coach driver showed us a dvd onboard of all the tourists screaming when they were on it! He lined up with us and continued to wind me up (hmph!). However, I was not deterred and was secretly pleased I didn?t chicken out. The ride on the Scen
iscender is an excellent way of seeing the depth of the mountains and valleys and getting some idea of the scale.

I think there?s something for everyone. The kids will love the train and Sceniscender and the adults will appreciate just being able to sit and enjoy the beautiful views and spectacular rock formations. However, there are plenty of other activities for the more adventurous such as hiking, cycling, abseiling and rock climbing.

The beauty of the mountains is apparent from the start. The vulnerability of the trees on show from previous bush fires. It?s a day I won?t forget.

This is a highly recommended tour on your trip to Sydney. The full 5 stars for a great day and professional service. It was worth the nine year wait!

* Getting there *

Train from Sydney Central to Blue Mountains around 1 hour service to Katoomba.

For accommodation: www.bluemountainsbookings.com

AAT Kings (02) 95186095

Thanks for reading!

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